On 18th September 2020, Paytm was temporarily removed from Google Play Store for violating developer guidelines on Real-Money games and contests. Now, Paytm launches its own Android app store called Android Mini App Store for Indian developers. Its custom-built mobile website that gives users app-like experience without having to download them to save mobile data and also phone’s storage.
Paytm is also providing listing and distribution of these mini-apps within its app without any charges. For payments, developers can provide Paytm Wallet, Paytm Payments Bank, UPI, Net-banking and Cards to their users. Paytm wallet, Paytm Payments Bank account and UPI will be provided at zero charges and 2% charge for other instruments like credit cards.
Furthermore, Paytm has also created the digital infrastructure to enable small developers and businesses to set up low-cost, quick-to-build mini-apps which can be built using HTML and javascript technologies. Paytm Mini App Store allows users to discover, browse and pay without downloading or installing separate apps. As of the now, Paytm Mini App Store is running under beta program with select users and witnessed over 12 million visits in the month of September 2020.
According to Paytm, there are more than 300 app-based service providers such as Decathlon, Ola, Park+, Rapido, Netmeds, 1MG, Domino’s Pizza, FreshMenu, NoBroker etc. have already joined the program. The store also comes with a developer dashboard for analytics, payments collection along with various marketing tools to engage with the users.
Commenting on the launch, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “I am proud that we are today launching something that creates an opportunity for every Indian app developer. Paytm Mini App Store empowers our young Indian developers to leverage our reach and payments to build new innovative services. For Paytm users, it will be a seamless experience that doesn’t require any separate download and enables them to use their preferred payment option.”