How She Built Two AI Apps to $300K MRR

Join the Exclusive Distribution First Workshop - ​Find. Rank. Scale.​ ​Get Tickets: https://luma.com/qcmhcnf3How do you build AI apps that go viral without spending a dollar on ads?In this episode, we're joined by Nicole Cheung, a serial app founder behind three viral consumer apps. Nicole has scaled her apps to millions of users through viral product design and organic distribution, without paid acquisition or external funding. Her latest app, currently in stealth, generates 300–400 million monthly social media views.We'll dive into the strategies behind building successful consumer AI apps, from validating ideas and designing onboarding flows to pricing, paywalls, retention, and creating viral growth loops that drive sustainable user acquisition.Whether you're launching your first app or looking to scale your next AI product, you'll leave with actionable insights from one of the fastest-growing founders in the space.You will discover:✅ How Nicole discovered and validated her app ideas✅ The story behind GlamUp and Sprout✅ How she built three viral apps without paid ads✅ The viral product design principles behind millions of users✅ Onboarding strategies that increased conversions✅ Paywall and pricing experiments that boosted revenue✅ Retention tactics that kept users engagedLearn More:60-page free growth playbook: https://tally.so/r/BzZpA4 Connect with Nicole: https://x.com/madebycol Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:https://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/SdqUZGJM384*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Be a part of the $1K MRR Challenge inside the App Founders Community:https://appfounders.co/Can a simple speaker cleaning app really make over $400,000 per month?In this video, we break down Clear Wave, a Water Eject Speaker Cleaner App that generates an estimated $350K–$400K+ in monthly revenue through App Store Optimization (ASO), keyword targeting, and a simple app monetization strategy.You'll discover how niche apps can become highly profitable businesses, why distribution matters more than ever in the AI era, and how a single keyword can drive meaningful revenue.You'll learn:✅ How Clear Wave App generates an estimated $400K/month✅ The power of niche keywords like "Water Eject."✅ Why distribution is more important than app development in 2026✅ App Store Optimization (ASO) opportunities most founders overlook✅ Simple onboarding and paywall strategies that convert✅ The Mobile App Distribution First framework for building profitable apps👇 What niche app should I break down next? Leave a comment below.Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:http://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/5-V1GBcCv7M*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Your App Store screenshots can make or break your conversion rate.In this live session, we're joined by Sam, founder of AppScreens, a platform she built as an indie-founder after experiencing firsthand how time-consuming and frustrating it was to create, upload, and manage screenshots at scale.She'll share how developers can create professional, high-converting App Store screenshots without hiring a designer or spending hours in design tools.We'll cover her journey from indie app founder to AppScreens, what actually drives installs, the most common screenshot mistakes developers make, and best practices for App Store Optimization (ASO), Custom Product Pages (CPPs), and Product Page Optimization (PPO).Whether you're launching your first app or looking to improve your existing App Store listing, you'll leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately to increase conversions and drive more downloads.You will discover:✅ Why App Store screenshots have become more important than ever✅ How to create professional screenshots without design experience✅ Best practices for high-converting App Store visuals✅ How to optimize screenshots for Custom Product Pages (CPPs)✅ How AppScreens helps indie developers build App Store assets in minutesLearn More:Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide.Try it free: ⁠⁠https://appscreens.com/?via=amWork with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:https://www.appmasters.com/Join 100+ app founders on App Founder Community:https://appfounders.co/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/QC-eg48-2ao*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Try: https://appscreens.com/Want to increase your App Store downloads by 30% without changing your keywords or running more ads?In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down the exact App Store screenshot strategy that helped one app increase downloads by 30% through a simple screenshot A/B test.You'll learn why screenshot designs are often more important than App Store Optimization (ASO) keywords for converting App Store visitors into downloads.Steve also shares real examples from successful apps, explains what users actually respond to, and walks through how to create and localize high-converting App Store screenshots in minutes using AppScreens.You'll learn:✅ The App Store screenshot A/B test that increased downloads by 30%✅ The best practices for localizing screenshots✅ How to highlight your app's unique selling proposition (USP)✅ The best way to upload screenshotsIf you're serious about App Store Optimization (ASO), remember this:Ranking gets users to your product page. App Store Screenshot designs convince them to download.