App Marketing by App Masters

Steve Young

Discover app marketing growth hacks from the top app publishers. Learn the secrets of app store optimization, app store features, and online marketing to drive more downloads for your mobile app.

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March 3 · 25 min
How to Sell Your App or SaaS Business: Exits, Acquisitions & App Marketing Secrets
How do you successfully sell your app, prepare for a business exit, or structure a SaaS acquisition deal? In this episode, Steve P. Young, Founder of App Masters, on Exit Podcast by Flippa, shares real-world lessons from building, selling, and nearly exiting multiple app businesses, plus what founders must know before attempting a 7-figure exit. You'll learn: ✅ How to sell apps on Flippa ✅ Common mistakes founders make during exits ✅ When it’s the right time to sell your startup ✅ Why distribution matters more than product Steve also explains how he scaled App Masters from a side hustle into a 30+ person global team, and why he shifted from selling businesses to acquiring them. If you’re a startup founder, SaaS operator, app developer, or entrepreneur thinking about selling your company, this episode breaks down the exit process step by step. 🚀 #1 Platform to Buy & Sell Online Business: https://referral.flippa.com/j7zo8so2ql98 🚀 Join the App Founders Community: www.appfounders.co Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/ You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/Zh1E8ewIddo ********************************************* SPONSORS Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at ⁠https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
February 28 · 57 min
App Monetization: Paywalls, Pricing & Revenue Growth Strategies
In this solo episode, Steve P. Young, Founder of App Masters, breaks down the newest and most effective app monetization strategies working right now and some key insights he presented at AppsFlyer’s MAMA San Francisco 2026. With competition increasing across the App Store and Google Play, monetization is no longer just about adding a paywall; it’s about designing the right pricing strategy, structuring trials intelligently, and optimizing every step of the user journey. Steve will share real examples from top-grossing apps and explain how leading subscription apps are increasing revenue without increasing downloads. This session is perfect for founders, product managers, and growth teams looking to improve conversions and maximize subscriber lifetime value. You’ll Learn: ✅ How top apps structure paywalls to increase conversions ✅ The smartest way to use trial-to-discount and paid intro offers ✅ How to recover lost revenue with winback and triggered discount strategies ✅ Pricing psychology tactics that increase ARPU without hurting conversion Learn More: Subscribe to the newsletter and get free access to the App Growth Playbook: https://appmasters.com/appgrowth-playbook/ You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/m-1TYFoA2sU ********************************************* SPONSORS Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Thinking about your next great app? This is the best time to make it! Contact Chaim at b7dev.com and get your idea started! Delivery times are super short; you'll be surprised by the cost to develop! B7dev.com ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
February 24 · 18 min
App Marketing 101: How to Grow in a Crowded App Market
With AI tools making it easier than ever to launch new apps, competition is exploding. The real competitive advantage today isn’t product — it’s distribution. In this video, I break down the single most important factor in app marketing: channel market fit and the 5 distribution channels you should consider to grow your app faster. If you’re struggling to get downloads, this is the uncomfortable truth about app marketing in 2026. You’ll Learn: ✅ The #1 mistake founders make in app marketing ✅ Why distribution beats product in 2026 ✅ How to use ASO for organic growth ✅ Why Apple Ads is the best starting point ✅ The “get the refund” mindset for growth ✅ A controversial lifetime free growth hack (that still works) 💡 Key Takeaway: App marketing is about finding your distribution channel first. Features are easy. Traffic is hard. Distribution wins. If you're serious about growing your app downloads in 2026, focus on channel market fit before writing another line of code. Want help with your app marketing strategy? 👉 Work with us: https://appmasters.com 👉 Join our founder community: https://appfounders.co Connect with Ethan Keiser: https://www.instagram.com/itsethankeiser/ You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/4ivLHY6PcD0 ********************************************* SPONSORS Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at ⁠https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
February 21 · 1 hr 2 min
Lifecycle Experiments That Drive Revenue
