Best Monetization Strategies to Kickstart Your Super Apps

Last Updated on March 29, 2025

Super Apps are revolutionizing the digital economy, offering multiple services—payments, shopping, ride-hailing, and more—within a single platform. For Gen Z entrepreneurs, cracking the monetization code is key to long-term success.

The best strategies combine diverse revenue streams. In-app advertising allows brands to engage users seamlessly. Subscription models create steady income while offering exclusive features. Transaction fees on payments and e-commerce generate passive revenue. Freemium models attract users with free services while upselling premium features—partnerships and affiliate marketing drive commissions through strategic collaborations.

However, monetization should not compromise user experience. Super apps like Gojek thrive by maintaining convenience and engagement while integrating revenue streams naturally. The key is to balance profitability with value-driven experiences.

For Gen Z entrepreneurs building the next big super app, innovative and user-friendly monetization strategies will be the foundation for sustainable growth. Which model fits your app best? Let’s explore!

Best Monetization Strategies in 2025

Subscription-Based Monetization

Subscription models continue to dominate the digital economy in 2025. With over 50% of mobile app revenue coming from subscriptions, businesses are leveraging tiered pricing, freemium models, and exclusive content to drive engagement and revenue.

Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Apple One have refined subscription models to retain users through personalized content, family plans, and AI-driven recommendations. Subscription-based monetization’s success lies in offering value beyond free services. According to Statista, global app subscription revenue is expected to exceed $200 billion by the end of 2025.

Gen Z entrepreneurs can integrate micro-subscriptions, where users pay for specific features rather than an all-inclusive plan. Duolingo uses this effectively, offering a free learning experience while charging for premium features like ad-free usage and offline access. The key to success is delivering consistent value to justify the recurring payment, ensuring users find long-term engagement.

In-App Advertising & Programmatic Ads

In-app advertising remains one of the highest revenue-generating strategies, with global mobile ad spend expected to surpass $400 billion in 2025. Advertisers prefer programmatic ads, where AI and machine learning analyze user behavior to deliver personalized ads in real-time.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have mastered in-app advertising through immersive, interactive formats. TikTok’s Spark Ads allow brands to amplify organic content, increasing engagement rates by up to 250%. To Generate Revenue from a Censor-Free Content Creation App, TikTok focuses mainly on in-app advertisements. Additionally, Google AdMob and Facebook Audience Network enable developers to integrate banner ads, interstitials, and rewarded video ads seamlessly. 

For Gen Z-focused apps, native ads—where advertisements blend with the app’s design and content—prove highly effective. Games like Candy Crush monetize through rewarded ads, giving users extra lives in exchange for ad views. The challenge in 2025 is balancing ad placements without disrupting user experience, as excessive ads can lead to uninstalls and lower retention rates.

Freemium Models and Upselling Strategies

The freemium model—offering free basic services while charging for premium features—has driven exponential growth for companies like LinkedIn, Zoom, and Spotify. As of 2025, 65% of mobile apps use a freemium model, relying on strategic upselling to convert free users into paying customers.

For example, Spotify Free allows streaming with ads, while Spotify Premium offers ad-free listening, offline downloads, and higher sound quality. Similarly, Zoom’s free plan limits meetings to 40 minutes, encouraging businesses to upgrade for unlimited calls.

Gen Z entrepreneurs can capitalize on freemium models by providing value-driven incentives. Gamification, personalized recommendations, and AI-driven analytics help convert users into subscribers. The key is creating a compelling free experience that showcases the benefits of premium features without making the free version feel inadequate.

Transaction Fees and Commission-Based Revenue

Super apps and fintech platforms thrive on transaction fees, taking a small percentage from payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and merchant transactions. PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay generate billions in revenue through processing fees, with the global digital payments market expected to reach $15 trillion by 2025.

E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Etsy charge commissions on each sale, with some marketplaces taking up to 20% per transaction. In the gig economy, Uber and DoorDash retain 15-30% of driver earnings, using algorithm-driven pricing models to optimize revenue.

For emerging Gen Z entrepreneurs, transaction-based monetization is ideal for digital marketplaces, online services, and fintech startups. By implementing tiered transaction fees, offering incentives for high-value transactions, and integrating loyalty programs, businesses can maximize earnings while maintaining customer trust.

