Monetization
The most common question about People App I get: “OK, how are you going to make money?” And it is understandable. We all saw what a wrong business model can do to us, treating us as a product, amplifying noise, and bearing the actual human updates we care about under layers of advertisement.
Let me explain how we plan to incentivize high-trust networks. First of all, the core of the app: the people list, the trusted core network, and the trust agent on top will be free for any member forever.
Where we make money is premium accounts and additional networks. Say you are turning 35 and realizing you have to get back into shape, and you want to start running. You have your trusted core network built over time, and some people in this network will be happy to see your running updates. But for others, it will be just noise.
The first problem is how you identify which subset of your community is relevant to running? And this is where AI steps in: with one tap, we will create a new network for you dedicated to running.
Next, we will suggest you share your fitness data so that you can share fitness updates and keep yourself accountable. Your new network will know when you run, you your pace, and distance.
This network will be all about running: so a running coach may join sharing insights and a few of your friends will decide to join you as well. People App will help you generate an update to your core network about the new running passion you discovered. But it will not bother your friends who do not care about running.
You will find running easier with community support, and soon you will get introductions to a few people in an extended network who live in the same neighborhood. So on weekends, you run together now and support each other with updates during the week. You get in shape quicker.
People App will charge you (say*) 100 USD/year or 10/months for this experience.
Now three years pass, you run your first super marathon and become an inspiration to your friends. You actually wrote a book on the topic: Running Miles (maybe your name is Miles?).
Now people ask you for advice and you developed a routine and a workbook on diet and running. A lot more people want to join your running network. One day you realize it might be a small business and go to settings in people app and turn on monetization for the network: now you charge 3 USD/months to give access to your running network to all new members.
With 800 selected new members joining in a few months you are making $1’680 (after Apple takes it platform cut) a month. You keep your community small and trusted. You do not grow it too much, because you value opportunity to know members of your network. The price you put on membership helps people to commit and actually use the workbook you developed.
You use YouTube and other channels to share about your journey and become an influencer and inspiration for many more. You cherish meaningful relationship you built with People App.
When your favorite shoes brand joined People App to create a running club in your city you joined that as well. And you just learned about opportunity for collaboration through their trusted network. Trust creates trust and opens doors.
Meanwhile People App in the news: they are profitable and going for an Initial Public Offering at Hong Kong Exchange. Exciting times.
This is how we see monetization: aligned with your best interests. Beneficial to your network. Transparent and trustworthy.
This way we can build amazing free experiences and make it a sustainable business at a scale. Join our waiting list to be one of the first members.
* we will test and adjust prices during our beta to discover what works. We may also introduce regional pricing to work better at all markets.
First time hearing about People App? Read the original announcement.
