It is not secret that Facebook Inc., is generating most of its revenues through ads on its social network platform. However, with the release of PicoCandy's mobile app for paid stickers, another possible stream of revenue may have opened up for the social network operator.
Facebook users have already grown comfortable with using stickers both for chat and the comments section. They are great for initiating conversations or when a proper reply can't be formulated. After all, a picture can paint a thousand words. In fact, they're so effective that a messaging app developer in Japan generated $75 million in annual revenue just by selling digital stickers. PicoCandy, a start-up Singaporean company, is looking to do the same.
PicoCandy recently announced the release of its mobile app that will work in unison with Facebook's messaging system. When launched together with Facebook messenger, the PicoCandy app will provide users with a repository of stickers that they can use when chatting. Of course, free stickers are offered. However, the most interesting ones, as well as the ones that apply to certain occasions, have a price tag attached to them.
"This first version has global stickers, which are English-based and not global, but very soon we'll be offering localized content.. and it will [eventually] be integrated within the [Messenger] app," PicoCandy CEO Geraldine Yong tells TechCrunch.
However, many have noted that launching two apps simultaneously just for the stickers is quite bothering. Moreover, it takes up some of the device's resources, which is not a worry for those that have decent handhelds but can be a pain for some who are using phones that have outdated specifications. Even Yong sees this as a problem that needs to be addressed.
"The [Messenger] user experience is not the most ideal," the CEO comments. "Facebook is taking steps to make it more conducive for users. We'll [also] work on things to improve the experience, so it won't just be standalone. It's coming up soon, [but] this is the first part."
Facebook has maintained its stance on offering the social network's native stickers for free. However, based on Yong's reply, the company may be looking to secure a new revenue stream from paid stickers. Bear in mind that this is just a speculation and no official statement from any Facebook representative has been given regarding the matter.
The PicoCandy app is currently available for both iOS and Android.
