Crowdsourced testing refers to a process in which software testing is outsourced to a group of people who perform testing activities as a part of a distributed workforce. The tests are performed over the internet, allowing testers to work from any location in the world. This form of testing has gained significant popularity in recent years, with many businesses embracing crowdsourced testing as a more effective and efficient way to test their software products.
The global crowdsourced testing market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, owing to the increasing demand for quality assurance and testing services. The market is expected to continue to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period, owing to the growing need for cost-effective and efficient testing solutions. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the crowdsourced testing market, including its key trends, drivers, restraints, opportunities, and dynamics.
Crowdsourced testing is a form of software testing that leverages the power of the crowd to perform testing activities. The testing process involves a group of individuals who perform testing activities on a software product as a part of a distributed workforce. The testers are not affiliated with the software development company, and they are recruited through a crowdsourcing platform.
Crowdsourced testing is considered a cost-effective and efficient testing solution compared to traditional testing methods. The testers work remotely and are paid only for the bugs they identify, eliminating the need for expensive testing infrastructure and full-time testing staff. Additionally, crowdsourced testing provides access to a global pool of testers who can test the software product in different languages, operating systems, and devices.
Executive Summary
The global crowdsourced testing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2021-2028). The market growth is driven by the increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient software testing solutions, the growing need for quality assurance and testing services, and the rising popularity of crowdsourcing platforms. However, the market growth is restrained by the lack of control over the testing process and the challenges associated with ensuring the quality of testing results. The market presents significant opportunities for businesses to improve the quality of their software products while reducing the cost and time associated with software testing.

Important Note: The companies listed in the image above are for reference only. The final study will cover 18–20 key players in this market, and the list can be adjusted based on our client’s requirements.
Key Market Insights
- The global crowdsourced testing market was valued at USD XX million in 2020 and is expected to reach USD XX million by 2028.
- The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2021-2028).
- The North America region dominates the market, owing to the presence of leading crowdsourcing platforms and the increasing adoption of crowdsourced testing solutions.
- The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the growing demand for software testing services and the increasing popularity of crowdsourcing platforms in the region.
- The mobile application segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for mobile application testing services.
- The key players in the market include Applause, Testbirds, Crowdsourced Testing, Rainforest QA, Test IO, QualiTest, uTest, and Global App Testing.
Market Drivers
- Growing Demand for Cost-effective and Efficient Testing Solutions
The high cost and time associated with traditional software testing methods have led to the increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient testing solutions. Crowdsourced testing is considered a cost-effective and efficient testing solution, as it eliminates the need for expensive testing infrastructure and full-time testing staff. Additionally, the testers work remotely and are paid only for the bugs they identify, reducing the overall cost of software testing.
- Increasing Need for Quality Assurance and Testing Services
The growing need for quality assurance and testing services has driven the adoption of crowdsourced testing solutions. With the increasing complexity of software products, businesses are looking for ways to ensure that their products are free of defects and meet the quality standards. Crowdsourced testing provides businesses with access to a global pool of testers who can test their software products in different languages, operating systems, and devices, providing comprehensive testing coverage and improving the overall quality of the product.
- Rising Popularity of Crowdsourcing Platforms
The rising popularity of crowdsourcing platforms has significantly contributed to the growth of the crowdsourced testing market. Crowdsourcing platforms allow businesses to easily access a pool of talented testers and manage the testing process effectively. The platforms provide businesses with a range of testing services, including functional testing, usability testing, security testing, and performance testing, among others.
Market Restraints
- Lack of Control Over the Testing Process
One of the significant challenges associated with crowdsourced testing is the lack of control over the testing process. As the testing is performed by a distributed workforce, the testers may not follow the testing guidelines and may not have the necessary skills and expertise to perform the testing activities effectively. This can result in inaccurate testing results and can impact the quality of the software product.
- Ensuring the Quality of Testing Results
Ensuring the quality of testing results is another significant challenge associated with crowdsourced testing. As the testing is performed remotely, it can be challenging to verify the authenticity of the testing results. Additionally, the testers may not have access to the same testing infrastructure and may test the product in different environments, leading to inconsistent testing results.
Market Opportunities
- Growing Demand for Mobile Application Testing Services
The growing demand for mobile application testing services presents significant opportunities for businesses operating in the crowdsourced testing market. With the increasing popularity of mobile applications, businesses are looking for ways to ensure that their applications are free of defects and meet the quality standards. Crowdsourced testing provides businesses with access to a global pool of testers who can test their mobile applications on different devices and operating systems, providing comprehensive testing coverage.
- Increasing Adoption of Cloud-based Testing Solutions
The increasing adoption of cloud-based testing solutions presents significant opportunities for businesses operating in the crowdsourced testing market. Cloud-based testing solutions provide businesses with a cost-effective and scalable testing solution, allowing them to test their software products in a secure and scalable environment. Additionally, cloud-based testing solutions provide businesses with access to a range of testing services, including functional testing, performance testing, and security testing, among others.

