In short
A premium membership is a paid subscription that gives users extra benefits in an app. Typical perks include discounts, early or exclusive access, bonus rewards and visual status markers. It turns engaged users into recurring revenue, as long as free users still get real value.
Why it matters for apps
Premium works best when it rewards users who already love the product. Gamification helps on both sides: it builds the habit that makes users willing to pay, and premium perks make progress feel faster. The free experience has to stay good on its own.
- Recurring revenue: Monthly or yearly plans add predictable income and raise customer lifetime value.
- Visible status: Badges, name tags or profile borders show membership and signal value to other users.
- Common mistake: Locking away the core experience. If free users cannot reach the aha moment, few will ever upgrade.
- Design choice: Offer a free trial, and consider tiers such as Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Industry examples
Revolut offers several paid subscription tiers with extra perks on top of its free plan.
Strava offers a paid subscription that adds features like advanced analytics and route tools.
Build it with StriveCloud
StriveCloud supports premium packages with monthly or yearly prices, an optional free trial and perks such as discounts, priority access and currency or XP boosts. Premium members can get a name tag, profile border and logo, and admins can gift a subscription. Segments can make challenges or products premium-only, or show them to everyone with a call to upgrade.
Want to try this? See gamified loyalty
Frequently asked questions
What is a premium membership in an app?
It is a paid subscription that gives users extra benefits, such as discounts, exclusive content, bonus rewards or status markers.
What perks should a premium membership include?
Perks that save time, add status or boost progress work well. Keep the core experience free so users can reach value before paying.
How does gamification support premium subscriptions?
Gamification builds the habit that makes users willing to pay. Premium-only challenges, boosters and visual status then make the upgrade feel worthwhile.