Amazon today launched a new program specifically aimed at developers who optimize their apps and games for its Appstore and Fire OS. Called Appstore Developer Select, the initiative gives developers marketing and economic benefits to improve app discovery and increase sales.
Developers receive credits equaling 25 percent off their first $2,000 in AWS services annually. As for their work, Appstore Developer Select apps receive “premium placement” in the Amazon Appstore, 500,000 ad impressions on the Amazon Mobile Ad Network, and automatic inclusion in the Amazon Appstore Coins Reward category.
The last point means customers get 250 bonus Amazon Coins for their first purchase of any qualified app or in-app item, and receive up to 30 percent back in Coins on future purchases. Coins can be redeemed for any item available in the Amazon Appstore, not just content in the Select program.
If you’re a developer and this sounds appealing, you’ll need to go through the following checklist to qualify for Appstore Developer Select. Your apps need to be optimized for the Amazon Appstore and Fire OS (they have to render natively in high definition and use the entire screen without distortion, pixilation or stretching), and include relevant Amazon APIs.
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Here’s the best part: existing Amazon Appstore developers with qualifying apps will be automatically enrolled in the Appstore Developer Select program. As for everyone else, Amazon says developers should optimize their apps now to prepare for the start of the holiday season, which is when customers will start being able to earn Coins with the purchase of qualified Appstore Developer Select apps, games and in-app items.
“Mobile app developers have told us that getting their apps discovered across the numerous devices customers are using is one of their biggest challenges,” Mike George, Vice President of Amazon Appstore, Games and Cloud Drive said in a statement. “With the Appstore Developer Select program, we’re addressing these discoverability concerns by providing developers with enhanced merchandising opportunities. In addition, we’re helping drive sales by offering Coins rewards on high quality, engaging apps for customers.”
In other words, Android app developers haven’t been seeing as much success on Amazon’s Appstore as Google Play. Amazon is looking to ensure this content stays on its platform by increasing incentives, for both developers and customers.
Top Image Credit: Frank Gaertner / Shutterstock
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