Having been bolstered by the likes of Zynga and Halfbrick, GetJar's virtual currency program for Android – GetJar Gold – has hit 10 million users 5 months after launch.

The firm claims the platform's growth is proof that "loyalty based programs...resonate well with both consumers and developers", with users rewarded with virtual currency every time they download an app tied to the platform.

Going for gold

"We are thrilled with the success of GetJar Gold Virtual Currency so far, users get the content for free and developers get paid for creating great apps like Solo and Go SMS," said chairman Ilja Laurs.

"It is increasingly difficult for users to pay for content given the limited payment options available in many countries.

"That's why GetJar Gold works so well, it invites advertisers to participate as a third party and it rewards consumers for downloading the apps and pays developers who make them."

Revenue raiser

GetJar's platform is just one of many third-party schemes designed to help developers working on Android improve monetisation, with Google's OS criticised by many studios for generating less cash than iOS, despite its larger userbase.

GetJar reports Gold – the SDK of which can be deployed either via an in-app purchase mechanism or to sell upgrades or additional items – is currently enjoying 100 percent month-over-month growth.

 

Indeed, some developers - such as Solo creator Morne Pistorius - claim they have seen their revenue has double after integrating Gold.