Is good to distribute other than play store like Amazon? - General Marketing & SEO

I want to increase more number of users for my application.
I planned to distribute on other store.Is it wroth?
Then how to advertise my app to user freely?
Mostly i post my application on Social networks and some android forum.
Is there any other way to advertise?
or
Your method of advertise?

I just got my game released on Samsung Apps, and on Amazon. They are both strict but Samsung apps is beyond strict. I haven't seen much results yet, i guess it takes some time.

Amazon?You can have a try,but don't expect too much.

you should try opera apps.
i was surprised when i saw my first results (got ~33% from gplay downloads there)

Related

Paid Apps the main problem with Android

I am not a developer, but I was reading up on experiences that developers have with the Android Market.
Then I also came across a website that showed some statistics about paid apps and they were shocking. I can't remember the source right now, but it said that the Apple AppStore is a $200 million business per month, where the Android Market is only $5 millions per month. This is very discouraging for developers who are in it for money (usually companies who have the resources to create Games and more Complex Apps and have the ability to Partner with Services).
One developers said that he only got 23 downloads, in the first month. He mentioned then that over half of them used the 24 hour refund (could that be that those were leachers who downloaded the app and threw it on a P2P channel?), eventually he ended up with 11 sales. One guy sent him an email and said that $4.99 is too much to ask for, which I think is not unreasonable considering that there are many apps in the Apple AppStore that cost much more than that. Whether or not his app is useful or not to most users is sadly unknown by me. But looking at his perspective I think I would start developing apps for the iOS, who wouldn't that wants to make money?
The problem with these figures is that developers will eventually stop developing paid apps and the quality of the Android Market (from now on referred to Market) apps vs Apple AppStore (from now on referred to AppStore) apps will extremely decline. And there will be either many low rating apps in the Market or there will be an increase in the amount of Apps submitted the the Market.
We all want good Apps, Apple found out Apps are the number 1 reason a Plattform has success. Android has Google behind it which makes up for a good amount of Great apps and there are very good developers here that are not in it for the money, but eventually it all comes down to making money when it comes to professional businesses offering a product. Look at the games that are offered on the iOS platform vs Android, you can't tell me that an iPhone 3G or a 2nd Gen iPod has better graphics performance than some of the higher-end Android devices.
Also, are there too many free alternatives in the Android Market that the AppStore doesn't have? There are also many free apps in the AppStore.
What can be done about this? - Please post your ideas, since I am not a developer I am not the pro here when it comes to this issue I am asking for your opinion.
However, I am a business student so I have some insights of how companies will react to this as mentioned above.
The few ideas I have would be:
1. Google could increase the quality of design of the API and give different APIs to paid vs free Apps.
2. Sadly I have to mention it because of all the Leachers and then P2P distributors, remove the 24 hour refund policy.
3. Google to hire more developers in house who are paid and create free apps that can compete with the AppStore (which would cost Google a fortune). Maybe then charge a small amount for Google Voice to do some financial damage report.
4. Change the Markets way how people pay for apps? I noticed that in the past on my iPhone the decision to actually PAY for an app was much easier and faster for me, I didn't even bother to look for a free alternative.
5. Try to Market Android more towards people who are less geeks (who know where and how to find a free solution to the app they need), as in change the look of Android and make it much more simple for the average Joe day to day user (which I would hate because that means remove or hide many of the great features that make Android what I like so much about it and go back to a more primitive system like the iOS4). And tell hardware manufacturers to create more shiny phones.
--> Since most people who don't know how to get free alternatives, or who don't know and don't have the time to learn how to find free alternatives are people that are buying a product for the lifestyle and to show off (iPhone).
What are YOUR ideas to fix this issue? - Thank you for everyone posting solutions.
I don't think this is something we should worry about.
First, Android is open-source and many enthusiasts give their applications free of charge, which is not the case with Apple's closed OS. That is why about 65% of all apps in Market are free, and only 35% paid. In Appstore, about 70% are paid, only 30% free. Statistics: http://androidheadlines.com/2010/09/app-store-vs-android-market-how-much-is-paid-for.html.
Secondly, you'll find that Market currently supports purchases in only 13 markets while the App Store does so in 90. These numbers will change as time passes by and more markets will be included, but I'm sure that Android will always be a platform with much more free apps than iOS, and that's the beauty of Android.
As far as I'm aware the developers have a say regarding that 24 hour refund policy. An application can be made to be non-refundable if they choose to.
In comparing developers for iOS and Android, you have to also look at who they are individually. Sure, there are many apps developed across the board for all mobile devices, but I think the core of the Android Market are individuals who develop apps just for the sake of developing apps. They enjoy what they do and they would do it regardless of profit.
Of course you have a few that try to make money, but I believe they are the exception rather than the rule.
I mean no offense when I say this, but I believe that the iPhone attracts a very different type of user than Android does. Most people I personally know that use the iPhone do so more out of status and pretentiousness than its own usefulness. Many do not even know the majority of things they could do with the iPhone. Those I know who use Android use it because they root it and do their own modifications, overclocking, etc.
With this in mind, I believe that Android apps are generally created by a different kind of developer for a different kind of user.
shinji257 said:
