Discover the categories of apps expected to generate the highest revenue in Brazil this year and through 2029.

In partnership with Statista, Rocket Lab anticipates the forecasts for the mobile application market in Brazil. The "Market Insights 2029" study, with information up to April of this year, highlights the primary app categories and market segments, among other data, that are projected to experience the highest revenue growth in Brazil over the next six years.

“The figures presented in 'Market Insights 2029' indicate that the consumption of products and services will continue to grow in the country in the coming years and provide valuable insight into how the market is moving, which app categories will have the highest demand and revenue generation potential. The study serves as a compass for marketing professionals, guiding them in creating strategies that not only meet current needs but are also resilient and adaptable to the changes projected for the future of the market. With insights pointing to how apps can remain relevant and competitive, maximizing user engagement and loyalty in an increasingly saturated and competitive market environment,” states Daniel Simões, country manager of Rocket Lab in Brazil.

The analytical document highlights, for instance, the entertainment category (61%) as having the highest percentage growth over the next six years, with revenues expected to close at US$ 670.2 million this year and reach US$ 979.3 million in 2029. “The challenge is to discover where these potential users are and set a goal to reach them most effectively, with truly personalized and relevant interactions. It is also beneficial to leverage global events such as the Olympic Games (Los Angeles 2028), the Men's World Cup (2026, in the USA, Canada, and Mexico) and the Women's World Cup (2027, in Brazil), as well as local music festivals, among others, which can be a key factor in this evolution process,” points out Simões.

According to the study's forecasts, finance (49%), food & beverage (48%), and shopping (46%) are expected to be other app categories with the highest percentage revenue growth in Brazil between 2024 and 2029. This current year, finance could reach US$ 26.9 million and achieve US$ 40.3 million in the final year of this decade. Meanwhile, food & beverage apps are expected to close this year with US$ 32.3 million in revenue and reach US$ 48 million in 2029. Finally, shopping revenue – the largest in amount among the four app categories – may approach US$ 651.6 million in 2024 and reach US$ 954.3 million in 2029. 

The market segments tending towards higher growth in the number of mobile app users between 2024 and 2029 are e-commerce (38%), increasing from 128.3 million to 177.7 million in this period; food delivery (19%), from 94.6 million to 113.7 million; and streaming TV (10%), from 148.1 million to 163 million.

The projected revenue in e-commerce apps may range from US$ 43.4 million in 2024 to US$ 75 million in the final year of this decade; for food delivery, from US$ 18.8 million forecast for this year to US$ 26.3 million in 2028 (no forecast for the following year); and finally, for streaming TV, from US$ 4.3 million (2024) to US$ 5.8 million (2029). In terms of revenue per user, the app segments expected to have the highest growth between 2024-2029 are e-commerce (25%), streaming TV (22%), and food delivery (19%).

“When we look at these revenue potentials, it is natural for marketing professionals to reinforce their actions at the bottom of the funnel to maximize sales and ROI (return on investment). However, within a sustainable media strategy, it is essential to distribute the budget intelligently across all stages of the user journey, to increase the brand's touchpoints with its audiences and create a deeper connection with them. This increases the chances of the user progressing through the entire funnel, considering the brand, and converting,” recommends the country manager of Rocket Lab in Brazil.

The study also indicates the app penetration rate in three market segments. The percentage of Brazilian users of e-commerce apps is expected to reach 69.6% of the country's population this year and achieve 81.3% in 2029. For streaming TV, the forecasts are 68% (2024) and 73.1% (2029); and for food delivery: 43.5% this year and 51% in the final year of this decade.