In this episode, we are again joined by Michael Gants, founder and CEO of Encore, a new SDK helping subscription app developers turn churned users into paying subscribers. Michael is a Stanford grad, a Time Magazine “Leader of Tomorrow”, and a seasoned founder with a passion for building sustainable consumer businesses. Michael breaks down how leading apps use lifecycle experimentation, not just acquisition, but to retain and to winback. We’ll go deep into A/B testing across the user journey, smart winback strategies, and the systems top teams use to improve retention, conversions, and subscriber value without relying on more installs. If you’re building or scaling a subscription app, this session will help you think beyond surface-level experiments and focus on what actually moves revenue. You will discover: ✅ What lifecycle experiments every subscription app should be running ✅ How to structure A/B tests beyond onboarding and paywalls ✅ Proven winback strategies that actually bring subscribers back ✅ How smart layers and options increase subscriber conversion Learn More: Explore Encore https://encorekit.com/ You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/x-JmAZbnD9M⁠⁠ ********************************************* SPONSORS Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Thinking about your next great app? This is the best time to make it! Contact Chaim at b7dev.com and get your idea started! Delivery times are super short; you'll be surprised by the cost to develop! B7dev.com ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
February 17 · 17 min
App Store Optimization: The Proven ASO Framework for 2026
Want to increase your organic downloads without spending money on ads? In this video, I break down our proven app store optimization (ASO) framework for 2026. Whether you are an indie developer or managing a big brand, these strategies will help you rank higher on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. We cover the exact steps we use at App Masters to help clients find success, from keyword research to conversion rate optimization. In this ASO tutorial, you will learn: ✅ The most important ASO ranking factors in 2026 ✅ How to find low-competition keywords that still drive revenue ✅ The do's and dont's of selecting keywords ✅ Some Real Case Studies: - $1,600 in revenue in the first 22 days from organic search - $3,000/month purely from long-tail ASO strategy - 90+ #1 keyword rankings using low-traffic terms 🔗 Resources: ✅ ASO Mobile (keyword research tool): http://bit.ly/49y6rEP ✅ Work with us: https://appmasters.com ✅ Join our App Founders community: https://appfounders.co Join us LIVE on YouTube every Friday at 9am PST! You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/ytAKZDh5eHU⁠⁠ ********************************************* SPONSORS Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at ⁠https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
February 14 · 1 hr 4 min
How to Build Profitable Apps With AI
AI has fundamentally changed app development. With vibe coding, agentic workflows, and modern AI development tools, what used to take 6 months to build can now be shipped in weeks. Costs are lower than ever. Speed is no longer the bottleneck. But here’s the problem: faster development hasn’t led to better products or stronger app businesses. In this livestream, we’re joined by Chaim Sajnovsky, Founder of B7 Dev, a development studio that has helped startups go from idea to launch for over a decade. Chaim brings real-world experience helping founders navigate AI-powered app development, outsourced development teams, and early-stage decision-making. Together, we’ll break down why planning, positioning, and distribution now matter more than code, and why so many founders still fail even when building faster than ever. You will discover: ✅ How AI reduced app development time and cost by 80% ✅ Why “what to build” is now more important than “how to build.” ✅ How to define your main hypothesis before writing code ✅ Why most of these features don’t drive product-market fit ✅ AI tools founders are using right now (including Claude Code) Learn More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaim-sajnovsky-5003494/ http://www.b7dev.com/ You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/unb8p-5MkuA ********************************************* SPONSORS Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at ⁠https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
February 10 · 12 min
This AI Photo Editing App Makes $500K a Month
Most AI photo apps try to do everything, and end up blending in. In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down how Photo Revive AI scaled to over $500K/month by doing the opposite: niching down first, then expanding later. Instead of launching as “another AI image generator,” this app positioned itself around photo restoration and revival and used smart ASO, onboarding, and paywall strategies to win in a brutally competitive market. You’ll learn: ✅ Why niching down beats competing in red-hot AI categories ✅ How Photo Revive AI generates ~$500K/month (verified across multiple tools) ✅ The exact onboarding and paywall flow driving conversions ✅ How credit-based pricing controls AI costs and boosts revenue ✅ Why distribution matters more than features or UI Steve walks through: • Real revenue estimates from Sensor Tower, AppFigures, and AppMagic • The full user journey from install → upgrade • Paywall tactics most founders overlook • How to start a niche, win early traction, and expand later If you’re building: 📸 An AI photo or video app 📱 A consumer subscription app 🚀 Or trying to monetize without massive ad spend This case study will change how you think about positioning, ASO, and monetization. 📄 Get the full app flow & screenshots (free): 👉 https://appmasters-co.kit.com/6c95612d01 You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/VXzHlt_rldQ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
