What can you do by developing a LINE Mini App? Utilization methods and how to start development that marketing managers should know
LINE Mini App is a web application platform that allows you to deploy your own services on LINE, which is used by 99 million people monthly. There is no need to download new apps, which significantly lowers the barrier to entry for users, while companies can reduce development costs and approach a wide range of customer segments. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the points that marketing and sales promotion managers should grasp, from the basic functions of LINE Mini Apps to the benefits companies can gain, differences from other apps, and actual development methods. We will deliver practical knowledge to help you understand the potential of LINE Mini Apps as a new option for digital initiatives and connect it to your company's business growth.
1. What is a LINE Mini App? Understanding the basic concept
LINE Mini App is a web application platform that operates on the communication app "LINE," which is used by 99 million people monthly in Japan.
Companies and stores can provide various services within LINE, such as:
✅ Mobile ordering
✅ Digital membership cards
✅ Waiting list systems
and more.
A key feature is that the barrier to starting use is extremely low, as users can use the service immediately just by opening LINE without having to download a new app.
As of July 2025, the number of releases has exceeded 25,000, and the number of monthly users has reached 15 million, indicating rapid growth in usage by both companies and users.
It is an open platform where anyone can start development if they have a LINE Developers account, provided they are a Japanese corporate entity or a sole proprietor.
2. Three strategic benefits for companies
By utilizing LINE Mini Apps, companies can gain three important strategic benefits.
Approaching a wide range of customer segments
LINE, with its overwhelming user base of 99 million monthly users in Japan, has permeated a wide range of age groups, allowing you to reach new customer segments that you have not had contact with before.
Furthermore, you can naturally acquire LINE Official Account friends via the LINE Mini App, realizing relationship building through continuous communication.
Reduction of development costs and efficiency
Since it can support both iOS and Android with a single source as a web application, development and operation costs for native apps can be significantly reduced, and releases can be made in a short period.
You can implement on a common platform without being conscious of OS differences, and maintenance and updates can be performed easily.
Providing a personalized customer experience
You can utilize data collected through the LINE Official Account message function and the LINE Mini App.
The collected data can also be applied to LINE Ads, leading to the realization of efficient customer attraction, sales promotion, and advertising activities.
3. Convenience of LINE Mini Apps from a user perspective
For users, the LINE Mini App is a highly convenient solution that allows them to use various services on LINE, which they are accustomed to using daily.
The biggest feature is thelow barrier to use, as there is no hassle of downloading a new app.
You can access the LINE Mini App with just a few taps from a QR code or a shortcut icon on your smartphone screen.
Furthermore, by utilizingLINE Yahoo's common profile, you can automatically and quickly enter information such as your email address and address required for membership registration or reservations, freeing you from tedious input work.
This feature dramatically shortens the time until service usage begins and reduces input errors.
Also, by using theLINE Mini App-exclusive message function, you can receive reservation confirmations, delivery notifications, etc., on LINE, so there is no need to go out of your way to check your mailbox.
If you implement the share message function, it is designed so that you can enjoy services as an extension of daily communication, such as easily sharing coupons and event information with LINE friends.
4. Decisive differences from web apps and native apps
LINE Mini Apps have a unique positioning that differs from web apps and native apps.
From a platform perspective, while web apps operate on web browsers and native apps require installation from the App Store or Google Play, LINE Mini Apps operate within the LINE app.
Regarding the user's barrier to use, while web apps do not require installation but require opening a browser, and native apps have a high barrier of installation,LINE Mini Apps have an advantage in that they do not require installation and can be logged into immediately with a LINE account.
In terms of notification functions, while web apps are limited to email notifications or browser notifications, and native apps can utilize push notifications, LINE Mini Apps can utilize LINE Official Account message delivery and service messages, realizing LINE notifications with high open rates.
In terms of development man-hours, LINE Mini Apps can be published without review (excluding some functions) by combining web technology with the API and SDK provided by LINE.
There is no need to develop for iOS and Android separately like native apps, and there is no need to wait for app store release reviews.
Furthermore, having unique access paths such as search paths within the LINE app, the Wallet tab, and icon display on the smartphone home screen is also a major feature.
5. Special functions available for certified Mini Apps
There are two types of LINE Mini Apps: "certified Mini Apps" and "uncertified Mini Apps." By becoming a certified Mini App, you can use special functions that significantly improve the user experience.
