While Nokia App store is no more, I thank Nokia team for providing such an easy platform to develop and host applications. Comparing this with android or OS, it was pretty easy to create even over 20 applications in a day. The portal they had provided then was easy to navigate, integrate your app functionalities and eventually monetize with Inneractive.
In fact I would only require URL for the data I would like to show on the app and URL from Inneractive and the rest in just a matter of using wizard to complete the app. Hosting in Nokia store was also pretty simple and fast. their review process was however complicated and you would either get approval or your application is rejected. This was the only downside compared to android.
The best part was downloads and revenue. You would upload the app today, get approval tomorrow and by the time your app is hitting the stores you have enough downloads to earn you over $50. By the end of the day you have earned enough money to pay your bills. I remember hosting an app with videos from YouTube thinking I was doing it for fun. To my shock, I woke up to over $1oo in my Inneractive account.
I never looked back and made more app and since it was pretty simple, I disregarded android and IOS platforms. I didnt know that this would come to haunt me latter. For the few years I used the platform from Nokia, I made enough money. In fact I bought a laptop and new phones for testing, oohhh poor me! It is the power of easy money. You can do anything with it.
I never used to have issues with Nokia team. Inneractive would delay my payments for a month but when it comes through, I would be the richest boy in our village. At least for that day. Bills and happy times would take it all away. After all there was no sweat. As android or IOS developer, you cannot try that. The sweat would kill you sooner than you know. It is not easy to get into android and IOS store without marketing and promoting your app.
I remember picking YouTube playlist from a user on YouTube , created the app and hosted. The speed at which it was approved made me become suspicious. You upload and in 10 seconds your app is approved. The next minute is people downloading. First I didn't find value from the app. After all it was just a playlist from anther user.
What value does it derive to the user. After all, they can go to the same user handle on YouTube and get the link for the playlist. Why cant they just look for the same music from YouTube?
As a DJ, I picked some of playlists from DJ music and this proved my argument above wrong. Not everybody on YouTube likes searching. If you give them the platform, they will use it. Some and, in fact most of us have no time searching for this playlists. They want to click and start listening. That at least made sense.
It also confirms why simple game attract more downloads than the complicated ones. People like simple things in life but as developers we concentrate on complicating apps and games. While I earned, I learnt simple lessons that have helped me in the journey to android platform. AN still trying to climb the mountain though it is not easy. You have to learn complicated code.
Why then did I not get copyright strikes?
As long as the video were available to public, you would make any app from YouTube. In fact I had app for each genre of music on YouTube. Music was like hot cake. Inneractive didn't waste time in showing ads and I positioned where it was easy for user to click. Boom, the money is in. No sweat.
I had over 100 apps on Nokia store and all performed well. No SEO thing, NO marketing, NO ratings. Inn fact why bother users with rating while they are voluntarily giving you 5 star rating! It was crazy. With android, I have to pester my friends to give me a 3 start rating at least. I still miss those days.
Nokia made me appreciate how easy you can make money online if you don't complicate your processes. What counts is what you do and how simple you make it for users to find and use your product. If only the good old Nokia days were to come back!
No copyright, nothing. You are just using links here. If the playlist is blocked, you would just change the link to different playlist and users would think it is a new app. in fact you would think you own that music somewhere in the cloud. But how do I say? If only we were to have another Nokia! Life after Nokia has not been easy. Making apps and games requires dedication and time. You have to put more effort in marketing to get the single dollar, my friend.
MY TAKE
- Easy money can blind fold you. You will not see the purpose of tomorrow until such a time comes. If only I invest in learning android at that time, poor me, I would have had a very smooth transition to android after Nokia store was discontinued.
- Never rely on one source of income. What if it is discontinue tomorrow? Would you start learning new platform? what time would it take you to learn and get a footing or back to where you were? They say, don't put all your eggs in one basket!
- Even if platform is easy, don't ignore other platforms. Learn even if it is basics. It will help you in near future. No one thought Nokia store would go away but it happened as if it never started.
- When monetizing apps and games, don't rely on one source. What if they delay your payment or deny you all together? what if they discontinue? You need to diversify your earning by engaging as may ads integrator as you can. Look for their review, what users are happy and sad about them, What challenges are there in terms of earning and payments? what are their term of payment?
- Always be ready for change. When Nokia ended their app store, I was ready or I was forced to adopt android platform. With experience I had, I also ventured into other fields. In my latest article, I have highlighted why I don't rely on full time jobs alone. It is as result of this experience. I learnt my lessons, don't wait to learnt yours.
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