App stores vs. PWAs
You don’t need app stores to be successful
You don’t need app stores to be successful
You don’t need app stores to be successful
Why creators are moving away from native apps and building PWAs with Movement
Why creators are moving away from native apps & building PWAs with Movement
6.6%
Only 6.6% of Movement creators have apps on the app stores, with the majority relying solely on web apps.
0%
None of the 20 highest earning Movement creators use the app stores, proving that successful businesses thrive with a PWA.
6
Only 6 of the 100 highest earning Movement creators have apps listed on the app stores.
As creators, brands, and businesses look for more direct and authentic ways to engage their communities on their terms, the limitations of app stores are becoming increasingly apparent. App store fees, lengthy review processes, and rigid guidelines make it challenging to connect with your community and manage your app experience freely. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer a powerful alternative, giving you complete control over your app’s reach, engagement, and updates—without app store restrictions or revenue cuts.
As creators, brands, and businesses look for more direct and authentic ways to engage their communities on their terms, the limitations of app stores are becoming increasingly apparent. App store fees, lengthy review processes, and rigid guidelines make it challenging to connect with your community and manage your app experience freely. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer a powerful alternative, giving you complete control over your app’s reach, engagement, and updates—without app store restrictions or revenue cuts.
What are PWAs?
Not confined to app store rules, PWAs allow you to deliver seamless user experiences, including push notifications and device compatibility across mobile and desktop–all through a simple URL. In this guide, we’ll explore how PWAs are transforming the app-building landscape, debunk common myths, and show why creating a web app is a smart, flexible solution for building a thriving community on your terms.
What are PWAs?
Not confined to app store rules, PWAs allow you to deliver seamless user experiences, including push notifications and device compatibility across mobile and desktop–all through a simple URL. In this guide, we’ll explore how PWAs are transforming the app-building landscape, debunk common myths, and show why creating a web app is a smart, flexible solution for building a thriving community on your terms.
What are PWAs?
Not confined to app store rules, PWAs allow you to deliver seamless user experiences, including push notifications and device compatibility across mobile and desktop–all through a simple URL. In this guide, we’ll explore how PWAs are transforming the app-building landscape, debunk common myths, and show why creating a web app is a smart, flexible solution for building a thriving community on your terms.
The hidden costs of the app stores
Apple’s App Store & Google Play have been the go-to for distributing mobile apps, with broad reach and a standardized download process. But these benefits come with some serious drawbacks.
The hidden costs of the app stores
Apple’s App Store & Google Play have been the go-to for distributing mobile apps, with broad reach and a standardized download process. But these benefits come with some serious drawbacks.
Cost of developer programs
Developers are required to join Apple’s Developer Program, which costs $100 per year, adding yet another recurring expense to the process.
30% commission fees
App stores charge 15–30% commission on in-app sales, significantly cutting into revenue, especially for businesses with tight margins.
Frustrating review process
App approval can be tedious, with strict guidelines and risk of rejection, causing launch delays and frustration.
Managing reviews and ratings
One bad review can harm your visibility, and responding or improving your rating is slow, leaving your app’s reputation in the hands of a few users.
Updates require resubmission
Upgrades require resubmission, forcing a new build and approval process, making app management more cumbersome.
Discoverability challenges
Standing out among millions in app stores is difficult. Even with good optimization, many struggle with visibility without major spend.
Low visibility and limited reporting
App store reporting tools are limited, making it hard to gain real insights to improve your app’s performance or discoverability.
Delayed payment processing
Payments from the app stores can take weeks to process, impacting your cash flow, especially during high-sales periods.
”Apple arbitrarily moves the goalposts and frequently changes the rules for competitors. Apple has also routinely rejected and delayed enhancements to the Spotify app that would improve our customers’ experiences—and at business-critical moments for us, like during the launch of our Audiobooks service.”
”Apple arbitrarily moves the goalposts and frequently changes the rules for competitors. Apple has also routinely rejected and delayed enhancements to the Spotify app that would improve our customers’ experiences—and at business-critical moments for us, like during the launch of our Audiobooks service.”
