Modern CTO How Shazam went from a 4-digit Phone Number to $400m with Chris Barton, Founder
Dec 29, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Chris Barton, the visionary founder of Shazam, shares the incredible journey of transforming a four-digit phone service into a $400 million app. He reveals the challenges Shazam faced during six years of losses and how the launch of the App Store became a game-changer. Chris also discusses the magic behind the app's name, the innovation of robust audio fingerprinting, and the critical lesson of eliminating user friction for massive adoption. His insights underscore the blend of perseverance and creativity in tech entrepreneurship.
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Phone-Call Launch Before Apps
- Shazam launched in 2002 as a four-digit phone short code you dialed and held to the music.
- A text message with the song name returned seconds later and the charge went to your mobile bill.
Six Years Of Near Bankruptcy
- For six consecutive years Shazam burned cash and barely had users after launch.
- The App Store's 2008 arrival triggered the hockey-stick growth that changed the company.
Scale By White-Label Partnerships
- Expand internationally by white-labeling with local mobile partners to avoid upfront marketing costs.
- Build local music databases and integrate via APIs to scale across markets.