(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
With over 1.1 billion smartphone users and fierce competition on Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi GetApps, and traditional iOS/Android stores, choosing the right pricing model can decide whether an overseas mobile app sinks or becomes the next breakout hit in China. Here are the five proven models that top-performing apps are using right now to acquire users fast and monetize profitably.
1. Freemium with Aggressive In-App Purchases
1.1 Core Loop Free, Premium Features Paid
The app itself is free to download and offers full basic functionality, while cosmetic items, extra lives, or accelerated progress are sold aggressively. Chinese users have become highly comfortable spending on “looking cooler” or “winning faster.”
1.2 Limited-Time & Festival-Themed Items
Launching exclusive skins or boosts during Singles’ Day, 618, or Lunar New Year creates massive FOMO-driven revenue spikes—often 8-15× normal daily income in just 48 hours.
2. Subscription-First Model (Rising Fast)
2.1 Annual Discount + 7-Day Free Trial
Offering an annual plan at the equivalent of 6-7 months of the monthly price has become standard. Conversion rates jump when combined with a risk-free trial and “cancel anytime” messaging.
2.2 Membership Privilege System
Subscribers receive exclusive badges, early access to new features, and ad removal—turning the subscription into visible social currency inside the app community.
3. Pay-to-Skip & Time-Saver Pricing
3.1 Energy/Stamina Purchase
Instead of waiting 2-4 hours for energy to refill, users can pay 1-6 RMB to continue playing instantly. This micro-transaction alone accounts for 60-80 % of revenue in many casual games.
3.2 Ad-Skip Passes
A 30-day “no forced ads” pass priced at 12-18 RMB converts 15-25 % of active users and dramatically improves retention.
4. Hybrid Model: Ads + IAP + Subscription
4.1 Rewarded Video Dominance
Users watch a 15-30 second ad to earn in-game currency—non-intrusive and extremely popular. Top apps generate 40-50 % of revenue from rewarded videos alone.
4.2 VIP Double Rewards
Paying members earn 2× rewards from watching ads, creating a powerful incentive to upgrade while still monetizing free users.
5. Seasonal & Event-Driven Battle Pass
5.1 30-45 Day Battle Pass System
Priced at 30-68 RMB, the battle pass offers dozens of exclusive rewards as users complete daily/weekly missions. Completion rate typically exceeds 70 % among purchasers.
5.2 Multi-Tier Pass (Silver/Gold/Diamond)
Giving users the option to upgrade mid-season for additional premium rewards increases average revenue per paying user by 120 %+.
Case Study: European Photo-Editing App on Huawei AppGallery
A leading European photo-editing app launched in China with a hybrid model (freemium + subscription + battle pass). By localizing all cosmetics and filters to Chinese aesthetics and running aggressive Lunar New Year events, they achieved 8 million downloads and over 110 million RMB in revenue in their first 10 months—making China their number-one market worldwide.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
