# Finger on the App

> 2020 app and competition

**Wikidata**: [Q131353840](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131353840)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_on_the_App)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/finger-on-the-app

## Summary
Finger on the App was a 2020 mobile application and competition where participants competed to keep their finger on a smartphone screen the longest to win a $20,000 grand prize. Developed by a team including Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), the app combined a simple yet grueling challenge with a viral marketing strategy. The competition concluded in December 2020, with Kyle Burke emerging as the winner after 21 days.

## Key Facts
- **Prize Amount**: $20,000 awarded to the last remaining participant.
- **Year**: Launched in 2020 as a limited-time competition.
- **Format**: Required users to keep a finger on their smartphone screen without lifting it; violations resulted in elimination.
- **Developer**: Created by a team including Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) and Chandler Hallow.
- **Winner**: Kyle Burke, who lasted 21 days.
- **Platforms**: Released on iOS and Android.
- **Conclusion Date**: The competition ended in December 2020.
- **Downloads**: Over 7 million downloads within the first week.
- **Wikidata**: Sitelink count of 1, categorized as software.

## FAQs
### Q: How much was the prize for Finger on the App?
A: The winner received a $20,000 prize for being the last person to keep their finger on the app’s screen.

### Q: Who won the Finger on the App competition?
A: Kyle Burke won the competition after maintaining contact with the screen for 21 days.

### Q: How did the Finger on the App competition work?
A: Participants had to keep a finger on their smartphone screen at all times; lifting it or losing connection resulted in elimination.

### Q: Was Finger on the App available on both iOS and Android?
A: Yes, the app was released on both platforms to maximize accessibility.

### Q: Why did the competition end in December 2020?
A: The competition concluded after 21 days when only one participant remained, fulfilling the contest’s “last-person-standing” rule.

## Why It Matters
Finger on the App stood out as a unique blend of viral challenge and endurance test, leveraging the simplicity of mobile technology to create a high-stakes competition. Its $20,000 prize and association with popular YouTuber MrBeast drove widespread participation, with over 7 million downloads in its first week. The app demonstrated the power of gamification and social media integration, though it also faced criticism for technical issues and the physical/mental strain on participants. As a cultural moment, it highlighted the potential for apps to facilitate unconventional contests and engage global audiences in real-time challenges.

## Notable For
- **Unique Format**: The “last-person-standing” mechanic required constant screen contact, testing physical and mental endurance.
- **Viral Success**: Over 7 million downloads in its first week, fueled by MrBeast’s promotion.
- **Technical Challenges**: Server issues and delays affected early rounds, prompting adjustments to the competition structure.
- **High-Stakes Prize**: The $20,000 reward drew significant attention and participation.
- **Cultural Impact**: Sparked discussions about app-based competitions and their ethical implications.

## Body
### Overview
Finger on the App was a 2020 mobile game and competition designed to test users’ ability to keep a finger on their smartphone screen without interruption. The app was developed by a team that included Jimmy Donaldson (known as MrBeast on YouTube) and Chandler Hallow, leveraging MrBeast’s massive online following to promote the contest.

### Competition Format
- **Rules**: Users had to maintain continuous finger contact with the screen. Lifting a finger, losing internet connection, or exiting the app resulted in elimination.
- **Prize**: A single $20,000 reward for the last remaining participant.
- **Duration**: The competition ran for 21 days, concluding in December 2020.

### Development and Release
- **Platforms**: Launched on iOS and Android in June 2020.
- **Downloads**: Surpassed 7 million downloads within its first week, driven by viral marketing.
- **Technical Issues**: Early rounds faced server overload and synchronization problems, leading to pauses and rule tweaks.

### Legacy
- **Winner**: Kyle Burke, a college student, won the contest after 21 days of uninterrupted screen contact.
- **Cultural Impact**: The app’s success inspired similar endurance-based competitions and debates about the psychological effects of prolonged screen engagement.
- **MrBeast’s Role**: The competition exemplified MrBeast’s strategy of blending charitable giveaways with high-concept challenges to drive engagement.