That’s where Shopify’s digital download apps come into play. These apps make it simple to sell and automatically deliver digital items like eBooks, music, software, or courses directly to your customers.
The best digital download apps not only automate the process but also provide key features like secure downloads, customizable branding, and support for a variety of file formats. Whether you need basic file delivery or advanced features like PDF stamping, multiple file support, or integration with subscriptions, there’s an app that fits your needs.
In this guide, we’ll go over the 10 best digital download apps for Shopify. From the highly secure SendOwl to the media-friendly Sky Pilot, we’ll break down what makes these apps great, how much they cost, and which one might be the perfect fit for your store.
52% of Shopify merchants are female. (source)
Why Shopify Digital Download Apps Matter for eCommerce Stores
If you sell digital products like eBooks, music, or software, having the right app can save you tons of time and protect your products. But why are digital download apps crucial for eCommerce stores on Shopify? Here’s why:
1. Automated Delivery:
- Manually sending files to customers after a purchase can be time-consuming and prone to mistakes. Digital download apps automate this process, instantly sending the download link as soon as the purchase is completed. This ensures that customers get what they paid for right away, enhancing their experience.
2. Secure Downloads:
- Protecting your content is important. Features like expiring download links, PDF stamping, and password-protected downloads help ensure that your digital products are not misused or redistributed without your permission. Apps like SendOwl and Sky Pilot offer these security features to protect your assets
3. Easy Product Management:
- Many of these apps let you attach multiple files to one product or offer different versions of a product, like a high-resolution image or a compressed version. They also help you manage updates to your files, making sure customers get the latest version automatically, which is especially useful for software update
4. Enhanced Customer Experience:
- Offering a seamless, branded experience for your customers can make a big difference. With the right app, you can customize the delivery emails, download pages, and even thank-you pages. This helps build trust and keeps everything on-brand.
5. Increased Sales Potential:
- Many apps also integrate with subscription services, allowing you to offer recurring digital content, like courses or software updates. Apps like Courses Plus even allow for drip delivery, where content is released over time. This opens the door for more revenue through subscriptions or bundle offers.
In short, Shopify digital download apps simplify selling digital products while protecting your assets and improving customer satisfaction. Whether you’re selling one-off items or offering ongoing subscriptions, having the right app in place helps you focus more on growing your store and less on the logistics of delivery.
Read More:8 Best Shopify Apps for Selling Digital Products
10 Best Shopify Digital Downloads Apps
1. SendOwl
SendOwl is a popular choice for creators looking to sell digital content such as eBooks, video, music, and software. It automates the process from purchase to delivery, making it simple and secure for both store owners and customers.
- Key Features:
- Automated delivery of digital products after purchase.
- Expiring download links for added security.
- Subscription-based selling and license keys.
- Detailed reporting on sales and customer behavior
- Pros:
- Secure digital delivery.
- Easy to set up and manage.
- Supports various file formats.
- Great for subscriptions and memberships
- Cons:
- No free plan available after trial.
- Limited advanced customization
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans start at $9/month
2. Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot offers both digital downloads and streaming options, making it ideal for those selling media files like courses and music. It integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s checkout, offering customers a smooth experience.
- Key Features:
- Stream or download digital products.
- Direct delivery via email and order page.
- Expiring download links and IP restrictions.
- Supports subscriptions and bundles
- Pros:
- Flexible options for streaming and downloads.
- Simple file management system.
- Advanced security features (IP blocking, password protection)
- Cons:
- Slight learning curve for advanced features.
- Premium plans can be costly for small businesses
- Rating: 5/5
- Pricing: Free plan; paid plans start at $9/month
Read More:Top 5 Shopify Apps for Installments and Pay Later Options
3. Filemonk
Filemonk makes selling digital downloads easy with instant delivery and brand customization. It’s perfect for those selling books, software, or media files and includes robust security features like watermarks and download limits.
- Key Features:
- Instant delivery of digital products after checkout.
- Customizable download buttons and emails.
- Watermarks and streaming options to protect content
- Pros:
- Simple three-step setup.
- Excellent customization for branding.
