The App Growth Strategy Behind LightX’s 50M+ Installs

In this episode, I break down a simple but powerful morning routine app that's making nearly $1M a year, without running paid ads, and share my own morning routine!You'll learn:✅ How Routinery ranks #1 for “morning routine”✅ What’s working in its onboarding & paywall strategy✅ Monetization tactics that drive conversions fast✅ The one growth strategy that most devs ignore✅ My personal morning routine & productivity boost formulaIf you're building a habit tracker, productivity app, or trying to monetize without ads, this teardown gives you the exact roadmap.Plus, I shared a powerful tip on how to monetize users who may never subscribe—and turn that into real revenue.Get MagicMind today:You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 50% offyour first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code:APPM50 at checkoutYou can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/APPM50Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Apps are shifting billions. Timing is everything. iOS users are your VIPs.If you're in e-commerce and still running last year's playbook, you're already behind.The State of eCommerce App Marketing 2025 by AppsFlyer breaks down $4.2B in spend to show exactly how top Shopping apps are winning - from smarter UA and AI-driven scaling to the death of “just Android” and the rise of web-to-app.Peak season is coming. Want to win it? Check out the report: https://shorturl.at/Av8fR*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

22 Juli 13min

In this episode, we’re joined by Nahshon “Nay” Cook-Nelson, the growth expert behind explosive campaigns for top brands like Monopoly Go, Hootsuite, and QuickBooks. His strategies have generated over 200 million organic views, and now he’s revealing how indie developers can apply the same AI-powered frameworks to grow their apps.Nay is the Growth Marketing Lead at NineTwoThree Studio, where he helps scale apps through creative campaigns and streamlined AI content creation workflows. With deep experience in paid social, influencer marketing, content systems, and AI-led ad testing, he’s here to break down what’s working right now in growth marketing.You’ll learn how to supercharge your app marketing with AI—even on a small budget. From choosing the right tools to crafting content that works across every stage of the funnel, Nay shares practical, real-world strategies you can implement today.You will discover:✅ How to use AI to level up your ad creatives✅ Content workflows with and without AI✅ The “AI Prioritization Index” for deciding what to build next✅ How to run high-impact campaigns without blowing your budget✅ Indie-friendly growth tools you should useLearn More:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naycook/Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

19 Juli 1h 6min

In this episode, we’re joined by Nahshon “Nay” Cook-Nelson, the growth expert behind explosive campaigns for top brands like Monopoly Go, Hootsuite, and QuickBooks. His strategies have generated over 200 million organic views, and now he’s revealing how indie developers can apply the same AI-powered frameworks to grow their apps.Nay is the Growth Marketing Lead at NineTwoThree Studio, where he helps scale apps through creative campaigns and streamlined AI content creation workflows. With deep experience in paid social, influencer marketing, content systems, and AI-led ad testing, he’s here to break down what’s working right now in growth marketing.You’ll learn how to supercharge your app marketing with AI—even on a small budget. From choosing the right tools to crafting content that works across every stage of the funnel, Nay shares practical, real-world strategies you can implement today.You will discover:✅ How to use AI to level up your ad creatives✅ Content workflows with and without AI✅ The “AI Prioritization Index” for deciding what to build next✅ How to run high-impact campaigns without blowing your budget✅ Indie-friendly growth tools you should useLearn More:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naycook/Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

19 Juli 1h 5min

Want higher conversions from your web-to-app campaigns?In this episode, we break down the exact structure of high-converting web paywalls that are crushing it with high conversion rates.Join Steve P. Young and Igor Lyubimov, CEO of web2wave, as they dissect the anatomy of winning paywalls—what works on web vs. mobile, how to build psychological trust, and why personalized, long-form paywalls outperform app-native ones.You’ll learn:✅ Why web paywalls convert up to 3x more than mobile ones✅ The 14-block structure of a perfect web-to-app paywall✅ How to personalize offers based on quiz responses✅ Why timers, huge discounts, and upsells dramatically boost LTV✅ Real-world examples from top apps like BetterMeIf you're running Meta ads, looking to improve ROAS, or just want to scale without relying solely on the app stores, this deep dive is a must-watch.All you need to build your web2app funnel:https://www.web2wave.com/ Contact with Igor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorlyu/ Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Have an idea for a mobile app, but don't know how to code?Dreams Into Apps is a mobile app accelerator for non-technical entrepreneurs who want to launch their app—without hiring developers.You’ll work step-by-step with expert app builders to turn your idea into a real revenue generating product using AI and No-Code. No coding experience required.And here’s the best part—100% of apps launched through the program generate revenue within 7 days.Stop dreaming about your idea. Build it yourself!Check out:ambitiouslabs.io.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

