Explode product analysis (by Nikita Bier)
Today, let’s talk product: we’re going to break down the different product strategies implemented by Nikita Bier in his latest app Explode (an alternative to Snapchat).
To give you some context, Nikita is a key figure in the mobile app world. Before Explode, he created several successful apps like Tbh and Gas, both sold for millions (one to Facebook, the other to Discord). Alongside this, he collaborates with the team at X (formerly Twitter) to optimize their product and also offers consulting calls (starting at $3,000 per session 😎).
In a world where capturing (and retaining!) attention is becoming increasingly complex, optimizing the user experience and minimizing friction is crucial. Nikita is known for his cutting-edge product hacks. Analyzing his strategies will surely help you optimize your own funnels and user experiences. Let’s go 👇
📍 If you’re Dev and you want to launch a mobile app but don’t have an idea and a marketing plan → DM me (We co-create apps with profiles like yours 🙂)
Launch
Nikita has announced the launch of its new Explode app on X. The app allows users to send ephemeral text & photo messages via iMessage. Nikita clearly introduced the app as a “spite app” (an alternative) to Snapchat and didn’t hesitate to claim it. He explained his approach by sharing his story with Snapchat’s CEO, with whom he reportedly discussed a potential acquisition of one of his former companies, but who ultimately betrayed him by removing his app from the SnapKit platform.
After the app’s launch (and his trollish posts targeting Snapchat), a veritable war broke out on X between him and several Snapchat employees. On the one hand, he troll Snapchat with images & videos depicting the app’s “downfall”, while they responded by mocking his product optimizations as unnecessary.
Make up your own mind now 👇
The Product
1/ App launch with Push Notifications access
Upon opening the app, users are greeted by a minimalist, dark-themed screen that mimics Apple’s official notification pop-up. This faux pop-up, natively developed, conditions users to click “Allow.” If they select “Don’t Allow,” nothing happens.
This approach leverages the Foot-in-the-door technique, popularized by BeReal: by getting users accustomed to clicking “Allow” the first time, they’re more likely to approve Apple’s official notification request that follows. It’s a highly effective method for maximizing notification activation.
It works so well that most users don’t realize it’s a fake alert. I tested it myself and instinctively clicked the “Allow” button. This psychological principle increases the likelihood of users granting permission when the official Apple pop-up appears.
2/ Welcome screen
To maximize engagement during onboarding, Explode features a welcome screen displayed after notification permissions are granted. It showcases an authentic photo of two friends using the app, paired with a concise description of the app’s purpose. This subtle visual reinforces the value proposition and motivates users to continue the onboarding process.
3/ Camera access request
The next step asks for camera access via a clean, Apple-inspired interface.
This design choice builds trust and ensures a smooth user experience. If camera access is denied, the app becomes unusable. A “Why do you need this?” option provides a clear explanation for the request before triggering Apple’s official pop-up.
Animated visuals, such as “Tap Here” chevrons, help maintain user attention and encourage clicks, enhancing this critical step.
4/ Simplified account creation
Explode offers a fast and seamless account creation process. After entering and verifying their phone number, users input their first and last names in two distinct steps.
Explode has positioned a large button at bottom right to advance from step to step, counterbalanced by a prominent title at top left. It’s simple, effective and visually harmonious.
To prevent drop-offs, subtle background sparkle animations capture attention and keep users engaged throughout the onboarding process.
5/ Off-app & PiP onboarding
The trickiest onboarding step is the “Add Explode to iMessage” screen, which is the most common drop-off point. Anytime users need to leave the app to configure something in Apple’s ecosystem, the risk of abandonment rises sharply.
To mitigate this, Nikita employs two clever strategies in addition to Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode:
- Clear Progress Tracking: The screen outlines the remaining steps, reminding users they’re almost done. After granting two permissions and providing their phone number and details, this final step feels minor and easy to complete.
- “Not Now” Option: A subtle “Not Now” button below the “Get iMessage App” option allows users who don’t want to complete this step (e.g., developers testing the app repeatedly) to skip it entirely without frustration.
The app uses Picture-in-Picture mode (PiP) to guide users smoothly through the process. This feature, popularized by the app Pengu, displays instructions on-screen even as users navigate away to complete actions outside the app. This creates an intuitive and immersive onboarding experience while keeping users focused.
6/ Sharing with incentive (Viral Loop)
The first screen post-onboarding encourages sharing with an enticing incentive: one month of premium access for free.
Everything is designed to make this step simple and frictionless. The interface is clear and intuitive, guiding users step-by-step.
After completing three shares, users unlock their free month, which automatically transitions into a trial for an annual subscription. This clever mechanism drives both viral sharing and paid user conversion.
7/ Home (key feature)
The homepage features a clean, minimalist interface focused on the essentials: taking a photo or writing a text and sending it instantly. Unlike apps like Snapchat, no unnecessary secondary features clutter the experience.
One key element is a discreet alert with a timer reminding users of the premium offer linked to invites, which disappears after some time. The design, inspired by gaming aesthetics, is satisfying and engaging.
In just two actions, users can share a photo or text with their chosen contact. It’s simple, fast, and efficient — everything is optimized for the app’s core functionality.
8/ Key feature experience
Recipients can view photos without downloading the app. When they open the message, an in-app pop-up reveals the content while preventing screenshots through an integrated detection system.
An emoji and persistent CTA remain visible on their screen, subtly encouraging them to download the app for the full experience. This clever mechanic combines curiosity, security, and conversion.
9/ Live Activities notifications (WTF)
Explode uses a home screen widget to announce that the premium offer, available after sending three photos, is about to expire. This leverages Apple’s Live Activities feature — a brilliant hack that maximizes visibility by creating a strong sense of urgency.
However, it clearly pushes the boundaries of what Apple allows: Live Activities aren’t meant for promotional purposes.
This is the first time I’ve seen an app, outside of giants like Uber, use this feature so aggressively. The risk is that Apple could reject such usage under the guise of protecting the user experience. And we all know how strict App Store validation rules can be.
At the same time, this is Nikita’s genius: he isn’t afraid to play in the gray areas to grab attention and generate virality. If this hack catches on, don’t be surprised if Apple steps in. For now, though, it’s a stroke of brilliance that showcases their ability to exploit underutilized features.
10/ Premium
The premium account adds practical features: it alerts users if someone attempts a screenshot and blocks the option entirely. Users can also replay received photos and lock their own photos for added control. These simple options enhance privacy and control over interactions.
[BONUS] A strategic company name
When searching for Explode in the App Store, users find the app with the phrase “Tap Get” encouraging them to download it immediately.
Nikita achieved this hack by naming the Apple Developer account associated with the app “Tap Get Inc.” This clever move boosts ASO clicks and optimizes conversions.
Once users click on the app, the title updates to the app’s description: “Send exploding text messages.”
