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/APPMASTERS

You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au8_tLs1x5s

Want expert guidance to grow your app?

Book a quick call with App Masters:

https://appmasters.com/contact-us/

Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.com

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

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.

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

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🚀 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠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/ruhh71nqzeY

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/gmZog

Want expert guidance to grow your app?

Book a quick call with App Masters:

https://appmasters.com/contact-us/

Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.com

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

The new Appsflyer Benchmarks site

Attention 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠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 growth

If 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/Jl72iBou2vw

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

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 convert

Whether 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠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 ignore

Learn More:

Scribbe: AI Notes Taker

https://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/5GvJprsRLjs

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

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 convert

Whether 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠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 banned

This 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_uD

You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnqjBY3tUo8

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/gmZog

Want expert guidance to grow your app?

Book a quick call with App Masters:

https://appmasters.com/contact-us/

Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.com

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

The new Appsflyer Benchmarks site

Attention 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 convert

Whether 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠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 weapon

Learn 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_A

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/gmZog

Want expert guidance to grow your app?

Book a quick call with App Masters:

https://appmasters.com/contact-us/

Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.com

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

The new Appsflyer Benchmarks site

Attention 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 convert

Whether 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠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 category

If 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/gmZog

You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxk4TIvRa30

*********************************************

SPONSORS

The new Appsflyer Benchmarks site

Attention 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 convert

Whether 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠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 mission

Learn More:

Explore IQ121:

https://iq121.com

You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/WOvAzavRBdA

Want expert guidance to grow your app?

Book a quick call with App Masters:

https://appmasters.com/contact-us/

Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.com

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

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 convert

Whether 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠

*********************************************

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 policies

You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S8Lqu_50EM

Want expert guidance to grow your app?

Book a quick call with App Masters:

https://appmasters.com/contact-us/

Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.com

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

The new Appsflyer Benchmarks site

Attention 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 convert

Whether 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠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 customers

Connect with Alim:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alim-charaniya-08562092/

You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/1iOGvI5nRwQ

Watch the previous livestream with Alim:https://youtube.com/live/60oAI-rh42I?feature=share

Want expert guidance to grow your app?

Book a quick call with App Masters:

https://appmasters.com/contact-us/

Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.com

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

*********************************************

SPONSORS

The new Appsflyer Benchmarks site

Attention 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 convert

Whether 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/YouTube⁠
Instagram: ⁠@App Masters
Twitter: ⁠@App Masters
TikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠
Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠

*********************************************