Blockchain and Crypto Monetization

Blockchain-based revenue models are redefining app monetization in 2025, with over $1 trillion in crypto transactions processed annually. Web3 applications, play-to-earn games, and NFT marketplaces leverage smart contracts and decentralized finance (DeFi) to generate revenue. The impact of AI in Blockchain is also important in generating revenue. 

Platforms like OpenSea and Axie Infinity earn through NFT trading fees, taking 2.5% commission per transaction. Similarly, decentralized finance (DeFi) apps like Uniswap generate revenue through liquidity pools and transaction fees.

For Gen Z entrepreneurs, blockchain monetization provides transparency, security, and new revenue streams. Play-to-earn models reward users with cryptocurrency, while token gating—offering premium content in exchange for NFTs or crypto—creates an exclusive digital economy. The challenge is navigating regulatory landscapes and ensuring user-friendly adoption in mainstream markets.

Affiliate Marketing and Partner Collaborations

Affiliate marketing is projected to be a $20 billion industry by 2025, with businesses leveraging influencer-driven sales, commission-based referrals, and strategic partnerships to drive revenue.

Apps like Amazon Associates and Shopify Affiliate Program allow users to earn commissions by promoting products, while YouTube and Instagram creators generate income through brand collaborations. Affiliate marketing works particularly well for Gen Z-focused apps, where peer recommendations and social proof influence purchasing decisions.

For instance, fitness apps like MyFitnessPal promote health products through affiliate links, while travel apps like Booking.com generate revenue via hotel and flight commissions. The key is ensuring seamless integration of affiliate content into the user experience without feeling overly promotional.

Gen Z entrepreneurs should focus on flexibility—testing different monetization models and adapting based on user behavior. The global super app market is expected to reach $426 billion by 2028, growing rapidly. By combining ads, subscriptions, microtransactions, and partnerships, businesses can future-proof their monetization strategy, ensuring sustained revenue growth in an evolving digital economy.

Data Monetization and AI-Driven Insights

In 2025, data is a valuable asset, with AI-driven insights powering personalized experiences and targeted marketing. The global big data industry is expected to exceed $350 billion, with companies monetizing anonymized user data ethically.

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter generate revenue through targeted advertising, leveraging AI to predict user behavior. Similarly, Google monetizes search data, providing businesses with precise audience insights.

For new-age entrepreneurs, ethical data monetization involves subscription-based data analytics, where businesses pay for industry insights, market trends, and predictive analytics. However, with increasing privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, transparent data policies and opt-in mechanisms are essential to building user trust.

Crowdfunding and Community-Driven Monetization

Crowdfunding is evolving beyond Kickstarter, with Web3 innovations enabling direct fan funding through DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) and tokenized ownership. Global crowdfunding is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, with platforms like Patreon, GoFundMe, and Kickstarter driving creator-led economies.

Independent content creators, game developers, and social enterprises use crowdfunding to raise funds directly from users. Launching a subscription-based content platform like Twitch to monetize through fan subscriptions and donations, which can generate significant revenue, while Substack writers generate revenue through paid newsletters. 

Gen Z startups can benefit from community-driven funding models, offering exclusive perks, early access, or profit-sharing incentives. By leveraging decentralized funding mechanisms, entrepreneurs can create sustainable revenue streams without relying on venture capital or ad-based models.

Virtual Goods, Microtransactions, and Digital Assets

Microtransactions fuel the gaming industry, contributing to a $200 billion market in 2025. Free-to-play games like Fortnite, Roblox, and Genshin Impact generate billions through in-game purchases, skins, and virtual currencies.

In non-gaming apps, virtual goods extend to custom avatars, stickers, and digital collectibles. Social platforms like Snapchat and Discord offer paid customization features, while Metaverse platforms like Decentraland monetize through virtual real estate.

For Gen Z entrepreneurs, integrating microtransactions into apps—whether through gamified experiences, digital gifting, or limited-edition content—ensures continuous engagement and revenue. The challenge lies in creating non-intrusive, value-driven microtransactions that enhance user experience rather than feeling exploitative.

Hybrid Monetization Strategies for Sustainable Growth

In 2025, the most successful apps use hybrid monetization, combining multiple revenue streams to maximize profitability while enhancing user experience. For example:

• YouTube combines ads, subscriptions (YouTube Premium), and Super Chats for revenue.
• Amazon blends e-commerce sales, Prime subscriptions, and AWS cloud services.
• TikTok monetizes through ads, in-app purchases, and influencer collaborations.