February 7 · 1 hr
How BeReal Built 41M Users by Breaking Every Social Media Rule
In this episode, we’re joined by Ben Moore, U.S. Managing Director of BeReal, one of the most culturally relevant social apps of the past decade. With 41M+ monthly active users worldwide, BeReal became App of the Year 2022 by doing what most social platforms wouldn’t: going against algorithms, filters, and AI-driven content. With a background leading growth and monetization at TikTok, Walmart Connect, and global media networks, Ben brings a rare inside perspective on what actually drives product-market fit, retention, and cultural relevance in consumer apps. If you’re building a consumer app and struggling with retention, differentiation, or product-market fit, this conversation will challenge conventional growth advice and give you a clearer playbook for what actually works in 2026 and beyond. You will discover: ✅ How BeReal scaled to 41M MAU by removing algorithms instead of optimizing for them ✅ Creator-led growth in 2026 and beyond ✅ Lessons from BeReal’s journey: from viral hype → durable, loyal product ✅ Practical lessons app founders can apply to build durable growth in saturated markets Learn More: 🌐 BeReal → https://bereal.com 🔗 Connect with Ben Moore → https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjacobmoore/ You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/EOaBZvcvbg8 ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
February 3 · 18 min
AppAdvice Shuts Down and The Future of Apps Gone Free Campaigns
AppAdvice has officially shut down — so what does that mean for Apps Gone Free campaigns and lifetime free promos? In this video, Steve breaks down what really happened, why Apple is paying closer attention to these campaigns, and whether Apps Gone Free strategies still work in 2026. He'll share real data, real case studies, and hard-earned lessons from running these campaigns for years, including what triggered Apple’s crackdown, what mistakes to avoid, and how app founders can still use promotions to kickstart downloads without risking app rejection or review removals. If you’re struggling with app discoverability, ASO, or early traction, this video will help you understand the dos and don’ts of Apps Gone Free campaigns in today’s crowded App Store. You’ll learn: ✅ Why AppAdvice shut down and what it means for app marketing ✅ Real case studies showing 2,000–6,000 downloads in days (post-AppAdvice) ✅How Apps Gone Free campaigns can still boost ASO and organic installs ✅ The right and wrong way to ask for App Store reviews ✅ How Indie App Santa fits into the future of app distribution Key takeaway: Apps Gone Free campaigns aren’t dead, but the rules have changed. If you run them the wrong way, you risk Apple intervention. If you run them the right way, they can still be one of the fastest ways to jumpstart app growth. 🔗 Resources & Links: Indie App Santa (Apps Gone Free alternative): https://indieappsanta.com Join the App Founders Community: https://appfounders.co App Masters (growth strategies & breakdowns): https://appmasters.com If you’re an indie developer, SaaS founder, or app marketer trying to crack distribution in 2026, make sure to subscribe to real-world growth strategies that actually work, not theory. You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/CFLZZ023Cac ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* If you’re advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that’s where AppsFlyer comes in. It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You’ll know what’s driving real results, and what’s just noise. What teams love about it? It’s stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it. And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow. If you’re ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
January 31 · 1 hr 13 min
The Experiments That Made Hily a 40M+ User App
In this episode, we’re joined by Liubomyr Pivtorak, Chief Product Officer at Hily, one of the world’s fastest-growing dating apps with over 40 million users worldwide. Liubomyr has spent the last 10 years in B2C mobile, including 8 years in the hyper-competitive dating industry, leading products that scaled to 10M+ and 30M+ users globally. He’ll take us behind the scenes of how Hily grew in a red ocean market, competing against giants like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble — by running 100+ in-app experiments every quarter and obsessing over data, user behavior, and retention. You will discover: ✅ The experiment-driven framework that powers Hily’s growth (100+ experiments every quarter) ✅ How to grow in a red ocean market like dating apps ✅ What actually worked vs what failed — real growth experiment stories ✅ The data-driven mindset behind scaling from millions to tens of millions of users ✅ How to compete with giants like Hinge, Bumble, and Tinder using smarter experiments Learn More: Try Hily → https://hily.com Connect with Liubomyr → https://www.linkedin.com/in/liubomyrp/ You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/rUiISNtS3ss Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
