> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rocket.new/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sharing vs. app stores

> Choose the right distribution method for your Rocket.new mobile app - web links, APK downloads, or app store submissions.

export const LlmsDirective = () => <blockquote className="llms-directive">
    For the complete documentation index, see <a href="/llms.txt">llms.txt</a>.
    For a lightweight markdown version of this page, append .md to the URL.
  </blockquote>;

<LlmsDirective />

Rocket gives you three ways to distribute your mobile app: web links, downloadable APK builds, and app store submissions. Each option fits a different stage of your project, from early prototyping to public launch. Use the comparison below to decide which method matches your needs.

## Compare your options

<div style={{overflowX: 'auto'}}>
  |                  | **Web link**                              | **Download build**                         | **App stores**                                                                                                                                                          |
  | :--------------- | :---------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
  | **Best for**     | Quick sharing, demos, stakeholder reviews | Testing on real devices, beta distribution | Public release, monetization, discoverability                                                                                                                           |
  | **Speed**        | Instant                                   | Minutes (build time)                       | Days to weeks (review process)                                                                                                                                          |
  | **Audience**     | Anyone with the link                      | Testers with devices                       | Public                                                                                                                                                                  |
  | **Requirements** | None                                      | Android device or emulator                 | Developer account + store approval                                                                                                                                      |
  | **Cost**         | Free                                      | Free                                       | [USD 25 one-time on Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/console/signup) or <br /> [USD 99/year on Apple App Store](https://developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/) |
  | **Updates**      | Automatic on relaunch                     | Rebuild and reinstall                      | Submit new version for review                                                                                                                                           |
</div>

## Choose your distribution method

**Sharing a prototype or demo?** [Launch a web preview](/build/launch-mobile/share-as-web-preview). It works on any device with a browser and requires no installs. You can also [launch your web app](/build/launch-web/launch-your-site) with a public URL.

**Testing before release?** [Download an APK](/build/launch-mobile/android-apk) (paid plan required) and install it on Android devices to test the full native experience.

**Ready for public release?** Submit to [Google Play](/build/launch-mobile/google-play) or the [Apple App Store](/build/launch-mobile/apple-store) to reach users worldwide.

<Divider />

## What's next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Share as web preview" icon="mobile-notch" href="/build/launch-mobile/share-as-web-preview">
    Share your mobile app as a browser link with no installs required.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Download and install APK" icon="file-arrow-down" href="/build/launch-mobile/android-apk">
    Build and sideload your app onto an Android device.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect a custom domain" icon="globe-pointer" href="/build/launch-web/custom-domain">
    Use your own domain for a branded web preview URL.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>