What are Move-to-Earn Crypto Apps in Fitness & Blockchain?

Move-to-Earn crypto apps are changing the way we think about fitness. They combine getting active with earning cryptocurrency. These apps reward you with tokens for doing things like walking, running, or cycling. It’s a fun way to stay healthy while also earning something valuable. The Move-to-Earn market is growing fast. It’s expected to reach $5.3 billion by 2028. This shows just how popular these apps are becoming.

Genopets and Step App are two great examples of how fitness and blockchain can work together. Genopets is a fitness game that rewards you for staying active and has raised over $8 million in funding.

Step App takes a “sweat-to-earn” approach, encouraging users to move and earn tokens. It brought in $3 million in its first funding round and quickly built a strong user base.

With both apps, the tokens you earn can be traded or used within the platform. They make working out more fun and even profitable. As they keep growing, they’re changing how we think about fitness and rewards.

Overview of Move-to-Earn Crypto Apps

Move-to-Earn apps are a fun way for users to earn crypto by staying active. These apps track physical activities like walking, jogging, or running. They use blockchain technology to reward users for being fit.

How Move-to-Earn Works?

• Tracking Physical Activity: M2E apps use smartphones or fitness trackers to monitor movements. GPS helps track walking or running. All the activity is recorded and saved on the blockchain.
  
• Tokenizing Movement: The app turns physical activity into rewards. These rewards are often tokens or NFTs. Users can use them inside the app, trade them on marketplaces, or exchange them for other crypto.
  
• Participation Requirements: Many apps ask users to buy specific NFTs to unlock full features. For example, StepN requires users to buy NFT sneakers. Some apps offer limited features for free users as well.

Ways to Earn

• Exercising: The main way to earn is by being active. The more users walk, run, or jog, the more rewards they receive.
  
• Trading: Users can sell tokens and NFTs on other platforms. With some luck, they might even make a profit.
  
• Staking: Some apps let users stake their NFTs or tokens. This way, they can earn passive income without much effort.
  
• Minting: Premium users can mint special NFTs. These could become more valuable over time.

Key Market Takeaways for Move-to-Earn Crypto Apps

According to GrandViewResearch, the Move-to-Earn crypto apps market is growing quickly. It’s expected to reach USD 669.9 million in 2024. From 2025 to 2030, it will grow by 17.7% each year. This shows that more people are getting interested in fitness apps that let you earn cryptocurrency while staying active. It makes working out not just good for your health but also for your wallet.

Source: GrandViewResearch

M2E apps are popular because they make fitness fun and rewarding. They use blockchain, GPS, and NFT technologies to reward users for activities like walking, running, and cycling. 

For example, Sweat Economy turns your steps into SWEAT tokens. Step App gives out KCAL tokens based on your activity and ties them to NFT sneakers. 

These apps also have fun features like leaderboards and challenges to keep you motivated. Some apps like Genopets even mix fitness with Play-to-Earn models. This lets you play games and trade NFTs while staying active. 

Partnerships with athletes and big brands like Crypto.com and Floki are also helping bring M2E apps into the spotlight. Blockchain is becoming a bigger part of everyday life.

The Reason Behind the Popularity of Move-to-Earn Apps

Move-to-Earn apps are becoming super popular because people are focusing more on their health and want rewards for staying active. These apps let you earn rewards like cryptocurrency just by walking, jogging, or cycling. It’s a cool way to mix fitness with earning something valuable. 

People like the idea of staying fit and getting something in return. On top of that, blockchain and DeFi make these apps even more interesting because you can earn tokens that actually have real value.

Apps like Lympo and Walken are great examples of how this trend is growing. Lympo raised over $2 million and is getting attention from big brands. 

 Walken has grown quickly too, and is expected to bring in over $10 million in revenue in the next few years.

For businesses, launching a Move-to-Earn app can be really profitable.  With more people getting into fitness, these apps can attract tons of users. This creates opportunities to make money through ads, in-app purchases, or partnerships. Blockchain also opens up new ways to earn through tokens or NFTs. 

