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I just released my first iOS app — an ad-free offline music player I built for myself
r/SideProject
8/14/2025
Content Summary
The post is about the release of 'Tuneo', an offline music player app built using React Native and Expo. It is ad-free, privacy-friendly, and does not collect user data. The author shared the app on the App Store and a personal website. Users have shown interest in the app, with requests for regional availability, Android support, and additional features like folder support for albums. The author is planning to add these features and has engaged with the community through comments.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion: Most users appreciate the app's simplicity, privacy, and lack of ads. They see it as a useful tool for managing personal music libraries. There are also requests for additional features and platform expansion. Some users express interest in open-sourcing the app, but the developer has not considered this yet. A few users suggest that the app could be improved with better folder support and cross-platform availability. Overall, the post and comments reflect a positive reception of the app and its unique value proposition.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| React Native | https://reactnative.dev | Development Framework | Cross-platform mobile app development framework |
| Expo | https://expo.dev | Development Tool | Provides tools for building and deploying React Native apps |
| Expo Router | https://expo.dev | Navigation Library | Simplifies navigation in React Native apps |
| React Native Track Player | https://github.com/DoubleSymmetry/react-native-track-player | Audio Playback | Enables audio playback functionality |
| Expo File System | https://docs.expo.dev | File Management | Allows file system access for importing and managing files |
| Expo Media Library | https://docs.expo.dev | Media Access | Provides access to the device's media library |
| Expo Document Picker | https://docs.expo.dev | File Import | Enables users to pick files from their device |
| Zustand | https://zustand.docs.pm | State Management | Lightweight state management library |
| Shopify Flash List | https://github.com/Shopify/flash-list | UI Optimization | Optimized list component for performance |
| No Backend | - | None | All functionality runs locally on the device |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Limited availability in certain regions (e.g., Germany)
- Lack of folder support for organizing music albums
- Desire for a simple, ad-free, and privacy-friendly offline music player
- Request for Android and desktop versions
Problems to Solve:
- Need for an easy-to-use offline music player that doesn't collect user data
- Difficulty in organizing large music libraries with nested folders
- Desire for cross-platform access (Android, PC, or web)
Potential Solutions:
- Expanding app availability to more regions
- Adding folder and album support for better organization
- Developing Android and web versions of the app
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Focusing on a niche market with a clear value proposition (privacy, simplicity, no ads)
- Building a minimal viable product (MVP) quickly and iterating based on user feedback
- Leveraging community engagement through social platforms like Reddit
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Sharing the project on side project communities like r/SideProject
- Encouraging word-of-mouth through positive user experiences
Monetization & Product:
- Offering the app for free with no ads, focusing on user satisfaction rather than immediate monetization
- Prioritizing user needs over feature bloat, ensuring the core functionality is excellent
User Engagement:
- Engaging with users through comments and responding to their suggestions
- Building a loyal user base by being transparent about future updates and limitations