Because of the number of Apps that both Google Play and Apple store carry, it is difficult to get your App noticed.

The secret here is that there are another 24% of the App store market spread across alternative App stores that you can reach out to in order to maximize your App launch.

Why entering alternative App Stores

Wider Distribution and localization:

Reach the additional 24% of the Market and reach specific regions where Google Play Store and Apple App Store don’t provide their services.

Better Visibility:

Since your app will be in a smaller pool of Apps, your App will have less competition and will be more visible

Test with a Soft Launch

What are the Pros and Cons of a Mobile App Soft Launch?

• If you want your app to be a success on the Google Play and Apple stores, alternative stores are ideal to soft launch and made some adjustments.
• A soft launch refers to the common strategy of releasing a product ahead of its scheduled launch with a much smaller and selected audience.
• A soft launch gives insights into how your app will perform organically once in the “bigger” app stores.
• It tells you also what errors need to be fixed and product features improved to maximize your User Experience (UX).
• By looking at your retention rate, It helps you identify your most popular features and refine your onboarding campaign.
• It helps you test your monetization model and calculate your LTV so that you can make adjustment prior the hard launch if necessary.
• By enabling social media sharing buttons you can assess the word of mouth effect you will get at a bigger scale.
• Social media will also provide you with valuable qualitative insights into likes and dislikes about your product that you should review and address prior to your hard launch.
• It is the best time to start the ASO process.
• Another and final benefit of a soft launch is to you to optimize marketing spend by testing user acquisition strategies in markets similar to their launch market
• Be aware though that one of the drawback is that you are at the risk to lose your competitive advantage since your app will be visible and that can give enough time to your competition to reinforce their position on the main Stores (Google and Apple) to keep you locked out of them.

Where To Soft Launch a Mobile App?


To discover the proper region for your soft launch, start by drawing your target audience and create your buyer persona.


After you have a list of characteristics for your users you can select a smaller region which meets your requests.

If your final target audience is US based and speaks English consider using Australia, New Zealand for your test.

Residents of both countries speak English; their economy is similar to the US and the CPI is much lower.

How To Choose Suitable Alternative App Store in 5 Easy Steps?

1.Check the Credibility of the App store

Don’t upload your creation on any site before studying each market to avoid any store with hidden agendas.

2.Supported Platforms

Android or iOS? Make sure you select the one that fits your App.

3.Pricing

Many markets allow app owners to showcase their work for free.

But they may differ as regards, to revenue split in case you want to release an app with in-app purchases.

Make sure your review the agreement carefully

4.Audience

Some app stores specialize in some areas like games or adult apps. Make sure it fits our target audience.

5.Functionalities

Some App Stores are  more user-friendly, make sure to review the various functionalities

Best Alternative App Stores in 2020

There is at least a dozen of alternative App Stores you can consider.

Check out my favorites list here