Must-Have Features for Move-to-Earn Crypto Apps

Move-to-earn crypto apps are changing how we think about fitness. These apps reward users with cryptocurrency for activities like walking, running, or cycling. To stand out in the crowded market, these apps need the right features. Here are the ones that matter most:

1. Robust Activity Tracking and Verification

Tracking your physical activity is the foundation of any M2E app. By combining GPS with wearable devices, these apps track your every movement, giving you an accurate record. Blockchain ensures the data stays legit. Apps like Step App, for example, link up with Apple Health or Google Fit, making it easy to keep tabs on your progress without any hassle

2. Gamification for User Engagement

Adding game-like elements to fitness routines makes them fun. Leaderboards, achievement badges, and in-app challenges keep users excited. When users see their progress and earn rewards, they feel accomplished. This keeps them coming back to the app.

3. Sustainable Tokenomics

Good tokenomics is key to making the app last. It defines how tokens are earned, spent, staked, or traded. A dual-token system, like StepN’s model, keeps things balanced. One token governs the platform, while the other rewards users for staying active. The app should also have different ways for users to use tokens, like staking or trading NFTs. 

4. Integration with NFTs

NFTs bring something special to M2E apps. They offer exclusive rewards or tradable assets. Users can mint NFTs for things like sneakers or gear inside the app and sell them on secondary markets. This makes the app more fun and gives users a sense of ownership.

5. Dual Token Systems

A dual-token system is important for keeping the app’s economy stable. One token rewards users for activities. The other token is used to run the platform, which helps balance earning potential with token value. It also means users can trade or stake their tokens without hurting the app’s economy.

Development Steps for Move-to-Earn Crypto Apps

Building a Move-to-Earn app is a great way to get people moving while earning rewards. It’s a fun and rewarding experience for users. Here’s how businesses and companies can bring this idea to life.

1. Understand the Market

Start by checking out apps like STEPN and Sweatcoin. See what users like and where there might be room for something new. It’s all about figuring out how to stand out.

2. Plan Your Features and Rewards

Decide what makes your app special. Offer rewards for activities like walking or running. Maybe add virtual sneakers or fun challenges. Users should feel excited every time they open the app.

3. Choose Your Blockchain

Pick a blockchain that fits your goals. Ethereum and Solana are solid choices. If speed and low fees matter most, Polygon might be the way to go. A smooth experience keeps users happy.

4. Create Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are like digital agreements that keep everything fair. They handle rewards and make sure payments are accurate. Plus they build trust by keeping everything transparent.

5. Add Activity Tracking

Use GPS and motion sensors to track activities. People should feel confident their steps and movements are counted correctly. Tools like Google Maps or Mapbox work well for this.

6. Build a Simple and Engaging Design

Your app should be easy and fun to use. Clean screens, bright visuals, and smooth navigation make all the difference. Little touches like animations and progress trackers keep users motivated.

7. Incorporate NFTs and Tokens

Add tokens that users can earn as prizes. Create NFTs that resemble virtual sneakers or collectibles. Allow users to buy, sell, and trade them. It adds to the intimacy and excitement of the event.

8. Focus on Security and Compliance

Keep users safe by using solid encryption. Smart contracts need to be double-checked for security. Stay on top of local laws to make sure everything runs smoothly. People trust apps that protect their data.

9. Test, Launch, and Improve

Before the big launch, test everything. Fix any bugs and check how the app runs in different scenarios. After launching, listen to user feedback. Make updates often. Happy users mean a successful app.

