📱 What is AppDNA?
AppDNA is AppTweak’s proprietary taxonomy that categorises mobile apps based on their functionality and purpose, rather than broad or inconsistent store-defined genres. Unlike standard categories like "Productivity" or "Tools," AppDNA dives into what the app actually does — whether it's for managing expenses, editing photos, learning languages, or converting files.
AppDNA helps make sense of the incredibly diverse non-gaming app ecosystem by breaking down apps into precise, behavior-based categories.
For example:
An app like Adobe Scan is classified under File Converter, reflecting its core functionality.
This functionality-based labelling allows for clearer market analysis and stronger keyword targeting.
🔮 Why is this helpful?
App Store and Google Play categories can be too broad or inconsistent, making it difficult to:
Compare apps with similar functionalities
Analyse performance within a precise context
Identify trends across similar tools or services
AppDNA solves this by:
Offering more meaningful comparisons across apps
Powering smarter keyword research based on real functionality
Helping developers and marketers target the right users
Driving sharper competitive insights by grouping apps by use-case
Whether you're building, optimising, or analysing an app, AppDNA ensures you're looking at the right competitors and opportunities.
🧬 Explore the AppDNA Taxonomy
Apps are grouped first into broad classes (like Productivity, Health, Entertainment), and then broken down into specific use-case categories based on their core functions.
Here are a few examples:
Class | Example AppDNA Categories |
Productivity | Budget Management, File Converter, Calendar |
Communication | Messenger & Calling, Meet & Chat |
Health & Wellness | Meditation, Health Tracking, Find a Doctor |
Entertainment | Audio Books, Drawing & Painting, Karaoke |
Utilities | Flashlight, Alarm Clock, File Manager |
🔍 How to Filter by AppDNA
You can easily search or filter by gameplay:
Use the dropdown in Top Charts or Market Intelligence
Enter a keyword or select from the structured taxonomy
This helps you uncover relevant apps faster and identify strong keyword opportunities based on the app’s function.
Each DNA also has a short, clear definition when you hover your cursor.
For example:
File Manager : The apps that allow users to scan, view, edit, fax, etc. files.
📈 Where to discover AppDNA in AppTweak
You can explore AppDNA powered insights across different sections on the platform mainly the following:
1. App header & competitor tags
Every App with an AppDNA will display its DNA in the app’s header.
➡️ Hover over the DNA tag to see its definition
2. Keyword Research
Explore a range of more relevant keyword suggestions to increase your App’s visibility and downloads tied to your app’s DNA category
➡️ Navigate to Keyword Research → Keyword Suggestions → DNA tab
3. Top Charts
See top-ranked apps in any AppDNA.
➡️ Navigate to Store Explorer → Top Charts → AppDNA tab
4. Market Intelligence
Analyse market trends at the DNA level across countries, devices, and other filters.
➡️ Navigate to Market Intelligence → Top Apps → Split by DNA
📜 Summary
Summary AppDNA gives you a clearer, more actionable way to understand and explore the non-gaming mobile app ecosystem. Instead of relying on vague, store-defined labels, it organizes apps based on what they actually do.
This empowers you to:
Conduct more relevant competitive research
Build smarter ASO strategies
Discover the right keywords faster
Uncover trends at the functionality level
Whether you’re optimising your app or analysing a market segment, AppDNA helps you dig deeper — and smarter.