”Apple arbitrarily moves the goalposts and frequently changes the rules for competitors. Apple has also routinely rejected and delayed enhancements to the Spotify app that would improve our customers’ experiences—and at business-critical moments for us, like during the launch of our Audiobooks service.”
The case for web apps over native apps
The case for web apps over native apps
Avoid app store commission fees
Native app stores, like Apple’s App Store and Google Play, take up to a 30% cut of every in-app purchase or subscription—a policy that can cripple small businesses and independent creators operating on tight margins. These fees severely eat away at earnings, especially given the time and resources invested in developing and marketing a product, only to have a significant portion stripped away before it even reaches the business.
Avoid app store commission fees
Native app stores, like Apple’s App Store and Google Play, take up to a 30% cut of every in-app purchase or subscription—a policy that can cripple small businesses and independent creators operating on tight margins. These fees severely eat away at earnings, especially given the time and resources invested in developing and marketing a product, only to have a significant portion stripped away before it even reaches the business.
Avoid app store commission fees
Native app stores, like Apple’s App Store and Google Play, take up to a 30% cut of every in-app purchase or subscription—a policy that can cripple small businesses and independent creators operating on tight margins. These fees severely eat away at earnings, especially given the time and resources invested in developing and marketing a product, only to have a significant portion stripped away before it even reaches the business.
By using a PWA, you keep nearly 100% of your earnings, only paying minimal transaction fees through integrated payment solutions like Stripe.
No long review queues
App store approval processes can take days—or even weeks. For creators who need quick turnaround times to update content, events, or promotions, app store review queues are a hindrance. With a PWA, you control when updates go live. Simply make the changes, hit save, and the updates are instantly available for your users.
No long review queues
App store approval processes can take days—or even weeks. For creators who need quick turnaround times to update content, events, or promotions, app store review queues are a hindrance. With a PWA, you control when updates go live. Simply make the changes, hit save, and the updates are instantly available for your users.
No long review queues
App store approval processes can take days—or even weeks. For creators who need quick turnaround times to update content, events, or promotions, app store review queues are a hindrance. With a PWA, you control when updates go live. Simply make the changes, hit save, and the updates are instantly available for your users.
Accessible across all devices, instantly
PWAs operate on any device with a web browser, so they're accessible on smartphones, tablets, desktops, and even smart TVs without downloads. They provide the same seamless user experience as native apps, allowing users to save them to their home screens for easy access.
Accessible across all devices, instantly
PWAs operate on any device with a web browser, so they're accessible on smartphones, tablets, desktops, and even smart TVs without downloads. They provide the same seamless user experience as native apps, allowing users to save them to their home screens for easy access.
Accessible across all devices, instantly
PWAs operate on any device with a web browser, so they're accessible on smartphones, tablets, desktops, and even smart TVs without downloads. They provide the same seamless user experience as native apps, allowing users to save them to their home screens for easy access.
Push notifications, just like a native app
One of the most persistent myths about PWAs is that they lack push notification capabilities—a crucial engagement tool. However, PWAs support push notifications on Android, iOS, and desktop browsers. As long as a user permits notifications, you can send updates, event reminders, and more to keep your community engaged. And with Movement, there are no limits on the number of push notifications that can be sent to your members!
Push notifications, just like a native app
One of the most persistent myths about PWAs is that they lack push notification capabilities—a crucial engagement tool. However, PWAs support push notifications on Android, iOS, and desktop browsers. As long as a user permits notifications, you can send updates, event reminders, and more to keep your community engaged. And with Movement, there are no limits on the number of push notifications that can be sent to your members!
Push notifications, just like a native app
One of the most persistent myths about PWAs is that they lack push notification capabilities—a crucial engagement tool. However, PWAs support push notifications on Android, iOS, and desktop browsers. As long as a user permits notifications, you can send updates, event reminders, and more to keep your community engaged. And with Movement, there are no limits on the number of push notifications that can be sent to your members!
"The most obvious challenge is the incredible expense of distributing your app through the app stores. Particularly with Apple, you are losing 30% of your revenue off the top, month in and month out, through their commissions. Not to mention the annual fees you pay just to be able to distribute your app on the app store."
