The Path to $100,000 ARR - What Flopped with Paid Ads

In this episode, we’re breaking down how you can build a revenue-generating app — without writing a single line of code.Our guest is Alim Charaniya, 4x founder and the brains behind Ambitious Labs. He’s helped generate over $100M+ in app revenue, scaled apps from 10K to 2M+ users, and was previously Head of Mobile at PrizePicks, the #1 sports app on the App Store.Alim shares the exact blueprint for building with Flutter, AI tools, and no-code platforms — proving that launching a successful app business is more accessible than ever.You’ll learn the secrets behind building fast, validating your idea early, launching MVPs and making real money — all without hiring expensive developers.You will discover:✅ Why most apps aren’t actually hard to build — and how to get started✅ How to validate and launch an MVP quickly (without burning cash)✅ Monetization strategies that work for indie developers✅ Why understanding user behavior is more important than codeLearn More:Build your app without code: (Use this code and enjoy $500 off on their plans)https://start.ambitiouslabs.io/appmasters?utm_campaign=appmastersWork 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*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

17 Maj 1h 2min

Discover the paywall A/B test that tripled our revenue for an AI app—without changing pricing or getting more downloads. In this video, we break down the exact test we ran (weekly vs yearly subscriptions, trial vs no trial) and how paywall optimization can completely change your app business.💡 If you’ve ever said:“I need more downloads!”…You might just need a better paywall.🔍 What You’ll Learn:📌 Which paywall format 3x our AI app's revenue📌 How a weekly plan with a 3-day trial beats a yearly plan📌 What RevenueCat’s latest subscription report tells us🔗 Know More:RevenueCat State of Subscription Apps 2025 Report: https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps-2025/Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSIf you’re running paid campaigns without a measurement partner, you’re basically flying blind. It’s not just about installs—it’s about understanding what’s working, where your users are coming from, how they perform in your app, and how to grow efficiently.AppsFlyer gives you clarity across platforms, channels, and devices while staying privacy-first. If you're serious about scaling your app, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

13 Maj 8min

In this episode, we’re joined by Hamza Alsamraee, CEO of NewForm — a top-tier NYC-based app marketing agency producing over 2,500 ads every month.Hamza’s journey started at just 16 when he built the largest math page on Instagram, eventually driving 100M+ organic impressions and over $1M in book sales. With a strong background in math and a knack for creative growth, Hamza has led performance-driven campaigns across consumer apps, including scaling Faves to a $1M ARR in just months.We’ll dive into how AI-generated content (AIGC) is changing the marketing game — from TikTok-first strategies to AI agents in UGC creation, and why many AI creatives fail to convert.Whether you’re just launching or managing multi-million-dollar ad budgets, this episode delivers the math-backed truth on what’s working (and what’s not) in 2025.You will discover:📌 How AI agents are reshaping marketing & creative workflows📌 Why most AI-generated UGC ads flop — and how to fix them📌 How to implement AI agents (even with a small team)📌 Where the future of AIGC, creative testing & performance is headedLearn More:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamza-alsamraee/www.newform.comBook a consultation call: https://calendly.com/appmasters-alok/30min Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSIf you’re running paid campaigns without a measurement partner, you’re basically flying blind. It’s not just about installs—it’s about understanding what’s working, where your users are coming from, how they perform in your app, and how to grow efficiently.AppsFlyer gives you clarity across platforms, channels, and devices while staying privacy-first. If you're serious about scaling your app, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

10 Maj 1h 18min

In this episode, we’re joined by Hamza Alsamraee, CEO of NewForm — a top-tier NYC-based app marketing agency producing over 2,500 ads every month.Hamza’s journey started at just 16 when he built the largest math page on Instagram, eventually driving 100M+ organic impressions and over $1M in book sales. With a strong background in math and a knack for creative growth, Hamza has led performance-driven campaigns across consumer apps, including scaling Faves to a $1M ARR in just months.We’ll dive into how AI-generated content (AIGC) is changing the marketing game — from TikTok-first strategies to AI agents in UGC creation, and why many AI creatives fail to convert.Whether you’re just launching or managing multi-million-dollar ad budgets, this episode delivers the math-backed truth on what’s working (and what’s not) in 2025.You will discover:📌 How AI agents are reshaping marketing & creative workflows📌 Why most AI-generated UGC ads flop — and how to fix them📌 How to implement AI agents (even with a small team)📌 Where the future of AIGC, creative testing & performance is headedLearn More:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamza-alsamraee/www.newform.comBook a consultation call: https://calendly.com/appmasters-alok/30min Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSIf you’re running paid campaigns without a measurement partner, you’re basically flying blind. It’s not just about installs—it’s about understanding what’s working, where your users are coming from, how they perform in your app, and how to grow efficiently.AppsFlyer gives you clarity across platforms, channels, and devices while staying privacy-first. If you're serious about scaling your app, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