Also read: How to Choose the Best Company for Providing Gojek Clone

How to Choose the Best Monetization Strategy?

Understanding Your Business Model and Audience

Selecting the right monetization strategy begins with a deep understanding of your super app’s business model and target audience. Different businesses have different revenue potentials, and what works for one may not be ideal for another. For instance, subscription-based businesses saw a 437% growth increase over the last decade. This statistic highlights the viability of subscriptions, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for all businesses.

Start by identifying whether your platform operates as a marketplace, SaaS, content-based business, or mobile app. Next, analyze your audience’s behavior for your super app—do they prefer paying a one-time fee, subscribing to continuous services, or engaging with advertisements? For example, streaming platforms like Netflix thrive on subscriptions, while social media platforms like Instagram rely on ad revenue. In contrast, freelancing marketplaces such as Upwork and Fiverr use commission-based revenue models, taking a percentage from each transaction.

Conducting surveys, studying competitors, and leveraging analytics tools can provide insight into user spending habits. Businesses that use data-driven decision-making experience up to 20% higher profitability. With a thorough understanding of your audience and business model, you’ll be in a strong position to select a monetization strategy that maximizes revenue and long-term sustainability.

Subscription-Based Monetization

Subscription models have gained immense popularity in super apps due to their ability to provide predictable, recurring revenue. Businesses across industries, from SaaS to media and e-commerce, have embraced subscriptions as a key revenue driver. The global subscription economy is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 18%.

Companies like Spotify, Netflix, and Adobe have successfully implemented this model by offering tiered subscription plans that cater to different customer needs. For example, Adobe Creative Cloud provides individual, business, and enterprise plans, ensuring they capture various market segments. Additionally, SaaS businesses such as Microsoft 365 and Zoom leverage subscriptions by offering different pricing tiers with varying feature sets.

However, success in the subscription model depends in super app on retention. Churn rates in subscription businesses can reach as high as 40% if customer engagement is low. To mitigate churn, businesses must continuously add value through exclusive content, premium features, or loyalty rewards. Subscription models work best when users perceive continuous value, leading to long-term customer relationships and sustained revenue growth.

Commission-Based Revenue Model

The commission-based model in super apps is widely used by platforms that facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers, such as marketplaces, gig economy platforms, and e-commerce intermediaries. In this model, businesses earn revenue by taking a percentage of each transaction. The global gig economy, driven by commission-based platforms, is expected to reach $455 billion by 2025.

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal charge commissions ranging from 5% to 20%, depending on the transaction size and the client-freelancer relationship. Similarly, e-commerce platforms like Amazon take a commission on each sale, varying between 8% and 15% based on product categories.

While commission models can generate significant revenue, they require a large and engaged user base to be profitable. A major challenge is “platform leakage,” where users try to complete transactions outside the platform to avoid fees. To combat this, businesses implement security measures, escrow systems, and incentives like dispute resolution services. Platforms with strong trust and security measures see 30% higher transaction completion rates.

The commission model is ideal for businesses that facilitate high transaction volumes and provide enough value to prevent users from bypassing the platform.

Also read: How to Choose the Best Company for Providing Gojek Clone

Advertising and Sponsorship Revenue

Advertising is one of the oldest and most widely used monetization strategies, especially for content-driven platforms, social media networks, and mobile applications. Digital advertising revenue is projected to exceed $700 billion by 2025, making it a lucrative option for businesses.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube rely heavily on ad revenue, using targeted advertising to maximize engagement and conversion rates. Google, for example, generated $280 billion in advertising revenue in 2023, accounting for 80% of its total income. Businesses leveraging this model can choose from various ad formats, including pay-per-click (PPC), cost-per-impression (CPM), and native ads.

Sponsorships also play a significant role, particularly in influencer marketing. The global influencer marketing industry is projected to reach $24 billion by 2025, with brands increasingly investing in partnerships with content creators. While advertising can generate high revenues, businesses must balance monetization with user experience, as excessive ads can lead to higher churn rates. Platforms with intrusive ads experience a 16% decline in engagement.

