GLOSSARY / Inapp
In-App

In-App

What is “In-App”?

The term “in-app” refers to any activity, feature, or content that occurs within a mobile application, as opposed to those that take place on a web browser or other platforms. These functionalities are designed to enhance user engagement, offer convenience, and provide a seamless experience where users remain within the app environment. In-app features cover a broad range of interactions including advertising, purchases, events, notifications, and feedback, allowing marketers to connect with users in a personalized and immersive manner.

Common In-App Activities

1. In-App Advertising

Description: Ads displayed within a mobile app, ranging from simple banner ads and interstitials to sophisticated formats like rewarded videos and native ads.

Advantages: Personalization based on user interests, app usage patterns, and behaviour. For example, a fitness app ad might appear in a health app, targeting users interested in wellness.

Revenue: Major revenue stream for app publishers as advertisers pay based on the number of ad impressions or engagements.

2. In-App Purchases (IAP)

Description: Allows users to buy goods or services within an app, such as consumables (in-game currency), non-consumables (ad removal), or subscriptions for premium content/features.

Revenue: Direct revenue source for developers and marketers, enhancing user experience by adding or improving app functionalities.

3. In-App Events

Description: Activities or milestones within an app, such as completing a game level, attending a virtual event, or hitting a fitness goal.

Engagement: Helps engage and retain users by providing a sense of progress and accomplishment. Marketers can use these events to trigger personalized communications or rewards, fostering continued app usage and loyalty.

4. In-App Notifications (In-App Messaging)

Description: Messages that appear while a user is actively using the app, informing them about new features, promotions, or events.

Visibility: Unlike push notifications, which can be sent anytime, in-app messages reach users only when they are engaged with the app, ensuring high visibility.

5. In-App Feedback

Description: Mechanisms allowing users to provide comments or report issues directly within the app.

Benefits: Provides a direct communication line between users and developers/marketers, invaluable for improving app quality, user satisfaction, and engagement. Feedback can be collected through surveys, feedback forms, or interactive prompts.

Key Takeaways

• The term “in-app” encompasses any activity, feature, or content within a mobile app, aimed at enhancing user engagement and offering a seamless experience.

• In-app advertising personalizes ads based on user behaviour, serving as a significant revenue source for app publishers.

• In-app purchases provide direct revenue and enhance user experience by enabling the purchase of goods or services within the app.

• In-app events engage users through milestones and achievements, encouraging ongoing app interaction and loyalty.

• In-app notifications ensure high visibility by delivering messages while users are active in the app.

• In-app feedback facilitates direct communication from users to developers, providing critical insights for app enhancement and user satisfaction.