The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Castro leans into indie (Interview)
May 1, 2024
Dustin Bluck, an indie developer known for acquiring the popular Castro podcast app, shares his vision to shift the app back to its indie roots. He discusses the acquisition journey, including strategic negotiations and user loyalty challenges. Bluck emphasizes the importance of community engagement and features that enhance user experience. The conversation also reveals insights into the evolving landscape of podcast monetization and innovations aimed at revitalizing the app. Exciting plans for improved functionality and user connections are on the horizon!
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Castro's Ownership History
- Dustin Bluck is the third owner of Castro, having bought it from Andrew Wilkinson, not Tiny.
- Tiny's complex corporate structure confused Dustin.
Why Tiny Sold Castro
- Tiny/Andrew Wilkinson sold Castro likely because it's a niche app.
- Its focus on power users makes it hard to scale into a billion-dollar company.
Castro vs. Overcast
- Castro and Overcast are seen as the two main indie iOS podcast apps.
- Overcast is popular among those in the Apple/Marco Arment ecosystem.
