---
title: "The 10 Highest-Earning Apps on iOS"
locale: "en"
language: "en-HK"
published: "2018-12-17T13:08:51+08:00"
updated: "2026-03-17T23:03:23.348Z"
canonical: "https://accordhk.com/blog/the-10-highest-earning-apps-on-ios-142"
---

# The 10 Highest-Earning Apps on iOS

Netflix topped the 2018 iOS app revenue ranking at US$790 million, US$300 million ahead of Tencent Video. Streaming platforms dominated the list, while nearly half the apps were Chinese brands.

## In brief

Netflix was the highest-earning iOS app so far in 2018, bringing in US$790 million and leading Tencent Video by US$300 million. Streaming platforms made up most of the top 10; the ranking covered only iPhone and iPad users.

[The highest-earning apps ](<http://appdeveloperhongkong.com/>)—which ones come to mind? Business Insider, citing data from well-known analytics company Sensor Tower, revealed the highest-earning apps so far in 2018 on the [iOS platform](<http://mobiledeveloperhk.com/>). Netflix took first place, with a revenue lead of as much as US$300 million…

1. Netflix – US$790 million  

2. Tencent Video – US$490 million  

3. Tinder – US$462 million  

4. iQIYI – US$420 million  

5. Kuaishou – US$264 million  

6. YouTube – US$244 million  

7. Pandora – US$225 million  

8. Youku – US$192 million  

9. QQ – US$159 million  

10. Hulu – US$132 million

Streaming video and audio platforms make up the majority of the list, suggesting that subscription-based spending has developed into a fairly mature market model from which different brands can profit. Netflix, in particular, is willing to spend heavily on producing original series. Although its spending is high, it has at least established a substantial lead over the second-place app.

The globally renowned dating app Tinder has long been a regular on these rankings, while Kuaishou is a more unusual inclusion. In Taiwan, Douyin is probably the best-known platform of a similar kind. Many short-video entertainment platforms are competing, and growing numbers of creators and performers are willing to invest time and effort in them. YouTubers have helped make watching YouTube a widespread habit, but short videos are better suited to viewing during brief stretches of commuting and travel, giving them an inherent advantage on mobile devices. It may be worth continuing to watch how short-video platforms such as Kuaishou and Douyin attract creators and improve content quality.

Nearly half the apps on the list are Chinese brands, indicating remarkable spending power in Greater China. However, differences between operating systems mean that the rankings on [Android](<http://appscompanyhongkong.com/>) may be slightly different. This list only counts [iPhone](<http://mobiledeveloperhongkong.com/>) and iPad users.

Original article URL: http://3c.ltn.com.tw/news/35364

## Frequently asked questions

### Which iOS app earned the most in the article’s 2018 ranking?

Netflix ranked first with US$790 million in revenue, US$300 million ahead of second-place Tencent Video.

### Where did the ranking data come from?

The article cites Business Insider, which used data from analytics company Sensor Tower. The ranking covers 2018 up to the time of the article.

### What types of apps dominated the top 10?

Streaming video and audio platforms made up the majority. The article sees this as evidence that subscription-based spending had developed into a fairly mature market model.

### Does the ranking include Android users?

No. It only counts iPhone and iPad users, and the article notes that Android rankings may differ slightly.

### Why does the article highlight short-video platforms?

The article argues that short videos suit brief periods of commuting and travel, giving them an advantage on mobile devices. It suggests watching how Kuaishou and Douyin attract creators and improve content quality.