Creating a smooth app onboarding experience is the key to setting the tone for how new users engage with your product, guiding them through the app’s features, and helping them understand its value. A well-designed onboarding flow can reduce drop-off rates and enhance user satisfaction. Let's explore five of the best app onboarding flow examples for design inspiration. These examples showcase creative ways to welcome users, making the process both informative and enjoyable. Whether you’re designing a new app or improving an existing one, these ideas will help you create a seamless onboarding experience.

We are a ‘Low Code’ platform and with us, you can easily implement personalized onboarding for the users. We believe that onboarding doesn’t end at sign-up. Reduce user churn and highlight key features and benefits of the product from the get-go. With our features like walkthroughs and in-line widgets make onboarding and sign-up easy for new users!

LinkedIn User Onboarding Flow

LinkedIn, the world's largest professional networking platform, has an onboarding flow designed to help users get the most out of their experience right from the start. With millions of users joining the platform, LinkedIn ensures a consistent, easy-to-follow process across devices, making it simple for new users to create profiles and build connections. 

LinkedIn App Onboarding Process:

1. Consistent Onboarding Across Devices

The first thing users notice about LinkedIn’s onboarding process is its consistency across devices. Whether you’re signing up from a desktop or a mobile app, the steps are the same. This uniformity ensures that users don’t feel disoriented when switching devices. It also helps them continue where they left off if they need to pause and resume the onboarding process later.

2. Introduction Message: 'Make the Most of Your Professional Life'

After signing up, LinkedIn greets new users with a simple, motivating message: “Make the most of your professional life.” This introduction immediately highlights LinkedIn’s purpose—helping users unlock their professional potential. It also serves as a gentle push to complete the onboarding process, knowing that LinkedIn will be a valuable tool for their career growth.

3. Progressive Onboarding with Stages

LinkedIn uses a staged approach to onboarding, which helps break down the tasks into manageable steps. Here’s how it works:

• Complete Personal Information: The first stage asks users to fill in basic personal details, such as their name, location, and job title. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the user's profile. LinkedIn encourages users to add as much information as possible to make their profiles more attractive to potential connections and recruiters.
• Email Confirmation: Once the basic information is added, LinkedIn sends a confirmation email to ensure the user’s email address is valid. This step also adds a layer of security, ensuring that users can recover their accounts if needed.
• Follow Groups: LinkedIn then prompts users to follow relevant professional groups. This helps users engage with communities that align with their interests and career paths, making LinkedIn not just a platform for networking but also a source of industry insights.
• Network Suggestions: Finally, LinkedIn provides suggestions for people to connect with, based on the user’s location, industry, and previous work experience. This feature helps users quickly expand their network and start engaging with professionals who can help them achieve their career goals.

4. Use of Funnel Analytics to Monitor Effectiveness

LinkedIn continually tracks how users move through its onboarding flow using funnel analytics. This means they can see how many users complete each stage, where drop-offs occur, and how to improve the process. For instance, if a significant number of users drop off at the 'email confirmation' stage, LinkedIn may simplify the process or send reminders to complete it. By monitoring these analytics, LinkedIn ensures that more users complete their profiles and get the most out of the platform.

Also read: Customer Onboarding Process And Best Practices

Why LinkedIn’s Onboarding Flow is Effective:

• Whether you’re using LinkedIn on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, the onboarding flow is seamless and consistent. This allows users to switch between devices without losing their place or getting confused, which is especially important for professionals who may use multiple devices throughout the day.
• LinkedIn’s onboarding begins with a clear and engaging message: “Make the most of your professional life.” This sets the tone for what users can expect from the platform—helping them connect, grow their careers, and stay informed.
• Instead of overwhelming users with too many tasks at once, LinkedIn’s onboarding flow breaks down the process into stages. From filling in personal information to connecting with professional groups and contacts, LinkedIn guides users step-by-step, keeping the experience smooth and user-friendly.
• LinkedIn also uses funnel analytics to monitor how effective their onboarding flow is. By tracking user progress through each stage, LinkedIn can identify where users drop off and optimize the process to ensure more users complete the onboarding flow.

