How to Get More App Downloads in 2026 (+ Real Case Studies)

If you want to get more app downloads on day one, begin building your audience before your app goes live. Many founders focus only on product development and overlook that demand creation should start months earlier. When launch day arrives, those who built anticipation already have users ready to download.

Why it works:

Building a pre-launch audience creates a base of early adopters who trust your vision and are more likely to install, review, and share your app. It also helps validate your idea early, refine your positioning, and provide valuable insights for your App Store listing and marketing messages.

👉If you want to understand where the app market is headed and how users behave, this Android and Google Play Store Statistics article has up-to-date data that can help you plan your launch.

How to implement:

• Create a pre-launch landing page optimized for early sign-ups using tools like Framer or Typedream. Include a clear headline, app screenshots, and a strong “Join Waitlist” call to action.
• Post consistent updates on social channels like LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or IndieHackers—focus on your product journey, user problems you’re solving, and upcoming features.
• Build an email sequence to nurture subscribers with early mockups, behind-the-scenes progress, and beta invites to build trust.
• Engage genuinely in niche communities (Reddit, Slack, Discord) where your ideal users spend time. You can share insights, answer questions, and occasionally mention your app as a solution.

Example:

Monzo, the UK challenger bank-turned-app, used a waitlist strategy before launch that included social sharing and gamification. They built a waitlist of over 200,000 people using referral links and a “queue bump” mechanic that rewarded users for inviting friends.

This structured approach creates a pipeline of eager users waiting on launch day, dramatically increasing your app downloads from the start.

This is the image of Monzo’s waitlist landing page: 

This image shows how Monzo used X (previously Twitter) to make people curious to join through exclusive offers:

Micro-influencers (5K–50K followers) have smaller but highly engaged audiences and are the fastest way for early-stage apps to reach relevant users without large ad budgets.

Why it works:

Micro-influencers maintain stronger trust with their followers, making their recommendations feel like personal suggestions rather than ads. Campaigns using micro-creators see 60% higher engagement rates compared to celebrity endorsements.

How to implement:

• Shortlist influencers who already talk about topics your app solves (e.g., productivity, finance, wellness, etc.).
• Offer them early access or a free 1-month subscription to test your app.
• Ask for honest feedback and social content (like a story, tweet thread, or short reel).
• Track referral traffic and conversions using UTM links or influencer-specific promo codes.

Example:

Trello partnered with productivity-focused micro-influencers on YouTube and Twitter who created tutorials demonstrating how they use Trello to improve workflows. These influencers showcased practical, real-world applications of the app, which resonated authentically with their audiences. 

As a result, Trello built a highly engaged community, increasing visibility and downloads organically. 

Here is an image of a YouTuber who is doing paid promotion for Trello and has added their link  in the description:

Content marketing drives organic traffic by addressing the pain points of your target users and positioning your app as the best solution.

Why it works:

Consistently delivering valuable content builds trust and authority while attracting users naturally through search and social channels. Educated users are more likely to download and stay engaged without relying on paid ads.

How to implement:

• Create content that educates first and softly places your app as a natural solution. 
• Optimize content with SEO best practices to rank for relevant keywords and capture organic search traffic. Use SEO tools (like Ahrefs, Semrush, or AnswerThePublic) to find what your ideal users are searching for.
• Focus on long-tail keywords with clear intent (e.g., “how to stay consistent with workouts” instead of “fitness app”).
• Showcase real use cases and step-by-step instructions highlighting your app's core benefits.
• Repurpose your best-performing content into short-form videos or carousels for Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
• Include clear CTAs within your content, directing readers to download or sign up.

Example:

Notion built its early user base partly through free templates, video tutorials, and productivity guides published across YouTube and its blog. These resources helped users understand how to use Notion for project management and knowledge organization, creating organic demand. 

As users found value in the free content, many downloaded the app to implement what they learned.​ This approach establishes your app as a trusted resource, turning content consumers into engaged users through organic discovery.

Referrals are the most trusted form of marketing, as people download apps faster when a friend or creator recommends them. A solid referral loop can turn your existing users and creators into your best growth channel.

