Shopify is today an essential platform for anyone looking to venture into e-commerce. It offers a multitude of features that enable everyone, from small entrepreneurs to large brands, to develop their online business. However, to make the most of this platform, it is essential to use the right applications.
Among these, digital download applications are particularly important. Indeed, they allow you to easily sell digital products, such as ebooks, music, images, software, and much more. In this article, we will introduce you to the best digital download application for Shopify.
Why use digital download applications on your Shopify store?
Shopify has truly revolutionized e-commerce. With its ease of use and flexibility, it has enabled millions of people worldwide to launch their own online store.
To learn more about Shopify, check out our full review of the e-commerce platform.
However, to make the most of this platform, it is essential to use the right applications. Digital download applications play a crucial role in this context. They enable merchants to easily sell digital products, such as :
- ebooks
- music
- images
- software and much more
They also offer features that facilitate download management, such as download tracking, protection against illegal sharing, and much more.
The importance of a digital download application
A digital download application can greatly enhance your customers’ experience and increase your sales. Here are some of the benefits it can bring to your Shopify store:
Ease of management
With a digital download application, you can easily manage your digital products. You can track downloads, control access to files, and even automate the sending of files after purchase.
Protection against illegal sharing
Some digital download applications offer features for protection against illegal sharing. This can help protect your digital products and ensure that you receive the remuneration you deserve.
Improvement of the customer experience
By facilitating the download process, a digital download application can greatly improve your customers’ experience. This can encourage them to return to your site and make other purchases.
These benefits make digital download applications an indispensable element for any Shopify store. However, not all applications are created equal. Therefore, it is important to choose the best digital download application for Shopify.
10 Best Digital Download apps for Shopify
Downloadable Digital Assets: A Robust Solution for Your Digital Products
Downloadable Digital Assets is an application that stands out for its ease of use and flexibility.
Key features:
- Allows you to sell digital files of any size and format
- Provides secure, customizable download links
Pricing:
The app offers a free trial, followed by a monthly fee starting at $4.99.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Ease of use
- Great versatility
Cons
- Monthly fees for certain features
- Interface could be improved
Best Digital Download apps for Shopify : SendOwl
SendOwl is a versatile application offering a host of useful features for managing digital downloads.
Key features:
- Sells digital files, services and physical products
- Offers integrated marketing tools, such as flash sales and discounts
Pricing:
SendOwl offers a free trial period, followed by pricing plans starting at $9 per month.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Wide range of features
- Integrated marketing tools
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than some other options
- May require a learning curve for some features
Best Digital Download apps for Shopify : FetchApp
FetchApp is a digital download application that focuses on ease of use and flexibility, making managing your downloads a breeze.
Key features:
- Offers instant downloads after purchase
- Makes it easy to update files and keep customers informed
Pricing:
Fetch operates on a tiered pricing model, starting from $5 per month.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Simple, automated digital delivery
- Allows selling goods of any size
Cons
- No free tier offered
- Limited customizability
Single Music: Tailored for Musicians and Labels
Single, formerly Single Music, is a digital download app designed, at its core, specifically for musicians who sell their music on Shopify. The app is now offering broader capabilities by allowing its users to sell other digital products such as videos and NFTs.
Key features:
- Sell individual tracks or complete albums
- Offers ticketing functionality for online concerts
Pricing:
Single offers a free plan for music sales, with a 15% commission on ticket sales for concerts. For paid plans, count on $19/month and up.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Ideal for musicians
- Direct-to-fan sales from Shopify store
Cons
- Not as versatile for non-music digital goods
- Commission-based pricing model
Uplinkly Digital Downloads: Unlimited Free Digital Downloads
Uplinkly Digital Downloads offers a simple, straightforward way to add and manage digital products in your Shopify store.
Key features:
- Offers unlimited free digital downloads
- Provides detailed sales analysis
Pricing:
Uplinkly Digital Downloads offers a 7-day free trial, followed by plans starting at $10 per month.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Unlimited free digital downloads
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features
- Limited customizability
Sky Pilot: Your Partner for Digital and Physical Goods
Sky Pilot allows you to sell digital and physical goods together in your Shopify store, making it a versatile choice for various businesses.