"The most obvious challenge is the incredible expense of distributing your app through the app stores. Particularly with Apple, you are losing 30% of your revenue off the top, month in and month out, through their commissions. Not to mention the annual fees you pay just to be able to distribute your app on the app store."
"The most obvious challenge is the incredible expense of distributing your app through the app stores. Particularly with Apple, you are losing 30% of your revenue off the top, month in and month out, through their commissions. Not to mention the annual fees you pay just to be able to distribute your app on the app store."
— Caitlin, Heavily Meditated
— Caitlin, Heavily Meditated
— Caitlin, Heavily Meditated
Movement's top creators aren't on the app stores
These stats and testimonials demonstrate that web apps, free from app store constraints, are not just viable but a highly effective solution for scaling businesses on Movement.
Movement's top creators aren't on the app stores
These stats and testimonials demonstrate that web apps, free from app store constraints, are not just viable but a highly effective solution for scaling businesses on Movement.
6.6%
6.6%
Only 6.6% of Movement creators have apps on the App Stores, with the majority relying solely on web apps.
Only 6.6% of Movement creators have apps on the App Stores, with the majority relying solely on web apps.
0%
0%
None of the 20 highest earning Movement creators use the app stores, proving that successful businesses thrive with a PWA.
None of the 20 highest earning Movement creators use the app stores, proving that successful businesses thrive with a PWA.
6
6
Only 6 of the 100 highest earning Movement creators have apps listed on the app stores.
Only 6 of the 100 highest earning Movement creators have apps listed on the app stores.
Mahesh
MoonRise
The app store requirements and policies have impacted my business goals by limiting my pricing flexibility and revenue share models, as well as restricting certain types of functionality or content.
Wes
Hoops & Hustle
Web apps give us total control over our platform, allowing us to set our own policies and pricing. This ensures we can provide the best possible experience for our members, free from external influences.
Caitlin
Heavily Heditated
The truth is, even though you're paying a huge commission to the app stores for the privilege of having them distribute your app, you really don't get anything in exchange. Unless you're paying for visibility, you're not being seen. The market is so saturated on the app stores and in my experience, the only apps being seen are the big players who have vast budgets and huge marketing teams behind them.
Mahesh
MoonRise
Thank you to the team at Movement. Your work is making life easier for creators like me, giving us peace of mind, helping us sleep better, and saving us money and headaches in navigating the app store landscape and creating impact.
Caitlin
Heavily Meditated
Another challenge was jumping through the hoops the app store sets up. If they update something in their system, your app could stop working and costs thousands to fix. Furthermore, if the app store rolls out a new requirement for apps (for example, the ability for a user to delete their account in one step), you're forced to make the change in your app at your own expense and in a finite timeline. Tough for a small business to absorb costs like this!
Mahesh
MoonRise
In a few words, I'd describe the app store process as ‘Complex, costly, and constantly evolving’. Before launching on the App Stores, I wish I had known the true scope of marketing efforts required for visibility and the complexities of managing user reviews and ratings.
Adolfo
Ekilibra
In the startup where I started (wOS), we had our own app. However, the costs were very high, and we lacked agility. We decided to migrate to a solution that would allow us to offer our content but with the advantages of being much more accessible and adaptable. That's how we found Movement, and we are very pleased with this solution.
CJ
Fitness Trainer
I had previously built a custom built app. Due to ongoing developer issues and dilemmas with Apple, I had a choice to either close down or rebuild. Overwhelmed at the thought of rebuilding, I came across Movement. Best. Decision. Ever.
Wes
SoulSessions
We've chosen to offer SoulSessions as a web app to ensure a consistent experience across all devices and to maintain our freedom to innovate without the constraints of app stores. This allows us to focus on delivering high-quality soundscapes directly to our users and to avoid the fees associated with app stores.
Shaun
Fairway Performance
I wanted to scale to many clients quickly and be able to do all of the backend work myself without having to hire a developer team or struggling with the app stores every time I wanted to make changes.
