Monetizing APIs: Strategies and Engagement

This chapter delves into monetization strategies for companies utilizing API integration, focusing on user consumption-based pricing models. It emphasizes the importance of adapting pricing, offering discounts, and implementing effective paywalls to enhance user engagement and retention. The discussion also touches on crafting compelling ads for AI applications and includes a lighthearted segment of app audits with dad jokes.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Sharad Shankar, Founder of AndOr Communications Pvt Ltd, the team behind the viral AI photo editing app LightX, which has surpassed 50M installs on Android and 8M+ on iOS.

Originally launched as a paid app, LightX transitioned to a subscription model in 2019 and has since evolved into a powerful, AI-driven platform for image generation and editing.

An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Sharad’s career spans roles in mobile engineering and building high-impact, user-focused products. In this conversation, Sharad shares his full growth playbook — from ASO, paid ads, and SEO to Web2App conversion strategies and cracking the Google Play featured placement.

He also reveals how he led a team of 60+ to turn LightX into a breakout success. This episode is a must-watch for anyone building or scaling a mobile app in 2025 and beyond.

You will discover:

✅ How LightX went from a paid app to top-grossing AI subscription

✅ Mobile growth playbook: ASO, ads, SEO, Web2App & more

✅ The secret to getting featured on Google Play

✅ Building user-first products with a strong USP

✅ Managing & scaling a 60+ member team

Learn More:

Explore LightX:

Web Product: https://www.lightxeditor.com/

iOS App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lightx-photo-editor-retouch/id1400740705

Android App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lightx&hl=en_IN

Connect with Sharad: