Diary of an indie app developer

Adam Lyttle•adamlyttleapps.com

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Entrepreneurship

Hosted by Adam Lyttle

Last refreshed: July 5th, 2025 at 8:05 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

I tried building 10 SwiftUI mobile apps in 30 days with AI (this is what happened)

In this video I take on the challenge to build 10 SwiftUI apps in just one month. Using ChatGPT for coding assistance and Midjourney for icons. I explore the capabilities (and limitations) of AI tools in app development. Along the way I reflect on my transition from JavaScript to SwiftUI and discuss the financial outcomes of my projects and offer insights into app store optimization Apps by Adam Lyttle is the personal journey of an indie app developer, sharing valuable lessons and experiences to...

Jul 23, 2024•25 min

Protect Your Mobile App from Hackers: Lessons from an ethical hacker

Adam shares his darkest secrets as an ethical hacker and delves into crucial lessons every indie app developer needs to know to protect their mobile apps from hackers. Discover the hidden vulnerabilities, learn how to safeguard your app, and understand the hacker mindset to stay one step ahead What You’ll Learn: The rise of hacking attempts on indie apps and how to identify vulnerabilities. How ethical hacking can help you secure your app and prevent breaches. The importance of platforms like Ha...

Jun 25, 2024•23 min

The App Store Optimization SECRET nobody talks about (to get thousands of mobile app downloads)

Adam reveals a little-known App Store Optimization secret that no one else is talking about. With just one simple tweak that takes only 30 seconds, you can see tens of thousands of downloads and a massive increase in revenue. Join me as I dive into the key strategies that have helped me build over 50 apps and generate $100,000+ in revenue this year alone. Discover the power of app store discoverability and how to leverage search recommendations to skyrocket your app’s visibility. I also share my...

Jun 18, 2024•23 min

I increased mobile app subscriptions 230% with one simple change to my indie app

Adam discovers a mobile app generating $300k/month and gets inspired to update his paywall… and sees a 230% increase in trial subscriptions! In this episode, Adam shares his insights and the specific changes he implemented. From analyzing successful apps to tweaking his own paywall, he breaks down the steps that led to this successful result. Learn how a refined onboarding process and strategic free trials can make a significant impact on your mobile app performance. Apps by Adam Lyttle chronicl...

Jun 15, 2024•9 min

WWDC 2024 Reaction: Did iOS18 just destroy my AI wrapper apps?

Adam discovers he's been asleep on his AI wrapper apps this whole time and puts together a plan. The Apple WWDC 2024 just finished and many developers are starting to realize their apps are… well… doomed. In this video, Adam reacts to the shocking news from Apple's WWDC 2024 that iOS 18 will have full integration with ChatGPT, effectively rendering many AI wrapper apps obsolete. As an indie app developer, Adam shares his personal experience of creating three AI scanner apps— a fish identifier, a...

Jun 11, 2024•5 min

App Clone Wars: Another one of my apps gets copied

Today I dive deep into my recent encounter with another copycat app developer, affectionately dubbed “Copycat Carl.” I share my thoughts on how these copycats operate, the impact they have on my revenue, and the emotional rollercoaster I go through every time I see one of my apps cloned. I also discuss the balance between finding inspiration and outright copying, reflecting on my own experiences both as a victim of copying and as someone who has made mistakes in this area. Through this journey, ...

Jun 06, 2024•17 min

My first month as a podcaster (an introspective)

Adam reflects on what he has learned while making YouTube videos for a month. What it takes to make a good video, to be consistent and shares helpful tips for indie app developers looking to setup their own YouTube channel… Apps by Adam Lyttle is the personal journey of an indie app developer Follow the journey: Website: https://adamlyttleapps.com Twitter: https://x.com/adamlyttleapps Instagram: https://instagram.com/adamlyttleapps TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@adamlyttleapps Substack: https://ada...

Jun 04, 2024•24 min

Overcoming my imposter syndrome

Adam shares his personal experiences and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome while building indie apps. He discusses the struggle with work-life balance, the impact of self-doubt, and the importance of authenticity, community, and connection in navigating the pressures of content creation and audience expectations. Follow the journey: Website: https://adamlyttleapps.com Twitter: https://x.com/adamlyttleapps Instagram: https://instagram.com/adamlyttleapps TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@adaml...

May 31, 2024•24 min

Growth hacks for indie app developers

Adam Lyttle shares his secrets for indie app growth hacks without spending a dime! After developing an app every month for the past four years, Adam has discovered the most effective free marketing strategies that took his app from 1,000 downloads a month to an incredible 30,000 downloads a month. In this video, you’ll learn: - Growth hacks that don't cost any money - Free ways to grow your indie app downloads - Creative content ideas to engage your audience on TikTok - Utilizing Product Hunt an...

May 31, 2024•18 min

Balancing life, work and indie app development

Adam shares his top 5 tips for building indie apps with 5 kids and a busy household. To help you build better apps and keep you focused in the process. Lets go 💪 Diary of an Indie App developer follows the personal journey of Adam Lyttle as he grows his indie consumer apps Follow my journey: Website: adamlyttleapps.com Twitter: x.com/adamlyttleapps Instagram: instagram.com/adamlyttleapps TikTok: tiktok.com/@adamlyttleapps Substack: adamlyttleapps.substack.com Key parts: 0:00 — Intro 0:47 — Step...

May 23, 2024•13 min

Lets talk about poop tracking apps

Adam discusses the issues with his poop tracking app and the time his medical app was rejected for causing physical harm Apps by Adam Lyttle is the personal journey of an independent app builder Follow the journey: Website: adamlyttleapps.com Twitter: x.com/adamlyttleapps Instagram: instagram.com/adamlyttleapps TikTok: tiktok.com/@adamlyttleapps Substack: adamlyttleapps.substack.com Notable parts: 0:00 — Intro 1:08 — Finding motivation 6:14 — Building medical apps 6:42 — App: Poop Tracker Deluxe...

May 17, 2024•21 min

I bought a copycat app

Adam revisits that time he accidentally bought a copycat app and learns a valuable lesson in the process Apps by Adam Lyttle is the personal journey of an independent app builder Follow the journey: Website: adamlyttleapps.com Twitter: x.com/adamlyttleapps Instagram: instagram.com/adamlyttleapps TikTok: tiktok.com/@adamlyttleapps Substack: adamlyttleapps.substack.com Notable parts: 0:00 — Intro 2:07 – How I acquired the app 3:44 — Identifying the app I want to buy 5:14 — Due diligence process 8:...

May 15, 2024•29 min

The RIZZ Problem

Adam struggles with maintaining a coding schedule with a newborn in the house and discovers potential trademark issues with the new app Apps by Adam Lyttle is the personal journey of an independent app builder building in public Follow my journey: Website: adamlyttleapps.com Twitter: x.com/adamlyttleapps Instagram: instagram.com/adamlyttleapps TikTok: tiktok.com/adamlyttleapps Timestamps: 0:00 — Intro 2:30 — App launch stratergy 8:00 — Scaling from $0 - $100 10:01 — On indie hacking 10:30 — Conn...

May 14, 2024•30 min

Hello, World!

I promise this episode won't be put on private like all the other "first" episodes on this channel. I'm Adam Lyttle – an independent app developer running a 6 figure app creation business My app journey started in 2020 when I started releasing a free app every month. With no intention of making a business out of it. Fast forward to 2024 and I now live off the proceeds

May 09, 2024•34 min

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