Bird‑watching apps modeled after Shazam are driving user growth and new revenue streams in the nature‑observation market
Executive summary: Bird‑watching enthusiasts reported to the BBC that Shazam‑style bird identification apps have changed how they practice their hobby and have drawn new participants into birding. The trend signals expanding demand for mobile nature‑observation tools, creating revenue opportunities for app developers and supplying valuable citizen‑science data for ecological research and conservation.
Who is involved: Birdwatchers, developers of bird‑identification apps, and the BBC as the reporting outlet.
Likely next: Continued growth in user numbers as more birdwatchers adopt the technology, with developers likely to add features and seek collaborations with environmental organisations.
Birdwatchers told the BBC that smartphone apps which identify birds by sound, similar to Shazam for music, have transformed a longtime hobby and attracted newcomers. The apps provide instant species recognition, reducing the learning curve and encouraging more frequent outings. As a result, developers see rising engagement and potential monetisation through premium features and partnerships with conservation groups.
Timeline
- — Why budding birders are flocking to Shazam-like apps to identify avians (BBC Technology)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- mobile bird identification apps
- birdwatching tourism
- ornithological data services
Historical parallels
- Launch of Merlin Bird ID app by Cornell Lab of Ornithology in 2014
- Release of the eBird platform in 2002