Instagram App Onboarding Flow

Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms globally, has designed an onboarding flow that’s smooth, user-friendly, and motivating. From the moment a user opens the app, Instagram offers an easy way to sign up, using either an email address or a social network account. With features like pre-filled forms and motivational tactics like FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), Instagram ensures users feel welcomed and engaged from the start.

Instagram’s App Onboarding Flow:

1. Sign-Up Options: Email or Facebook

The first step in Instagram’s onboarding process is choosing a sign-up method. Users can either register using their email address or link their Facebook account. This dual option makes it easy for a wide range of users to sign up. Facebook integration is particularly useful for users who want to skip entering personal details manually. It also encourages people who are already active on Facebook to join Instagram, as they can connect with their existing Facebook friends instantly.

2. Pre-Filled Forms Using Social Network Data

If a user chooses to sign up via Facebook, Instagram makes the process even faster by automatically pulling in information from their Facebook profile. This can include details like the user’s name, profile photo, and sometimes even their interests. 

By reducing the amount of manual input required, Instagram speeds up the onboarding process, making it more appealing and less tedious. This feature also ensures that the user’s profile looks more complete right from the start, which increases their likelihood of engaging with the platform immediately.

3. Creation of FOMO to Motivate Users

Instagram does an excellent job of using FOMO as a motivator during the onboarding flow. Once users have signed up, Instagram quickly introduces them to trending posts, popular stories, and suggestions for accounts to follow. By showcasing the vibrant content they could be missing out on, Instagram triggers a sense of urgency that encourages users to start exploring the platform and interacting with content. This strategy makes new users feel like they are missing out on something fun and relevant, pushing them to dive into the app's features without hesitation.

4. Session Replays for Monitoring

Behind the scenes, Instagram uses session replays to monitor how users are interacting with the onboarding process. These replays capture user activity during their initial time on the app, allowing Instagram to see where users might get stuck, drop off, or hesitate. By analyzing these session replays, Instagram’s team can identify problem areas and improve the onboarding flow to ensure it’s as smooth and effective as possible. This approach helps them continually optimize the user experience, ensuring that new users are less likely to abandon the app during onboarding.

Also read: The Complete Guide to User Onboarding: Getting New Users Up to Speed

Why Instagram’s Onboarding Flow is Effective:

• Instagram gives users two primary sign-up options—email or Facebook—which removes any friction in the registration process. Many users already have a Facebook account, and using it to sign up saves time.
• For users who choose to sign up via a social network like Facebook, Instagram automatically fills in forms with information like name and profile picture. This feature reduces the amount of data users need to input manually, speeding up the process and ensuring consistency.
• Instagram is known for creating a sense of urgency and excitement right from the onboarding process. By showcasing popular content and highlighting what users could be missing, Instagram taps into FOMO, motivating users to engage with the app immediately.
• To monitor the effectiveness of their onboarding process, Instagram uses session replays. These replays allow Instagram to observe how users interact with the app during onboarding, helping them identify any issues and optimize the process for a better user experience.

SoundCloud In-App Onboarding Flow

SoundCloud, a platform known for its vast user-generated music content, offers an onboarding flow that is simple, effective, and tailored to the user. With multiple sign-up options, personalized ads, and optimization techniques like funnels and heatmaps, SoundCloud ensures new users get a seamless experience from the moment they open the app.

SoundCloud’s App Onboarding Flow

1. Sign-Up Options: Email, Facebook, Apple ID, Google ID

SoundCloud provides users with multiple options for creating an account. New users can sign up using their email address or by linking their account to a Facebook, Apple ID, or Google ID. This flexibility gives users more control over how they join the platform. 

Many users prefer linking an existing social media or Apple/Google account since it eliminates the need to create yet another set of login credentials. This variety of options also caters to different user preferences and device ecosystems, making the onboarding process more accessible to all.

2. Minimized Sign-Up Friction

SoundCloud excels at minimizing friction during the sign-up process. After selecting a sign-up method, users are asked for only essential information, such as their name and birthdate, which are kept to a minimum. This shortened process reduces the barriers to entry, ensuring users don’t abandon the app before fully registering. 