🎁 Special OfferComment "A" or "B" on this video, and the first 10 comments will get 3 months FREE of AppScreens.Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:https://www.appmasters.com/Join 100+ app founders on App Founder Community:https://appfounders.co/You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/x41YQ11Regg*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Most app developers focus on ASO and paid ads, but Apple's ecosystem offers powerful growth opportunities that many teams completely overlook.In this live session, we're joined by Clémence Rigal from Tiimo, the visual AI planner built for real life and recognized as Apple's App of the Year 2025, along with several other industry awards.Drawing from her experience leading growth at companies like Lifesum, Preglife, and now Tiimo, Clémence shares how successful apps leverage Apple's ecosystem to increase visibility, drive more downloads, and build sustainable long-term growth.You'll learn how to make the most of In-App Events, App Store Nominations & Editorial opportunities, Apple's frameworks, the app nomination process, and the strategies that help apps stand out and earn Apple's attention.Whether you're building a new iOS app or looking to accelerate the growth of an existing one, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.You will discover:✅ How to leverage Apple's ecosystem to grow your app✅ Best practices for In-App Events that actually get noticed✅ How Apple's editorial features and nominations work✅ Apple frameworks and tools that can improve discovery✅ Growth strategies used by leading subscription appsLearn More:Check out: Tiimohttps://www.tiimoapp.com📈 Need help growing your app?https://appmasters.comYou can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/i7yWr-QxxSk*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************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*********************************************

Join our community of App Founders: https://appfounders.co/Everyone is focused on growing installs inside the App Store, but the biggest opportunity for app developers in 2026 may actually start on the web.In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down why Web2App campaigns have become one of the fastest-growing acquisition and monetization strategies for mobile apps. From avoiding App Store fees to improving attribution, increasing cash flow, and unlocking more flexible pricing strategies, you'll learn why top app companies are investing heavily in web funnels.Steve also analyzes successful web2app funnels from companies like Coursiv, shares real conversion optimization examples, and explains the checkout strategies that are driving higher revenue today.If you're building a subscription app, AI app, SaaS product, or consumer mobile app, this is the web2app tutorial you can't afford to ignore.You'll learn:✅ Why Web-to-App is one of the fastest-growing acquisition channels✅ The best-performing Web2App landing page strategies✅ Why long-form paywalls outperform short ones on the web✅ Tripwire offers, upsells, and downsells that increase revenue✅ How to optimize Meta Ads and Google Ads for Web-to-App campaigns✅ Real examples from successful multi-million dollar app businessesWhether you're launching a new app or scaling an existing one, these strategies can help you grow downloads, improve monetization, and build a more sustainable app business.Check out: https://www.paddle.com/Want to work with us to grow your apps faster & efficiently?http://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/m5xmwkV4HgM*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

What if the future of app monetization doesn't happen inside the App Store?According to new research from Appcharge and GDC Festival of Gaming, direct-to-consumer (DTC) monetization has already grown into a $17 billion market in mobile gaming, and the biggest winners are seeing 35% higher revenue while building stronger relationships with their users.In this episode, we’re joined by David Stelzer, Chief Strategy Officer at Appcharge to break down one of the biggest shifts happening in mobile app monetization.David shares why leading game publishers are rapidly adopting direct-to-consumer strategies, how recent platform policy changes accelerated the movement, and why categories like AI, fitness, education, lifestyle, and subscription apps may be next.If you're building apps in 2026, understanding DTC may become one of the most important strategic advantages you can develop.You will discover:✅ Why direct-to-consumer monetization has grown into a $17B opportunity in mobile gaming✅ Why DTC is about much more than avoiding the 30% app store fee✅ The lessons that AI, fitness, education, and subscription apps can apply today✅ Why the next wave of app growth may happen outside traditional app storesLearn More:Download the Report:Direct-to-Consumer is Already a $17 Billion Market in Mobile Gaminghttps://www.appcharge.com/DTC-is-already-a-17b-market-reportAppcharge:https://appcharge.com📈 Need help growing your app?https://appmasters.comYou can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/u37DhDKj0Yk*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

