Google Instant Apps on the Rise

by Kristopher Samuels Writer

Since its introduction in 2016, Google Play Instant has allowed developers quicker access to users by bypassing the download process altogether. Users can interact with a version of your app that has limited functionality, but represents the overall experience well enough to hopefully convince them to hit install and download the full version.

If you’re looking to develop the next big Android instant app, you can choose to transform an existing app into an instant app through Android Studio or create one from scratch. Going the existing app route calls for a process called modularization, which involves divvying up your app’s code into distinct components. Any world-class Android app developer should be aware that there are also size considerations to account for, such as an APK size of 10 MB or less, which may limit the number of apps that find it worthwhile to participate.

If you’re unsure whether making a play in the instant app space is right for you, consider the following apps that have found massive success on Google Play Instant.

Vimeo

Vimeo (10 million downloads), a leading video platform for content creators, uses their instant app to show how they’re a community. Sample videos include the recurring Weekend Challenges segment, where creator members are asked to compose a new video around a theme, such as scary ghost stories or holiday video cards.

Their focus on clean layout, as well as elegant and practical design, speaks to the high level of professionalism of the artists they cater to.

Rakuten

Rakuten’s instant app for Viki showcases the multitude of ways viewers can search for TV shows from Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan, among a few others, making sure you can satisfy your Terrace House itch. The main draw here is a neatly curated lens into a truly bountiful selection of programming. It’s easy to browse and find new favourites whether you enjoy a specific actor or prefer to dive into individual countries as a whole.

Wego

Wego is a hotel and travel app that locates the best deals available in their 1000+ travel website database. Their instant app draws you in for its focus on lush landscapes that inspire adventure in potential travellers. This leads you into a slick and simple interface to gauge prices and reviews as per your budget. The absence of clutter and the abundance of deals are a beachside daydream waiting to happen.

Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush Saga (500 million downloads)—the popular game by entertainment company, King—has put together an instant app where the hypnotic nature of the Tetris-like game is on full display. The candy’s lush colours, the rush of the ticking clock, and your intense focus on searching for chains of three or more is an all-consuming mix, one that has been the game’s bread and butter since day once. It’s nothing but the essentials and that’s all it has to be.

Clash Royale

Clash Royale (100 million downloads), the multiplayer battle game from Supercell, throws you into a training ground to test your kingdom’s might. With just the press of a few buttons, you can experiment with military strategy and get a feel for live battle amidst humorously drawn characters and boldly-coloured graphics. The app stands out for its engagement, daring you to live up to the heat of the moment.

If you’re looking to develop the next big app and you’ve got your sights set on Google Play Instant, take a page from the playbooks of one of the above apps to get yourself off on the right foot.