# What is an MVP? > What is an MVP in app development? Definition, benefits, examples, and how to build a minimum viable product for your startup or business idea. Canonical: https://app369.com/glossary/what-is-mvp/ [← Back to Glossary](https://app369.com/glossary/) Quick Answer **An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest version of a product that includes only core features needed to validate a business idea with real users and gather feedback for future development.** An **MVP (Minimum Viable Product)** is the most stripped-down version of a product that still delivers enough value for early adopters to use it. The goal is not to build a perfect application. The goal is to test your core hypothesis with real users as quickly and affordably as possible, then iterate based on what you learn. The term was popularized by Eric Ries in _The Lean Startup_ and has become the standard approach for launching new software products, particularly in the startup ecosystem. ## Why Build an MVP Building an MVP addresses the single biggest risk in product development: building something nobody wants. By launching with only essential features, you accomplish three things. **Reduce financial risk.** Instead of paying for a fully-featured application that may miss the mark, you invest a fraction of that to validate demand before committing further resources. **Validate faster.** An MVP can reach real users in weeks rather than months. That means you get market feedback in months rather than a year or more. **Save money long-term.** User feedback from an MVP shapes your product roadmap so every subsequent feature you build is informed by actual usage data, not assumptions. ## Core Characteristics of an MVP A well-built MVP has three defining traits. First, it includes the **minimum set of features** required to solve the primary problem your target user faces. Second, it must be **viable**, meaning it actually works well enough that users will engage with it and provide meaningful feedback. Third, it delivers **measurable outcomes** so you can track engagement, retention, and conversion to determine product-market fit. ## MVP vs Prototype vs Proof of Concept These terms are often confused, but they serve different purposes. A **proof of concept** demonstrates that a technical approach is feasible. It is internal-facing and never reaches end users. A **prototype** is a visual or interactive mockup used to test design and user experience. It may look real but typically has no working backend. An **MVP** is a real, functioning product released to actual users. It has a working backend, handles real data, and supports genuine user workflows. ## Real-World MVP Examples Some of the most successful companies started with remarkably simple MVPs. Dropbox validated demand with a three-minute demo video before writing any sync code. Airbnb started by posting photos of the founders’ apartment on a simple website during a conference. Uber launched in San Francisco offering only black car service to a small group of beta users before expanding to other vehicle types and cities. ## How to Identify MVP Features The **MoSCoW prioritization** method is one of the most effective ways to define your MVP scope. Categorize every proposed feature as Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, or Won’t Have. Your MVP includes only the Must Have features. Everything else goes on the post-launch roadmap. ## Typical MVP Cost and Timeline The cost of an MVP at [App369](https://app369.com/service/mvp-development/) depends on scope; our [fee structure](https://app369.com/fee-structure/) and [app cost calculator](https://app369.com/tools/app-cost-calculator/) give a range. The exact investment depends on the number of screens, backend complexity, third-party integrations, and whether you need both iOS and Android coverage. Using a cross-platform framework like [Flutter](https://app369.com/service/flutter-development/) can significantly reduce MVP costs by building for both platforms from a single codebase. ## Build Your MVP with App369 At [App369](https://app369.com), we specialize in taking startup ideas from concept to launched MVP. Our [MVP development service](https://app369.com/service/mvp-development/) is designed to get your product in front of real users as fast as possible while maintaining the code quality needed to scale after launch. [Contact us](https://app369.com/contact/) to discuss your idea. ## **Related Terms ** [what is agile development](https://app369.com/glossary/what-is-agile-development/) [what is saas](https://app369.com/glossary/what-is-saas/) ## **Related Services ** [mvp development](https://app369.com/service/mvp-development/) [mobile apps](https://app369.com/service/mobile-apps/) ## **Prefer a fixed price?** Fixed scope, fixed price, paid upfront. The work happens in writing; no call needed. - [**Web App MVP Sprint**from $6,000A scoped web app MVP in Vue/Nuxt or React, with a fixed quote after a $450 written scoping.](https://app369.com/fixed-price/web-app-mvp/) - [**App Fix Ticket**from $450One reproducible bug in an existing mobile or web app, diagnosed and fixed.](https://app369.com/fixed-price/flutter-firebase-bug-fix/) - [**Monthly Dev Subscription**from $1,495/⁠monthOne development request at a time, most back in about 2 business days. Pause or cancel anytime.](https://app369.com/fixed-price/monthly-dev-subscription/) Start here ## **Need help with MVP (Minimum Viable Product)?** App369 specializes in building custom applications. Get a detailed estimate by email, usually within one business day, or book a consultation ($100 per 15 minutes, paid upfront). [**Get in Touch **→](https://app369.com/contact/) [**Get an Estimate**](https://app369.com/instant-quote/)