Why it works:

Users trust recommendations from real people more than ads. A referral system taps into existing satisfaction and amplifies it through word of mouth. Partnering with niche bloggers and YouTubers adds long-term SEO and visibility benefits, especially when your app is featured in listicles or tutorials.

How to implement:

• Design a referral program that rewards both the referrer and the referee with tangible benefits like free subscription time, premium features, or discounts.
• Identify relevant bloggers and YouTubers in your app’s niche and offer exclusive access, affiliate commissions, or collaboration opportunities.
• Provide influencers with assets like FAQs, branded visuals, and key messages to ensure accurate and compelling content.
• Make sure the creator content links directly to your App Store / Play Store page or a landing page with clear CTAs.
• Monitor referral traffic and conversions using tracking links or promo codes to maximize ROI.
• Encourage user-generated content from referrals to enhance social proof and visibility.

Example:

Dropbox’s referral program is one of the best-known examples of referral-driven app growth. By offering extra free storage space to both the referrer and the referee, Dropbox turned its user base into its most powerful marketing channel. 

Here is an image of Dropbox’s referral rewards system:

This simple two-sided reward system helped the company grow its user base by nearly 3,900% in just 15 months. The campaign not only reduced customer acquisition costs but also built strong word-of-mouth credibility, proving how user advocacy can outperform paid advertising.

Launching on Product Hunt and similar platforms like AppSumo or BetaList exposes your app to a community of early adopters and tech enthusiasts actively seeking new apps.

Why it works:

Product Hunt users are highly engaged and influential early adopters who provide valuable feedback, social proof, and word-of-mouth marketing. Success on these platforms can result in immediate spikes in downloads and press coverage.

How to implement:

• Prepare a compelling Product Hunt launch page with clear app benefits, visuals, and user testimonials.
• Warm up your network before launch. Tell your email subscribers, friends, and community to upvote and comment once you go live.
• Prepare your launch kit: app logo, screenshots, a compelling tagline (under 60 chars), and a short explainer video.
• Choose the right launch day, typically Tuesday or Wednesday mornings (PST), to see the highest traffic.
• Stay active for the first 24 hours, try to reply to every comment, thank supporters, and share updates.
• Don’t stop there: list your app on alternatives like AppSumo, BetaList, or IndieHackers Launch for extended visibility.

Example:

When Nitro by Alconost launched on Product Hunt, the team prepared weeks in advance - refining visuals, engaging with the community, and lining up early supporters. 

The result: their product reached #4 Product of the Day, earned 337 upvotes, and generated 1,857 unique visitors to their landing page with an 11% conversion rate on launch day. This spike in visibility also led to media coverage and long-term organic traffic growth.

This image shows how the Nitro team has managed everything on ProductHunt:

Press releases remain a practical way to attract media attention and reach a broader audience when timed around key app updates or achievements.

Why it works:

Well-crafted press releases positioned around distinctive app features, funding rounds, partnerships, or usage milestones catch the interest of journalists and bloggers, earning earned media coverage that drives credibility and downloads.

How to implement:

• Identify newsworthy angles such as unique technology, user growth milestones, or impactful partnerships.
• Craft a story, not a statement, and focus on what problem your app solves or the innovation it brings.
• Write a short, concise press release (400–600 words) consisting of a headline, subhead, app description, key features, and quotes from the founder.
• Include screenshots, app store links, and social proof (like testimonials or beta stats).
• Submit it to relevant tech and startup outlets like TechCrunch, BetaKit, and MobileAppDaily, or distribute via PR sites like PR Newswire, Newswire, or Pressfarm.
• Reach out directly to niche journalists who’ve covered similar apps, as personalized outreach often outperforms mass distribution.

Example:

When the app Mailbox launched in February 2013, it used a dedicated pre-launch press strategy: its media outreach began in December 2012, generating notable coverage in outlets like TechCrunch and The Verge, creating hype ahead of the App Store release. 

The result: the app entered the top of the charts in 11 countries shortly after launch.

This demonstrates how a well-timed, story-driven press release helps build anticipation, credibility, and download momentum.

