Google Play Store and Apple App Store have been around for quite some time now, there are over 3.48 million mobile apps available. This number is ever so increasing as developers continue to pump out apps, but the chances of them downloading the apps are very low. A major factor contributing to this is the varying phone capabilities. Every phone comes with varying capabilities and its users come with varying demands. A user’s first impression is a major deciding factor in the download of an application. As such the way of promoting an application is important.
Instant apps are what allows a user to have access to an app's specific function with a 5Mb download needed to use the app. The major aspect of an instant app is that it saves space for their user's devices by allowing access to an app's specific function. As of now, instant apps are only available for android users.
The instant app could be seen as the next step in the mobile application market. It is what provides exposure of a new app to a user in a gentler way. Android instant apps can be seen as a demo version of the corresponding app. It could be accessed through various platforms such as web browsers, social media, and so on using the 'Try Now' feature without the need to download it. They are fully cloud-based, derived from the original app in design and function.
This brings a whole new approach to promoting an app to a consumer. To many smartphone users of an app, especially a large one is what deters them from trying it out as it might be a hassle. But this won’t occur as users will be able to better determine whether to commit to downloading the app for usage. This opens up a new way of engaging with the customer through the use of the instant app.
As of now, there are also disadvantages to this platform. One of them is once the user is done using the instant app and is satisfied with it the user won’t need to download the actual app for use. Furthermore, with the limited amount of size of 5Mb available for the deployment of the instant app, the functions in it are very limited. This limitation defeats the purpose of having an instant app as the developers cant utilize it well.