As far as I'm aware the developers have a say regarding that 24 hour refund policy. An application can be made to be non-refundable if they choose to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have absolutely no say in whether or not out apps are refunded. If I showed you the numbers of instant refunds you'd puke. And the OP states $200 million to $5 million which is ridiculously off. I believe Google just reported that they passed $1 billion in sales (profit) from the Android Market. Either way, it's way more than $5 million a month.
All that said I personally am happy with what I have been able to do with the Market. I expected a little better on my most recent app but it takes time for people to get word of a new app. That's pretty much the problem I've found. It's hard to get noticed. But I still think it's pretty good. There is a lot I absolutely hate about the Market and a bunch of things I like about it. I'd still rather develop for Android and ironically, none of the apps I have created would even work on iPhone. Two are root apps and one requires a modification of the browser which is not allowed on iPhone (for no apparent good reason, I might add).
I am glad to hear that this isn't as big of an issue as I read online, it would be sad to see a great plattform to be hurten, as you can see with the WebOS.
As for not getting recognized, a few tips I have about that is not to rely too much on people finding your app in the market, but rather advertise it yourself, use your facebook and twitter and even this forum (if the forum policy allow that, I am not sure on that again since I am not a developer). I love the QR codes, I actually see many of them in bathroom stalls and other places, and I always check on them since it's in my curiosity to find out where they get me.
I'm making an extra living off paid apps on the Marketplace.
Oh, and an extra living off free apps with Admob.
So now I'm making 3 livings worth. It's wonderful. I have no complaints.
I mean no offense when I say this, but I believe that the iPhone attracts a very different type of user than Android does. Most people I personally know that use the iPhone do so more out of status and pretentiousness than its own usefulness. Many do not even know the majority of things they could do with the iPhone. Those I know who use Android use it because they root it and do their own modifications, overclocking, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're forgetting about Droid users. You'd be surprised how many people own an Android just for status and pretentiousness. It goes both ways. I even know a few people with Androids that don't even know that they have an Android.
1. Google could increase the quality of design of the API and give different APIs to paid vs free Apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't that mean closing the source? Or you think people will use opensource platform that only runs free apps over opensource platform that runs both?
I don't think I want closed source OS on my phone, if I did I'd probably use iPhone.
2. Sadly I have to mention it because of all the Leachers and then P2P distributors, remove the 24 hour refund policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pirates do buy software sometimes, how do you think it gets to P2P networks in the first place? One of them buys it, his friend cracks it and everyone else gets it 4free.
So it wouldn't solve anything, removing the refund would only make legit customers angry if the app doesn't work.
3. Google to hire more developers in house who are paid and create free apps that can compete with the AppStore (which would cost Google a fortune). Maybe then charge a small amount for Google Voice to do some financial damage report.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought google did hire developers and they do create free apps. I don't think competing with appstore is their ultimate goal though, since appstore and iphoneos are completely closed.
Charging for services is something I agree with completely.
They should indeed make certain (not all) services cost money. But they should also keep the software free and open to ensure the quality.
4. Change the Markets way how people pay for apps? I noticed that in the past on my iPhone the decision to actually PAY for an app was much easier and faster for me, I didn't even bother to look for a free alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was much easier and faster because apple paid someone to make it easier and faster.
I'm not so sure google is willing to invest money into closed source software, especially when you consider these 3 facts.
1. Closed source software has a limited amount of developers who are working to make it better, faster and more efficient.
2. More developers on a single project means more features, more bugfixes and faster development.
3. Opensource software in general is more secure because everyone can see the source code.
5. Try to Market Android more towards people who are less geeks (who know where and how to find a free solution to the app they need), as in change the look of Android and make it much more simple for the average Joe day to day user (which I would hate because that means remove or hide many of the great features that make Android what I like so much about it and go back to a more primitive system like the iOS4). And tell hardware manufacturers to create more shiny phones.
--> Since most people who don't know how to get free alternatives, or who don't know and don't have the time to learn how to find free alternatives are people that are buying a product for the lifestyle and to show off (iPhone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I don't like being labeled, I think marketing should be focused on pushing Android for everyone, not just specific groups of people.
User knows what works best for him so let him decide what to buy. Wide selection of devices that share the base operating system is great, but user should decide what type of software he wants to use, not google nor apple.
User should also decide what type of service he wants to use and whether that service is free or paid.
Changing the look of Android to make it more simple is something I'd personally hate, but we should always have options.
It would be great to flash an extremely simple android OS for my grandmother's phone for example, while keeping my VNC and SSH on my own device.
Also, don't think there's much difference between android users and iphone users, they're just people anyway. And there's an equal amount of pirated iphone apps and android apps.
Only real difference is about the OS, where one offers you a choice and another forces you to pay and develops restrictions instead of new features.
What are YOUR ideas to fix this issue? - Thank you for everyone posting solutions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there is an issue, devs get paid from pushing ads, users are happy with a wide selection of apps. Some services are free some services cost money. Just my 2c

