How to Reduce Your Mobile App's Size and Boost Downloads

Do you know that with every 6 MB increase in the size of mobile apps, the chances of app downloads reduce by 1%? Yes, that’s true. When downloading an app, many users, myself included, first check the app size. Even with devices boasting 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, memory can still run out quickly. This makes users look for alternatives with smaller sizes on the Play Store. This common issue highlights the importance of considering app size as a critical factor. Keeping app size in mind can significantly improve customer satisfaction with your mobile application development service. From android application development to delivering apps to end-users, the goal is to boost customer engagement. This involves balancing load, high-quality graphics, and fantastic content while reducing app size. Here are some tools and techniques to help make your APK leaner.

Compress Your High-Quality Graphics

High-definition images are essential but significantly contribute to APK size. Tools like TinyPNG, OptiPNG, and pngcrush can reduce image size without losing quality. After compressing images, remove unwanted files and folders from your APK. For quicker results, use the Android Asset Packaging Tool (AAPT) to automatically compress content and graphics. If you use Android Studio with SDK version 18 or above, switch to WebP images. Convert JPEG, PNG, or BMP images to WebP without compromising quality. For drawing images or creating vector versions, use Vector Drawable to add quality graphics in XML format.

Remove Unimportant Classes and Methods with ProGuard

When designing an android app, many classes and components may become unnecessary later, consuming space. Use ProGuard to remove unused classes, fields, and attributes from the application code. For optimal results, use the proguard-android-optimize.txt file to perform optimization over your APK. If necessary code is accidentally removed, retrieve it from the app/build/outputs/mapping/release/usage.txt file to get your prior APK version.

Vanish Unreferenced Resources via Gradle Console

Libraries often come with additional resources, consuming space. Use Gradle Console for resource shrinking to free up space. Access the list of removed resources later from the app/build/outputs/mapping/release/resources.txt file. Combine Gradle with Lint for static resource scanning and removal of unwanted files.

Research Libraries

During android app development, research alternative libraries to understand their long-term impact. This helps in optimizing and reducing app size early on, saving time later. Boost your app's performance and download rates by integrating our mobile app development services, designed to optimize efficiency and user experience.

Create Multiple APKs

Instead of pushing a single large APK, break it into smaller chunks using Android app bundles and Application Binary Interfaces (ABIs). This allows users to download feature-wise content, separating resource files from code files, making it more efficient for users.

Allow App Installation on External Storage

Not all users are tech-savvy and many are unaware of why certain apps won’t install. Allowing app downloads on external storage (SD card) can increase download rates. Inform users with a notification if internal space is insufficient, suggesting external storage installation.

How Google Helps

Google Play Store aids in optimizing your services. The launch of Android app bundles helps approach users more effectively. Recent updates from Google I/O include dynamic features, built-in app updates, internal testing, enhanced security, and improved rating stats. The pre-registration feature is also noteworthy. Learn more about these innovations here.

Conclusion

The tactics mentioned can significantly improve app installations. Let's start making your app the user's choice. If you want to discuss anything about Android application development for your business, feel free to connect with us. Additionally, consider hiring our dedicated native mobile app developers or our team of expert mobile app developers to get the best assistance in optimizing your app.