Caitlin
Heavily Meditated
The biggest challenge I faced with the app stores was controlling costs. Everything costs money—whether you need to fix a bug in the app or want to roll out a new feature—I was responsible for footing the bill for everything. And often the actual costs were much higher than estimated costs. Further to that, paying developers overseas in USD made estimating costs really hard as exchange rates are constantly fluctuating.
Mahesh
MoonRise
The app store requirements and policies have impacted my business goals by limiting my pricing flexibility and revenue share models, as well as restricting certain types of functionality or content.
Wes
Hoops & Hustle
Web apps give us total control over our platform, allowing us to set our own policies and pricing. This ensures we can provide the best possible experience for our members, free from external influences.
Caitlin
Heavily Heditated
The truth is, even though you're paying a huge commission to the app stores for the privilege of having them distribute your app, you really don't get anything in exchange. Unless you're paying for visibility, you're not being seen. The market is so saturated on the app stores and in my experience, the only apps being seen are the big players who have vast budgets and huge marketing teams behind them.
Mahesh
MoonRise
Thank you to the team at Movement. Your work is making life easier for creators like me, giving us peace of mind, helping us sleep better, and saving us money and headaches in navigating the app store landscape and creating impact.
Wes
SoulSessions
We've chosen to offer SoulSessions as a web app to ensure a consistent experience across all devices and to maintain our freedom to innovate without the constraints of app stores. This allows us to focus on delivering high-quality soundscapes directly to our users and to avoid the fees associated with app stores.
Shaun
Fairway Performance
I wanted to scale to many clients quickly and be able to do all of the backend work myself without having to hire a developer team or struggling with the app stores every time I wanted to make changes.
Caitlin
Heavily Meditated
Another challenge was jumping through the hoops the app store sets up. If they update something in their system, your app could stop working and costs thousands to fix. Furthermore, if the app store rolls out a new requirement for apps (for example, the ability for a user to delete their account in one step), you're forced to make the change in your app at your own expense and in a finite timeline. Tough for a small business to absorb costs like this!
Mahesh
MoonRise
In a few words, I'd describe the app store process as ‘Complex, costly, and constantly evolving’. Before launching on the App Stores, I wish I had known the true scope of marketing efforts required for visibility and the complexities of managing user reviews and ratings.
Adolfo
Ekilibra
In the startup where I started (wOS), we had our own app. However, the costs were very high, and we lacked agility. We decided to migrate to a solution that would allow us to offer our content but with the advantages of being much more accessible and adaptable. That's how we found Movement, and we are very pleased with this solution.
CJ
Fitness Trainer
I had previously built a custom built app. Due to ongoing developer issues and dilemmas with Apple, I had a choice to either close down or rebuild. Overwhelmed at the thought of rebuilding, I came across Movement. Best. Decision. Ever.
Caitlin
Heavily Meditated
The biggest challenge I faced with the app stores was controlling costs. Everything costs money—whether you need to fix a bug in the app or want to roll out a new feature—I was responsible for footing the bill for everything. And often the actual costs were much higher than estimated costs. Further to that, paying developers overseas in USD made estimating costs really hard as exchange rates are constantly fluctuating.
Debunking myths: PWAs vs. native apps
Misconceptions of PWAs and native apps
Misconceptions of PWAs and native apps
Myth 1: Web apps can’t send push notifications
Modern PWAs (like Movement) support push notifications across all devices, allowing you to engage users with timely updates, just like native apps.
Myth 1: Web apps can’t send push notifications
Modern PWAs (like Movement) support push notifications across all devices, allowing you to engage users with timely updates, just like native apps.
