New Delhi, July 7 (IANS): Downloads of daily apps increased by 16 per cent in India in the first six months this year, revealed 9Apps, a third-party app store and part of Alibaba Mobile Business Group, on Thursday.

According to their statistics tool, social media and entertainment remain the most popular categories for app downloads. 

"Tools make up about 23 per cent of all app downloads; social media about 9 per cent; entertainment at 7 per cent and music is over 4 per cent of all non-gaming app downloads," said Ebrahim Popat, Country Manager, 9Apps, in a statement.

Consumption of gaming apps has increased more than that of non-gaming apps. 

The proportion of games in total app downloads has increased to nearly 20 per cent this year.

"We also found that screenshot is the most important factor to attract potential app users. Nearly 46 per cent users chose screenshot over Ratings when asked what affect their willingness to download a mobile game/app from an app store," Ebrahim added.

"Apps that are better in localised promotion perform better in India" Ebrahim added.

9Apps has reached over 250 million monthly active users around the world.