Why Most Apps Are Failing in 2026: 7 Mistakes Killing Your App Success

In this solo episode, Steve P. Young breaks down the latest trends in app monetization and distribution, sharing insights from recent industry discussions, including key takeaways from the Business of Apps event.Steve will also answer audience questions related to apps, business growth, monetization, and scaling strategies, and share practical insights you can apply immediately to increase downloads, improve retention, and grow revenue.Whether you're a founder, indie developer, or growth marketer, this episode will help you refine your onboarding flow, paywall strategy, and pricing model for better conversion and long-term success.You’ll learn how to build a high-performing strategy around:✅ Onboarding optimization✅ Pricing strategy for apps✅ Distribution channels (ASO, paid ads, partnerships)✅ User acquisition trends✅ Industry shifts shaping 2026Learn More:Join the App Founder’s Community:https://appfounders.co/Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:https://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/sqopVyCWzYo*********************************************SPONSORSWant to know what ads your competitors are running right now?SocialPeta gives you access to real ad creatives and market insights across apps, games, and emerging content formats, so you can stay ahead without endless trial and error.Check it out at https://www.socialpeta.com/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → ⁠https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Before you build your app in 2026, watch this. 🚨In this video, we break down 7 deadly app development mistakes that can destroy your app before it even gets traction, and how to avoid them.If you’re working on a startup, SaaS, or mobile app idea, these insights will save you time, money, and months of frustration.You’ll learn how to approach app development, UI/UX, marketing, and monetization the right way, especially in today’s AI-driven world.You’ll Learn:✅ Why solving one problem is key to app success✅ How AI tools are changing app development forever✅ Hidden ways to save thousands in startup expenses✅ How to design for conversions (not just looks)✅ Why UI/UX is your biggest competitive advantage🔗 Resources & Links:👉 B7 Dev: https://b7dev.com👉 Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: https://www.appmasters.comYou can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/SHctL0V73BE*********************************************SPONSORSWant to know what ads your competitors are running right now?SocialPeta gives you access to real ad creatives and market insights across apps, games, and emerging content formats, so you can stay ahead without endless trial and error.Check it out at https://www.socialpeta.com/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → ⁠https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, we break down a real app growth case study with Michael Durst, Founder of FaithFull AI Nutrition Tracker, focused on helping users improve their health through AI-powered tracking and smart insights.Michael will share the real strategies he used to increase his app’s install-to-paid conversion from 2.25% to 6.81% in just 6 months. This is a deep dive into the exact strategies, experiments, and psychology behind that growth, including onboarding, A/B testing, paywalls, and Meta Ads.If you want to increase revenue without increasing installs, this is the playbookYou will discover:✅ The onboarding system that helped 3X conversions✅ A/B testing frameworks that impact real revenue✅ Paywall optimization: pricing, framing & positioning✅ Why small tweaks can lead to massive growth✅ Meta Ads strategies that bring in high-converting users✅ How to align ads → onboarding → paywall for better LTVLearn More :Website: www.faithfull.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkdurst/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike.k.durstWork with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:https://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/4JtMp7Hkwb8*********************************************SPONSORSWant to know what ads your competitors are running right now?SocialPeta gives you access to real ad creatives and market insights across apps, games, and emerging content formats, so you can stay ahead without endless trial and error.Check it out at https://www.socialpeta.com/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → ⁠https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Struggling with low app engagement or high churn? In this video, we break down 3 critical deep linking mistakes that are silently killing your app growth, and exactly how to fix them. 🚀Learn how to improve user onboarding, retention, and activation using proven deep linking strategies backed by real data. From seamless onboarding flows to powerful re-engagement tactics, this is a must-watch for any app founder, marketer, or developer looking to scale.