14 DAY TRIAL // The free iPhone app Virtual Zippo Lighter has been downloaded over three million times since its debut last October, Zippo and Moderati have announced. The feat makes it one of the most popular and prevalent branded applications in the App Store’s history, according to the duo.
The report notes that Virtual Zippo Lighter has maintained a steady position in the Top 40 over the last five months after quickly rising to the Top Three in the App Store’s Top Free Apps list after it was initially released. The Virtual Zippo Lighter is crowned with “triple platinum” longevity.
While there are similar apps “swaying” around the App Store, none of them is free. Virtual Zippo Lighter is the only free and branded lighter in the App Store with fully interactive lighter simulation, a realistic looking flame and multiple case designs, according to Zippo. The company also says that its app offers Zippo fans the experience of the famous “Zippo Moment” for free, “by holding their cell phones aloft and swaying to power ballads at concerts.”
“The Virtual Zippo Lighter has become a global phenomenon and we continue to be pleased by its consistent popularity with iPhone users,” said Jon Vlassopulos, CEO at Moderati. “It’s exciting to have created one of the most popular branded applications in the App Store and we’re proud to demonstrate the tangible ROI that iPhone applications can have for marketers.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with Moderati to create this one-of-a-kind application, though being fans of the ‘Zippo Encore Moment’ ourselves, we’re not at all surprised by its popularity,” said Pat Grandy, Marketing Communications Manager at Zippo. “This branding exercise has been successful for us, as we’ve seen our Web traffic and overall brand awareness increase since the Virtual Zippo Lighter’s launch.”
Virtual Zippo Lighter owners can engrave their virtual lighter case or choose from a selection of designs to customize it. Future versions of the app will take advantage of the new iPhone OS 3.0 features. According to Zippo and Moderati, Virtual Zippo Lighter is still averaging about 100,000 new downloads per week.