Quick input function for common profile information
Users can automatically enter information such as their email address and address, realizing time reduction and error reduction for membership registration and purchase procedures.
This is an important feature that directly leads to an improvement in conversion rates.
Service Messages (LINE Mini App Notifications)
A feature that allows you to send necessary information as confirmation or responses to user actions for free. Since it is designed so that users cannot block these messages, you can ensure that information is delivered.
Share Target Picker
Allows users to select friends or groups to send messages created by the developer. This is highly effective for services with social elements, such as sharing coupons or inviting people to events.
Shortcut Addition Feature for Home Screen
Allows users to place a LINE Mini App icon on their device's home screen, which improves accessibility and is expected to increase usage frequency.
Furthermore, the Custom Path feature allows you to set the LINE Mini App URL to your company brand or store name, leading to strengthened branding and preventing users from leaving the app.
These special features become available after passing the certification review.
6. How to choose the best development method for your company
There are three options for developing and providing a LINE Mini App:
✅ Package Development
✅ Outsourced Development
✅ In-house Development
, each with its own characteristics.
Package Development
A method of using a LINE Mini App package that has specific features or formats that can be introduced in a short period of time.
In addition to being ready for immediate use, it is attractive because it can be used inexpensively with only initial and monthly costs.
However, if you want to add features other than those included in the package, additional development costs will be required.
This is suitable when standard features are sufficient or when you want to keep costs down.
Outsourced Development
A method of developing an original LINE Mini App from scratch to match the challenges and needs of your company or store.
While it may take more time and development costs compared to using a package, it allows for service design optimized for your company and can smoothly handle integration with existing systems.
This is ideal when you want to provide a highly unique service or have complex requirements.
Fourglobe Inc. is a partner in the LINE Mini App development department, so we are very skilled in this area.
In-house Development
A method of developing and providing a LINE Mini App within your company. It allows for design by staff who are familiar with your company's circumstances and has the advantage of reducing outsourcing costs.
However, compared to using a package, the higher degree of freedom in development may lead to increased development man-hours.
This is suitable if you have technical resources and want to proceed with continuous improvements in-house.
7. 6 Steps from Development to Release
The flow from development to release of a LINE Mini App consists of 6 clear steps.
Step 1 is the preparation of the development environment.
Create a provider and a LINE Mini App channel in the LINE Developers console.
This is the starting point for development.
In Step 2, enter the various information required for service provision in the LINE Developers console and perform various settings.
Step 3 is the development and verification phase.
Develop a web app incorporating the LIFF SDK and verify its operation.
It is important to proceed while checking the Quick Start Guide and the LINE Mini App Policy here.
In Step 4, once the LINE Mini App channel settings are complete, it can be released as an uncertified mini app.
Although it is possible to provide services at this stage, there are limitations to the features.
In Step 5, apply for the certification review to become a certified mini app.
Enter the necessary information in the LINE Developers console and undergo the review.
In Step 6, after passing the certification review, it can be officially released as a certified mini app.
At this stage, you can provide special features limited to certified mini apps, such as quick input for common profiles and service messages.
If you have any questions or consultations regarding development, you can contact the LINE Mini App Development Pre-consultation Desk, and companies with a certain track record in development can be certified as a "Technology Partner (LINE Mini App Category)" like Fourglobe Inc., and receive support such as development support and marketing assistance.
Summary
LINE Mini Apps are powerful tools for marketing and sales promotion activities that leverage a massive user base of 99 million monthly active users while keeping development costs low and lowering the barrier to entry for users.
They offer unique value distinct from web apps and native apps, and by becoming a certified Mini App, you can utilize even more special features.
By choosing the best method for your company from three development approaches—package, outsourcing, or in-house development—and following six steps, anyone can deploy services on LINE.
If you would like to learn more about LINE Mini App development or are considering using it for your business, please feel free to contact our development consultation desk. We will propose the optimal utilization method tailored to your business challenges.
Thank you for reading until the end this time as well.
■ Leave the development and introduction of LINE Mini Apps to fourglobe!
fourglobe is a certified partner in three categories: the LINE Technology Partner Mini App division (outsourced development division), the Communication division, and the LINE Sales Partner division. With a wealth of experience in long-term digital marketing support, we possess highly advanced knowledge and know-how, especially in the implementation of LINE marketing. Please feel free to consult with us regarding proposals for improving marketing measures, as well as the introduction of tools such as advertisements and LINE Mini Apps that are closely aligned with your business operations!
