Scaling Mojo: How to Build a Subscription App with 40M+ Downloads

16 December 2024

Subscription Podcast Acquisition Conversion Mobile APP Content Creation AI

Vanina Nguimbi

Marketing @ Purchasely

Francescu Santoni, CEO of Mojo, on App Growth, Subscription Strategies, and AI’s Role in Empowering Social Media Creators In a recent episode of the Subscription League podcast, Francescu Santoni, CEO of Mojo, shares his journey in creating one of today’s most popular video content apps. Francescu delves into Mojo’s early days, the pivot to a subscription-based model, and how Mojo stands out in an increasingly competitive social media landscape. He also discusses the critical role of AI in helping users—from small business owners to casual creators—bring their ideas to life.

More about Francescu

Francescu Santoni is at the helm of Mojo, an app known for making professional-grade video creation accessible to everyone.

With experience in augmented reality (AR) and Y Combinator, Francescu’s leadership has propelled Mojo to over 40 million downloads. His forward-thinking approach is grounded in a mission to make powerful, user-friendly tools for social media content creation.

A champion of innovation and creative accessibility, Francescu regularly shares his insights on user-centric app design and technology trends at industry events.

Ep. 33

Episode 33 sneak peak

Finding Mojo’s Niche in a Crowded Market

After starting with an augmented reality project, Francescu and his team realized the potential of social media-focused tools.

This led to the development of Mojo, a reels and story creation app that quickly distinguished itself with user-friendly features and high-quality templates. Francescu explains that they aimed to offer users a simple way to create standout videos—no design experience needed.

This focus on accessibility without sacrificing quality has been key to Mojo’s success in the content creation market.

Subscription as a Growth Lever

While many apps choose freemium models, Mojo opted for subscriptions early on. Francescu highlights how this approach encouraged the team to focus on continuous improvement, keeping users engaged long-term.

Subscription-based revenue also allowed them to reinvest in feature development, ensuring the app stays relevant and valuable.

According to Francescu, subscriptions align with Mojo’s mission by creating a cycle of feedback, improvement, and sustained user satisfaction.

Harnessing AI to Support Creativity

AI is at the heart of Mojo’s latest developments. From automatic video edits to smart templates, AI is making it easier for users to create visually stunning content with minimal effort.

Francescu envisions AI as a way to empower users by automating the technical aspects of video editing, allowing creators to focus more on storytelling and design.

Mojo’s AI tools aim to make the app even more accessible, meeting the demand for fast and polished content in a rapidly changing social media landscape.

Key Topics at a Glance

1. Defining Mojo’s Edge in the Video Creation Landscape

Francescu speaks to the importance of Mojo’s clear value proposition: creating high-quality, accessible tools for anyone looking to produce eye-catching video content. By continuously refining the app’s core features, Mojo maintains its appeal across various user types, from casual creators to small businesses aiming to boost their online presence.

2. The Power of User Feedback

User feedback is central to Mojo’s development process. Francescu notes that listening closely to user needs has allowed Mojo to fine-tune its features and stay in sync with the evolving social media trends. This user-driven approach has helped them make informed decisions around feature updates and enhancements, keeping the app relevant and engaging.

3. A/B Testing for User-Centric Design

Testing is critical for understanding what resonates with users. Mojo runs frequent A/B tests to assess everything from design changes to new subscription features. Francescu highlights how this data-driven approach has helped them make more user-centered improvements, ensuring that Mojo remains intuitive and enjoyable to use.

4. Subscription Model Benefits Beyond Revenue

The subscription model has not only provided consistent revenue but has also created a valuable feedback loop with users. By focusing on retaining subscribers, Mojo’s team is able to better understand what keeps users engaged. This insight drives ongoing feature development, allowing Mojo to add value with every update.

Future Directions and Challenges

Francescu sees AI as a game-changer for Mojo, enhancing both video quality and user experience. By offering customized content and smart editing suggestions, Mojo leverages AI to deliver impactful features that simplify content creation.

With social media and content tools evolving rapidly, Francescu views competition as fuel for innovation. By staying responsive to users and adopting new technologies, Mojo is positioned to lead in accessible, high-quality content creation.