Hybrid App
TL;DR
A hybrid app is a type of mobile application that combines elements of both native and web apps.
What is Hybrid App?
Related Terms
Native Mobile App
A native mobile app refers to a type of smartphone application that is developed and programmed specifically for a particular operating system, such as iOS or Android, using a dedicated programming language such as Objective C for iOS or Java for Android.
Flutter
Flutter is a freely available framework developed by Google that enables the creation of cross-platform applications that are natively compiled using a single codebase. Using Dart – a Flutter coding language, Flutter facilitates the development of applications for both Android and iOS devices.
App Size
App size refers to the amount of storage space a mobile application occupies, measured at different stages of its lifecycle from download to active use. Understanding and managing app size is crucial for mobile developers because it directly impacts user acquisition, retention, and overall app performance. App size encompasses multiple dimensions including download size (compressed data transferred from app stores), install size (uncompressed data after installation), and storage size (total space used during active use including caches and user data).
In-App Purchases SDK
An In-app purchases SDK (Software Development Kit) is a set of tools, code libraries, and documentation provided by a developer platform, such as Apple or Google, that allows app developers to integrate the ability for users to make purchases within their app.
Hybrid Monetization
Hybrid monetization is a revenue strategy that combines two or more monetization models within a single app — typically a mix of subscriptions, in-app purchases, and advertising. Rather than relying on a single revenue stream, hybrid monetization allows apps to capture value from different user segments based on their willingness and ability to pay. For example, a freemium app might generate subscription revenue from its most engaged users, display ads to free users who are unlikely to convert, and offer one-time in-app purchases for specific features or content. The rise of hybrid monetization reflects the reality that most apps have diverse user bases with varied preferences. A user who won't pay $9.99/month for a subscription might still watch a rewarded video ad to unlock premium features for a session. Implementing hybrid monetization requires careful balancing — too many ads can degrade the user experience and reduce subscription conversion, while overly aggressive paywalls might drive away users who would have generated meaningful ad revenue. The most successful hybrid models segment users dynamically and adjust the monetization approach shown to each user based on behavioral signals and predicted lifetime value.

