Skip to main content

App Store users spend twice as much money on subscriptions as Google Play users

Worldwide consumer spending in mobile apps reached an all-time high in 2021. Data from Sensor Tower shows that App Store users spent more than double the amount of money on subscription services that Google Play users did. 

Worldwide, the top 100 non-game subscription apps on the App Store produced $13.5 billion. That’s nearly three times as much as Google Play’s revenue of $4.8 billion. 

However, Google Play saw significantly more growth, as it increased 78% since 2020. App Store spending had seen a 31% year-over-year increase from $10.3 billion. 

YouTube was the top subscription app in the App Store in both the US and the rest of the world. It generated $1.2 billion worldwide with $566.5 million of that within the US. Tinder was the second most popular subscription app in both categories. 

Site default logo image

How will this data shift in the future? Subscription services are continuing to gain traction as consumers view premium content on platforms like HBO Max, Amazon, and Netflix, among others. 

Social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram are creating their own subscription models to encourage content creation and consumption. With this in mind, we are likely to see an uptick in App Store spending on subscription apps in the near future.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
Please wait...processing
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
Please wait...processing