Key features:
- Allows direct downloads from your Shopify store
- Offers the ability to update files at any time
Pricing:
Sky Pilot offers a 14-day free trial, with plans starting at $20 per month.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Sells digital and physical goods together
- Offers streaming and download options
Cons
- Higher price point than some competitors
- May be too complex for simple needs
ShopShare: Harness the Power of Social Media
ShopShare is an easy-to-use application that lets you share and sell digital files directly from your Shopify store. It lets you sell digital products directly on social media, expanding your reach and potential customer base.
Key features:
- Provides unlimited digital file storage
- Allows for file sharing with secure download links
Pricing:
ShopShare offers a free trial, followed by pricing plans starting at $9.95/month.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Unlimited file storage
- Easy file sharing
Cons
- Not ideal for businesses not active on social media
- Commission-based price
Digital Downloads: Shopify's Free and Easy Solution
Digital Downloads is Shopify’s own digital download solution, allowing for easy integration and simplicity.
Key features:
- Seamless integration with Shopify
- Automated delivery of digital goods
Pricing:
Digital Downloads is a free-to-use application.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Seamless integration with Shopify
- Free to use
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features
- Support may not be as robust as other apps
Tuneboom: Powering Independent Music Sales
Tuneboom is another music-focused app, offering tools to sell music and concert tickets.
Key features:
- Offers tools for music and concert ticket sales
- Integration with music streaming services
Pricing:
Tuneboom offers a free plan on which you can propose up to 5 songs. You will have to take out a paid plan costing from $19.99/month in order to take advantage of the other features and to offer more tracks.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Ideal for independent music artists
- Direct-to-fan sales
Cons
- Not as versatile for non-music digital goods
- Commission-based pricing model
Filemonk: Simplifying Digital File Management
Filemonk offers a simple solution for managing and selling digital goods on your Shopify store.
Key features:
- Easy-to-use digital file management
- Seamless, secure and automated delivery of digital goods
Pricing:
Filemonk offers a free tier, with premium plans starting at $10 per month.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Seamless, automated delivery
Cons
- Limited features in the free plan
- Some users report a learning curve
Quick Glance: Comparing the Best Digital Download Applications for Shopify
| Applications | Downloads | Price | Ease of Use | Customer Sercive | Overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downloadable Digital Assets | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
| SendOwl | 4.5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.25 |
| FetchApp | 3.5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3.25 |
| Single Music | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.75 |
| Uplinkly Digital Downloads | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
| Sky Pilot | 4.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.5 |
| Shopshare | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Digital Downloads | 3.5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Tuneboom | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.75 |
| Filemonk | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.75 |
As always, these ratings should serve as a general guideline. The best application for your Shopify store will largely depend on your specific needs and the nature of your digital goods.
Now, let’s wrap up this comprehensive guide with a final thought.
Conclusion
Running an online business can be a challenging endeavor, but with the right tools, it becomes significantly easier. By integrating the best digital download application into your Shopify store, you can not only streamline the process of selling and delivering digital products, but also offer your customers a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience. Remember, the key is to understand your business needs and choose an application that aligns with them.
In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, being able to adapt and make use of effective digital tools is crucial for success. So, why wait? Start exploring these applications today, and take your Shopify store to new heights. Good luck!
FAQ
What is a digital download application?
A digital download application is a tool that allows you to sell digital products on your online store. It manages the distribution of these digital products once a customer has made a purchase.
Why do I need a digital download application for Shopify?
If you sell digital products on your Shopify store, a digital download app makes the distribution of these products much easier. It ensures that your customers receive their digital purchases safely and quickly.
What types of products can I sell with a digital download app?
You can sell a variety of digital products, including ebooks, music, software, photos, videos, graphics, and more.
How much does a digital download application cost?
Costs vary depending on the application. Some apps are free, while others may charge a monthly fee or a commission on sales.
What are the best digital download apps for Shopify?
Here’s a list of some of the best apps we’ve reviewed:
- Downloadable Digital Assets
- SendOwl
- FetchApp
- Single
- Uplinkly Digital Downloads
- Sky Pilot
- Shopshare
- Digital Downloads
- Tuneboom
- Filemonk