The Most Important Element of App Store Optimization (ASO Keyword Research)

ASO is getting harder, with more AI-generated apps, more competition, and more developers fighting for the same high-volume keywords. But there’s one core ASO principle that still moves the needle… and most beginners miss it completely.In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down the single most important element of ASO you MUST nail if you want real organic downloads:👉 Finding the right, low-competition, high-intent keywords.Steve shows exactly how to uncover high-value keywords using ASOMobile, how to spy on your competitors, and how to find the “hidden gem” terms that big brands ignore, but indie developers can rank #1 for.If you're trying to grow your app with ASO in 2026, this video will save you months of frustration.You’ll Learn:✅ How to find low-competition, high-intent keywords your competitors ignore✅ Why ASO alone is not enough unless you master keyword selection✅ How to reverse-engineer top competitors like CalAI✅ Real case study: How one app went from $0 → $2K/month → 5-figure exit just by changing one keywordTools Mentioned:You don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO.ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform.It’s built for indie developers and pros alike, and gives you real data to grow your app faster.This Black Friday, get 50% off any plan, for any period at - http://bit.ly/49y6rEPYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV5_OwDB35o⁠Want 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/*********************************************SPONSORSYou don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO.ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform.It’s built for indie developers and pros alike, and gives you real data to grow your app faster.This Black Friday, from November 24 to 30, get 50% off any plan, for any period — at http://bit.ly/49y6rEP*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Most founders focus only on the US market, but what if the fastest path to scaling your app is right in your own country?In this episode, we’re joined by Suphasit Thongniam, CEO of NubCal, an AI-powered calorie tracking app that helps users calculate calories by simply snapping a photo of their meal.NubCal has seen exceptional growth in Thailand thanks to strong localization, deep cultural understanding, and a highly effective Meta Ads strategy. Suphasit will share how doubling down on your home market can help you achieve product–market fit, improve retention, and build sustainable growth before expanding globally.If you're struggling to stand out in the crowded US market, this episode will give you a proven blueprint for winning with localization and scaling beyond borders.You will discover:✅ How to use localization to achieve product–market fit in your home country✅ How NubCal built traction by understanding Thai culture, language, and user behavior✅ Meta Ads strategies that work in growing international markets✅ How non-US markets can offer lower competition and high ROILearn More:Check NubCal: https://nubcal.comUse this special code for a 20% discount on NubCal's annual package:02C353You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/live/h1zUyMondkUWant 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/*********************************************SPONSORSYou don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO.ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform.From November 17 to 23, you can try ASO Max, the most advanced plan from ASOMobile — completely free, no credit card needed.And if you want to keep growing, use the promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% off any plan, for any period at ASOMobile.net*********************************************🚀 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*********************************************

A simple universal TV remote app is making over $300,000/month — with almost no features and a basic paywall 😱In this breakdown, we reveal why distribution beats design and how the simplest apps — when built smartly and marketed right — dominate the App Store.You’ll learn:✅ The ASO strategy behind this app’s insane growth (700K+ downloads/month)✅ How AppFigures & Sensor Tower reveal hidden keyword gold✅ Why AI & simplicity are the perfect combo for profitable apps in 2026✅ The secret metric that actually matters more than your features🔥 Key Takeaway: Stop obsessing over features — focus on getting downloads and optimizing your ASO, keywords, and pricing strategy. Good enough is good enough when you have the right distribution.Check Out the Cool Collection from INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/APPMASTERSYou can also watch this video here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au8_tLs1x5sWant 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/*********************************************SPONSORSYou don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO.ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform.From November 17 to 23, you can try ASO Max, the most advanced plan from ASOMobile — completely free, no credit card needed.And if you want to keep growing, use the promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% off any plan, for any period at ASOMobile.net*********************************************🚀 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*********************************************

We’ve got another round of the popular ‘Ask Me Anything’ session with me - STEVE P. YOUNG!In this session, Steve will break down the app marketing trends happening in 2026 to help simplify your path to a breakthrough.This is your chance to have your questions answered — whether it’s about monetization, paid ads, or scaling your app business. No topic is off-limits!Learn More:Join the App Founder’s Community:https://appfounders.co/You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/live/ruhh71nqzeYSomething exciting is brewing at AppsFlyer - their first Fall Release is almost here!We’d love to tell you more... but you’ll have to register for the November 18 online event to find out what’s shaping the future of marketing. 👀 https://shorturl.at/gmZogWant 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*********************************************

🚀 Discover how a language learning app is making over $2 million per month using AI-generated ads — and no, it’s not Duolingo!In this video, Steve P. Young, breaks down how the Learna app is scaling globally with smart ad strategies, high-converting onboarding, and powerful AI-driven creatives.You’ll see:✅ How Learna creates multilingual AI-generated video ads✅ Real app revenue data and country breakdowns (via AppFigures & AppMagic)✅ How AI allows developers to scale ad production 10x faster✅ Why relying on brand search terms and meta ads is key for 2026 growthIf you’re an app marketer, indie developer, or UA manager, this breakdown will show you how to use AI ads to boost installs, retention, and revenue — just like the top-grossing apps in the App Store.🔗 Tools Mentioned:Create AI UGC ads at scale:⁠⁠https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters💬 Comment below if you’re using AI for your ads or app marketing!You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/Jl72iBou2vwGet 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*********************************************🚀 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*********************************************

