Black Hat App Growth Strategies You Don’t Know (But Your Competitors Might Be Using)

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

This week, we’re sharing crazy, trending, and situational app marketing strategies that every modern app marketer should know to grow users and revenue. One standout strategy is paywall animation — and got plenty more to share with you.We are joined by Tigran Mkrtchyan, Head of Digital Marketing at CoinStat, one of the top crypto portfolio apps with millions of users. Tigran is known for launching trend-setting campaigns that blend behavioral psychology, animated paywalls, and a concept he calls "situational marketing."Today, he’s unpacking the exact growth tactics he shared at MAU Vegas and APS Berlin—including how to 10x your revenue by simply rethinking your paywall and positioning.Tigran will also share his exact reimagined paywall framework, how he blends behavioral psychology with paywall animation, and his signature "situational marketing" playbook that helped 10x user revenue. Whether you're optimizing your first paywall or scaling an app across multiple funnels, channels, and platforms, this is the growth strategy episode you don’t want to miss.Learn more:https://www.businessofapps.com/insights/paywall-optimization-reimagined/https://youtu.be/e1GlHAlod4Q?si=rPPQ-dptsfRi7LZHYou’ll Learn:✅ How to rethink paywall optimization with emotion, animation & psychology✅ Real paywall examples that boosted revenue and went viral✅ What “situational marketing” actually means—and how to apply it✅ Marketing fundamentals most app marketers are missing todayConnect with Tigran:https://tigranmk.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkrtchyantigran/https://t.me/mk_tigranWork 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*********************************************

28 Juni 1h 7min

This week, we’re sharing crazy, trending, and situational app marketing strategies that every modern app marketer should know to grow users and revenue. One standout strategy is paywall animation — and got plenty more to share with you.We are joined by Tigran Mkrtchyan, Head of Digital Marketing at CoinStat, one of the top crypto portfolio apps with millions of users. Tigran is known for launching trend-setting campaigns that blend behavioral psychology, animated paywalls, and a concept he calls "situational marketing."Today, he’s unpacking the exact growth tactics he shared at MAU Vegas and APS Berlin—including how to 10x your revenue by simply rethinking your paywall and positioning.Tigran will also share his exact reimagined paywall framework, how he blends behavioral psychology with paywall animation, and his signature "situational marketing" playbook that helped 10x user revenue. Whether you're optimizing your first paywall or scaling an app across multiple funnels, channels, and platforms, this is the growth strategy episode you don’t want to miss.Learn more:https://www.businessofapps.com/insights/paywall-optimization-reimagined/https://youtu.be/e1GlHAlod4Q?si=rPPQ-dptsfRi7LZHYou’ll Learn:✅ How to rethink paywall optimization with emotion, animation & psychology✅ Real paywall examples that boosted revenue and went viral✅ What “situational marketing” actually means—and how to apply it✅ Marketing fundamentals most app marketers are missing todayConnect with Tigran:https://tigranmk.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkrtchyantigran/https://t.me/mk_tigranWork 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*********************************************

28 Juni 1h 5min

In this episode, Ben from Adapty.io interviews Steve Young to share practical strategies for growing mobile apps without relying on massive marketing budgets.Learn how indie developers and small teams can boost downloads and revenue using smart tactics like review prompts, lifetime offers, optimized paywalls, and ASO-driven strategies.They also discuss how to maintain momentum after launch, the value of niche vs. broad targeting, and why keyword research is key for App Store Optimization.You'll discover:✅ Steve’s go-to growth hack for taking apps from 0 to thousands of downloads✅ How to combine rating prompts, ASO, and lifetime offers for a high-impact launch✅ The power of keyword-first app development and niche targeting✅ What really works in paywall A/B testing (weekly vs. yearly, free trials, layout)✅ The top app categories where short-term subscriptions drive the most revenueWhether you're launching your first app or scaling to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Learn more:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adaptyio/X (Twitter): https://x.com/AdaptyTeam 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*********************************************

24 Juni 25min

In this episode, we’re joined by Romain Torres, co-founder of Arcads.ai — a platform using AI to automate ad creation and scale paid user acquisition like never before.Romain’s not just another founder—he's scaled and sold multiple startups, including an intermittent fasting app that hit $2M in revenue in just 9 months. He's helped scale apps to $8M using AI-generated videos, avatars, and agents—and today, he's revealing how indie devs can tap into the same power.We’ll break down how to scale paid ads with AI, automate creatives, and turn performance data into profitable campaigns using tools that small teams can actually afford.Whether you want to automate and launch paid ads faster, lower your CAC, or scale to millions—this episode is a masterclass in AI-powered growth.You will discover:✅ The exact AI tools you can use to automate paid ads✅ Why “AI actors” are the future of video ad creatives✅ How to build hundreds of ad variations from just one script✅ The indie-friendly framework for scaling user acquisition with AILearn More:⁠https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=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*********************************************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*********************************************

21 Juni 1h 3min

In this episode, we’re joined by Romain Torres, co-founder of Arcads.ai — a platform using AI to automate ad creation and scale paid user acquisition like never before.Romain’s not just another founder—he's scaled and sold multiple startups, including an intermittent fasting app that hit $2M in revenue in just 9 months. He's helped scale apps to $8M using AI-generated videos, avatars, and agents—and today, he's revealing how indie devs can tap into the same power.We’ll break down how to scale paid ads with AI, automate creatives, and turn performance data into profitable campaigns using tools that small teams can actually afford.Whether you want to automate and launch paid ads faster, lower your CAC, or scale to millions—this episode is a masterclass in AI-powered growth.You will discover:✅ The exact AI tools you can use to automate paid ads✅ Why “AI actors” are the future of video ad creatives✅ How to build hundreds of ad variations from just one script✅ The indie-friendly framework for scaling user acquisition with AILearn More:https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=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*********************************************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*********************************************

21 Juni 1h 2min

Want to know exactly what ads your competitors are running on Facebook and Instagram? This video is your ultimate guide to using the Meta Ads Library and powerful tools built on its API to uncover ad strategies, creatives, and targeting insights.You’ll discover:✅ Top-performing competitor ads✅ Viral UGC creatives and hooks✅ AI tools for fast, localized content creation✅ Insider tips to test, kill, and scale winning creativesWe also break down examples using top-charting apps and show how to find ads by keyword, page ID, or niche.Whether you're a growth marketer, app founder, or media buyer, this walkthrough will level up your 2025 creative strategy and help you outsmart the competition.Watch the full episode: https://youtube.com/live/aHQN8ZRR8TA?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*********************************************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*********************************************

17 Juni 8min

In this episode, we’re joined by Marion Balinoff, a top consultant in performance-driven influencer marketing for mobile apps.With 10+ years of experience and a track record of leading six-figure influencer campaigns for gaming studios like Ten Square Games, Wooga, and Socialpoint, Marion will share exactly how to launch and scale creator-led growth strategies. Whether you’re starting your first campaign or trying to scale influencer marketing as an indie team, this episode is packed with tactical advice.We’ll cover all about formats, budget planning, influencer briefs, attribution tracking, and building long-term creator partnerships that actually move the needle.You’ll Learn:✅ How to choose the right creators for your app genre✅ What to include in a killer influencer brief✅ Budgeting strategies—from $500 to six-figure campaigns✅ How to track success with MMP links, attribution & in-game KPIs✅ Building long-term creator partnerships that drive ROILearn More:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-balinoff/ng for Apps⁠Work 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*********************************************

14 Juni 1h 4min