Android Instant Apps have been a game-changer in the landscape of mobile apps, offering a transformative experience. Relying solely on Play Store screenshots may not always convey the entirety of an app’s User Experience (UX).
These compact apps allow users to explore a segment of an app’s features without downloading the entire app.
Users can access an instant app that promptly loads on their device through a direct link click or QR code scan. This delivers an efficient UX.
According to AppBrain’s Android Instant Apps Statistics – There are over 900 Instant apps with over 3 billion downloads on Play Store.
What are Android Instant Apps?
Instant apps allow users to interact with an app’s content without installing them. Tailored for Android, these apps aim to optimize device storage while effortlessly directing users to specific app features through deep linking.
Users can use the app’s features without the hassle of sign-ups or installations by accessing it as an instant app. The streamlined process allows them to make purchases with just a few clicks.
How do Instant Apps Work?
Upon clicking an instant app’s URL through a link or alternative means, the user is directed to a designated app section. This feature is achievable due to the app’s division into modules. It ensures that only the necessary code for displaying that specific module is downloaded.
While technically present on the device, the instant app operates like a mobile browser, as it is cached upon closure. It is essential to note that instant apps are exclusive to those published on the Play Store. These are compatible with devices running Jellybean OS (2013) and newer.
Improving UX and Conversion Rates with Instant Apps:
- Swift Access:Instant apps ensure a rapid and smooth UX by loading quickly.
- Improved UX:These apps are tailored to be lightweight and user-friendly. This delivers a seamless and intuitive experience.
- Optimized Conversion Rates:Instant apps boost conversion rates by providing a swift and seamless UX. They encourage users to complete specific actions swiftly.
Developing User-Friendly Instant Apps
The effectiveness relies on the app’s user-friendliness. Thus, developers should adhere to the following steps.
They must fulfill specific requirements to create their instant app:
- The Android app must already have all the necessary features. It must be operational on a mobile device or emulator.
- The source code should remain open for editing by any developer, even if the final deployment is not on the mobile device where it will be utilized.
Steps to Develop Android Instant Apps
1. Initiate Instant App Module Creation
This step involves initiating the development of an instant app module. Execute the following sequence:
Opt for File > New > New Module from the primary menu of Android Studio. Select “Instant App” as the module type and proceed by clicking Next. Confirm the inclusion of your sources in the Instant App module and complete the process by choosing Finish.
2. Choose Minimum Software Development Kit (SDK) Requirement
Each module mandates a minimum supported Android version for the project’s functionality. Unlike conventional Android apps, where you can choose minimum compatible versions, Instant Apps follow Google’s recommendation to maintain the lowest feasible versions available on Google Play.
3. Configure Dependencies for the Instant App Module
In this phase, Android Studio prompts you regarding the addition of new dependencies to the project. Opting for “Yes” is advised, as incorporating dependencies in the module is key to making it accessible on Google Play.
4. Setting Up the Default Activity
Following the setup of instant app dependencies, a new layout named activity_main is incorporated into the “res/layout” directory of the instant app module in Android Studio.
This layout uses “ComplexAppTheme.” Serving as the entry point. This represents the activity initiated upon a user’s instant app launch. Adding a button to this layout is required to initiate the default activity.
5. Building Base Module Dependencies
In line with Google’s documentation, the Instant App functionality requires access to all features within the app. To ease this, informing the Google Play Store that the user’s interest in the instant app extends to its base module is vital.
This includes adding the instant app’s dependency on the base module in the AndroidManifest.xml file. It is similar to the procedure for any other app or module dependency. This step is mandatory for ensuring the proper functionality of the app on the Google Play Store.
6. Testing the Instant App
The testing phase involves building the project (menu: Build > Rebuild Project) and selecting the “Instant App” build variant (menu: Build > Select Build Variant). A seamless transition between normal APKs and Instant Apps is achievable using the same build variant menu.
7. Configuring Instant App Metadata
Metadata is essential before uploading the instant app to the Google Play Store. They can do this through an “Instant App Configuration” file residing in the “app” folder of the instant app module.
It is crucial to note that this configuration file is replicated across all APKs generated for the app module. This makes the process time-consuming for apps with numerous configurations.
8. Verify the Instant App on a Device or Emulator
At this point, one needs to verify the proper functioning of the instant app on an Android device or emulator. This involves installing the app on a testing device or emulator equipped with the Play Store. Once installed, launch the Google Play Store and search for the app’s name or navigate to the “Apps” section to explore available installations.
9. Launch the Instant App on the Google Play Store
For the publication of the \app on the Google Play Store, initiating a new release in the Developer Console is essential (found under “Release Management > Instant Apps” in the menu). Following this step, return to Android Studio and integrate “Discovery Badge” and “Deep Link URL” metadata values into the project-level build.
It is crucial to ensure that the “Deep Link URL” value directs to the default activity of your instant app. Post publication, it is advisable to locally test the release before uploading it to Production. Download the APK associated with the “app release” and validate the installation through testing.
Also Read: Top Programming Languages to Develop Android Apps
Wrap Up
Android Instant Apps represent a significant advancement in the mobile app landscape. Developers can optimize UX and boost conversion rates by streamlining the development process and adhering to user-friendly principles. Developing these apps involves a systematic approach. This ensures a seamless transition from development to publication on the Google Play Store.
As the mobile industry continues to evolve, embracing the potential of Android Instant Apps proves essential for developers aiming to deliver swift, installation-free, and improved user interactions.
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