The idea of freemium applications is that the initial version of the app is free, which appeals to the user and raises their interest in downloading the app. Although, once the user begins to form an addiction to the app and desires additional features, an upgraded premium version is available. In this way, developers can monetize their applications by originally including well-placed ads in their free version, and later upselling their users on extras increasing their profits. Although it is a fun idea, freemiums are usually more successful with gaming apps, which have been largely popular with at the Apple App Store (and not quite as popular at the Android Market).

On the bright side, freemiums have also been proven to be more successful than pure paid apps. They grab the user’s attention by originally appearing as free, and later revealing more features that appeal to the already game-obsessed user. Statistics show that while roughly 80% of all free apps have been downloaded over 100 times in the Google Android Market and Apple App Store, only about 20% of the paid apps have been downloaded over 100 times.