For starters, a clone app basically refers to an app created after developers took inspiration from a website or an app (or an app theme) which is undoubtedly unique. The mobile clone app process involves copying such a concept to create a clone app.
Yet cloning does not mean copying the exact same concept as the original one. It simply means taking some of the original app’s ideas and adding unique features along with other things inspired by the original app to create a new app.
Is app cloning quite popular?
App cloning these days has become quite popular. Numerous app development firms have been involved in creating apps by ways of app cloning. Ola, Lyft etc. are key examples of cloned apps that have their own unique features instead of being apps that were copied completely.
The app cloning technique is quite useful and beneficial for budding entrepreneurs wishing to enter the world of intelivita app development. Creating an app from the very beginning is time and resource intensive. This hence can become costly. Hence, the word clone is used to prevent misunderstanding between being a copycat and taking inspiration.
A lot of successful apps are those that were inspired or had copied some features from other apps, but later added a whole new set of features as per their target audience’s needs in a way other companies desire to clone.
Why do companies clone app?
One of the most common reasons for duplicating or cloning apps is utilization of multiple accounts. Today, a lot of apps support multiple account sign-ins. Yet a lot of holdouts still exist. Key examples are Snapchat and WhatsApp.
When an app is cloned, an identical copy is made which can be used independently. This indicates that users can sign in with one account on one version and another account on another version. Even if the app is supporting multiple accounts, users may find it easier to switch between one version and the other.
Developers can also clone an app to make separate versions suitable for children and other young audiences. That cloned app will allow them to change the app’s name, provided that it is something they have been wishing to do.
Benefits of cloning mobile apps
Here are some key benefits of cloning mobile apps, compiled by seasoned professionals working at a well-known mobile app development firm in the Middle East:
Easy to customize
Those who make clone app are in luck. The cloned apps give the original developer complete access to edit and customize apps as per their/their company’s requirements. They can also add unique features as well as mobile app development languages to the app whilst they are cloning from the other app.
They are cost optimized solutions
A lot of cloned mobile apps are replicas of original apps well-known in the market. Hence the cost of developing one in cloning manner is minimal and can also provide the best programming language for mobile app development.
Mobile app cloning is not work intensive
A lot of initial work is needed when it comes to developing an app from ground zero. Market research, planning and execution are some of the tasks that are needed in tappable app development. Cloning a mobile app cuts down half of the initial work and saves time, hence allowing developers to work on the key tasks.
It raises an app‘s odds of becoming successful
Cloned mobile apps are a replica of those that have an existence in the market and app stores. They are created by reputable mobile app development firms. They are well-known apps used by a vast majority of audiences. This is why clone app have a high chance of success as they are derivatives of the original apps but with more advanced features.
Some popular cloned mobile apps
Believe it or not There are a considerable number of apps in the world which are clones of well-known mobile apps. We will briefly discuss some key ones as under:
Uber has been cloned
Uber has redefined ridesharing and ride booking. Before its existence, people had to book taxi cabs from bus stops and taxi stands. Uber allows booking a ride and embarking on it right at the doorstep.
Now that the app has been cloned as businesses have taken a step further, and based their apps on it to create ones for trucking, goods delivery, and for walking and caring for pets as well.
Yes, clones of Spotify exist too
Spotify is an audio streaming app (and the best of its kind too). It created huge waves in the audio streaming industry based on personalized recommendations and playlists admired by everyone. Numerous apps help make a playlist or a podcast recommendation based on moods.
Spotify’s clones have helped users delve deep in their musical preferences by companies creating niche specific apps (based on Spotify) in this regard. Some of them have been quite an improvement on SoundCloud.
Streaming apps are cloned and based on Netflix
A lot of people were entertained by OTT platforms during the COVID-19 induced lockdowns. Behind closed doors, those apps provided entertainment. Netflix has been cloned and numerous apps have been made serving numerous local customer bases across the world (India, South Korea, Japan, Colombia etc.).
Numerous Netflix based apps are present for documentaries, movies, series in various languages (telenovelas) and vice versa. These apps help users identify their preferred niche.
Fiverr has been cloned too – freelancing apps are rising in numbers
A lot of freelancing professionals face a hard time in looking for good projects which can help them obtain the needed cash. This is where Fiverr came in as the number one platform for freelancers to get good projects at the best prices.
However, Fiverr has a catch. No freelancer can ask for USD$ 5 for any project (hence the name Fiverr). Clone app based on it have been able to fill the gaps, segregate customers and professionals, and have made more custom solutions. The marketplace for such is lucrative and great, but caution should be exercised.
What is the best mobile app development software?
Top-notch mobile app development software is instrumental for making app development a seamless and streamlined process. Mobile apps have traditionally been associated with information and gaming, but now they are covering a wide array of functions and services.
Smartphones have helped bring Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies and Mobile Device management (MDM) solutions under one umbrella (for both Android and iOS, covering both collaborative and productivity software and apps). Here are some of the best software for developing mobile apps:
- Appian.
- Appy Pie.
- AppSheet.
- Zoho Creator.
- Appery.io.