Cost of Developing a Move-to-Earn Crypto Apps

Development Stage	Cost Range ($)	Key Factors Influencing Cost
1. Research and Planning	1,000 – 5,000	Market research, competitor analysis, tokenomics design, legal considerations
2. UI/UX Design	2,000 – 10,000	Wireframes, mockups, user flow, customization level
3. Backend Development	3,000 – 30,000	Server-side logic, API integrations, fitness tracking
4. Smart Contract Development	2,000 – 20,000	Token management, transaction processing, security audits
5. App Features
– Basic Fitness Tracking	500 – 2,000	Steps, distance, calorie tracking
– Advanced Fitness Tracking	2,000 – 10,000	Heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, activity analysis
– Token Rewards System	1,000 – 5,000	Earning, spending, and transferring tokens
– NFT Integration	2,000 – 15,000	Marketplace, minting, trading functionality
– Gamification Elements	1,000 – 8,000	Challenges, leaderboards, virtual rewards
6. Testing and Quality Assurance	1,000 – 5,000	Functional, security, and performance testing
7. Deployment and Maintenance	1,000 – 10,000	App store submission, updates, bug fixes

Total Estimated Cost: $10,000 – $100,000

Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing a Move-to-Earn Crypto App

Building a Move-to-Earn crypto app has its own unique challenges. These factors can really affect how much it costs to develop the app. Here’s a simple breakdown of the main ones:

Tokenomics Design and Implementation

Developing a strong token economy necessitates a great deal of knowledge. You must create a model that is stable and sustainable.  This is far more complicated than traditional app development. It also requires more time to ensure that the economy does not become unstable or bloated.

Blockchain Integration and Smart Contract Development

Choosing the right blockchain platform, like Ethereum or Solana, plays a big role in the cost. It affects how much transactions will cost and how difficult the development will be. Also making sure the smart contracts are secure needs detailed audits and these audits can add to the cost.

Fitness Tracking Accuracy and Integration

For an M2E app, getting fitness tracking right is key. You need to integrate APIs that collect accurate data. You also have to make sure the system prevents cheating and keeps track of every user’s activity accurately. This requires a lot of specialized work.

NFT Integration (if applicable)

If your app includes NFTs, things get even more complex. Developing features like NFT minting, a marketplace, and adding utility to the NFTs all increase the cost. Plus, designing and integrating the NFTs themselves adds another layer of work and cost.

Most Successful Business Models for River Move-to-Earn Crypto Apps 

The move-to-earn economy is all about mixing fitness with blockchain and gamification. This has led to some smart business models. Here are some of the most successful ones, 

1. NFT-Based Ecosystem

A lot of M2E apps make money by using non-fungible tokens. Users buy NFTs like digital sneakers or avatars to join the earning activities.

STEPN is a leader in this model. Users need to buy NFT sneakers to earn tokens like GST and GMT. In 2022, the cheapest sneakers on STEPN were priced at over $650.

How They Make Money:

• NFT Sales: STEPN gets a percentage of every NFT sale on its platform.
• In-App Fees: Users pay fees to upgrade, repair, or “breed” new NFTs.

This model has worked really well. In 2023, STEPN made $122 million in quarterly profits, mainly from NFT sales and in-app fees. By making NFTs a key part of the app, STEPN keeps the money flowing and keeps users interested.

2. Tokenomics and Staking

Some M2E apps work by giving users cryptocurrency tokens for doing physical activities. Sweatcoin is a great example. It rewards users with SWEAT tokens for walking or running.

How They Make Money:

• Token Scarcity: Sweat Economy lowers the earning rate over time. For example, users may earn 1 SWEAT for 1,000 steps at first, but that drops to 0.33 SWEAT after a year. This makes the tokens more valuable.
• Staking Rewards: Users can lock their tokens in “Growth Jars” and earn more tokens as interest.

3. Gamified Challenges and Competitions

Gamification keeps things exciting and engaging. Apps like Genopets mix fitness with gaming, letting users evolve virtual pets based on how active they are.

How They Make Money:

• In-App Purchases: Users buy items to upgrade or care for their Genopets.
• NFT Sales: Rare Genopet NFTs have sold for over $1,000, creating a busy secondary market.
• Participation Fees: Some apps charge users to enter competitions or tournaments.

Genopets has over 500,000 active users and blends fitness with entertainment. Users stay engaged because they’re having fun while tracking their activity.