January 27 · 12 min
This Simple Note-Taking App Makes $20K / Month (and How You Can Build Your Own)
Most app founders overcomplicate things. This Notepad app? It makes $20,000/month with a design straight out of 2013. 😳 In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down why simple apps still win — and how distribution, not design, is the ultimate growth engine. Steve will also show you how he vibe-coded his note-taking app. 💡 You’ll discover: ✅ How this 10-year-old Notes app ranks #2 for “notes” organically ✅ The $15/year pricing model that quietly drives consistent revenue ✅ Why distribution > features (and how to fix your ASO) ✅ The AI tool that lets you build your own Notepad-style app in minutes Whether you’re an indie developer or startup founder, this breakdown will help you rethink how to build — and actually profit from — your next app. 🚀 Build your own app easily with AI: https://app.emergent.sh/?via=hitanshu 📈 Need help with distribution? https://appmasters.com You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/RclmkJ3atFs Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
January 24 · 1 hr 30 min
How a Solo Founder Built a $30K/Month App with 5.2M Installs
In this episode, we’re joined by one of our community members, John McEvoy, founder of Momego, the worldwide transit tracking app with over 5.2 million installs and 400,000 daily active users, built entirely by one person. John started as a graphic designer and taught himself to code. Today, his app generates $30K in monthly recurring revenue, powered by localized ASO, clever ASA, and great features. He’ll share his exact frameworks for growth, from keyword localisation to subscription retention, all based on real results from running a successful utility app in a competitive market. You will discover: ✅ How localised ASO helped Momego reach 5M+ installs ✅ The Apple Search Ads strategy John uses to scale profitably ✅ How to test app icons, pricing, and onboarding flows that convert ✅ Why reverse trials outperform free trials for mobile apps ✅ The features that keep users paying (widgets + live activities) Learn More: 🚊 Try Momego → https://apps.apple.com/app/momego-live-bus-train-times/id1281251210 🔗 Connect with John → https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbairdmcevoy You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/jN6e9sSyaoo Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
January 20 · 12 min
Watch This Before Building Your App (Build a Profitable MVP)
If you’re building your first app — watch this before you write another line of code. In this video, Steve P. Young reveals: ✅ The #1 mistake app founders make when building their first app ✅ The simplest MVP formula that actually drives revenue — not downloads ✅ Why distribution matters more than features ✅ How to build your Minimum Viable Revenue (MVR), not just an MVP ✅ Real-world examples of indie apps making $3K–$200K/month doing one thing really well Whether you're a developer or entrepreneur, this is your roadmap to launching an app that makes money from day one — without wasting $30K on the wrong features. 🚀 Apply to work with Steve’s team: https://appmastersmvp.lovable.app/ 👨‍💻 Learn how to build your MVP + go-to-market strategy from App Masters’ in-house portfolio experts. Migraine Buddy: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/migraine-buddy-track-headache/id975074413 Remote for Firestick & Fire TV: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remote-for-firestick-fire-tv/id1467189269 The Shortcut to Scale: The Distribution First Mindset: https://youtu.be/Dxk4TIvRa30 You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/YwiXQp2CKNM Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
January 17 · 1 hr 10 min
App Growth Secrets for 2026 “They” Don’t Want You to Know
Discover the app marketing strategies that actually work in 2026, from ASO and paid acquisition to creative testing and retention hacks that are driving real ROI today. In this session, Steve P. Young, Founder of App Masters, shares what’s working right now across hundreds of apps — including: ✅ 2026’s best-performing ad channels (Meta, TikTok, CTV & more) ✅ How to combine ASO + paid for explosive growth ✅ AI tools and automation that are changing mobile marketing ✅ The new rules for creative testing and user retention Whether you’re an indie developer or running a large app studio, this episode will give you the exact strategies, frameworks, and case studies to scale your app downloads and revenue this year. Learn More: Join the App Founder’s Community: https://appfounders.co/ Use Code: NEWYEAR26 to avail 26% off on annual plans You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/KlYqVGudZpM Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters: https://appmasters.com/contact-us/ Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