What happens when your app already converts well, but you’ve hit the ceiling with ASO and ASA?In this live coaching session, Steve P. Young coaches the founder of Scribbe AI, an AI-powered note-taking app, to uncover the next steps for scaling growth beyond traditional app marketing tactics.We’ll dive deep into how to find new, scalable channels for user acquisition systematically, explore what separates top-performing apps from the rest, and discuss strategies that actually deliver results when paid ads and influencer campaigns fall short.You’ll see real questions, real strategies, and actionable takeaways you can immediately apply to your own app growth journey.You will discover:✅ What to prioritize after ASO and ASA✅ When Meta ads actually make sense✅ How to test and find viral formats that work✅ Community-led growth via Reddit and niche forums✅ Hidden wins from non-US markets most founders ignoreLearn More:Scribbe: AI Notes Takerhttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/scribbe-ai-notes-taker/id6736370215 Connect with Neil:https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-saduka/Work with us:https://appmasters.com/ You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/5GvJprsRLjsGet 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*********************************************🚀 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*********************************************

Ever wondered how some apps skyrocket up the charts while you’re still stuck optimizing screenshots? 🤔In this talk from RevenueCat’s App Growth Annual 2025, Steve P. Young reveals the most controversial app growth hacks, ASO tricks, and questionable strategies dominating the App Store today.You’ll learn:✅ Real-world growth hacks that boosted one app from a few hundred to $90,000 ARR✅ What “keyword installs” really are — and why big companies secretly use them✅ Why some “grey-hat” tricks still work (but come with a warning )✅ What Apple’s quietly cracking down on in 2025✅ How to grow smarter without getting bannedThis talk is part of the App Growth Annual 2025 by RevenueCat — a must-watch series for app founders, marketers, and product managers who want to scale smarter and grow faster.👉 Watch the full RAGA 2025 playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsFOrkX_y0B6o8zs8PUOWQbUi_nTQn_uDYou can also watch this video here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnqjBY3tUo8Something exciting is brewing at AppsFlyer - their first Fall Release is almost here!We’d love to tell you more... but you’ll have to register for the November 18 online event to find out what’s shaping the future of marketing. 👀 https://shorturl.at/gmZogWant 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*********************************************

Struggling to grow your app’s revenue in 2025? In this episode, we break down the Top 5 App Monetization Trends you can’t afford to ignore this year, backed by real data and growth insights.We’re joined by Daphne Tideman, Growth Consultant, author, and former Head of Growth at Heights, where she helped 10x their subscriber base in just 18 months. Daphne reveals what'll really drive app growth in 2026, from premium pricing and smarter packaging to hybrid monetization models and beyond.If you’re stuck or searching for new ways to monetize your app, this is a must-watch episode that shows exactly what’s working right now.You will discover:✅ The 5 biggest monetization trends shaping the app industry in 2026✅ Why premium pricing is the new normal (and users are okay with it)✅ How smart pricing & packaging boost conversions and ARPU✅ Why app-to-web checkout is becoming a growth weaponLearn More:Connect with Daphne:https://growthwaves.substack.com/ https://daphnetideman.com/You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/0WESZA_fj_ASomething exciting is brewing at AppsFlyer - their first Fall Release is almost here!We’d love to tell you more... but you’ll have to register for the November 18 online event to find out what’s shaping the future of marketing. 👀 https://shorturl.at/gmZogWant 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*********************************************

We’ve all been told the same story: build a great product, and success will follow. But history tells a different tale. The truth is, most great products never make it—not because they weren’t good enough, but because they never found their way to the people who needed them.In this talk at App Growth Summit, Steve shared why distribution is the real engine of growth—and how focusing on your channels first can unlock exponential scale. From household brands to breakthrough startups, the winners didn’t simply build better; they built more innovative paths to market.This is a talk about flipping the script: why the fastest way to grow isn’t adding more features, but finding the right shortcut to scale.You’ll learn:✅ How one app went from $0 → $90,000 ARR — completely free using lifetime deals + smart ASO✅ The “brandjacking” keyword hack that indie devs use to rank #1 without big budgets✅ How a no-code founder used paid tests + AI tools to hit $1M ARR with no app✅ Why “content-first” launches are dominating 2025 — and how one viral TikTok created a brand-new app categoryIf you’re serious about app growth — this talk is your 2025 playbook.Something exciting is brewing at AppsFlyer - their first Fall Release is almost here!We’d love to tell you more... but you’ll have to register for the November 18 online event to find out what’s shaping the future of marketing. 👀https://shorturl.at/gmZogYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxk4TIvRa30*********************************************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*********************************************

What happens when Raj trades cosmic conversations for app ideas and startups? In this episode, we’re joined by Kunal Nayyar, best known for his role as Raj in The Big Bang Theory. Today, he’s here not as an actor, but as an app founder.When Kunal found himself scrambling to help his parents travel from India to the U.S. during COVID-19, sifting through endless emails, files, and forms—he realized something powerful: there was no single place to keep everything important organized when it mattered most. That “aha!” moment led to IQ121, a beautifully designed app built to help families stay connected, prepared, and in control, no matter what life throws at them.Kunal shares his full journey, from the app idea to launch, and what’s next for IQ121. You’ll hear how a real-life family emergency inspired a global app idea, learn how to create purposeful apps, and discover how app technology can truly support and strengthen families.PS: Raj might blush around new people, but Kunal’s ready to talk apps - LIVE 😄You will discover:✅The real story behind IQ121 and how one family emergency sparked a global idea✅Why founders should solve problems they’ve actually lived through✅The growing trend of “family-first tech” and why it’s the next big app category✅What’s next for IQ121 and how Kunal’s creative background shapes its missionLearn More:Explore IQ121:https://iq121.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/WOvAzavRBdAWant 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*********************************************🚀 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*********************************************