In-App Purchases and Microtransactions

In-app purchases (IAPs) and microtransactions have become a dominant monetization strategy, particularly in mobile gaming and digital services. The in-app purchase market is projected to surpass $340 billion by 2026, reflecting its growing importance.

Popular games like Fortnite and PUBG generate billions through microtransactions, offering users cosmetic upgrades, battle passes, and exclusive content. For example, Fortnite made $5.8 billion in revenue from in-game purchases in 2023. This model is not limited to gaming; meditation apps like Calm and productivity apps like Notion use premium add-ons to enhance user experience.

A key factor in successful IAP models is ensuring purchases feel optional rather than mandatory. Studies show that freemium apps with well-structured IAPs convert 2-5% of users into paying customers. Implementing dynamic pricing, personalized recommendations, and time-limited offers can further boost conversion rates.

While microtransactions can be highly profitable, businesses must be cautious of regulatory scrutiny. Several countries, including the UK and Netherlands, have imposed restrictions on loot boxes in gaming due to concerns about gambling-like mechanics (Source: European Gaming Commission, 2024).

Pay-Per-Use and Transaction Fees

The pay-per-use model is particularly effective for businesses offering on-demand services or high-value transactions. Instead of recurring payments, users are charged based on actual usage. This model is projected to contribute over $200 billion to the digital economy by 2025.

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft charge customers per ride, ensuring flexibility without long-term commitments. Similarly, cloud computing services such as AWS and Google Cloud use a pay-as-you-go model, allowing businesses to scale resources as needed. AWS generated over $90 billion in 2023, largely from pay-per-use services.

For this model to succeed, pricing transparency is crucial. A survey found that 68% of users prefer clear and upfront pricing in pay-per-use services. Businesses must also analyze user behavior to set optimal pricing structures that balance affordability with profitability.

Hybrid Monetization Strategies

Many businesses combine multiple monetization strategies to maximize revenue potential. Hybrid models offer flexibility and allow businesses to cater to different customer segments. Companies using hybrid monetization see up to 35% higher revenue compared to those relying on a single model.

For example, LinkedIn uses a combination of advertising, subscriptions (LinkedIn Premium), and job listing fees. Similarly, YouTube operates on ad revenue while offering YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience. Gaming companies like EA and Activision use a mix of one-time purchases, in-game microtransactions, and subscription models.

The key to a successful hybrid model in super apps is seamless integration. Users should feel that different monetization methods complement rather than compete with each other. Businesses must also track analytics closely to adjust strategies based on user preferences and revenue performance. Platforms that analyze data-driven insights achieve 25% higher user retention.

Hybrid strategies can provide multiple revenue streams, ensuring business stability even if one revenue source fluctuates.

Also read: How to Choose the Best Company for Providing Gojek Clone

Launch Your Own Super App Like Gojek with Oyelabs

The era of super apps is here, and businesses that embrace this trend are reaping massive rewards. Imagine having a single platform that offers ride-hailing, food delivery, digital payments, grocery shopping, and countless other services—just like Gojek! With Oyelabs, you can turn this vision into reality and create your own powerful, all-in-one super app like Gojek.

Gojek’s success story proves that users love convenience, and the market for multi-service platforms is booming. The global super app market is expected to reach $426 billion by 2028, growing rapidly. By partnering with Oyelabs, you get cutting-edge technology, seamless integrations, and customized solutions tailored to your super app business needs.

Whether you’re a startup launching a super app or an established business looking to expand, Oyelabs provides robust super app development, AI-powered optimizations, and real-time analytics to ensure success. Our team ensures smooth user experiences, secure transactions, and scalable infrastructure, allowing you to dominate the super app space.

Don’t miss out on the next big thing in digital transformation. Launch your super app like Gojek today with Oyelabs and unlock endless revenue opportunities! Contact us now to get started.

Conclusion

Choosing the best monetization strategy for your super app is the key to long-term success. Whether it’s transaction fees, subscriptions, in-app ads, or a hybrid model, your approach must align with user preferences and market trends. 

A well-structured monetization plan not only boosts profits but also enhances user experience and retention. Analyze user behavior, test different strategies, and refine your approach to stay ahead.

Now is the time to capitalize on the super app revolution! Ready to build a revenue-driven super app? Contact Oyelabs today and start your journey toward sustainable success!