Understanding user behaviour trends is vital for anyone involved in Android app development. With more than 2.6 million apps on the Google Play Store and 70% of all digital media time coming from mobile apps, you’ve got to work hard if you want to stand out and keep users engaged.

Below, we’ve put together some of the essential Android app user behaviour trends that developers, marketers, and business owners should be aware of.

1. A focus on privacy

In an age where personal information is a valuable commodity, users are becoming more conscious of privacy. Ensure that your app only asks for necessary permissions and transparently communicates how data is handled — if you don’t, the chances are that your customers are going to uninstall your apps and look elsewhere. Using a good consent system (CMP) and a clear privacy policy will not only allow you to be more transparent with your users, but will also allow you to exponentially increase your revenue from ads and data monetisation.

2. Dark Mode apps

With Android introducing dark mode as a feature in recent years, users have been increasingly adopting it. This trend reflects a broader shift towards user-friendly design, accommodating different lighting conditions and personal preferences. Consider implementing a dark mode option in your app to align with user preferences and think about other ways to improve both usability and customisation — users want to express themselves!

3. Growth in mobile commerce

Shopping through mobile apps has become the norm rather than an exception. Users are looking for seamless shopping experiences with intuitive navigation, easy checkout processes, and personalised recommendations. If your app involves e-commerce, focus on streamlining the buying process and personalising the user experience. Allow users to pay via Google Pay for easy transactions and streamline the process wherever possible.

4. Video gets preferential treatment

It’s no secret that consumers are spending more time on TikTok than ever before. Video content is engaging and can convey a message quickly and creatively. Apps that incorporate video have seen increased engagement, particularly in social media and entertainment sectors. Consider integrating video content where relevant to enhance user engagement, like during the onboarding process.

5. Personalisation

As we’ve already touched upon, users expect apps to understand their preferences and deliver tailored experiences. Whether it’s content recommendations or user interface adjustments, personalisation can make an app feel more relevant and engaging. Implement algorithms or features that allow for a more personalised user experience and consider adding an element of social engagement, such as user accounts and follow functionality.

6. Social sharing and integrations

Users love sharing content or achievements within an app across their social media platforms. Think the Nike Run app or Duolingo and their daily achievement boards, designed to be shared on Instagram and X. Integrated social sharing options foster community and can help grow your app’s user base. Provide easily accessible options for sharing within your app to enhance social engagement and gamify experiences to boost engagement.

7. Take it mutiplatform

Users often switch between devices and expect a seamless experience. Apps that offer a consistent look feel, and functionality across platforms will meet this growing expectation. Focus on creating a consistent user experience across various devices and platforms — whether they’re accessing your content on desktop, tablet, mobile, or TV, it should look and feel the same. Every experience should be fully-fledged, with no watered-down features.

8. AI integration

Nobody can deny the power of artificial intelligence and how it’s changing the world. You can either ignore it or embrace it. Whether you add a chatbot to your app to offer customer support or you develop an advanced algorithm that learns from users over time to deliver more insightful and relevant content and experiences, there are lots of options to consider.

9. Wrapping up

Keeping ahead of these trends can position your app ahead of competitors and align it with what users are seeking in the modern app landscape. By focusing on privacy, user-centric design, personalisation, and embracing new technologies like voice commands, you can create an app that resonates with current user behaviour and expectations. If you’re looking for a better way to monetise your app, Monedata has you covered.