How to Hire Developers - How to Create an App Startup (Part 3)

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 UISteve 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 laterIf you’re building:📸 An AI photo or video app📱 A consumer subscription app🚀 Or trying to monetize without massive ad spendThis case study will change how you think about positioning, ASO, and monetization.📄 Get the full app flow & screenshots (free):👉 https://appmasters-co.kit.com/6c95612d01You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/VXzHlt_rldQ*********************************************SPONSORSGot 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/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

10 Feb 12min

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 marketsLearn 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*********************************************SPONSORSGot 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/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

7 Feb 1h

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 distributionKey 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.comJoin the App Founders Community: https://appfounders.coApp Masters (growth strategies & breakdowns): https://appmasters.comIf 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*********************************************SPONSORSGot 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/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

3 Feb 18min

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 experimentsLearn 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/rUiISNtS3ssGet training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot 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/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

31 Jan 1h 13min

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 minutesWhether 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.comYou can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/RclmkJ3atFsGet training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot 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/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

27 Jan 12min

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/johnbairdmcevoyYou can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/jN6e9sSyaooGet training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot 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/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

24 Jan 1h 30min

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 wellWhether 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/id975074413Remote for Firestick & Fire TV: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remote-for-firestick-fire-tv/id1467189269The Shortcut to Scale: The Distribution First Mindset: https://youtu.be/Dxk4TIvRa30You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/YwiXQp2CKNM Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot 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/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

20 Jan 12min

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 retentionWhether 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 plansYou can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/KlYqVGudZpMWant 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/*********************************************SPONSORSGot 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/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

17 Jan 1h 10min