Yoav Zimet: How To Build a 30M User Music Platform Against the Odds?

Yoav Zimet, founder of Rythm, transformed a side project into a platform that reshaped how millions experience music together. What started in 2016 as a way for Yoav and his friends to share music while gaming evolved into a global phenomenon, reaching 30 million monthly users. “I built this app on Discord that would join our call, play music for all of us to listen together,” Yoav shares, highlighting the simplicity that drove the platform's growth.

Rythm quickly gained traction, but in 2021, a notice from YouTube forced its shutdown, leaving its community without a solution. “An entire community of users was left without a good way to listen to music with their friends,” Yoav recalls. Determined not to let this be the end, Yoav and his team spent two years acquiring music licenses and rebuilding the platform. Now, in 2024, Rythm is back—stronger than ever, compensating artists for every stream and providing an enhanced user experience.

In our conversation, Yoav emphasized the critical role the community played in Rythm's development. User feedback shaped the platform’s features, fostering loyalty and engagement. “I had millions of people helping me build it,” he explains. This collaborative approach created a sense of ownership and connection among users, a key factor in the platform’s enduring success.

Yoav also shared the challenges of navigating the complex world of music licensing and the resilience required to overcome setbacks. “After a lengthy process, I secured deals with the top music companies,” he explains, underscoring the importance of persistence in turning Rythm into a legitimate business.

Key takeaways:

• Community-driven innovation: Listening to user feedback helped Yoav shape Rythm into a platform that truly resonated with its audience.
• Overcoming setbacks: Despite facing major hurdles, including the shutdown of Rythm, Yoav’s determination and adaptability helped him rebuild and reimagine the platform.
• The future of digital connection: Rythm is leading the way in creating shared, authentic experiences in an increasingly digital world, making music a bridge for deeper connections.

Tune in to hear Yoav’s inspiring journey and how he brought Rythm back, offering even more to its users and the music community.