SoundCloud also introduces users to the app’s core features without requiring them to complete the entire profile setup immediately, which helps to keep the experience engaging and less time-consuming.

3. Instant App Access with Personalized Ads

One of the most effective aspects of SoundCloud’s onboarding flow is the ability for users to explore the app immediately after signing up. While some apps require full profile completion before granting access to their features, SoundCloud allows users to start listening to music right away. 

During this time, personalized ads are served based on the user’s location or the music they engage with, making the experience feel more customized and relevant. This instant access encourages users to explore the app and discover its content without feeling restricted by the onboarding process.

4. Optimization Using Funnels and Heatmaps

SoundCloud uses advanced analytics tools like funnels and heatmaps to optimize its onboarding flow. Funnels help SoundCloud track how users progress through different stages of onboarding, allowing them to see where users drop off or lose interest. Heatmaps provide visual data on where users click or interact within the app, showing which features or areas are drawing attention. With this data, SoundCloud can continuously refine its onboarding process, ensuring that new users have a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Also read: Complete Guide To SaaS Onboarding With Examples And Best Practices

Why SoundCloud’s Onboarding Flow is Effective

• Offering a variety of sign-up options, including email, Facebook, Apple ID, and Google ID, allows users to register quickly and easily. This flexibility reduces the effort needed to create an account, making it accessible to a broader audience.
• SoundCloud streamlines the registration process to avoid unnecessary steps. Users are guided through a minimal setup process, which keeps them from feeling overwhelmed and encourages them to complete onboarding quickly.
• SoundCloud allows users to access the app’s features instantly, even before completing all account setup steps. Personalized ads are displayed based on initial user preferences, keeping the experience relevant from the start.
• Behind the scenes, SoundCloud uses funnels and heatmaps to track user behavior. This allows them to see how users interact with the onboarding flow, identifying any areas where improvements are needed to enhance the user experience.

MyFitnessPal App Onboarding Flow

MyFitnessPal, a popular fitness and nutrition tracking app, has designed an effective onboarding flow to help users achieve their health goals. With a simple sign-up process, goal-setting features, and a step-by-step guide for using the app’s functionalities, MyFitnessPal ensures that new users can start their fitness journey without any confusion.

MyFitnessPal’s App Onboarding Flow

1. Sign-Up Options: Facebook or Email

When a user opens the MyFitnessPal app for the first time, they are given two sign-up options: Facebook or email. This flexibility allows users to choose the method they’re most comfortable with. Facebook sign-up is particularly convenient for users who prefer to skip entering personal details manually. 

On the other hand, signing up via email allows users to maintain more privacy and keep their health data separate from social media. The registration process is quick and straightforward, ensuring users can move on to the next steps without delay.

2. Goal-Setting Process

After signing up, MyFitnessPal immediately prompts users to set health goals. This is one of the most important steps in the onboarding process, as it ensures the app tailors its features and recommendations to each individual. Users are asked to input their current weight, target weight, activity level, and how much weight they want to lose or gain each week. 

By setting specific goals, users are given a clear starting point, and the app can customize daily calorie targets and nutrition advice based on these inputs. This goal-setting feature helps users feel more committed to their fitness journey from the very beginning.

3. Step-by-Step Guide for App Functionalities

Once the goals are set, MyFitnessPal offers a step-by-step guide to its core features. Users are introduced to the food logging feature, which allows them to track what they eat by searching for foods in the app’s extensive database or scanning barcodes. 

Next, the app explains how to log exercises, monitor daily caloric intake, and track water consumption. Each of these features is introduced in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. By breaking down the functionality of the app, MyFitnessPal ensures users don’t feel overwhelmed and can get the most out of its tools.

4. Progressive and Function-Oriented Onboarding

MyFitnessPal doesn’t overwhelm users by introducing all the app’s features at once. Instead, the onboarding flow is progressive, meaning users discover new features as they start using the app regularly. For example, as users log meals, they are gradually introduced to features like the recipe builder, meal plans, and workout suggestions. 

