The Apple Controversy: Apps Gone Free & Indie App Santa Removal Explained

In this emergency video, Steve shared his take on the Apple controversy surrounding Apps Gone Free campaigns. Indie developers are struggling to grow apps while Apple cracks down, but Steve explains how free campaigns can still generate massive results – like $90K in revenue – and why Apple might be restricting them.In this video, you’ll learn:✅ Why our Indie App Santa app was removed from the App Store✅ How Apps Gone Free campaigns can skyrocket downloads and revenue✅ The safe growth hacks that still work for indie developers✅ Steve’s perspective on Apple’s controversial policiesYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S8Lqu_50EMWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSThe new Appsflyer Benchmarks siteAttention mobile marketers! Want to invest smarter? The new AppsFlyer Benchmarks site is here! Check out performance over time across countries, media types, and app categories to find growth opportunities, optimize spend, and see how you stack up.With two years of data, quarterly updates, and an upcoming AI co-pilot, it’s the must-have tool for smarter UA. Check it out today and take the guesswork out of your next move.Check out now:https://tinyurl.com/537v4e9e*********************************************Arcads 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*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, we’re joined once again by Alim Charaniya — 4x founder, former Head of Mobile at PrizePicks, and now the brains behind Ambitious Labs.Last time, Alim shared how he builds and validates profitable indie apps. This time, he’s back with something even bigger — how he scaled his app portfolio to $868K without a big team or massive funding.We’ll dive into how he’s mastered the art of influencer-driven growth, why he spends 80% of his time on marketing and only 20% on development, and how simplicity has become his secret weapon. You’ll also hear how he applies the science of pricing to boost conversions, and why focusing on making one feature exceptional can outperform adding dozens of mediocre ones.You will discover:✅ The strategy behind scaling an app portfolio to $868K✅ How to build powerful influencer partnerships that drive authentic growth✅ The philosophy of “simple is more” and how it fuels sustainable growth✅ The pricing science behind turning users into loyal, paying customersConnect with Alim:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alim-charaniya-08562092/You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/1iOGvI5nRwQWatch the previous livestream with Alim:https://youtube.com/live/60oAI-rh42I?feature=shareWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSThe new Appsflyer Benchmarks siteAttention mobile marketers! Want to invest smarter? The new AppsFlyer Benchmarks site is here! Check out performance over time across countries, media types, and app categories to find growth opportunities, optimize spend, and see how you stack up.With two years of data, quarterly updates, and an upcoming AI co-pilot, it’s the must-have tool for smarter UA. Check it out today and take the guesswork out of your next move.Check out now:https://tinyurl.com/537v4e9e*********************************************Arcads 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*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

The new Appsflyer 2025 App Marketing Benchmarks report is out — and it’s packed with insights every UA manager needs.In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down the key data so you can see exactly how your app compares across CPI, retention, ad-spend trends, and more.You’ll learn 👇✅ CPI, retention, and ad spend benchmarks across iOS & Android✅ The biggest shifts in app marketing performance for 2025✅ Which countries and categories are seeing the best ROI✅ How to use benchmark data to optimize your UA campaigns📊 Explore the full report: https://www.appmasters.com/benchmarksYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNE4J1x6gB8Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSThe new Appsflyer Benchmarks siteAttention mobile marketers! Want to invest smarter? The new AppsFlyer Benchmarks site is here! Check out performance over time across countries, media types, and app categories to find growth opportunities, optimize spend, and see how you stack up.With two years of data, quarterly updates, and an upcoming AI co-pilot, it’s the must-have tool for smarter UA. Check it out today and take the guesswork out of your next move.Check out now:https://tinyurl.com/537v4e9e*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Rotella, a product leader who’s helped brands like Weight Watchers, Verizon, and top startups build high-retention, high-ARPU apps that turn downloads into lifelong subscribers.Mike’s obsessed with one thing — making apps people keep using.He breaks down why retention and ARPU growth aren’t outcomes of acquisition — they’re the growth strategy.He’ll share how combining habit-forming design, contextual activation moments, and leveraging AI can turn installs into sustained subscribers — without blowing the budget on ads spend.If you’re building a subscription app, this episode shows you exactly what to do after the install to keep users hooked, engaged, and paying.You will discover:✅ The growth formula nobody talks about — Retention + ARPU beats Acquisition✅ How to turn installs into subscribers in the first 24 hours✅ The habit-loop framework behind top 10% free-to-paid conversion rates✅ How to show value before the paywall and prevent early churn✅ How light AI insight amplifies retentionLearn More:📱Abide – Bible, Prayer, Meditation Apphttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/abide-bible-prayer-meditation/id726031617?ppid=2719275d-ebab-4341-9fb6-5ea68b7ef8ae 💼 Connect with Michael on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rotellaGet unlimited access to all of Abide’s meditations and bedtime stories.Get 25% Off Abide Premium! 🚀https://abide.com/ref/appmastersYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/mEmInDjKInwWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSThe new Appsflyer Benchmarks siteAttention mobile marketers! Want to invest smarter? The new AppsFlyer Benchmarks site is here! Check out performance over time across countries, media types, and app categories to find growth opportunities, optimize spend, and see how you stack up.With two years of data, quarterly updates, and an upcoming AI co-pilot, it’s the must-have tool for smarter UA. Check it out today and take the guesswork out of your next move.Check out now:https://tinyurl.com/537v4e9e*********************************************🚀 Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle. Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.Check out now:XSolla*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In part 2 of this Meta Ads for Web2App campaigns series, Steve P. Young and Igor Lyubimov, CEO at web2wave, share how to optimize and scale Web2App campaigns without wasting money.You’ll discover:✅ The 2 Meta Ads strategies (Purchase vs. Proxy Events)✅ How to test creatives the smart way (and avoid rookie mistakes)✅ Scaling tactics: budgets, duplicating campaigns & targeting geos✅ Why ROAS is the only metric that matters long-termThis is your Web2App Funnels 201 — the exact playbook to scale your Meta Ads profitably 🚀Meta Business Partner specializing in web2app funnels🔗 Learn more at: https://web2wave.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isarOCLy6HQWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSEveryone'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*********************************************