People trust people, not faceless apps. When founders share their journey, struggles, and insights through interviews or podcasts, they turn their product story into something relatable, and that emotional connection drives downloads.

Why it works:

Users are more likely to try an app when they see a genuine face and story behind it. Building your personal brand creates trust and thought leadership. Over time, this builds a content moat; people follow your journey and naturally convert into users when you mention your product casually.

How to implement:

• Start small: reach out to niche podcasts, startup newsletters, and YouTube channels that align with your product’s theme.
• Prepare talking points like your “why,” lessons learned, and what problem your app solves (without turning it into a sales pitch).
• Share your interviews across LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Reddit (short clips or quote graphics work well).
• Repurpose this content into blog posts, tweets, or threads to build a consistent personal narrative around your app’s mission.
• Encourage your team to amplify these posts to multiply reach.

Example:

Consider how the founder, Neil Patel, used his personal content to scale a SaaS business. By consistently publishing blog posts, YouTube tutorials, and speaking engagements around SEO and growth marketing, he positioned himself as a trusted authority. That personal credibility flowed into his business, increasing brand trust and crossed $25M in valuation, without any traditional sales team.

This example highlights how building a strong personal brand can turn the face behind the product into a growth engine for the app or service.

A well-optimized App Store listing ensures your app is discoverable, appealing, and convinces users to download.

Why it works:

The app store is often the first interaction potential users have with your product. Optimizing for keywords, visuals, and reviews increases your app’s visibility and conversion rate, driving more organic downloads.

How to implement:

• Research high-intent keywords using tools like AppTweak, Sensor Tower, or MobileAction, and include them in your title, subtitle, and description.
• Use high-quality screenshots and an engaging app preview video that clearly shows the app’s main value within 5 seconds.
• Encourage user reviews and respond to them; engagement signals improve ASO rankings.
• Test different icons, screenshots, and descriptions through A/B testing using Google Play Experiments or Store Listing Experiments.
• Localize your listing for multiple languages to expand your reach globally.
• Regularly update your app store assets to reflect new features and seasonal trends.

Example:

Sephora’s shopping & beauty app worked with an ASO specialist (via the DATACUBE platform) to optimise keywords, conduct A/B tests on screenshots/icons, and improve conversion Rate across channels.

The result: a measurable performance jump in organic installs and revenue.

The given image below is of Sephora’s app store listing:

Push notifications go beyond user retention, but they are often underutilized for app installations and reactivating dormant users. When executed strategically, they bridge the gap between awareness and action, prompting users to transition from passive interest to active engagement.

Why it works:

Targeted, timely notifications remind users of your app’s value and nudge them toward installation, especially those already interacting with your brand through web platforms. These prompts reduce friction in moving users down the funnel from web to app.

How to implement:

• Implement web push notifications to alert users about exclusive app features or special offers.
• Use personalized in-app messages for web visitors to highlight the benefits of the mobile app experience.
• Use trigger-based automation via tools like Firebase, OneSignal, or CleverTap to time messages precisely.
• A/B test message timing, content, and CTAs to maximize click-through and install rates.
• Include direct links to app store pages for seamless download.
• Track open rate, CTR, and post-notification installs to fine-tune frequency.

Example:

Nostragamus ( India’s first prediction-based fantasy sports app ) faced a major challenge - low push notification delivery rates on Chinese OEM devices like Xiaomi. 

But as soon as they implemented a Push Amplification solution, the brand achieved a 40% overall improvement in delivery, a 50% increase in active users (last 30 days), and an impressive 75% increase on Xiaomi devices.

This shows how optimizing push notifications isn’t just about sending messages instead it’s about adapting to device and OS-specific limitations to ensure your communication actually reaches the user.

Creating app-exclusive features or time-bound content creates urgency and incentivizes users to download immediately rather than delay.

Why it works:

Scarcity and exclusivity are powerful motivators. Limited-time access triggers FOMO (fear of missing out), pushing undecided users to download before they lose the opportunity.

