App Marketing by App Masters

AI-Powered Subscription Growth

Apr 5, 2025

Phil Carter, the Founder & CEO of Elemental Growth, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of AI in subscription services. He delves into how AI is revolutionizing consumer subscriptions, providing strategies for growth, pricing, and user retention. Phil discusses the Subscription Value Loop framework, illustrating its importance with real-world case studies. He also highlights the impact of AI on personalized user experiences and creative monetization strategies, making it a must-listen for indie developers and subscription business owners.

57:51

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Episode guests

Phil Carter

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

AI is transforming the subscription market by reducing development costs and enabling non-coders to create customized applications.

The Subscription Value Loop framework is crucial for sustainable growth, focusing on value creation, delivery, and capturing revenue from subscribers.

Indie developers should prioritize organic growth before investing in paid user acquisition to establish a strong foundation for scaling.

Deep dives

The Rise of Consumer Subscription Apps

The consumer subscription market has seen explosive growth since the introduction of subscriptions in app stores over a decade ago, with over 100,000 apps currently available. However, only about 30 have reached billion-dollar valuations, confined to categories like media, health, and education. The pandemic spurred a surge in digital purchases, reflected in fluctuating revenue multiples for major subscription apps. As artificial intelligence continues to drive innovation, it presents both opportunities for growth and heightened competition in this landscape.

Intro

2min

AI's Impact on Subscription Services

7min

The Subscription Value Loop

8min

Strategic Framework for Subscription App Success

2min

Navigating AI in Subscription Growth

22min

Market Research and Monetization Strategies

14min

Lighthearted Wrap-Up and Resources for App Growth

3min

In this podcast, we will explore how AI is transforming the consumer subscription ecosystem. Joining us is Phil Carter, Founder & CEO of Elemental Growth, a leading growth advisory firm helping subscription-based businesses scale.

With a background in venture capital, product leadership, and growth strategy, Phil has helped companies like Faire, Quizlet, and Ibotta build world-class products and accelerate revenue. As a venture advisor at NEA, an angel investor, and a growth instructor at Reforge, he brings a wealth of experience in optimizing subscription models.

We’ll also break down AI-driven growth strategies, the biggest opportunities and challenges for consumer and prosumer AI businesses, and how indie developers can leverage AI to maximize revenue, retention, and engagement.

You will discover:

✅ How AI is reshaping the consumer subscription industry

✅ Proven strategies to optimize growth, pricing, and retention using AI

✅ Key opportunities & challenges for consumer and prosumer AI businesses

Learn More about Phil Carter:

Website: https://www.philgcarter.com/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/029lVEQEcoCsPTluWun8Zq

Substack: https://philgcarter.substack.com/

Maven Course: https://maven.com/philcarter/consumer-subscription-growth

Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

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