IAP Referral Program: Give X% Off IAP, Get Reward -- Bad?

Question

Created Apr ’21

Replies 2

Boosts 0

Participants 3

I see this marketing program all the time on e-commerce websites, but not so much in apps.

In my case, we sell a $5 app with an additional premium upgrade IAP. We're trying to promote referrals to the premium upgrade IAP.

Here's how I think it would work:

customer A signs up to IAP referral program inside app
customer A gets sharable code/url
customer A sends code to customer B
customer B downloads app, purchases IAP using code
customer A receives reward

1) Even though this program doesn't incentivize the main download of the app--but rather just the in-app purchase-- would it still violate Apple's rules?

2) Is it only a problem because the referral program ORIGINATED within the app? In other words, if we launched this program exclusively on our website, would Apple take issue with it?

Thanks

Boost

Answer 1

Toni_Peinoit OP

Sep ’24

@rthomas You could consider using a third-party affiliate platform like GoMarketMe to launch a such referral program. These platforms offer robust tools for tracking and managing affiliate links, which could be a perfect fit for your needs.

In your case, you'd set up a Public Campaign and share the link so any of your users can join your program and start earning from every IAP and subscription they generate. I believe they also provide API access if you're looking to build a custom UI directly within your app.

1

Answer 2

Michael Butler OP

Sep ’24

I came across the same issue so have created a SaaS solution, Insert Affiliate, which is now live and we are inviting up to 10 early users to our exclusive private beta!

Here you’ll be able to:

Drive sales for your in-app purchases with your new affiliate program.

Increase your brand exposure through your affiliates without any risky upfront costs.
Nurture trust with your affiliates by operating with complete transparency.
We are offering an early bird pricing discount until the 30th November for these first 10 users.

Due to the restrictions of the forums I'm unable to post a walkthrough but it can be found at our website - https://insertaffiliate.com

0