You'll learn how app founders are increasing trial activations, improving subscription conversions, boosting ARPU, and maximizing revenue without adding new features.Steve breaks down real case studies, including:✅ A simple onboarding change that increased revenue by 21%✅ The 3 screens before the paywall that boosted trial activations by 56%✅ Why hard paywalls continue to outperform for many subscription apps✅ Reverse trial strategies that generated 10x higher conversions✅ How one app increased ARPU by 30% with a tiny onboarding tweak✅ Paywall pricing experiments that improved overall salesWhether you're building a consumer subscription app, scaling a SaaS product, or optimizing your mobile growth funnel, these proven monetization insights can help you increase revenue immediately.👇 Which paywall strategy has worked best for your app? Leave a comment below.📈 Need help growing your app?https://appmasters.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2soA7LyyQ64*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************Yango Ads is offering 20% revenue boost bonus, sign up here: https://yango-ads.com/adnetwork/bonus20?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bonus. This special offer is valid before June 30th, 2026. Don't miss your chance to monetize your apps smarter!*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Most app founders think growth is limited by creatives, ASO, or ad performance.But there's another problem that quietly kills scale: cash flow.In this video, I break down the biggest bottleneck many indie app developers face when scaling with Apple Search Ads, Meta Ads, or any paid acquisition channel, and why waiting 45+ days for Apple and Google payouts can prevent you from growing faster.You'll Learn:✅ Why profitable apps still run out of cash✅ A real example from our own app portfolio✅ How spending $9,000 generated over $10,800 in proceeds✅ Why many large apps operate with thin margins✅ How to reinvest revenue faster instead of waiting for monthly payouts✅ How Adapt Finance helps subscription apps unlock cash flow weekly✅ A case study of a developer scaling from $5K to $80K in revenueIf you're building a subscription app and trying to scale with paid acquisition, understanding cash flow may be even more important than finding the next winning ad creative.🚀 Learn more about Adapt Finance:https://adapty.io/finance📈 Need help growing your app?https://appmasters.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB1XBrnSq_w*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************Yango Ads is offering 20% revenue boost bonus, sign up here: https://yango-ads.com/adnetwork/bonus20?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bonus. This special offer is valid before June 30th, 2026. Don't miss your chance to monetize your apps smarter!*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Are you vibe-coding apps? Now that everybody is building apps with AI, there’s a huge problem that is occurring.The problem? A bigger wasteland of AI slop with no distribution.In this episode, Steve P. Young breaks down why most app founders are focused on the wrong thing, and why distribution, monetization, and finding what people are already searching for matter far more than shipping another feature.You'll learn how to find app ideas based on demand, simple paywall tweaks that can dramatically increase revenue, and why building with a distribution-first mindset will separate your app from the rest of the AI slop.If you're thinking about building an app with AI, this is the conversation I wish somebody had with me before I got started.You’ll learn:✅ How to find app ideas based on keywords people are already searching for✅ Why distribution matters more than features in the age of AI✅ Simple paywall and pricing changes that can multiply revenue✅ Why some apps making six figures a month are ridiculously simple👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment below if you have any questions or want to share your own experience!Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:http://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/wwmhgU9yZwA*********************************************SPONSORSThe app growth playbook is changing fast.AppsFlyer’s State of eCommerce App Marketing Report 2026 breaks down the latest trends, benchmarks, fraud insights, and market-by-market data every app marketer should know before planning Q4.Download it free from the link below: https://bit.ly/4uvoHGM*********************************************Tired of handing 30% of every in-game sale to iOS and Android billing systems? Appcharge is the DTC monetization platform trusted by King, Huuuge, Tripledot, and SciPlay – giving studios a direct line to their players, and up to 95% of every transaction. Web stores, payment links, and a full Merchant of Record service covering taxes, compliance, and global payments – all in one platform. Visit appcharge.com to learn more*********************************************Yango Ads is offering 20% revenue boost bonus, sign up here: https://yango-ads.com/adnetwork/bonus20?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bonus. This special offer is valid before June 30th, 2026. Don't miss your chance to monetize your apps smarter!*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************