January 13 · 16 min
The Businesses I Started Before App Masters
Before App Masters became a leading app marketing agency, I built a LOT of businesses that went absolutely nowhere. 😅 In this video, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing all the failed businesses, side projects, and lessons that paved the way for App Masters. If you’re struggling with your app, startup, or any business, this is for you. You’ll see how: ✅ Every “failure” teaches you the next step. ✅ How I went from $0 side hustles to running a 30+ person global team. ✅ Why distribution (not features) was the ultimate game changer. ✅ The exact moment I quit my job and went all-in on App Masters. Whether you’re an indie app founder, marketer, or dreamer trying to make it work, keep going. You’ll figure it out, too. 💪 You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://youtu.be/acJF7kqtx2Y 👥 Want to Join the App Founders Community? Get mentorship, accountability, and insider growth tactics from real app founders → 👉 https://appfounders.co Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters: https://appmasters.com/contact-us/ Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide. Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
January 10 · 53 min
How LingQ Scaled to Millions with Zero Ad Spend
In this episode, discover the app marketing strategies that helped LingQ scale to millions of users with zero ad spend. We are joined by Mark Kaufmann, Co-Founder and CEO of LingQ, to reveal exactly how they built a product people love. A former pro hockey player turned tech founder, Mark brings a unique perspective on performance, resilience, and building products that scale. Together with his father, polyglot and YouTuber Steve Kaufmann, he built LingQ, a product-led app that teaches languages through real-world immersion. Mark will share how a small, mission-driven team grew LingQ into one of the most recognized language apps without relying on massive ad budgets, just product innovation, community, and data-driven growth. You will discover: ✅ The product-led growth strategy behind LingQ’s global success ✅ How to scale organically by focusing on community and retention ✅ Building for long-term engagement: what keeps users coming back daily ✅ Why founder-led storytelling still matters in 2026’s crowded app market Learn More: 🌐 Explore LingQ: https://www.lingq.com You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://youtube.com/live/NSyW0hxytrU 👥 Want to Join the App Founders Community? Get mentorship, accountability, and insider growth tactics from real app founders → 👉 https://appfounders.co Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters: https://appmasters.com/contact-us/ Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle. Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket. Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
January 6 · 26 min
How Building a Community Took Me from Side Hustles to 7 Figures
How do you go from endless side projects to building a 7-figure business you love? The answer isn’t a marketing hack, or even an app idea — it’s community. In this video, Steve P. Young takes you behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey — from launching his first app while working full-time, to quitting his corporate job, to scaling App Masters into a global business. You’ll discover how joining the right community changed everything — and how starting his own mastermind (that later became the App Founders Community) became the foundation for long-term success. You’ll Learn: ✅ The real reason community accelerates success faster than any marketing hack ✅ How to find and join a community that supports your goals ✅ Why mentorship and collaboration beat “solo hustle” every time ✅ The framework Steve used to grow from $0 → 7 figures You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKlscFzwNnA 👥 Want to Join the App Founders Community? Get mentorship, accountability, and insider growth tactics from real app founders → 👉 https://appfounders.co Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters: https://appmasters.com/contact-us/ Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS Got tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore. Learn more at https://encorekit.com/ ********************************************* Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle. Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket. Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
Dec 30, 2025 · 10 min
How Newsjacking Exploded App Downloads