COMPARISON: Purchasing Apps from Samsung Apps Store versus Android Market

Is it advisable to purchase any particular app from the Samsung App Store or should one buy it from the Android Market?
In my opinion, one should prefer to buy any particular app from the android market rather than Samsung Appstore which is yet to grow with even basic professional relevance!!!
I am saying this after I have had this experience...
Last week I bought SPLASHTOP REMOTE DESKTOP from Samsung App store on my Galaxy Note for about 0.99 USD. There were few noticeable differences:
First thing I immediately noticed was that the version I downloaded (1.6.0.5) was OLDER than the corresponding one available (1.6.5.6) on Android Market.
Still I preferred to buy the app from Samsung App store as it was much cheaper (0.99 USD) as compared to the one available on android market (USD 4.99).
Just two days after this I noticed the CERAMIC WHITE model of NOTE and of course could not resist the temptation of owning it, so gifted my (erstwhile) dark blue NOTE to my bro (after factory resetting it!!!, which my bro is now using with all his relevant google/samsung account credentials!!)
And this is where I learnt that because I "changed" my device, I can not REDOWNLOAD my "purchased" app from SAMSUNG APP STORE despite regitering with same Samsung Apps account!!. This is so very weird, as I have been seamlessly transitioning my all apps to my all new devices just by ensuring that I have the same google/android account registered on my new device.
I tried to restore my app through Kies, but in vain, then I tried to get in touch with customer support at Sumsung App Store and which is when I noticed that that they have a very LOUSY and LAME UI, that just leads no where.
Needless to mention, I purchased the app again, but this time from the android market. Although I had to shell out USD 4.99 (instead of 0.99), I find its worth it as now I have a app, that is LATEST VERSION (yes, in this example of splashtop, it has significant change of opting for custom resolution of native device), and that I will be able to use on as long as I want, even after I move over to any new device (of course there is nothing better than Galaxy Note as of now!!).
So in conclusion, Samsung App store SUCKS while Android Market is far much ahead. Thus in my opinion, assuming all fundamentals remain uniform, its better to purchase an APP from ANDROID MARKET rather that Samsung App Store!!!
Go on getjar.com and download the getjar app. Follow this link getjar.com/mobile/76092/splashtop-r...1exu1ijoujnhdvyb&c=byosqnnawl4xis5cC9&lang=en and you'll have it for free.
Personally I uninstall getjar afterwards as it is running as service in the background.
As these paid apps are offered for free they are not updated by the android market.
tap*talked via GT-N7000 (GB.XXLA4)
It is simple thing, Samsung application can be redownloaded to Samsung device only, (and it is even more strange when it not supports change of device.)
Android purchase will work with any Android device, if you change in future, as it is linked to your Gmail.
And thats Y i think, samsung store provides somwat cheaper thn Android Market. But in long term it cost more.
Very right dr.ketan, its indeed strange that it does not support device change too even if one changes to a different device of Samsung make!! And that's why I reiterate that although on one end they make superb devices as NOTE, on the other end soft serves like their app store, their kies... lack professional relevance
I wish Samsung guys are serious enough to listen to the forum members and take all this as feedback to improve their soft services with needful
"And this is where I learnt that because I "changed" my device, I can not REDOWNLOAD my "purchased" app from SAMSUNG APP STORE despite regitering with same Samsung Apps account!!"
For me, the solution to this is... If I buy something, I own it (which is why I don't buy apple). I can make a back up of CD's, DVD's etc.. that I have paid for. It is the same with apps. I don't care if I'm slated/criticised/abused, after I have bought an app I will find an apk on the net as a backup should I change my phone or flash it. or use 'app backup and restore'.
I have spent far too much time in the past with customer (don't)care trying to find out if they would let me redownload apps I have purchased when I change my phone..
If i purchase an App from Android Market.... And if i change my phone say after 2 years OR Hard Reset, will i still be able to download it to my new phone just by login into my google account? Also, for how long does the developer provide update once purchased an app...
craige said:
If i purchase an App from Android Market.... And if i change my phone say after 2 years OR Hard Reset, will i still be able to download it to my new phone just by login into my google account? Also, for how long does the developer provide update once purchased an app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I have experienced, you may change or hard reset you device unlimited times and still you will continue to enjoy the benefits of being a licensed user of the app, and thus you will be able to download it unlimited times, as long as you continue to have android OS and the same GOOGLE account.
As far as developers support is concerned, I have no precise idea on this, although I feel the support depends on developers commitment to the product. May be I should add here that as I have seen in last 2 years (ever since I am using android) I have been getting updates to my older apps even now, if at all there is a newer version.
Even on the Android market you can have trouble if either google or the developer remove the paid app or release a different version then the old app you purchased is no longer there so if you change your device then you are stuffed and either have to purchase your asp again or you won't get it. For example see the dice player which had paid versions but google removed it and now only free advertisement supported version is available.see comments section for the asp where paid customers are cribbing that now they can't instal paid app on new phone.
Loads of other examples like train times UK app had free version two years ago without ads but later was removed and new paid version came up but when you get new phone then the old asp no longer existson the market.