👉 Discover why deep linking can boost Day 30 retention by 110% and how small UX improvements can dramatically increase conversions.Whether you're building a fitness app, fintech app, or SaaS product, these strategies will help you turn more users into loyal customers.Learn more about web-to-app challenges on the AppsFlyer blog - https://bit.ly/4ecHx06Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite - coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → https://bit.ly/46O7WgdWork with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:⁠http://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/3DvJPZdcrZA*********************************************SPONSORSWant to know what ads your competitors are running right now?SocialPeta gives you access to real ad creatives and market insights across apps, games, and emerging content formats, so you can stay ahead without endless trial and error.Check it out at https://www.socialpeta.com/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → ⁠https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Join us for a LIVE coaching call with Gary Levitt, co-founder of Future Moments, where we break down real strategies to grow apps in today’s competitive market.Gary Levitt is a musician, audio engineer, comedian, and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Future Moments, a company behind 11+ apps designed to help creators improve audio and video production.Today, we’re diving deep into what actually works when it comes to app growth, influencer marketing, and scaling across iOS and Google Play.This is not theory, it’s a real, behind-the-scenes strategy session. Must-watch session for those who are building an app in 2026. You will discover :✅ How to use influencer marketing to grow your app✅ Key differences between iOS vs Google Play growth strategies✅ How to position and market niche apps in 2026✅ What most app founders get WRONG about growth✅ Live feedback, strategy, and optimization tipsLearn More:Website: https://future-moments.com App Portfolio: https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/future-moments/id895157892 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FutureMoments Twitter/X: https://x.com/garygarylevitt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garygarylevittWork with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:http://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/1Lg8sjqyYXw*********************************************SPONSORSStill 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*********************************************Got 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/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Want to know how to actually grow your app with App Store Optimization (ASO)? In this video, you will see Steve do ASO live, so you can see our exact process for optimizing apps for more downloads and revenue.We collaborate with indie developer Flo to audit his app and reveal our full App Store Optimization process, from keyword research to monetization strategy.You’ll Learn:✅ The exact ASO framework we use for clients✅ How to choose low competition & high traffic keywords✅ How to increase rankings using data-driven ASO✅ Monetization tips (paywalls, pricing, trials)✅ How to optimize screenshots for higher conversionsKey Takeaways:Most apps don’t fail because of bad ideas…They fail because of poor ASO and a weak keyword strategy.This video shows you how to fix that, step by step.Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:http://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/m09QYqWsodQ*********************************************SPONSORSStill 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*********************************************Got 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/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Want to know how a sleep sounds app is generating up to $800K/month?In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down the BetterSleep app and reveals the exact onboarding, paywall, and monetization strategies driving massive revenue.If you're building an app, this teardown will show you how to increase conversions, improve retention, and maximize monetization using proven techniques.You'll learn:✅ The onboarding flow that boosts conversions with sound & personalization✅ Why social proof before the paywall can increase revenue✅ How to use data-driven onboarding questions for better marketing✅ The power of cross-promotion (BetterSleep x BetterHelp strategy)✅ Why forcing email capture after paywalls can increase LTV✅ Real examples of paywall flows, discounts, and trial strategiesMost apps leave money on the table because of poor onboarding and weak paywalls. This app shows how small UX decisions can lead to massive revenue gains.If you're an app founder, marketer, or growth team looking to improve onboarding, increase conversions, and learn proven monetization strategies from top-performing apps, this is a must-watch. 🔗 Resources & Links:👉 Check out BetterSleep: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bettersleep-relax-and-sleep/id314498713Avail the 50% off on the community annual plans:👉 www.appfounders.co🎟️ Use the code: HDBSTEVE50 Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper:http://www.appmasters.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/8afSYJU-y8s⁠⁠*********************************************SPONSORSThinking about your next great app? This is the best time to make it! Contact Chaim at b7dev.com and get your idea started! Delivery times are super short; you'll be surprised by the cost to develop! ⁠⁠B7dev.com*********************************************Got 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/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