Myth 1: Web apps can’t send push notifications
Myth 2: Only native apps can access device features
Myth 2: Only native apps can access device features
Myth 2: Only native apps can access device features
Myth 3: Native apps offer better performance
Myth 3: Native apps offer better performance
Myth 3: Native apps offer better performance
Myth 4: You need app stores for discovery & legitimacy
Myth 4: You need app stores for discovery & legitimacy
Myth 4: You need app stores for discovery & legitimacy
Myth 5: PWAs are less secure
Myth 5: PWAs are less secure
Myth 5: PWAs are less secure
Myth 6: PWAs can't handle large user bases
Myth 6: PWAs can't handle large user bases
Myth 6: PWAs can't handle large user bases
"The most challenging aspects of working with app stores include high costs for development, submission, and ongoing maintenance; device fragmentation requiring extensive testing and customisation; stringent and sometimes opaque approval processes for even small changes; fierce competition and discoverability challenges; and frequent policy changes requiring constant adaptation."
"The most challenging aspects of working with app stores include high costs for development, submission, and ongoing maintenance; device fragmentation requiring extensive testing and customisation; stringent and sometimes opaque approval processes for even small changes; fierce competition and discoverability challenges; and frequent policy changes requiring constant adaptation."
"The most challenging aspects of working with app stores include high costs for development, submission, and ongoing maintenance; device fragmentation requiring extensive testing and customisation; stringent and sometimes opaque approval processes for even small changes; fierce competition and discoverability challenges; and frequent policy changes requiring constant adaptation."
— Mahesh, MoonRise
— Mahesh, MoonRise
— Mahesh, MoonRise
The bottom line
PWAs offer a streamlined, cost-effective solution with all the power of a native app—minus the complexity and hefty app store fees. For businesses, creators, and brands, PWAs mean total control, seamless user experiences, and freedom from App Store restrictions. If you’re still set on shipping your app to the App Stores, Movement has you covered with tailored plans to help get you there.
Discover how PWAs can help you create an app experience that scales effortlessly with your goals—no app store headaches required.
Go beyond creating an app, build a movement
With Movement, you have all the tools and functionality you need to create the ultimate online experience for your members and community.
Other App Builders
Expensive, technical, rigid layouts and confusing user experience
Movement
A clean, professional and extremely user-friendly experience for you and your members
Unlimited Media & Content Uploads
Upload as much audio and video as you need on our paid plans. Plus, on all plans (free included), you can create limitless content in your app!
Drip Content
Release your content your way. With drip content, you can schedule and automate the release of content in a series (i.e. a program, challenge, etc). Keep your audience engaged, build momentum and save yourself time.
Flexible Access Rules
Most app builders force you to choose from two options: make your app fully public or lock it all down. With Movement, you hold the keys–choose how to offer access and each page can be different!
Go beyond creating an app, build a movement
With Movement, you have all the tools and functionality you need to create the ultimate online experience for your members and community.
Other App Builders
Expensive, technical, rigid layouts and confusing user experience
Movement
A clean, professional and extremely user-friendly experience for you and your members
Unlimited Media & Content Uploads
Upload as much audio and video as you need on our paid plans. Plus, on all plans (free included), you can create limitless content in your app!
Drip Content
Release your content your way. With drip content, you can schedule and automate the release of content in a series (i.e. a program, challenge, etc). Keep your audience engaged, build momentum and save yourself time.
Flexible Access Rules
Most app builders force you to choose from two options: make your app fully public or lock it all down. With Movement, you hold the keys–choose how to offer access and each page can be different!
Go beyond creating an app, build a movement
With Movement, you have all the tools and functionality you need to create the ultimate online experience for your members and community.
Other App Builders
Expensive, technical, rigid layouts and confusing user experience
Movement
A clean, professional and extremely user-friendly experience for you and your members
Unlimited Media & Content Uploads
Upload as much audio and video as you need on our paid plans. Plus, on all plans (free included), you can create limitless content in your app!
Drip Content
Release your content your way. With drip content, you can schedule and automate the release of content in a series (i.e. a program, challenge, etc). Keep your audience engaged, build momentum and save yourself time.
Flexible Access Rules
Most app builders force you to choose from two options: make your app fully public or lock it all down. With Movement, you hold the keys–choose how to offer access and each page can be different!
Ready to get started?
Start creating with Movement for free–no commitment and no credit card.
Ready to get started?
Start creating with Movement for free–no commitment and no credit card.
Ready to get started?
Start creating with Movement for free–no commitment and no credit card.