[heumn]

My app and side project "lolipop". An "instagram for gifs and funny images"-niche app. 100k + downloads.

Gotten hugely popular in Norway. Released a revamped iOS 7 version to the US last week (?). Things are going slow over there. Not even reached 1000 downloads.

Traffic always spike during 23:00 - 03:00 when kids should be sleeping... 99% of users lurk and browse reddit/9gag/imgur some contribute (no account needed for browsing).

Link for the lazy: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lolipop-funny-images-gifs/id...

[jbrooksuk]

How does this generate income?

[heumn]

Users get a "pro account", much like the Twitter Verified badge (called lolipop AWESOME) for a week if they "Download a free app". Those pays everything from 20 cent to couple of bucks per download.

App runs barely any hosting cost, and this generates a nice little passive income. I have an admin panel to turn on more ads, but as of now I would rather grow with as little intrusive ads as possible. When, and if I turn on more intrusive ads, users can purchase a "pro badge" to get rid of ads. (turned off now).

Best side effect is that I have gotten a LOT better at obj-c development since I started playing with it, and now run a small mobile development company that actually pays the bills. Learn while you play :)

[jbrooksuk]

This is awesome! I'm teaching myself Obj-c now and would like one day to take it further. Glad to hear that it's working out for you :)

[heumn]

Best of luck :) If you have any questions, be sure to ask. I started with the Stanford videos on iTunes u. High quality stuff!