The biggest app in the whole wide world
The Verge
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bria Sullivan’s app, Focus Friend, designed to help users manage their screen time, has taken the tech world by storm despite humble beginnings. Initially aiming for a modest 100,000 downloads, Sullivan partnered with Hank Green, a creator with a massive audience, hoping her app might even reach the top 10 in the productivity category. However, she knew the competition was fierce, with giants like ChatGPT and Google dominating the space. Her initial launch on the iOS App Store was low-key, but through strategic promotion and word-of-mouth, Focus Friend gained traction, defying expectations and offering a fresh perspective on productivity tools.
The app’s success story highlights the importance of creativity and niche targeting in a crowded market. Sullivan recognized a gap in the productivity category—tools focused on mindful screen time management—and filled it with a unique, approachable design. The partnership with Hank Green played a pivotal role, as his influence helped propel the app into the spotlight. This case study underscores how even small startups can compete with industry giants by leveraging strategic collaborations and innovative approaches to meet specific user needs.
For tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, Sullivan’s journey serves as an inspiration. It demonstrates that success in the app market isn’t just about having a bigger budget or more resources but about understanding your audience and delivering value in ways competitors don’t. Focus Friend’s rise also emphasizes the power of community engagement and the impact of user口碑 (word-of-mouth) in driving adoption, even for apps operating in highly competitive spaces.
Ultimately, Sullivan’s story is a testament to the potential of niche markets and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. As technology continues to evolve, her journey reminds us that innovation doesn’t always come from the most obvious sources—and that sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen when you least expect them.
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/19/2026