How Much Money Did Flappy Bird Make?

In early 2014, the incredibly simple yet frustratingly difficult mobile game Flappy Bird took the world by storm. At its peak, it was reportedly earning $50,000 per day in ad revenue. But how much did Flappy Bird end up making in total during its short-lived viral success?

Read on to learn more about the revenues behind one of the biggest mobile gaming phenomena ever.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Flappy Bird likely made between $50,000 – $100,000 per day at its peak, earning its creator Dong Nguyen an estimated $50 million in total revenue before it was pulled from app stores.

Daily Revenue Estimates

$20,000 per day initially

Flappy Bird, the addictive mobile game created by Dong Nguyen, was an overnight sensation that took the world by storm. Released in May 2013, the game quickly gained popularity and started generating a substantial amount of revenue for its creator.

In its early days, Flappy Bird was estimated to be making around $20,000 per day. This impressive figure speaks volumes about the immense success and profitability of the game.

$50,000 per day at peak in early Feb 2014

The success of Flappy Bird continued to soar, reaching its peak in early February 2014. During this time, the game was estimated to be making an astounding $50,000 per day. This unprecedented level of daily revenue cemented Flappy Bird’s status as one of the most profitable mobile games of its time.

The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its viral nature, contributed to its massive popularity and financial success.

It is worth noting that these revenue estimates are based on various sources and may not be exact figures. However, they give us a good understanding of the immense financial success achieved by Flappy Bird during its peak.

The game’s profitability was largely driven by its massive user base and the in-app advertisements that generated revenue for its creator.

Total Revenue Estimates

When it comes to the financial success of mobile games, few can compare to the meteoric rise of Flappy Bird. The addictive and frustratingly difficult game took the world by storm in 2014, becoming an overnight sensation.

Naturally, many people were left wondering just how much money the game made during its short but lucrative reign.

Likely earned $30-50 million in total revenue

While the exact figures remain largely undisclosed, industry experts estimate that Flappy Bird generated anywhere between $30 and $50 million in total revenue. Considering the game’s simple design and the fact that it was developed by just one person, these numbers are truly mind-boggling.

Conservative estimate of $50,000 per day for 50 days = $2.5 million

One conservative estimate suggests that Flappy Bird raked in around $50,000 per day during its peak. Assuming this level of revenue was sustained for 50 days, the game would have earned a staggering $2.5 million. Not bad for a game that was created in a matter of days.

More aggressive estimates of up to $100,000 per day could mean $5 million total

Some more aggressive estimates put Flappy Bird’s daily revenue at $100,000 or even higher. If we take the upper end of this estimate and assume the game maintained this level of success for 50 days, the total revenue could easily reach $5 million.

It’s important to note that these figures are purely speculative, but they do give some indication of the game’s massive earning potential.

Ultimately, the exact amount of money Flappy Bird made will likely remain a mystery. Regardless, it’s clear that the game’s success was nothing short of astounding. Its rise to fame serves as a testament to the power of simple and addictive gameplay, capturing the attention and wallets of millions of mobile gamers around the world.

Revenue Sources

Flappy Bird, the addictive mobile game that took the world by storm, was not only a cultural phenomenon but also a financial success. The game, developed by Dong Nguyen, generated a significant amount of revenue through various sources.

In-app mobile ads

One of the primary revenue sources for Flappy Bird was in-app mobile ads. The game featured banner ads that would appear at the top or bottom of the screen while playing. These ads allowed the developer to earn money whenever players clicked on them or interacted with them in any way.

The more popular the game became, the more revenue it generated through these ads. It’s estimated that at its peak, Flappy Bird was earning around $50,000 per day through in-app ads alone.

Potential sponsorship deals at peak popularity

At the height of its popularity, Flappy Bird also had the potential to secure lucrative sponsorship deals. Companies were eager to associate their brand with the viral sensation and reach the millions of players addicted to the game.

While it’s unclear if any official sponsorship deals were made, it’s likely that Dong Nguyen was approached by various brands and agencies interested in capitalizing on the game’s success. These deals could have provided a significant boost to the game’s revenue.

It’s important to note that the exact amount of money Flappy Bird made is not publicly known, as Dong Nguyen chose to remove the game from app stores shortly after its explosive rise to fame. However, the revenue sources mentioned above give us an idea of the potential earnings that could have been generated during the game’s peak popularity.

Flappy Bird’s Viral Rise and Fall

Released in May 2013, gained traction in early 2014

Flappy Bird, a simple yet addictive mobile game, was released in May 2013 by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen. However, it was not until early 2014 that the game started gaining significant attention and popularity among players worldwide.

The game’s unique gameplay and challenging nature quickly captivated users, leading to its meteoric rise in the app charts.

Players were drawn to the game’s simplicity and addictive mechanics, which involved navigating a pixelated bird through a series of pipes. The objective was to keep the bird airborne for as long as possible without hitting any obstacles.

Despite its basic graphics and straightforward gameplay, Flappy Bird managed to strike a chord with gamers of all ages.

Word of mouth played a crucial role in the game’s sudden surge in popularity. Social media platforms, online forums, and app review sites were buzzing with discussions and recommendations about Flappy Bird.

This organic growth led to an exponential increase in downloads and propelled the game to the top of the charts.

Topped iOS App Store charts in early February 2014

In early February 2014, Flappy Bird became a sensation overnight when it soared to the top of the iOS App Store charts. It surpassed well-established and highly popular games to claim the coveted number one spot. The game’s unexpected success took both players and industry experts by surprise.

The addictive nature of Flappy Bird, combined with its simple yet challenging gameplay, contributed to its rapid ascent in the app charts. Players found themselves captivated by the quest for a higher score and the desire to beat their friends’ records.

The game’s difficulty level added to its appeal, as it required precise timing and concentration to achieve success.

Flappy Bird’s meteoric rise to the top of the charts brought with it a wave of media attention. News outlets and tech publications were eager to cover the phenomenon and understand what made the game so popular.

Dong Nguyen, the game’s creator, became a household name overnight, and the spotlight was firmly on him and his creation.

Removed by creator on February 10, 2014

Just as quickly as it rose to fame, Flappy Bird was abruptly removed from both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store on February 10, 2014. Dong Nguyen, the game’s creator, made the surprising decision to take down the game despite its immense success.

Nguyen cited the game’s addictive nature and the strain it was putting on his personal life as the primary reasons for its removal. In an interview, he mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the game’s popularity and the negative impact it was having on his mental well-being.

The sudden removal of Flappy Bird sparked a wave of speculation and controversy. Many questioned Nguyen’s decision, while others praised him for prioritizing his own well-being. Regardless of the reasons behind its removal, Flappy Bird’s short-lived existence will always be remembered as a unique phenomenon in the world of mobile gaming.

Conclusion

The simple, yet addicting Flappy Bird was an unusual viral hit that rose to prominence almost randomly. For a few weeks in early 2014, it brought in an estimated $50,000 per day for its creator at its peak.

While exact figures are uncertain, the game likely earned anywhere from $30 – $50 million in total revenue during its short run at the top. Flappy Bird demonstrated how a simple mobile game can turn into a temporary cash cow amid viral popularity.