Introduction – more than a feed, less than a startup
If you’ve been running your show for a while, you’ve probably had the thought: “Should this be more than ‘just a podcast’?” Maybe listeners are asking for a better way to find old episodes, a calmer place to talk to each other, or easier access to bonus content and live events.
At some point, the idea of “our own app” starts to sneak in.
The problem is that the internet is full of bad advice. Half the world tells you to just spin something up with a template in a weekend.
A simple decision framework: now, later, or never
To cut through the noise, ask yourself three sets of questions.
1. Are the fundamentals in place?
● Do you publish on a consistent cadence?
● Do you have at least one direct channel to your audience (newsletter, Discord, Facebook group, SMS, etc.)?
● Do people ever complain that it’s hard to:
○ Find old episodes on specific topics?
○ Figure out where to join your community or membership?
○ Get notified about big updates, live events, or limited-time offers?
If the answer is “no” across the board, focus on strengthening your core before worrying about an app.
2. What are listeners asking for that you can’t easily deliver now?
Pay attention to recurring friction:
● “I missed that live Q&A—where do I watch the replay?”
● “Is there a way to get all your [topic] episodes in one place?”
● “Where do I join the challenge / membership / group you mentioned?”
If those questions keep coming up, an app might be one of the cleanest ways to solve them.
What a realistic first version of your app should do
If you do decide to move forward, the goal is not to build your dream app. It’s to build the first version your listeners will actually use.
What can wait for later
Save these for version two or three:
● Advanced gamification and points systems.
● Custom-built live streaming when existing tools can embed or link out.
● Ten different membership tiers with complex access rules.
UX matters more than clever tech
Most listeners don’t care what you used to build the app. They care whether it:
● Loads quickly.
● Plays audio smoothly.
● Feels intuitive to move around in.
● Makes it obvious what they can do next.
Simple, predictable patterns beat “innovative” but confusing interfaces every time.
DIY, templates, or hiring app developers: choosing your path
Once you’re convinced an app is worth exploring, you have three broad options.
Option 1: partnering with a development team
At some point, the duct tape stops working. That’s usually when:
● You’re running paid memberships, courses, or events and want them inside the app.
● You need features that don’t exist in off-the-shelf tools—like structured programs, multi-step onboarding, or rich community spaces.
● Your visual brand matters, and a cookie-cutter template would cheapen it.
This is where hiring app developers starts to make sense.
Practical next steps if you’re app-curious
If this has you thinking, here’s a simple way to move without overcommitting.
Your app should serve the show, not the other way around
Turning your podcast into a product is a big step. For some creators, it’s exactly what unlocks the next level of connection and revenue. For others, it’s a shiny distraction from the work that actually matters.