- PDF watermarks and download limits for security
- Cons:
- Some advanced features may require initial setup.
- Limited support for very large file sizes
- Rating: 5/5
- Pricing: Free plan; paid plans start at $10/month
4. Easy Digital Products (EDP)
EDP is designed for easy setup and seamless integration with Shopify. It’s perfect for small businesses looking for a simple solution to sell digital products like eBooks or music.
- Key Features:
- Attach up to 10 files per product or variant.
- Automatic delivery on the order confirmation page.
- Simple interface for quick product creation
- Pros:
- Quick setup with minimal configuration.
- Free for up to 30 digital orders per month.
- Good for small and medium-sized stores
- Cons:
- Limited to smaller stores with fewer digital orders.
- Lacks advanced file management features
- Rating: 5/5
- Pricing: Free for up to 30 orders per month; higher tiers available
Read More:Top 6 Shopify Apps for Product Comparison
5. FetchApp
FetchApp provides a streamlined solution for selling digital products with an intuitive interface. It’s ideal for businesses selling large files or offering multiple versions of the same product.
- Key Features:
- Automated delivery of digital files via email and checkout page.
- Supports multiple file formats, including large file sizes.
- Detailed sales analytics and reporting
- Pros:
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage.
- Easy integration with Shopify and PayPal.
- Secure downloads with expiring links
- Cons:
- Some users report occasional delays in download emails
- No free plan for larger businesses
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Pricing: Free to $50/month
6. Single: Sub, Music, Video, NFT
: Single is designed for creators selling media content like music, videos, and NFTs. It offers on-demand streaming, chart reporting, and even allows for members-only shops, making it a unique choice for digital content creators.
- Key Features:
- Supports music, video, and NFT sales.
- On-demand streaming and video options.
- Members-only shops and auto-reporting to charts
- Pros:
- Ideal for content creators selling media.
- Free to use, making it accessible to small sellers.
- Great for memberships and recurring digital content
- Cons:
- Limited functionality for non-media-related products.
- More specialized, may not suit all eCommerce stores
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Pricing: Free to install
Read More:10 Best Shopify Product Display Apps
7. Courses Plus
Courses Plus is an ideal tool for online course creators. This app allows you to create, manage, and sell digital courses or coaching programs directly from your Shopify store, complete with interactive quizzes and certification options.
- Key Features:
- Create and sell online courses with ease.
- Includes quiz and certification functionalities.
- Supports subscription-based models for recurring revenue
- Pros:
- Comprehensive course management system.
- Drip delivery for scheduled content.
- Great for digital learning businesses
- Cons:
- Higher price point than simpler download apps.
- May have a learning curve for new users
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Pricing: Starts at $29.99/month
8. Uplinkly Digital Downloads
Uplinkly simplifies selling digital products by offering features like customizable delivery pages, watermarks for protection, and simple file attachment processes. It’s great for stores needing basic functionality with a focus on security.
- Key Features:
- Attach digital files directly to products with ease.
- Customizable download pages and emails.
- Includes PDF watermarking and secure download links
- Pros:
- Easy to set up and use.
- Strong security features like PDF watermarks.
- Great for small stores looking to sell simple digital downloads
- Cons:
- Free plan has limited storage (500MB) and only supports 10 products.
- Not ideal for high-volume digital product sellers
- Rating: 5/5
- Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $7/month
Read More:9 Best Product Options Apps – Shopify App Store
9. Downloadable Digital Assets (DDA)
DDA makes it easy to manage and deliver digital products automatically, with built-in fraud protection and free migration from other platforms. It’s perfect for businesses looking for a hassle-free solution.
- Key Features:
- Automated delivery of digital products.
- Built-in fraud protection to prevent unauthorized access.
- Free migration from other digital download apps
- Pros:
- Hassle-free setup with free migration options.
- Secure digital downloads with fraud protection.
- Scalable for stores with varying product volumes
- Cons:
- Limited free storage (1GB).