What if the real reason your app isn’t growing… isn’t your ads, features, or budget, but your understanding of user psychology?In this special birthday episode, we are joined by Colin Hodge, startup founder and growth expert behind apps with 100M+ users, including the Top 10 dating app DOWN, to break down how the best apps in the world actually grow.From launch to retention to revenue, Colin shares the exact psychological frameworks that drive user behavior, and how you can apply them to your own app today.A must-watch session for app founders, product managers, and growth teams who want to understand user psychology and build apps that drive retention, engagement, and revenue.PS: This episode is extra special as both Steve and Colin are celebrating their birthdays, so expect some fun moments along the way!You will discover:✅ The 3 core levers to grow any app (paywalls, monetization, retention)✅ The “Magic Moments” framework that creates addictive user experiences✅ The psychology behind why users stay, pay, and come back✅ Real lessons from scaling apps to millions of usersLearn More:Colin’s book: colinhodge.com/book Connect with Colin: linkedin.com/in/ckbhodgeAvail the 50% off on the community annual plans:👉 www.appfounders.co🎟️ Use the code: HDBSTEVE50 You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://youtube.com/live/f-K7I3KnFns*********************************************SPONSORSStill 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*********************************************Want to know what ads your competitors are running right now?SocialPeta gives you access to real ad creatives and market insights across apps, games, and emerging content formats, so you can stay ahead without endless trial and error.Check it out at https://www.socialpeta.com/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → ⁠https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Most apps don’t fail because of bad ads…They fail because they don’t produce enough winning creatives.In this video, I’ll show you how to create high-converting UGC-style ads using AI, without hiring creators, managing influencers, or wasting weeks on production.This tool lets you generate dozens of ad creatives in minutes, so you can test faster, scale faster, and finally crack paid acquisition.You’ll Learn:✅ Why most ad campaigns fail due to a lack of creative volume✅ How to generate UGC-style ads with AI avatars✅ The exact workflow to test scripts, hooks, and creators at scale✅ How to improve ROAS with faster iteration✅ How to validate winning scripts before hiring real creatorsKey Takeaway:The game isn’t just about better ads…It’s about producing more winning variations faster than your competitors.AI lets you test 10x more creatives without the headache.This video is perfect for app founders, marketers, agencies, and e-commerce owners who want to scale paid ads faster without relying on expensive or slow UGC creators.Learn More:Create high-converting UGC instantly: https://www.createugc.ai/avsfSome AI UGC videos created with CreateUGC: CreateUGC VideosYou can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/IHy4Xwl9o6g⁠⁠*********************************************SPONSORSThinking about your next great app? This is the best time to make it! Contact Chaim at b7dev.com and get your idea started! Delivery times are super short; you'll be surprised by the cost to develop! ⁠⁠B7dev.com*********************************************Got 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/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, we are joined by Josh Peleg, who has deployed over $23M into mobile apps and games, to break down how top app studios are using a Wall Street-style playbook to acquire, grow, and scale apps faster than ever.We go deep into the buy vs build decision, how to spot undervalued apps, and the exact frameworks used to turn small apps into massive revenue drivers.Josh will also share real insights from the frontlines, including how his team scaled an app from 200K to 5M MAU, what most founders get wrong about valuations, and the biggest risks you need to watch out for before acquiring any app.If you're an app founder, indie developer, or investor looking to scale faster, reduce risk, and make smarter growth decisions, this episode is for you.You will discover:✅ Why buying apps can outperform building✅ How to evaluate apps before acquiring them✅ When to double down vs kill an app✅ The full app acquisition process (step-by-step)Learn More:🌐 BlueThrone: https://bluethrone.io/ 👤 Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshpeleg/ 🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/alwaysjoshpYou can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/B06YNXmPXSE*********************************************SPONSORSStill 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*********************************************Got 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/*********************************************Ready to take action? Start exploring AppsFlyer's deep linking suite -  coming soon as a standalone solution, independent of their measurement packages → https://bit.ly/46O7Wgd*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************