Share you paid advertising experience

I've just published my game to Google Play Store and was thinking of purchasing some advertising or pay per install ads. Anyone has any experience using Facebook ads, Admob, appbrain or other ad networks? What would you recommend. I do not have a large budget, for a start I am planning to spend around USD100.
Digitally said:
I've just published my game to Google Play Store and was thinking of purchasing some advertising or pay per install ads. Anyone has any experience using Facebook ads, Admob, appbrain or other ad networks? What would you recommend. I do not have a large budget, for a start I am planning to spend around USD100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No experience with ads yet. I was recommended Facebook Lookalike Audience but we'll continue on our own up until 10k users. My fear would be to get a mass of users and disappoint them. Growing 100 at a time provides a good feedback loop to improve the app. Might use the Lookalike Audience then! Good luck!
Digitally said:
I've just published my game to Google Play Store and was thinking of purchasing some advertising or pay per install ads. Anyone has any experience using Facebook ads, Admob, appbrain or other ad networks? What would you recommend. I do not have a large budget, for a start I am planning to spend around USD100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also interested in this topic. I have a free app with a paid (no ads) counterpart. I was considering using any of the services that charge per install (CPI) on the paid app. If the cost per install is lower than 70% of the price of your app, then that investment would be risk-free.
Has anyone tried something like that? Would you recommend any service in particular? (Ideally, the ones that do not require SDKs to be added to the app, I don't want to add crapware to my app).
Digitally said:
I've just published my game to Google Play Store and was thinking of purchasing some advertising or pay per install ads. Anyone has any experience using Facebook ads, Admob, appbrain or other ad networks? What would you recommend. I do not have a large budget, for a start I am planning to spend around USD100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The budget normally starts from $10000. I don't think $100 generates significant data and downloads to help you make further decisions considering that average CPI is about $1.
Reply From A Guy That Knows The Data
Digitally said:
I've just published my game to Google Play Store and was thinking of purchasing some advertising or pay per install ads. Anyone has any experience using Facebook ads, Admob, appbrain or other ad networks? What would you recommend. I do not have a large budget, for a start I am planning to spend around USD100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great question! While I cannot, and will not give you numbers or estimates in any shape or form, I can give you broad and general advice.
First off, I'll explain my background in a bit more detail. I worked in advertising sales for years at the top companies, and then moved into the mobile app space (I am also a secret coder by night.) I then spent two years working in the mobile app data space - providing performance data in the form of estimates for downloads/revenue. Our job was to sell our vast data sets (on every mobile app and publisher - ranked and un-ranked) which were centered around accurate estimates for downloads/revenue for any given app in every category/subcat, and country for iOS and GP. We worked with mid-market and top publishers to help them forecast how many installs they would need to purchase to reach top rank, how many organic installs they would receive at that rank, and how many installs they would have to purchase on an ongoing basis to maintain that rank.