- May not offer as many customization options as competitors
- Rating: 5/5
- Pricing: Free for up to 1GB of storage; paid plans start at $9.99/month
10. Sellkite Digital Downloads
Sellkite allows Shopify merchants to attach digital files to products easily. With features like unique file delivery per customer and custom branding, it’s an affordable yet powerful option for growing eCommerce stores.
- Key Features:
- Attach multiple files to products or variants.
- Sell unique files per customer.
- Customize download buttons and emails for brand consistency
- Pros:
- Affordable pricing with free options.
- Great for custom digital product sales.
- Easy to set up and manage
- Cons:
- Limited advanced security features.
- May not suit stores with high security needs
- Rating: 5/5
- Pricing: Free to $9.99/month
How to Choose the Right App for Your Store
With so many digital download apps available, selecting the best one for your Shopify store depends on several factors. Here’s how to narrow down your choice based on your specific needs.
1. Budget
- Free vs. Paid Plans:
- Some apps, like SendOwl and FetchApp, offer free plans with limited features or a free trial period, making them a good choice for startups or small eCommerce stores.
- As your business scales, premium plans from apps like Sky Pilot or Courses Plus offer advanced features like streaming and enhanced security but come at a higher price
2. Types of Digital Products
- Media Files: If you’re selling media content like videos, music, or online courses, apps like Single or Sky Pilot with streaming options might be perfect
- Books, Software, and Graphics: For simpler digital products like eBooks, guides, or design assets, Easy Digital Products or Filemonk are more than sufficient with their easy-to-use file delivery features Ask yourself: What type of digital products are you selling? Will your customers need instant access to downloads, or would they benefit from content that is drip-fed over time?
3. Security Needs
- Content Protection: If protecting your digital assets is a priority, look for apps that provide advanced security features like PDF stamping, IP tracking, or expiring download links. SendOwl, Filemonk, and Uplinkly Digital Downloads offer robust protection for your files Ask yourself: Are you concerned about piracy or unauthorized sharing of your digital files?
4. Customer Experience
- Customization Options: If branding is important, look for apps that allow you to fully customize emails, download pages, and order confirmation messages. Filemonk, Courses Plus, and Sellkite offer a variety of customization features to match your store’s branding Ask yourself: How much control do you want over the customer experience? Do you need everything from download buttons to emails to reflect your brand?
5. Scalability
- Growing Your Store: As your store grows, your app should grow with you. Apps like FetchApp and Sky Pilot offer unlimited storage and bandwidth, making them ideal for stores with large files or high traffic Ask yourself: Are you just starting with a few products, or do you need an app that can scale as your product offerings and sales grow?
6. Recurring Revenue Potential
- Subscription-Based Content: If you plan to offer digital products on a recurring basis (e.g., courses, memberships, or media bundles), choose apps like Courses Plus or SendOwl, which support subscriptions and recurring billing\ Ask yourself: Do you want to offer your customers the option to subscribe to digital products?
Benefits of Using Shopify Digital Downloads Apps
Using digital download apps on Shopify offers numerous advantages, especially for eCommerce store owners selling non-physical goods like eBooks, software, music, or online courses. Here are some key benefits:
1. Automated Delivery and Instant Access
One of the biggest benefits is automated file delivery. Digital download apps like SendOwl or Filemonk send download links instantly after a customer completes their purchase. This eliminates the need for manual fulfillment and ensures that customers receive their digital products immediately, improving their experience and reducing potential support queries.
2. Secure File Distribution
Many of these apps come with built-in security features like expiring download links, PDF stamping, and IP blocking to protect your digital products from unauthorized distribution. For instance, apps like SendOwl and Filemonk allow you to limit the number of downloads or apply watermarks to protect intellectual property. This helps prevent piracy and ensures that your products are only accessed by paying customers.
3. Simplified Product Management
Digital download apps make it easy to manage multiple files, versions, or variants of a single product. Apps like FetchApp allow you to offer different formats (e.g., PDF, MP3, MP4) or bundle files together. This simplifies the process of managing your digital inventory and makes updating products easy, especially for software or media content
4. Customization and Branding
Many apps let you customize the download experience to reflect your store’s branding. For example, Filemonk and Sellkite Digital Downloads allow you to design branded download pages, emails, and order confirmation messages. This consistent branding across all customer touchpoints improves trust and professionalism
5. Support for Subscriptions and Recurring Revenue
Several digital download apps, like Courses Plus and SendOwl, support subscription models, enabling you to sell digital products on a recurring basis. This is particularly beneficial for eCommerce stores offering online courses, memberships, or any product that requires ongoing content delivery. Subscriptions offer a steady income stream and help build long-term customer relationships.
