Many software applications (apps) are dedicated to help users in almost every area of life. Some are more beneficial or popular than others based on several qualities of good apps, including a clear purpose, an intuitive user experience, visual variety, high-quality elements, and frequently updated services.
An effective app must be able to clearly communicate its purpose, with functions that are easily understandable for users. It must also be easily navigable for enhanced user engagement. Moreover, your app features must be crisp, aesthetically appealing, and up-to-date. To help you get started on your next best app idea, explore this guide to the top app categories that businesses can build this year.
Communication and Social Networking Apps
Communication and social media platforms have become integral parts of daily life. People use these apps to instantly connect with family, friends, and co-workers. Facebook was even the most downloaded mobile app around the globe in March 2024 with 59 million downloads, according to recent data from Statista. Instagram (58 million downloads) and TikTok followed (46 million downloads).
Launched in 2004, Facebook has been one of the top ranking online platforms for many years now in terms of users. Consumers and companies alike have found the social media app’s features to be convenient and profitable. Businesses benefit from its advanced personalized advertising and analytics. They also leverage the platform’s several networking opportunities, such as groups and pages, for engagement and social listening. Meanwhile, ordinary Facebook users are hooked by the platform’s multimedia features and the freedom that they have to create, share, and react to content.
Moreover, the rise of Instagram and TikTok demonstrates the effectiveness of visual elements. Instagram started only as a photo-sharing app in 2010, garnering 25,000 users on the first day. It eventually added video-sharing capabilities through posts, Instagram Stories, and Instagram Live. In 2020, it launched Instagram Reels to compete with TikTok, a social media platform that lets users create and share entertaining short-form videos.
Health and Fitness Apps
People have become more health-conscious post-pandemic. These days, many people are paying more attention not only to their physical health but also their mental and emotional health. Many are motivated to watch the food they eat, their daily activities, and the media they consume. Thus, healthcare, fitness, and mental wellness apps gained popularity, with fitness-app downloads growing by almost 50% globally between the first and second quarters of 2020. This aside, the following applications are also becoming more popular:
- Medical and Healthcare. Medical and healthcare apps, such as Doctor on Demand and Pillpack, aim to enhance access to healthcare services, help users manage their health, and promote wellness. The features on these online platforms can be as simple and specific as giving users reminders to take their pills as well as tracking consultations, vital signs, and blood sugar levels.
- Sports and Fitness. Sports and fitness apps, such as MyFitnessPal, Calculator TDEE, Peloton, and Strava, are designed to help users monitor their physical activity, set fitness goals, and get customized workout routines.
- Meditation and Mental Wellness. Meditation and mental wellness apps, such as Calm and Headspace, promote mindfulness, help reduce stress, and improve mental well-being. Their features include guided meditation sessions, relaxation techniques, and tools for emotion management.
Generally, health and wellness apps can offer tools and resources for users to track their health, get health advice, as well as access personalized care or services remotely.
Productivity and Collaboration Tools
Productivity and collaboration tools boomed in recent years to accommodate the rapidly changing professional landscape. When global industries were forced to manage teams remotely, these digital solutions helped companies continue daily operations. These tools include apps for general business use, including team and project management software, as well as industry-specific purposes, such as property and construction management solutions. Slack, Trello, and Notion are popular examples.
Team management solutions, including time-tracking software, provide businesses with centralized platforms for organizing and monitoring tasks, schedules, and deadlines. They also offer communication tools, including chat, file sharing, and threads, making interactions and workflows seamless and more convenient. These apps also allow teams to work from anywhere, any time, as long as they have a reliable device and a stable internet connection.
Entertainment and Media Streaming Platforms
Millions of people subscribe to multiple entertainment and media-streaming platforms at a time. These services fall under the following three main categories:
- Video-on-demand (VOD) Services. VOD services provide consumers with a massive library of films, series, and original content they can watch whenever, wherever, and through whichever device is included in their paid plans. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Paramount+ are some popular examples.
- Music-streaming Platforms. Music-streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, give listeners access to millions of songs, podcast episodes, and audiobooks by artists from around the globe. Aside from being given the opportunity to discover new music, users can also create their own playlists and access curated content.
- Live-streaming Platforms. Live-streaming platforms, such as Twitch, YouTube Live, and Instagram Live, allow users to broadcast live video content to their audience in real-time. These tools are often used by gamers, content creators, and businesses that host virtual events.
E-commerce and Delivery Services Apps
Digital business services have improved over the past few years due to the changing economic landscape and consumer preferences. Online shopping inevitably surged due to its benefits, such as the following:
- Convenience. To buy their needs and wants, online shoppers only need to browse through their smartphones, fill their virtual carts with their chosen products, and check out from the comfort of their homes. You can also have items delivered to and from locations of your choice in just a few taps through delivery apps, such as Uber Connect and DoorDash. The efficient process saves customers the time and energy that they would have to spend if they had to visit physical establishments.
- Variety. Today, customers can buy anything online—from groceries to clothes to gadgets—thanks to e-commerce apps, such as Amazon and Shopify, which provide customers with a variety of goods and services. This improves access to products that may not be available in their area.
- Speed. Many of these apps offer same-day and next-day shipping options. The fast turnaround time meets customers’ desire for instant satisfaction.
- Additional Useful Features. E-commerce apps may also offer helpful features such as customer reviews, secure payment options, and personalized experiences. This further enhances brand and app reputation as well as customer trust.
Online shopping and delivery today have evolved to accommodate specific niches and offer advanced features. For instance, scan-to-shop functionality enables users to quickly find and purchase products by scanning barcodes or images. Also, augmented reality (AR)-enabled try-on apps let users simulate the experience of trying on clothes or accessories virtually before making a purchase. Examples include Amazon’s AR View for furniture visualization and Sephora’s Virtual Artist for virtual makeup try-ons.
Succeed with Your Next Big App Idea
In conclusion, you have numerous opportunities to explore and come up with fresh app ideas within the previously discussed categories. If you are interested in venturing into communication and social networking apps, you must ensure that your app will offer easy virtual interactions among users for increased engagement. For health and fitness apps, you must create an app aimed at helping and encouraging people to take care of themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.
For productivity tools, you must help optimize workflows and team performance. Streaming platforms must provide immersive experiences and meet diverse entertainment preferences. Moreover, e-commerce and delivery service apps must satisfy the increasing demand for user-friendly and accessible shopping experiences. By being strategic about your app development, you can appeal to new markets, achieve customer satisfaction, and increase your profitability in an ever-changing digital landscape.