Sleep tracking apps have experienced a significant surge in 2023, with a staggering 28% growth and over 22 million downloads. Examining this flourishing market reveals intriguing details about the most sought-after apps, their earnings, and the emergence of a new competitor.
Growth and Competition
AppFigures scrutinized three leading sleep tracking apps—Sleep Cycle, ShutEye, and BetterSleep—available on both the App Store and Google Play. These established apps, with histories dating back to 2009 and 2019, experienced a peak in November 2023, collectively amassing 2.2 million new installations.
Comparing the trio’s 2020 monthly downloads of 800k against current figures showcases substantial growth. Additionally, an unexpected entry, Pokemon Sleep, made an impact in the market this year, defying expectations with its popularity.
Competitor Standings and Revenue
ShutEye claimed the top spot in 2023, securing 9.8 million new downloads, followed closely by BetterSleep with 8 million and the newcomer, Pokemon Sleep, at 6.7 million. Surprisingly, Sleep Cycle experienced a decrease in downloads by 16% compared to the previous year.
However, revenue numbers revealed a different story. Pokemon Sleep, launched in July, outshone the established apps, accumulating a remarkable $26 million in net revenue with sustained growth. ShutEye and Sleep Cycle trailed with $17 million and $16 million, respectively, while BetterSleep garnered $13 million. Notably, BetterSleep exhibited the highest year-over-year growth at 53%, contrasting Sleep Cycle’s modest 2% increase.
User Demands and Growth Perspectives
These apps, though seemingly similar, cater to different aspects of sleep. Sleep Cycle functions more as a smart alarm, ShutEye offers comprehensive features, and BetterSleep aids in improving sleep quality. Understanding user preferences is crucial for sustained growth in this competitive landscape. Addressing evolving user needs can determine the trajectory of these apps, whether it’s exponential growth or a decline in downloads, notes NIX Solutions.
For developers in this niche, monitoring user requirements is key. Anticipating and meeting these needs can be the differentiator between substantial growth and dwindling app installations.