6. Easy Setup and Scalability
Most Shopify digital download apps are designed to be easy to set up, requiring little to no technical expertise. This makes it accessible for small businesses and new eCommerce stores. Additionally, as your business grows, apps like FetchApp and Sky Pilot offer scalable solutions with unlimited bandwidth and file storage, ensuring that your app grows alongside your business
7. Enhanced Customer Experience
Offering customers an easy and seamless way to download their purchases boosts overall satisfaction. By integrating digital download apps with Shopify’s checkout process, customers can receive their files instantly via email or from a thank-you page, ensuring a smooth transaction experience. This reduces friction and keeps customers coming back for more.
FAQs
How do I automate digital downloads on Shopify?
To automate digital downloads, you need an app that automatically delivers the purchased file(s) to customers after they complete checkout. Apps like SendOwl, Sky Pilot, and Easy Digital Products allow you to set up automatic delivery, usually via email or the order confirmation page. Simply upload your digital files to the app, link them to products, and let the app handle the rest.
Which app is best for selling online courses?
If you’re selling online courses, Courses Plus and Sky Pilot are strong options. Courses Plus allows you to create and manage course materials, quizzes, and certificates, while Sky Pilot offers streaming and download options, making it great for video-based courses. Both apps also support subscription models for ongoing revenue.
Are there free digital download apps for Shopify?
Yes, several apps offer free plans or trials. Filemonk, Uplinkly Digital Downloads, and Easy Digital Products have free options, though they often come with limitations like file size or a cap on the number of products you can sell. Free plans are ideal for small stores or merchants just getting started with digital products.
How can I protect my digital downloads from theft?
Protecting your digital products is crucial, especially if you’re selling valuable content like eBooks, art, or software. Look for apps that offer features like PDF stamping, expiring download links, or IP blocking. Apps like SendOwl, Filemonk, and Uplinkly Digital Downloads provide these features to help prevent unauthorized distribution
Can I sell digital products alongside physical products on Shopify?
Yes, many Shopify digital download apps allow you to sell both physical and digital products within the same store. For instance, Sky Pilot and SendOwl integrate seamlessly with Shopify’s checkout process, allowing you to bundle digital and physical items together in a single transaction
How do I handle large files with Shopify digital downloads?
If you’re selling large files like videos or high-resolution images, you’ll want an app that can handle unlimited bandwidth and storage. Apps like FetchApp and Sky Pilot offer flexible file management and the ability to store large files without worrying about bandwidth limits. These apps are great for stores that sell media or large file formats.
Can I offer subscriptions or recurring content for digital products?
Yes, several apps, like SendOwl and Courses Plus, allow you to sell digital products on a subscription basis. These apps enable you to set up recurring billing for ongoing digital content, such as courses or media bundles. This feature is ideal if you want to generate continuous revenue from your digital products.
Conclusion
Choosing the right digital download app for your Shopify store can be the difference between a smooth, automated process and hours of manual work. Whether you’re selling simple eBooks, courses, or media files, the right app can handle everything from delivery to security, branding, and customer satisfaction.
For creators looking for powerful streaming and digital delivery options, Sky Pilot or SendOwl are standout choices. If you’re starting small and need a budget-friendly option, Filemonk and Easy Digital Products offer free plans and simple setup, perfect for small stores.
Security is another key factor. Apps like SendOwl, Filemonk, and Uplinkly Digital Downloads help protect your content with expiring links and watermarks, giving you peace of mind as you sell your digital products.
Ultimately, the app you choose should align with your store’s size, product type, and growth potential. Whether you’re offering one-off downloads or subscription-based services, Shopify has plenty of options to ensure your digital products are delivered securely and efficiently.