This progressive approach helps users stay focused on their immediate goals while gradually learning about other features that can support their health journey. It also increases the likelihood that users will stick with the app long-term, as they continue to discover new ways to improve their fitness.

Also read: Nudge Vs Userpilot vs Pendo Onboarding and User Analysis Comparison

Why MyFitnessPal’s Onboarding Flow is Effective

• Offering users the choice between signing up via Facebook or email streamlines the registration process. Users can quickly create an account and start using the app without hassle.
• Right after signing up, MyFitnessPal asks users to set personal health goals, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or maintaining their current weight. This personalized approach ensures that each user’s experience is tailored to their individual objectives.
• The app provides a clear guide to its features, helping users understand how to track food intake, monitor exercise, and view their progress. This step-by-step approach helps users feel confident in navigating the app.
• MyFitnessPal’s onboarding is function-oriented, meaning it introduces features gradually as users begin to use the app. This ensures that users are not overwhelmed by too much information at once.

Strava App Onboarding Flow

Strava, a popular app for tracking running and cycling activities, offers an onboarding flow that’s designed to get users moving as quickly as possible. With a focus on simplicity and ease of use, Strava provides multiple sign-up options and encourages users to start tracking activities right away. The app’s clean user interface (UI) ensures that even beginners can navigate through the onboarding process without any confusion.

Strava’s App Onboarding Flow

1. Sign-Up Options: Facebook, Google, Email

The first step in Strava’s onboarding process is signing up. Users can choose from three different sign-up options: Facebook, Google, or email. This flexibility allows users to pick whichever method they find most convenient. For example, users who sign up with Facebook or Google can skip filling in personal details like name and email, as these are automatically pulled from their existing accounts. 

On the other hand, users who prefer more privacy can sign up using their email address. Strava ensures that no matter which method users choose, the process is quick and seamless, enabling them to move on to the next step without unnecessary delays.

2. Encourages Starting a Relevant Activity

Right after sign-up, Strava encourages users to start a relevant activity. This could be a run, a bike ride, or another form of exercise. The app quickly guides users to set up their preferred activity tracking, and within a few taps, they can start recording their workout. This approach is effective because it allows users to experience the core value of the app immediately. 

Instead of overwhelming users with too much information, Strava focuses on action, helping them engage with the app right away. By getting users to log their first activity early on, Strava reinforces the purpose of the app and motivates users to continue tracking their fitness.

3. Simplistic UI for Navigation

One of Strava’s standout features is its clean and simple UI. The onboarding process is designed with minimal distractions, allowing users to focus on the task at hand—getting started with their fitness journey. The app’s navigation is intuitive, with clear icons and a straightforward layout that makes it easy for users to access different features like activity tracking, routes, and performance stats. 

The simplicity of the UI ensures that even first-time users can easily navigate through the onboarding process without feeling lost. This clean design reduces the likelihood of frustration, which can often cause users to abandon an app early on.

Also read: Nudge Vs Appcues Vs Whatfix What’s Best For User Engagement & Onboarding

Why Strava’s Onboarding Flow is Effective

• By allowing users to sign up using Facebook, Google, or email, Strava simplifies the registration process. This flexibility makes it easier for users to join the platform using their preferred method, reducing friction and speeding up the process.
• Strava immediately encourages users to start tracking their activities, whether it’s running, cycling, or another workout. This focus on action ensures that users are engaged from the start and quickly experience the app’s core functionality.
• Strava’s onboarding flow is designed with a clean, minimalist interface, making it easy for users to find their way around the app. The simple layout ensures that new users can quickly get familiar with the app’s features without feeling overwhelmed by too many options.

Conclusion

Continuous app onboarding improvement is essential for keeping users engaged and ensuring a smooth app experience. Effective onboarding not only helps retain users but also boosts engagement by making the app’s value clear from the start. With us, you can streamline your onboarding process using our powerful features, such as personalized user flows, real-time analytics, and a visual builder for creating custom nudges. These tools help guide users through the onboarding process smoothly, ensuring they stay engaged and get the most out of your app. Book a demo with us and create an app onboarding flow that will leave a long-lasting impact on your users and increase retention.