Monetization is a crucial component of any mobile game or app, but not all in-app goods are created equal. Some items drive consistent purchases, while others barely make an impact. The key to maximizing revenue is understanding which goods convert best and how to optimize their performance.
In this article, we’ll explore the most effective types of in-app goods, the psychology behind why users buy, and how to use analytics to refine your monetization strategy.
What Makes an In-App Good High-Converting?
A top-converting good is any in-app item or feature that consistently drives purchases across a significant portion of your user base. These goods typically share the following characteristics:
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Solves a problem or enhances the experience – Does the item remove friction or provide a meaningful advantage? (e.g., extra lives in a game, AI-powered writing assistance in an app)
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Ease of purchase - Does the purchase process seem simple? (e.g., many payment methods, everything is clear about costs/value)
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Fits the user’s spending patterns – Does the price match the willingness of whales, dolphins, and minnows?
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Encourages repeat purchases – Is there a way to keep users coming back for more?
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Feels exclusive or time-sensitive – Limited-time offers and seasonal items often boost conversion rates.
Read more: CEO’s Guide to devtodev Metrics
The Best-Performing Types of In-App Goods
After analyzing monetization trends across different apps and games, we can highlight the top five in-app goods that drive the most conversions.
Consumables: The Revenue Powerhouse
Examples: Extra lives, power-ups, energy refills, currency packs
Best for: Games, fitness apps, productivity tools
Why they work:
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Low-cost, repeatable purchases create a steady revenue stream
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Users don’t feel locked in — they buy as needed
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Encourages habitual spending behavior
💡 Optimization tip: Use time-sensitive discounts to encourage extra resources purchases (e.g., “Continue without interruption”, “Buy more and continue playing”)
Read our free eBook: How to Analyze Promotional Activities in Games
Cosmetic Items & Customization
Examples: Skins, character outfits, themes, stickers
Best for: Games, social apps, personalization tools
Why they work:
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Appeals to status-driven and self-expression-focused users
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No impact on gameplay balance, making them ideal for free-to-play models
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Limited-time collaborations (e.g., seasonal skins) drive FOMO
💡 Optimization tip: Use analytics to track which designs sell best and A/B test new variations.
Subscription-Based Access & VIP Perks
Examples: VIP memberships, ad-free experiences, exclusive features
Best for: Streaming apps, fitness & education platforms, productivity tools
Why they work:
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Provides recurring revenue instead of one-time purchases
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Encourages long-term engagement
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Gives users an “elite” experience with exclusive perks
💡 Optimization tip: Offer VIPs early access to new features or exclusive content
Read more: How to Analyze Subscriptions in Mobile Apps
Limited-Time Offers & Bundles
Examples: Starter packs, daily deals, holiday bundles
Best for: Games, e-commerce apps, subscription services
Why they work:
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Creates a sense of urgency (“Only available for the next 24 hours!”)
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Higher perceived value through bulk discounts
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Appeals to new users hesitant about their first purchase
💡 Optimization tip: Offer a free trial or a discounted first month to reduce barriers to entry. As for those who already have been buying for a while, propose exclusive holiday offers. Make sure to use countdown and push-notifications to make an accent on limited time.
Read more: How to Analyze Promo: Black Friday & Christmas Edition
Pay-to-Skip & Time-Saving Features
Examples: Skip timers, unlock all levels, fast-track progress
Best for: Games, educational apps, creative tools
Why they work:
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Monetizes impatient users who want instant gratification
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Allows non-payers to progress naturally, while offering a shortcut for those willing to spend
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Works well in free-to-play models without disrupting balance
💡 Optimization tip: Track where users drop off in your funnel — those moments might be perfect spots to introduce a pay-to-skip option.
How to Use Analytics to Optimize Your Best-Selling Goods
Even if you have high-converting goods, data-driven optimization is essential for increasing revenue. Here’s how to do it with devtodev:
Track Your Best-Sellers
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Use monetization analytics to find out which items are purchased most frequently.
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Analyze ARPPU (Average Revenue Per Paying User) and conversion rates per item.
Optimize Offers through A/B Testing
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Test different promotional offers to discover what performs better, such as “discount X%” versus “cheaper by X”.
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Analyze if limited-time or special offers generate higher revenue compared to regular pricing.
Read more: A/B Testing Essentials: Strategies, Metrics, and AI
Identify High-Value Customers
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Use RFM analysis to segment high-spending users and offer personalized deal.
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For those who haven't paid, motivate them to pay and for those who paid a lot, but haven't paid for a long time - send a push notifications to remind them about the app.
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Retarget one-time payers with discounts on their next purchase.
Timing Your Offers
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Use the Period Until Payments report to pinpoint exactly when users typically make their first purchase (e.g., days since installation or specific game levels).
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Strategically place your offers at these critical moments to boost conversion rates.
Read more: Meet 6 New Payment Reports
Analyze Purchase Sequences
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Leverage the Top Converting Goods widget to identify the most popular first-time purchases.
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Discover frequent purchase sequences that reliably lead to repeat and more profitable purchases.
Enhance Subscription Performance
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Regularly analyze subscription reports to evaluate user engagement, retention, and monetization patterns.
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Use insights to create more compelling subscription offers that align with user preferences and purchasing behaviors.
Watch out Webinar: How to Analyze Subscriptions
Build Effective Conversion Funnels
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Construct comprehensive funnels, from initial user interaction through final payment.
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Identify bottlenecks or drop-off points within your funnel to streamline user experience and maximize conversions.
Predict & Prevent Churn
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Look for drop-offs in purchasing behavior and trigger re-engagement campaigns (push notifications, email offers).
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Identify players at risk of churn and offer a “win-back” incentive (e.g., “Come back today and get a free gift!”).
Read more: How to Create a Mobile App Push Notification
Key Takeaways
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Top-converting goods solve real user needs, create value, and fit spending habits.
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By studying your audience and testing different products, you will find out what is most important to your users.
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Limited-time offers and pay-to-skip options work well when placed at the right moments.
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Using analytics tools like devtodev helps track, test, and optimize in-app purchases for maximum revenue.
By understanding what drives user spending and refining your monetization strategy, you can increase revenue while keeping your audience engaged.
Want to see how your in-app goods are performing? Start analyzing your monetization data with devtodev today!