Discover how to grow an app from zero to $200K/month without outside funding. Today’s guest is Desmond Ho, founder of LifeReset.com. He bootstrapped his app from $0 to $200K/month by mastering marketing strategies, Meta ads, and high-converting creatives — all while competing in a crowded market.He’ll also share how to learn marketing strategies by analyzing competitors, run profitable Meta ads, and create high-performing creatives that convert.If you’re just starting out or stuck trying to grow your app in a competitive category, this episode could be your stepping stone to success.You will discover:✅ How to bootstrap an app from $0 to $200K/month✅ Finding product–market fit in a competitive niche✅ How to learn marketing strategies by analyzing competitors✅ Real-world lessons from Desmond’s growth journeyLearn More:Check out the app:www.lifereset.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/aGgFkAAnZFsWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie 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*********************************************

Struggling to make Meta Ads work for your app? 🤔In this beginner-friendly breakdown, Steve P. Young and Igor Lyubimov, CEO at web2wave, reveal how to set up your first Web2App campaigns the right way.You’ll learn:✅ The future of Web2App funnels (why top apps are using them)✅ Campaign structure & tracking setup that actually works✅ Key funnel benchmarks & conversion math you must know✅ How to send events (Pixel vs. Conversion API)This is your Web2App Funnels 101 — the perfect starting point to grow your app with Meta Ads.Meta Business Partner specializing in web2app funnels - web2wave🔗 Learn more at: https://web2wave.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtEN-jVhpt8Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSEveryone'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*********************************************

In this episode, we’re joined by Felix Braberg, an ad monetization expert who has helped app studios generate over $450 million in ad revenue.With experience across two DSPs, one ad network, and leadership roles at Tetris and East Side Games, Felix now consults with studios to skyrocket their ad revenue. He also co-hosts the 2.5 Gamers YouTube channel, where he shares actionable ad monetization strategies.Felix will reveal real case studies and proven tactics covering AdMob monetization models, segmentation strategies, mediation systems, and the key players driving ad revenue today.If you’ve ever wondered how to unlock serious ad revenue growth the right way, this episode is your blueprint.You will discover:✅ A real-world ad monetization case study behind $450M in revenue✅ Ad monetization models that unlock massive growth✅ Mediation system secrets, how to pick and optimize like a pro✅ Who the true power players are in ad monetization todayLearn More:Subscribe to Felix’s newsletter:https://felixbraberg.substack.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/3cQAE-IbLxkWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie 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*********************************************

What if the next million-dollar app doesn’t require code, a big team, or a computer science degree?In this episode, we break down the exact strategy indie founders are using to launch money-making apps with no code tools.These "single-player utility apps" solve niche problems and scale like crazy.From one-time utility apps to AI-powered tools and hyper-niche meditation apps, Alim and Steve unpacked how today’s smartest builders are skipping the complexity and going straight for conversions.You’ll discover:✅ Why app ideas don’t need to be complex to make money✅ How simple 15-screen apps are hitting $40K MRR✅ The viral strategy behind Cal.ai, Umax, Quitter & more✅ Why TikTok + Subscriptions = mobile app goldmine✅ How to niche down for emotional impact (the "Seizure Relief" insight 💡)These are battle-tested mobile growth lessons from founders who are crushing it without overbuilding.💬 Drop your biggest app idea mistake in the comments. We’ve all been there.You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDgdcTHoomsWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie 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*********************************************

Ever wonder how smaller apps can go head-to-head with giants like Headway and Hip? In this live coaching session, Steve P. Young works with Sebastian Belachur, CEO of Kibit, and Gabriel Bahash, CEO of Giftology, two of App Masters’ clients, to reveal the exact strategies used to carve out market share, boost downloads, and build loyal audiences without million-dollar budgets.You’ll see real challenges, real solutions, and actionable steps you can immediately apply to your own app. This isn’t theory—it’s a front-row seat to the tactics that actually work when you’re competing against the big players.Here’s what you’ll learn:📌 How to position your app to stand out against well-funded competitors📌 Cost-effective growth tactics that still deliver big results📌 Proven ways to build retention and loyalty without huge ad spend📌 Real-time insights from live coaching you can apply right awayYou can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/gMY5bSyaciwWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie 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*********************************************