15 Juli 30min

This week’s episode is something special, a live coaching session with Max Gorman, the 20-year-old indie dev behind CarSnap - an AI-powered app that helps users identify and compare cars in seconds.Max built the entire app himself while studying Computer Science at the University of Michigan and working full-time as a software engineer. He’s grown the app with zero paid ads, leveraging influencer marketing, ASO, and scrappy growth tactics, but now he’s ready to take it to the next level.Max is one of Steve’s youngest (and longest-time) followers and in this livestream, Steve coaches Max live - breaking down what’s working, what to improve, and how to grow CarSnap into a top-ranked AI app for car lovers. If you’re an indie dev building in public or working on your own apps, this is the real-time roadmap you’ve been looking for.You will discover:✅ Steve’s live teardown of CarSnap’s ASO strategy✅ Quick wins for improving onboarding & retention✅ Growth hacks for niche apps without paid ads✅ How to stand out when your audience isn’t on the App StoreLearn More:Connect with Max:https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-gormanWork with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

12 Juli 1h 7min

This week’s episode is something special, a live coaching session with Max Gorman, the 20-year-old indie dev behind CarSnap - an AI-powered app that helps users identify and compare cars in seconds.Max built the entire app himself while studying Computer Science at the University of Michigan and working full-time as a software engineer. He’s grown the app with zero paid ads, leveraging influencer marketing, ASO, and scrappy growth tactics, but now he’s ready to take it to the next level.Max is one of Steve’s youngest (and longest-time) followers and in this livestream, Steve coaches Max live - breaking down what’s working, what to improve, and how to grow CarSnap into a top-ranked AI app for car lovers. If you’re an indie dev building in public or working on your own apps, this is the real-time roadmap you’ve been looking for.You will discover:✅ Steve’s live teardown of CarSnap’s ASO strategy✅ Quick wins for improving onboarding & retention✅ Growth hacks for niche apps without paid ads✅ How to stand out when your audience isn’t on the App StoreLearn More:Connect with Max:https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-gormanWork with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

12 Juli 1h 9min

In this episode, Alex shares the hard-earned lessons from spending over $1.5 million on Instagram and Meta ads. If you're running paid ads and struggling to make them work—or wondering whether Meta ads are even worth it anymore—this video is for you.🚀 You'll Learn:• Why most Meta ads fail at first• The role of capital and what to expect early on• Why you must understand hooks, CTAs, and creative angles• How to handle account restrictions and support nightmares• The surprising power of a hard paywall strategyThis is a masterclass on performance marketing, creative testing, and building profitable mobile apps through paid acquisition.👀 Don’t miss Alex’s story of spending $14K/day and generating 1,000+ trials in a single day.Watch the full episode: https://youtube.com/live/iYCPvl0jipE?feature=shareWork with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Have an idea for a mobile app, but don't know how to code?Dreams Into Apps is a mobile app accelerator for non-technical entrepreneurs who want to launch their app—without hiring developers.You’ll work step-by-step with expert app builders to turn your idea into a real revenue generating product using AI and No-Code. No coding experience required.And here’s the best part—100% of apps launched through the program generate revenue within 7 days.Stop dreaming about your idea. Build it yourself!Check out:ambitiouslabs.io.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

8 Juli 8min

Discover the 7 counterintuitive app growth strategies that are helping indie developers and top apps scale in 2025 — straight from Steve P. Young’s live session at MAU Vegas 2025.In this session, you’ll learn:🚀 Unexpected growth tactics that drive real installs💸 How to scale without burning ad budgets📲 The power of paywall experiments & pricing hacks🤖 The role of AI in modern creative testing🔁 What’s working right now across top-performing appsThese aren’t your typical growth tips — they’re battle-tested strategies with real results.Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSHave an idea for a mobile app, but don't know how to code?Dreams Into Apps is a mobile app accelerator for non-technical entrepreneurs who want to launch their app—without hiring developers.You’ll work step-by-step with expert app builders to turn your idea into a real revenue generating product using AI and No-Code. No coding experience required.And here’s the best part—100% of apps launched through the program generate revenue within 7 days.Stop dreaming about your idea. Build it yourself!Check out:ambitiouslabs.io.*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

1 Juli 19min