Market Dynamics
The crowdsourced testing market is driven by several factors, including the growing demand for cost-effective and efficient testing solutions, the increasing need for quality assurance and testing services, and the rising popularity of crowdsourcing platforms. However, the market growth is restrained by the lack of control over the testing process and the challenges associated with ensuring the quality of testing results.
Regional Analysis
The global crowdsourced testing market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North America region dominates the market, owing to the presence of leading crowdsourcing platforms and the increasing adoption of crowdsourced testing solutions. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the growing demand for software testing services and the increasing popularity of crowdsourcing platforms in the region.
Competitive Landscape
Leading Companies in the Crowdsourced Testing Market:
- Applause App Quality, Inc.
- Bugcrowd Inc.
- Crowdsourced Testing Sp. z o.o.
- Rainforest QA, Inc.
- Testbirds GmbH
- uTest (a part of Applause App Quality, Inc.)
- Global App Testing Ltd.
- Cobalt.io, Inc.
- passbrains AG
- Digivante Ltd.
Please note: This is a preliminary list; the final study will feature 18–20 leading companies in this market. The selection of companies in the final report can be customized based on our client’s specific requirements.

Segmentation
The global crowdsourced testing market is segmented based on testing type, platform type, end-user, and geography.
Based on testing type, the market is segmented into functional testing, usability testing, security testing, performance testing, and others. Based on platform type, the market is segmented into web-based and mobile-based. Based on end-user, the market is segmented into healthcare, IT and telecom, BFSI, retail, and others.
Category-wise Insights
Functional Testing: The functional testing segment is expected to dominate the market, owing to the increasing demand for comprehensive testing solutions that ensure the functionality of the software product.
Usability Testing: The usability testing segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the growing need for user-friendly software products that provide a seamless user experience.
Security Testing: The security testing segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing need for secure software products that protect sensitive data and prevent cyber attacks.
Performance Testing: The performance testing segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for software products that provide optimal performance under different load conditions.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders
- Cost-effective and efficient testing solutions
- Access to a global pool of talented testers
- Comprehensive testing coverage
- Access to a range of testing services
- Improved quality of software products
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
- Cost-effective and efficient testing solutions
- Access to a global pool of talented testers
- Comprehensive testing coverage
- Access to a range of testing services
- Improved quality of software products
Weaknesses:
- Lack of control over the testing process
- Challenges associated with ensuring the quality of testing results
Opportunities:
- Growing demand for mobile application testing services
- Increasing adoption of cloud-based testing solutions
Threats:
- Competition from traditional testing methods
- Security and confidentiality concerns
Market Key Trends
- Increasing adoption of AI and machine learning in crowdsourced testing solutions
- Growing demand for crowdsourced security testing solutions
Covid-19 Impact
The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the crowdsourced testing market, with businesses increasingly adopting remote testing solutions to ensure business continuity. The pandemic has also led to the growing need for software products that provide a seamless user experience and optimal performance, driving the adoption of crowdsourced testing solutions.
Key Industry Developments
- In August 2020, Applause announced the launch of its unified platform, enabling businesses to manage all their testing needs in a single platform.
- In March 2021, Testbirds announced the launch of its AI-based testing solution, enabling businesses to automate their testing processes and improve the efficiency of their testing activities.
Analyst Suggestions
- Focus on developing comprehensive testing solutions that provide optimal testing coverage.
- Embrace AI and machine learning technologies to enhance the efficiency of testing activities.
- Collaborate with crowdsourcing platforms to access a global pool of talented testers.
Future Outlook
The crowdsourced testing market is expected to continue to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient testing solutions and the growing need for quality assurance and testing services. The market presents significant opportunities for businesses to improve the quality of their software products while reducing the cost and time associated with software testing.
Conclusion
The crowdsourced testing market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient testing solutions and the growing need for quality assurance and testing services. While the market growth is restrained by the lack of control over the testing process and the challenges associated with ensuring the quality of testing results, the market presents significant opportunities for businesses to improve the quality of their software products while reducing the cost and time associated with software testing. The market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the growing demand for mobile application testing services and the increasing adoption of cloud-based testing solutions. The market is highly competitive, with several leading players operating in the market, and they are focusing on expanding their service offerings, expanding their customer base, and entering into strategic partnerships to enhance their market presence.
