Should I abandon the app stores for the web?

Question

I have a dating app masquerading as an event planning/inviting app that I've done an MVP for and now needs a more polished rewrite for a larger launch.It's a Flutter app served through app stores, but those have been bugging me with annoying requirements, the latest is Google removing the app from the Play Store unless I send a ridiculous amount of self identification documents.Reasonable request or not, it's a never ending flow of bureaucracy and annoyance.Are app stores still needed for reach? Will users just use an app-like website instead?

xandrius · Accepted Answer

Unless you are going for a hyper-tech niche and plan in making almost nothing out of it, as of today, being on app stores is a requirement unfortunately.Definitely feel free to make it available elsewhere too (F-droid, GH, etc.) but if you want the app available to the general public, that's the way.

hamdouni · Answer

The key is the "discoverability".App stores are easier to reach prospects than the web because users already know where to go to install a new app...That is more difficult on the web unless you have a very niche app (users are looking for your solution).

jasdi · Answer

Its totally possible. Promote it on Amazon/Walmart ad platform next their products related to planning/event management.