Based on my experiences, truth be told, most publishers that are actual companies (not small indie or single shop guys)....they are buying downloads. This is not to say that strong marketing campaigns don't come with this (PR, promotions, social media, viral, cross-promotional ads to existing user base, etc.), but in some way or another, most of them will be buying ads. Here is the caveat - it is not a simple process, at all. They have analysts that know exactly how much money they make off of one download....for instance...they know that for every download on xyz game, they make $2.30, and their CPI is $1.95, thus, their actual net rev is $.35 per install. However, this is all also centered around growth potential as well...so in many cases, they need to hit the top ranks for organic growth to generate higher profit margins, so they need accurate forecasting of exactly/roughly how many installs it's going to take to get there...and if they come up short, they don't make top charts and they either have to spend more money to climb up...or they're out of budget and they've lost $$$. Basically, if you want to buy ads...you need to set realistic goals, and understand what the value of your user is...from a financial standpoint. You must know your numbers cold before even considering putting a budget towards ads.
That being said, there are a ton of ways to buy ads out there, as I'm sure you and everyone knows. However, if you do get around to doing some solid analysis on what your users are worth, and want to run some testing with a low budget...nothing to break the bank...I would A) Go with a reputable company, even if the CPI/CPA is higher than you'd like....because you want to avoid fraudulent DL's....many ad networks will turn a blind eye to this for obvious financial reasons, and B) Try Facebook....honestly, I've spoken to many smaller developers that find a fair CPI/CPA, with pretty good ROI and retention.
Hope this helps - KNOW YOUR NUMBERS AND ALWAYS LOOK TO THE DATA
~Geo_Mojito
Some interesting data we are gathering at Thalamus.co, where we have the average CPI rates & Install Volumes of each network broken out by genre/platform/country. There are also contacts and minimum spends so should give you a good sense of what's out there.
A $100 budget is not too large, so it'd be hard to give you a definitive answer as to which network has basically no minimums (unless you want to work with a mobile self-serve DSP like PocketMath). Facebook would be a good place to start, although prices are at a premium due to high demand. I'd suggest really going all in on free methods like PR, reaching out to Bloggers, ASO, Social Fan Pages, Organic/Viral Installs, and Partnerships first.
My experience:
1) Social Networks advertising. I promoted it personally, it was tooooo long and without big results.
2) Youtube videos. Not bad, but you have to attract users to watch your videos and invite their friends to install your app.
3) Buying the marketing services in agencies. I have experience with several agencies, but App-Reviews has the best, I think.
4) Use different tools for advertising. I used AdMob, it had some success...
Digitally said:
I've just published my game to Google Play Store and was thinking of purchasing some advertising or pay per install ads. Anyone has any experience using Facebook ads, Admob, appbrain or other ad networks? What would you recommend. I do not have a large budget, for a start I am planning to spend around USD100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After advertising services you can try some low budget app promotion services too. My personal choice is AppRankPRO . why is because it gives the proof of each and every install of the genuine real user and free keyword analysis services too. I think you can have a look at AppRankPRO

Ways to do PPC, for cheap: A Guide.