Top 5 Move-to-Earn Crypto Apps in the USA

Move-to-earn applications are becoming quite popular in the United States. They allow people to earn cryptocurrency while keeping active.  Here are the top five applications that are creating headlines.

1. Sweatcoin

Sweatcoin is the most popular move-to-earn app. It has over 120 million users around the world. Users earn Sweatcoins for walking. You get one Sweatcoin for every 1,000 steps. These coins can be spent on goods and services from over 600 brands. Or you can swap them for SWEAT, a crypto token. The app says it can boost your activity by 20%, which helps users stay motivated to move more.

2. Step App

Step App combines fitness with social fun. It has over 20 million users globally. The app uses the FITFI token and lets users buy NFTs called “SNEAK.” These are in-game sneakers that help users earn more. You can buy them for around $10 depending on their features. Step App is still in beta but already has cool features like leaderboards. This makes users compete and push themselves to earn rewards.

3. Genopets

Genopets combines entertainment with exercise. Users move to train and develop virtual pets known as Genopets either walking or running. Your pet develops and opens features more actively the more active you are. You also get tokens for the game that are tradeable or useable. Genopets incorporates NFTs and boasts over 500,000 active members. Certain of the rare Genopets NFTs have sold for more than $1,000.

4. Move-to-Earn by FitMint

FitMint pays participants with Bitcoin after completing workouts and challenges.  The software counts a wide range of activities, from strolling to hard workouts. Users receive tokens based on their performance. FitMint has grown to over 1 million active members since its introduction. It features a fun platform that allows users to track their progress, establish goals, and challenge their friends.  It helps to foster an engaged community.

5. Walken

Walken is a fun app that lets users earn WLKN tokens by walking and joining challenges. It has over 2 million downloads so far. Users can participate in competitions to stay motivated and earn rewards. Walken also has special NFT characters called “CAThletes.” Users can upgrade them using WLKN tokens. Some of these NFTs are even sold for over $500.

Conclusion

The Move-to-Earn crypto app market is rapidly expanding and provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs.  It blends fitness, gaming, and blockchain technology in a truly unique manner.  Companies that create apps like these can engage their consumers and help them live better lifestyles. These apps can also foster a strong and devoted community.  At the same time, businesses can profit from in-app purchases, NFT sales, advertising, and collaborations.  This results in a sustainable business model that can thrive in the rising Web3 market.

Looking to Develop a Move-to-Earn Crypto App?

 We at Idea Usher are ready to help! With over 500,000 hours of coding experience, our team knows how to create apps that make fitness fun and rewarding. We’ll help you build an app that keeps users active, engaged, and motivated. Plus, we can help you generate revenue through in-app purchases, NFT sales, and partnerships. Let’s work together to bring your idea to life in the growing Web3 space!

FAQs

Q1: How to develop a move-to-earn crypto app?

A1: To build a move-to-earn crypto app you need to combine fitness tracking and blockchain tech. The app should track how active users are and reward them with crypto. You’ll also need a secure wallet to store the earnings and smart contracts to keep everything fair and transparent. Working with an experienced team will help you put all this together smoothly.

Q2: What is the cost of developing a move-to-earn crypto app?

A2: Building a move-to-earn crypto app can cost different amounts depending on what you want to include. Features like crypto wallets, advanced tracking, or social options can add to the price. The best way to know for sure is to chat with a development team. They’ll give you a clear idea based on what you’re looking for.

Q3: How long will it take to develop a move-to-earn crypto app?

A3: The time it takes to develop a move-to-earn crypto app depends on the features you choose and how detailed you want everything to be. It usually takes a few months from start to finish. Once your development team knows your vision they can give you a better idea of the exact timeline.

Q4: What are the features of a move-to-earn crypto app?

A4: A move-to-earn crypto app typically tracks physical activity and rewards users with cryptocurrency. It includes a secure wallet for storing earnings and user profiles. You can also add fun features like challenges, leaderboards, and the ability to share progress with friends to keep users motivated.