How Andy McCune’s Simple App Went Viral, Generating 350K Downloads in 5 Days
Creating a viral app that achieves massive downloads in just a few days might seem like a pipe dream for most entrepreneurs. But Andy McCune turned that dream into reality with a straightforward app developed in just one day. The result? Over 350,000 downloads in 5 days.
Here’s the story of how he did it.
The Inspiration: A Viral Website
At the end of 2015, Andy noticed a viral phenomenon. The website 2015bestnine.com was receiving 1 million views daily.
- The website’s concept was simple yet brilliant:
- Compile a user’s top 9 Instagram photos into a single collage.
- Display the total number of likes they received that year.
- Add a subtle credit: “Created by [app name].”
Users would share their collages on Instagram and other platforms, creating a viral loop that spread the website’s reach exponentially.
The Idea: Replicating Success
Seeing the potential, Andy decided to replicate the concept for 2016. But instead of creating another website, he built an app.
Execution: Building the App
Andy developed a simple app named:
“Top Nine for Instagram — Best of 2016.”
The goal was clear:
- Compete directly with the existing “Best Nine” website.
- Provide users with a fun and easy way to relive their year on Instagram.
The Strategy: Sparking the Viral Wave
To ensure his app gained traction, Andy invested strategically in paid influencers:
- He spent $1,700 hiring influencers with large followings to:
- Use his app to create their own Top Nine collages.
- Share the collages with their followers, tagging the app.
- This initial exposure created the first wave of virality, driving users to download the app and create their own collages.
The Results: Viral Success
In just 5 days, the app went viral, resulting in:
- 350,000 downloads.
- Thousands of users sharing their collages, creating a self-sustaining viral loop.
Why It Worked
- Timely Concept: The app capitalized on an existing trend (Instagram year-end recaps) that users were already excited about.
- Simplicity: The app’s straightforward functionality made it easy for anyone to use.
- Built-In Virality: Adding “Created by [app name]” to every collage turned each share into free advertising.
- Strategic Influencer Marketing: A small investment in the right influencers generated massive organic reach.
Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
If you’re looking to replicate Andy’s success, here are a few lessons:
- Identify Trends Early: Look for viral or seasonal trends that you can capitalize on with your product or app.
- Focus on Simplicity: Build something easy to use and share, lowering barriers for users to engage.
- Leverage Virality: Add elements that naturally encourage users to share your app with others.
- Use Influencer Marketing Strategically: A small budget spent on influencers with engaged audiences can kickstart a viral loop.
The Big Question: What’s Your Next Trend?
Andy’s success shows that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the most powerful. What trend will you capitalize on this year or next?
Source: hackernoon.com