10 Maj 1h 19min

Apple’s payment policy just took a major turn—and it could unlock huge revenue potential for app developers. A federal judge has ruled that Apple must now allow developers to offer alternative payment methods outside the App Store.In this session, Steve P. Young joins Andrew Davies, CMO at Paddle, to break down what this means for your app business, including:✅ New monetization opportunities are now available✅ How Paddle manages payments, refunds, taxes, and fraud compliance✅ Key considerations before moving away from Apple’s in-app purchase system✅ How this shift could impact LTV, attribution, and growth strategies💡 Whether you’re a solo developer or running a growing SaaS business, this change is too big to ignore. Learn how to take advantage of the new policy, boost your profit margins, and regain control over your business model.🔗 Learn more: www.paddle.comBook a consultation call: https://calendly.com/appmasters-alok/30min Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSIf you’re running paid campaigns without a measurement partner, you’re basically flying blind. It’s not just about installs—it’s about understanding what’s working, where your users are coming from, how they perform in your app, and how to grow efficiently.AppsFlyer gives you clarity across platforms, channels, and devices while staying privacy-first. If you're serious about scaling your app, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

7 Maj 8min

This “Pain-killer” app is quietly making $50,000/month with just 500 downloads a day — and it’s doing it all purely using ASO. This is the ultimate passive income app, and in this video, I broke down exactly how it works, why it’s CRUSHING it, and how you can apply the same principles to your own app.You'll learn:📌 What are painkiller apps, and how do they differ from vitamin apps📌 How to build apps that solve real problems and convert HIGH📌 Real App Store Optimization strategies that drive passive revenue📌 How to validate painkiller ideas and find underserved niches Whether you're just getting started or looking for new ways to grow your indie app business, this breakdown is your blueprint for finding real opportunities in the App Store.Shout-out to AppFigures for helping me uncover these numbers! 🙌👇 Drop a comment and let me know — are you building a vitamin or a painkiller?Book a consultation call: https://calendly.com/appmasters-alok/30min Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSIf you’re running paid campaigns without a measurement partner, you’re basically flying blind. It’s not just about installs—it’s about understanding what’s working, where your users are coming from, how they perform in your app, and how to grow efficiently.AppsFlyer gives you clarity across platforms, channels, and devices while staying privacy-first. If you're serious about scaling your app, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

6 Maj 12min

In this Podcast, Steve P. Young will break down the latest app monetization trends and what they mean for your growth in 2025.Steve will dive into three of the most talked-about reports in mobile: RevenueCat’s State of Subscription Apps, AppsFlyer’s Creative Optimization Report, and the App Valuation Benchmark Report. You’ll get the must-know data points, actionable strategies, and real-world takeaways to help you increase revenue and stay ahead of the curve.Whether you’re running subscriptions, in-app purchases, or ad monetization, this episode will help you optimize every part of your funnel.You’ll learn:✅ How subscription apps are evolving in 2025✅ Key monetization trends from the RevenueCat report✅ What makes creatives actually convert (from AppsFlyer data)✅ Real examples of winning monetization strategiesLearn More:AppsFlyer’s The State of Creative Optimization - 2025 Edition:https://shorturl.at/qlEfhRevenueCat’s State of Subscription Apps 2025:https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps-2025/ App Peak Valuation Report:https://my.apppeak.com/valuation-report-page Book a consultation call: https://calendly.com/appmasters-alok/30min Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSLooking for the best alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links?The Airbridge DeepLink Plan is a smart, straightforward alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links.With ready-to-use expertise and no-code migration in just three steps, switching to Airbridge DeepLinks is simple and easy.Keep your customer journeys intact with essential deep linking and analytics. Make the switch before the deadline.Go to appmasters.com/airbridge.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

3 Maj 1h 12min

In this Podcast, Steve P. Young will break down the latest app monetization trends and what they mean for your growth in 2025.Steve will dive into three of the most talked-about reports in mobile: RevenueCat’s State of Subscription Apps, AppsFlyer’s Creative Optimization Report, and the App Valuation Benchmark Report. You’ll get the must-know data points, actionable strategies, and real-world takeaways to help you increase revenue and stay ahead of the curve.Whether you’re running subscriptions, in-app purchases, or ad monetization, this episode will help you optimize every part of your funnel.You’ll learn:✅ How subscription apps are evolving in 2025✅ Key monetization trends from the RevenueCat report✅ What makes creatives actually convert (from AppsFlyer data)✅ Real examples of winning monetization strategiesLearn More:AppsFlyer’s The State of Creative Optimization - 2025 Edition:https://shorturl.at/qlEfhRevenueCat’s State of Subscription Apps 2025:https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps-2025/ App Peak Valuation Report:https://my.apppeak.com/valuation-report-page Book a consultation call: https://calendly.com/appmasters-alok/30min Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSLooking for the best alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links?The Airbridge DeepLink Plan is a smart, straightforward alternative to Firebase Dynamic Links.With ready-to-use expertise and no-code migration in just three steps, switching to Airbridge DeepLinks is simple and easy.Keep your customer journeys intact with essential deep linking and analytics. Make the switch before the deadline.Go to appmasters.com/airbridge.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

3 Maj 1h 14min