In 2022, Calm and Headspace experienced substantial revenue growth despite a declining demand for mental health apps since 2020. However, this upward trend took a sharp turn in 2023.
Year of Growth: 2022
The previous year marked significant financial gains for both Calm and Headspace, witnessing an 18% and 15% revenue surge, respectively. Calm reached a historic high with $13 million in net revenue in January, while Headspace followed closely with $8 million, even after accounting for app store fees.
The Peak and Fall
Throughout 2022, despite intermittent revenue declines, both companies achieved record-breaking net sales of $94 million for Calm and $61 million for Headspace. However, this growth momentum didn’t sustain into 2023.
Decline and Challenges: 2023
Calm’s revenue dropped to $77 million, while Headspace saw a decline to $49 million. Although a brief surge in revenue occurred in the last two weeks of December, it only brought earnings back to 2021 levels.
Market Dynamics and Consequences
The dwindling download figures suggest a continuing downward trajectory for both apps, with over a 70% decline since 2020. New competitors, ranging from independent developers to well-funded entities, alongside a decline in user interest in lengthy meditation sessions, hindered revenue growth and pushed both apps to explore alternative monetization strategies.
This scenario serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the necessity of analyzing market trends before entering a space, notes NIX Solutions. Rushing into developing meditation apps due to their popularity in 2022 might not sustain success in a market that has evidently shifted.