Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#1

Post by Macshot » Wed, Nov 20, 2013, 10:57 PM UTC

http://app.given.to is the only API that automates the process of buying iPhone/iPad apps, iTunes music , movies, books, and anything else in the app store individually or in bulk . Then those digital goods can be distribute through email, text message, Facebook, Twitter, QR codes, physical cards with branding, or any other way someone care to distribute them.

The links Given create allow for a digital item to be downloaded in one click without going through the hassles of the app store. These links have been used for marketing campaigns, incentives, rewards, contest and more.

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#2

Post by hansy » Wed, Nov 20, 2013, 11:22 PM UTC

Quick clarification about how it works: so the end-user doesn't get a random gift code for manual input and instead can just redeem the app after clicking on the url?

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#3

Post by Macshot » Wed, Nov 20, 2013, 11:24 PM UTC

hansy wrote: post #2

Quick clarification about how it works: so the end-user doesn't get a random gift code for manual input and instead can just redeem the app after clicking on the url?

Exactly. They click the link sent to them and the app store opens up on their computer or mobile device ready to just redeem the code for whatever item they were sent

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#4

Post by spenvo » Wed, Nov 20, 2013, 11:32 PM UTC

Seems like a super useful API. I don't know a much about the space, but I can't believe something like this doesn't exist.

I wanted to see a dead-simple demonstration on the website, couldn't find one. Perhaps it would be effective to demonstrate the API by sending a free app link via email. Just have a "Try it now! We'll show you how simple it can be by sending you a free app link to your email on signing up! ~ or something (reduce the copy language)

Keep it up!

PS - Is there potential for a referral/affiliate angle on this API? Apple's TOS probably prohibits that, but if it could somehow be managed--I see massive value there.

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#5

Post by Macshot » Wed, Nov 20, 2013, 11:36 PM UTC

spenvo wrote: post #4

Seems like a super useful API. I don't know a much about the space, but I can't believe something like this doesn't exist. I wanted to see a dead-simple demonstration on the website, couldn't find one. Perhaps it would be effective to demonstrate the API by sending a free app link via email. Just have a "Try it now! We'll show you how simple it can be by sending you a free app link to your email on signing up! ~ or s…

@spenvo I think you went to the wrong site. It's http://app.given.to not given.to . On there there are 4 screenshots showing the entire end user experience. But yes anyone who wants an example please let me know and I can send you an app or song in a email,txt, or twitter dm

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#6

Post by spenvo » Wed, Nov 20, 2013, 11:41 PM UTC

Macshot wrote: post #5

spenvo wrote: post #4

Seems like a super useful API. I don't know a much about the space, but I can't believe something like this doesn't exist. I wanted to see a dead-simple demonstration on the website, couldn't find one. Perhaps it would be effective to demonstrate the API by sending a free app link via email. Just have a "Try it now! We'll show you how simple it can be by sending you a free app link to your email on signing up! ~ or s…

@spenvo I think you went to the wrong site. It's http://app.given.to not given.to . On there there are 4 screenshots showing the entire end user experience. But yes anyone who wants an example please let me know and I can send you an app or song in a email,txt, or twitter dm

Cool - send a song to @spencenow

I'm not sure how I ended up at the vanity URL. I think I saw your email mac@given.to and typed it in manually. Commented-out the FB Connect feedback

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#7

Post by Macshot » Thu, Nov 21, 2013, 12:30 AM UTC

spenvo wrote: post #6

Macshot wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

@spenvo I think you went to the wrong site. It's http://app.given.to not given.to . On there there are 4 screenshots showing the entire end user experience. But yes anyone who wants an example please let me know and I can send you an app or song in a email,txt, or twitter dm

Cool - send a song to @spencenow I'm not sure how I ended up at the vanity URL. I think I saw your email mac@given.to and typed it in manually. Commented-out the FB Connect feedback

Check your twitter. Once you follow me back I have the perfect song for you

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#8

Post by spenvo » Thu, Nov 21, 2013, 1:03 AM UTC

Macshot wrote: post #7

spenvo wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Cool - send a song to @spencenow I'm not sure how I ended up at the vanity URL. I think I saw your email mac@given.to and typed it in manually. Commented-out the FB Connect feedback

Check your twitter. Once you follow me back I have the perfect song for you

Haha, ok, I have a feeling I'm going to get rick-rolled. :)

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#9

Post by Macshot » Thu, Nov 21, 2013, 1:10 AM UTC

spenvo wrote: post #8

Macshot wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Check your twitter. Once you follow me back I have the perfect song for you

Haha, ok, I have a feeling I'm going to get rick-rolled. :)

I promise you it's a real song. No tricks here . I would love feedback as well!

Re: Show HN: API to easily gift Apple Store content via SMS

#10

Post by spenvo » Thu, Nov 21, 2013, 1:26 AM UTC

Macshot wrote: post #9

spenvo wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Haha, ok, I have a feeling I'm going to get rick-rolled. :)

I promise you it's a real song. No tricks here . I would love feedback as well!

Confirmed: this is a fantastic end-user experience. Clicked the link on my Mac - it opened iTunes and autofilled the Redeem code, no clicks necessary (aside from providing my passcode). Excellent execution!

Again, my feedback for your landing page is to let people try it, and the concept will sell itself. I'll definitely think of ways to incorporate this into projects moving forward. :)