Hi guys,
I just wanted to share some tips in how to get into paid marketing with you guys. I know budgets are typically low, so that's why I'm going to focus on cheap ways to do things. I know it's unlikely that any of us here click on online Ads, but I've been doing PPC for different companies (tech and non-tech) for over three years; you'd be surprised at how many people do actually click on these ads.
The first, but most important thing, is that you are going to want to make sure that you are measuring how your campaigns are working with Google Analytics; PPC and Display Marketing doesn't work for every type of app.
I'm gonna do a very brief summary of Google AdWords, but there's a lot more information online that really, I'm just summarising and repeating. If you want more details on how the AdWords system works, I recommend just doing a couple of Google Searches. If you know how AdWords work, feel free to scroll down to the bolded "now".
Google AdWords is where advertisers pay for Ads to appear on keywords. Billing works on a per click basis. That is, you are only charged when someone clicks on your ad. You ad could be shown a thousand times, but as long as it doesn't have anyone clicking on it, you won't be charged.
There are at most, ten positions your ads can appear in on the Google Search pages. Ideally, you want to be in positions 1-3.
You can set a bid for every keyword you put in. The highest bid wins, with very one important exception. So, let's say that Acme is paying $2.50 for the keyword "App", Tyrell Corp $1.00 and IndieDevRUs $0.50. When we look at pure amount paid, Acme's ad would be pos 1, Tyrell pos 2 and IndieDevRUs pos 3.
BUT! There is something called quality score as well. Quality score is a measure of how good your landing page is, how much it is related to your KW, and how related your ads are to the keyword. Acme's Ad is actually linking to their home page, with no mention of their App anywhere. Tyrell Corp is a bit better, and have linked to their app landing page, but they don't actually mention the keyword 'app' in their AdText. IndieDevRUs, however, have an amazing landing page, and have ad text all about apps. What now happens is this: IndieDevsRUs is at position 1, Tyrell Corp is at Pos 2, and Acme is at pos 3. Even better; IndieDevRUs is still only paying $0.50 per click, whereas Acme, even though they are at position 3, are paying $2.50 for that position.
(Again, this was somewhat simplified, feel free to ask me questions or to look up more info online)
Now, how can app developers reduce their costs? Well, first, focus on making sure that your landing page and Ads are optimized for this quality score; include your keywords in both places (without being spammy! Think of it like SEO), test ads until you find wording with good click through rates, etc.
One trick to get cheaper Ads is to also look into location targeting. So, in AdWords, I can actually set down to an area code/postcode level my location. City, however, is normally fine. Even if you aren't an app that offer local features, by targeting cities, you can get cheaper costs per clicks.
Also, mobile targeting: It is possible to only target mobiles, thus avoiding clicks from people at computers all together. I've been shocked at how many companies wanting to just get mobile users haven't found this option (it's under campaign settings)
Another area to look at is time scheduling: You can tell your ads to only run between certain hours, or even certain days. I'd recommend running a campaign for at least a week, and then taking a look at the data. Find the hours that give you the best conversions, or cheapest costs per clicks, and set your account to only show Ads during that time.
Also, when you sign up on AdWords, take a look online for any cupons or vouchers; quite often, Google will offer to match a certain amount of your budget; e.g. pay $25, and actually have $50 budget. This is perfect for testing the waters (again, AdWords PPC doesn't work for all apps!)
You will also want to experiment with how to get the best out of the visitors who land on your page. I've seen that not every user will actually go to the play store on a browser to download an app, but will instead only do it on their phones. For one company, I discovered that if we had an email sign up on a landing page when someone is visiting on a desktop computer, we could get people to download and use the app through email marketing. BUT! This is something to test. Another company I tried the same strategy for, and not only did we get no email subs, but the conversion rates for downloading the apps went down.
And in fact, this is one of the biggest pieces of advise I can give for paid ads. Test. Test. Test. Everything you do. Test it.
Edit: Thought of a couple of additional things: Vouchers and Mobile Targeting

Google Play is Hit with a New Wave of Fake Reviews

Application and games reviews are incredibly important for an application store such as Google Play, and these can be the target of some malicious services. This issue is compounded when it’s an application store for the largest mobile platform in the world. In November of last year, Google talked about how they are improving the review and rating system within the Play Store. Google does a lot of work to keep this spam and bot activity at bay, but this is a never ending job.
This improvement was thanks to some work that they announced one month before in October. This involved detecting if an install happened with the intention to manipulate an app’s placement on Google Play. But since most systems like this are a cat and mouse game, the malicious entities are always finding a way around the latest protections. This is what we’ve been seeing in the Play Store over the last few weeks too. Multiple popular applications are getting 5-star reviews with comments that don’t match the application itself.
The Next Web took a small screenshot of some reviews for Messenger. All three of the reviews shown in this screenshot talked about games and how this game was so fun to play. But the review was placed on a messaging application, not a game at all. Multiple people within the community have been noticing this wave of reviews on high profile applications such as Gmail, WhatsApp, Messenger and more. Which is something that seems out of place at first glance.
These review and rating services that developers can buy to increase the popularity of their applications are generally done for very low quality games and applications. There isn’t a need for Facebook to pay for a bunch of spammy reviews for WhatsApp. However, some are speculating that these services are using their bots to build up a ‘profile’ in hopes that future reviews from them are not detected as spam. Reports say Google is being quite lenient about this issue, and while true, Google is likely taking this time to collect data on known bots so that detecting these instances becomes easier.
PSA - Watch out what you install, do your research before installing unknown apps.
Source: The Next Web

Categories

Resources