What if one tiny visual tweak could send your app viral? 👀 In this episode, we dive into newsjacking — also known as situational marketing — with a real case study from the crypto world. When CoinStats swapped its Bitcoin logo with the SEC Chairman’s face during the Bitcoin ETF approval hype, things blew up. 💡 You’ll learn: ✅ How to use newsjacking to ride trending moments ✅ Why timing and humor drive engagement in niche communities ✅ How a single push notification led to massive UGC and downloads ✅ The power of creative risk-taking in app growth 📈 Results: 69K+ impressions Record app downloads Highest branded search traffic in 16 months Sometimes, it’s not about spending more — it’s about knowing when to strike. ⚡ You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/xkpMXmO1074 Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters: https://appmasters.com/contact-us/ Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS You don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO. ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform. And if you want to keep growing, use the promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% off any plan, for any period at http://bit.ly/49y6rEP ********************************************* Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle. Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket. Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
Dec 23, 2025 · 41 min
Copy Headway’s $100M+ Web2App Funnel Strategy (That Converts Like Crazy)
Headway is one of the biggest spenders in mobile marketing, generating hundreds of millions in revenue through its insanely effective Web2App funnel. In this breakdown, Steve P. Young and Igor Lyubimov, CEO, web2wave, reveal the exact flow Headway uses to turn cold traffic into paying users — and how you can model it for your app. You’ll discover: ✅ The psychology behind high-converting Web2App funnels ✅ How Headway turns quiz-takers into subscribers ✅ The “winback” email sequence that drives extra revenue ✅ Smart upsells & pricing tricks that boost LTV ✅ Why longer funnels sometimes convert better If you’re spending money on Meta, TikTok, or influencer ads, this strategy could completely change your ROAS. Try web2wave: https://web2wave.com Special App Masters Offer: Get the lowest plan for $199/month + concierge service to help you build your funnel — mention 'App Masters' on your call with the web2wave team or in chat after creating your account 👉 Watch now to learn how to build a Web2App funnel that actually makes money. Check out Diversify Your Facebook Ads with Web2App Campaigns: https://youtu.be/NMtxdFyV3E8 Check Headway: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/headway-daily-micro-learning/id1457185832 The Anatomy of a High-Converting Paywall https://youtu.be/7B3Y2THVEEw The Beginner's Guide to Meta Ads for Web2App Campaigns (Part 1/2)https://youtu.be/BtEN-jVhpt8?si=JXNdQCl4rFClOtUD You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/ELt0hjABIqY Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters: https://appmasters.com/contact-us/ Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS You don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO. ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform. And if you want to keep growing, use the promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% off any plan, for any period at http://bit.ly/49y6rEP ********************************************* Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle. Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket. Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************
Dec 20, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Live App Store Optimization (ASO) Audit & Optimization
In this live session, Steve P. Young will perform a real-time ASO audit using ASOMobile.net, the powerful all-in-one tool for keyword research, competitor analysis, and app visibility tracking. He’ll analyze 3 different apps of our App Founders Community members, each with unique ASO challenges — and show how to find keyword opportunities, optimize metadata, and boost organic downloads: 🔥 Piko AI: Mood Tracker Journal 🔥 ZipSign 🔥 Bodpic: AI Body Visualizer You will discover: ✅ How to find high-impact keywords using ASOMobile’s ASO tools ✅ Real examples of title, subtitle, and keyword optimizations ✅ How to identify high-opportunity, low-competition terms ✅ Pro ASO workflow you can apply to any app today Learn More: 🧠 Try ASOMobile → http://bit.ly/49y6rEP 🎁 Use promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% OFF any plan You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/f4ZnGy-1S9c Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters: https://appmasters.com/contact-us/ Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/ ********************************************* SPONSORS You don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO. ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform. And if you want to keep growing, use the promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% off any plan, for any period at http://bit.ly/49y6rEP ********************************************* Follow us: YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠ Instagram: ⁠@App Masters Twitter: ⁠@App Masters TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠ Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠ *********************************************