How to implement:

• Introduce time-bound features or promotions, such as early access to new tools, limited rewards, or exclusive in-app events.
• Highlight these offers across social media, email, and website banners with clear CTAs like “Available only on the app until [date].”
• Use countdown timers or push notifications to reinforce urgency and remind users before the offer ends.
• Rotate such campaigns periodically to sustain momentum and repeat downloads from re-engaged users.
• Track which exclusives drive the most downloads to refine your strategy over time.

Example:

The Practically app launched a time-limited campaign around its new “Scan Anything” AI feature for students. Within the campaign period, the app’s installs jumped from around 400,000 to over 1.5 million, and the feature alone was generating 10-15 thousand daily scans (with a highest count of 33,000 on one print-ad day). 

This is the image of Practically’s limited-time campaign:

Strategically placing QR codes and banners on your website creates low-friction opportunities for engaged web users to download your app without disrupting their experience.

Why it works:

When app download prompts are placed contextually (at the right time and place) they reduce friction and convert high-intent web users into app users. These small things can improve conversion rates without disrupting the browsing experience and can increase app adoption by up to 25–40%.

How to implement:

• Add smart banners or QR codes on key web touchpoints such as pricing pages, dashboards, or checkout flows.
• Use deep links that take users directly to the relevant screen inside the app post-install (e.g., the product they viewed on the web).
• Try A/B test banner placements and messaging.
• Ensure CTAs are mobile-friendly and clearly communicate the app's value proposition
• Track conversions using Branch.io, Adjust, or Firebase Dynamic Links to optimize placement and creative performance.

Example:

Max Fashion is a great example of how integrating QR codes and web banners can drive real app growth. By partnering with Branch, they created personalized QR codes and contextual banners across their website and offline touchpoints.

Here’s how Max’s QR codes gaified the shopping experience:

The result:

App installs grew by 92%, orders from app users increased by 85%, and customer acquisition costs dropped by 10%, all by making the app download journey frictionless.

Strategic paid advertising on platforms like Google App Campaigns, Apple Search Ads, and Facebook/Instagram ensures your app reaches highly relevant audiences while maintaining measurable ROI.

Why it works:

Targeted ads allow precision, reaching users based on behavior, interests, and intent signals. When optimized for app installs or re-engagement, these campaigns can deliver 3–5x higher conversion rates than generic awareness campaigns. 

Plus, advanced tracking (via SKAN, Adjust, or AppsFlyer) enables data-driven optimization across the entire funnel.

How to implement:

• Start with Apple Search Ads and Google App Campaigns, which directly capture high-intent users searching for solutions your app provides.
• Set clear KPIs for cost per install (CPI) and lifetime value (LTV) to ensure profitability.
• Create multiple ad creatives (videos, banners, copy variations) and test to identify top performers.
• Use audience segmentation to refine targeting based on user behavior, location, and interests.
• Continuously monitor CPI, ROAS, and retention metrics to double down on profitable segments.

Example:

OLX used Apple Search Ads to scale its app installs in Ukraine. By focusing on high-intent keywords and optimizing bids based on performance data, OLX managed to reduce its cost per install (CPI) by 35% while increasing total installs by 80%.

The campaign proved how powerful Apple Search Ads can be when combined with performance tracking and audience segmentation.

Check out these helpful articles by Tenet 👇

• UI/UX Design for Mobile Applications
• E-commerce Mobile App Development
• Cost to Develop Mobile Banking App
• App Maintenance Cost
• Mobile App Development Companies in the UK
• Mobile App Development Companies in Dubai

Scaling app downloads isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things consistently. 

The strategies shared above, from early audience building to product-led storytelling and precision advertising, work when they’re backed by data, testing, and timing.

The real challenge isn't traction; it's retention. Launching with 10,000 downloads means nothing if users churn in the first week. This is where design and user experience become your growth multipliers. 

A well-designed onboarding, intuitive navigation, and consistent value delivery keep users engaged long after the initial install.

At Tenet, we bring together growth strategy, design, and performance marketing to help apps move beyond downloads and toward meaningful user adoption and long-term engagement. 

With 450+ successful projects delivered across 15+ global markets, our team has seen one thing hold true: growth compounds when acquisition and experience work in sync.

If you're planning an app launch or scaling an existing product, we'd love to discuss how the right strategy and design can accelerate your growth.