Building an app with zero experience and growing it to 3M+
downloads
Ania Wysocka was suffering from anxiety, so she built an app to support herself — and others. Now, that app has nearly 4 million downloads.
Here's Ania on how she did it. 👇
Panic attacks
I experienced my first panic attack while I was a university student, far from home and without access to a family doctor. My instinct was to reach for my phone, but I couldn’t find any apps to help me, and the other resources available were either unhelpful, not designed with someone like me in mind, or simply unaffordable on my student budget.
That experience planted the seed. Over the following years, I dove into researching clinical papers, self-help books, expert conversations, and whatever else I could find. Eventually, I realized I wanted to build the exact app I had once searched for.
Now, I'm the founder of Rootd, an app that helps people manage and overcome anxiety and panic attacks.
Getting started
I had zero background in app development, but I had a deep motivation to solve a problem I was personally familiar with.
I created all the design, content, and wireframes myself and found a student developer who was learning React Native. As we grew, we transitioned to Flutter.
I funded everything out of pocket, which meant the project had to be tightly scoped and thoughtfully executed.
The first version had just two features: a panic button and a lessons section. I spent countless hours crafting the tone of the copy, choosing the right color palette, and perfecting the personality of our mascot, Ron — the blue monster you see when you open the app.
This was all part of ensuring Rootd felt like a safe, welcoming space for users in need.
3M+ downloads
Rootd currently includes a suite of tools: a panic button, guided deep breathing, a lessons section rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), guided visualizations and sleep stories, a journaling tool, and more. Basically, the features are laser focused on either stopping a panic attack in the moment, or helping the user overcome panic and anxiety in the long term.
Rootd follows a freemium model. Core features (like the panic button) are always free. Users can unlock additional content through monthly, annual, or lifetime subscriptions.
We’ve also started expanding our B2B side, licensing Rootd to organizations who want to support their employees, members, or communities. We've been scientifically validated twice, which was a prerequisite for many B2B partnerships.
Revenue has grown steadily alongside our user base. I run ongoing experiments around pricing, placement, and timing of subscription offers, and the addition of B2B partnerships is opening new revenue streams.
We’ve been bootstrapped since day one. Bootstrapping has been both the hardest and the most rewarding decision. It’s kept me focused on building a product users love, and allowed me to have full control to follow the direction I feel is right.
Now, we're a very successful, rewarding, and growing business. The app is available in 12 languages, used in 150+ countries, and has over 3 million downloads. I don't share numbers, but I feel comfortable saying that we hit 5 figures MRR in 2021.
ASO and organic growth
Our first users came through organic App Store search. I obsessed over every word in our listing, every screenshot, every metadata tag, and of course, the app title and subtitle.
Since then, growth has continued through organic channels: app store features, podcast interviews, press coverage, and most of all, word of mouth. We’ve been featured in Healthline, Cosmopolitan, TIME magazine, and both the Apple and Google Play stores multiple times.
We’re now also expanding into B2B by partnering with organizations and businesses to help their communities access Rootd.
Focus on your user reviews
From the beginning, Rootd has received life-changing user reviews. That feedback has been a constant reminder that what we’re building really resonates, and it's helped me push through the tough parts.
I still read every single one. They’re the heartbeat of Rootd and the clearest signal we’re doing something meaningful.
Be obsessed and START
If you’re just getting started: Pick a problem you care deeply about, focus obsessively on solving it, and make it easy for the right people to find you.
You have to be absolutely obsessed with the problem you’re solving. Then, just START!
Don’t wait to perfect the product. The first version of Rootd was incomplete compared to my vision, but it helped people! That’s what mattered.
Also, I’ve found that bootstrapping forces clarity, focus, and alignment with your users.
Go all in sooner
Challenges have mostly come from the realities of app development: resource constraints, bugs appearing at the worst times, and constantly having to make hard decisions about how to spend my limited time for the most impact.
If I could do anything differently, I would’ve quit my job earlier to go full-time on Rootd sooner. But honestly, I love where we are now and I’m deeply grateful for every step of the journey.
Lean on community
Community support has also been invaluable. Whether it's local entrepreneur circles, founder networks, or fellowships like the Cartier Women’s Initiative, surrounding myself with people on similar paths has made a huge difference.
What's next?
I want Rootd to be the most trusted app for anxiety and panic attack support, worldwide. We’re at almost 4 million users now and my goal is to reach 10 million within the next three years.
I also want to deepen our partnerships in healthcare, education, and corporate wellness, so we can support even more people wherever they are.
To learn more, search "Rootd" in the App Store or Google Play. @simply_rootd or @Rootd_app on Instagram, and @aniamargaret and/or @rootd_app on X.
Leave a Comment
Your product is so real and necessary, honestly I'm just amazed!!
Ania Wysocka’s Rootd is a powerful example of solving a personal problem with a lean, user-centered approach. Starting without tech experience, she built an app now downloaded nearly 4 million times by focusing on core features, organic growth, and user feedback. Rootd’s move into B2B partnerships and scientific validation shows smart diversification and credibility-building. The vision to expand globally and deepen healthcare ties positions Rootd for significant future impact.
Ania's personal struggle is something that countless people can identify with and relate to. So inspiring how she used modern tech to meet a very real and growing need. Also, it's clear that both she and the team have a clear 'why' behind what they do rather than just offering a relevant, monetized product.
I hope Ania herself is doing better with her panic attacks. I'm curious to hear if this app has helped her personally, and if it's the app features that's she found the most helpful or the community that has been built on behalf of it.
This is awesome! super inspiring - thank you for sharing your experience!
Offering 1 free startup valuation/week using a professional IB model — DM me if you’re raising or just want to understand what your company’s worth.
Thank you for sharing your experience and paving the way for others!
As others have said, this is a great story! I have always struggled with getting apps picked up from just the app store search in the beginning, since there is so much competition over the search keywords for almost any app you can imagine. I wonder if Ania spent a lot of time and/or money on getting your keywords right, or maybe the the app unique enough that people just found your app when searching? I would be very interested in hearing more about that from Aina, but also other indie app developers.
Great Story Thank you for sharing
This is great, very valuable.
Ania’s story with Rootd is truly inspiring. Just like she turned her personal challenge into a meaningful solution, I’m motivated to do the same for my website. Her focus on user experience, organic growth, and community feedback is exactly the approach I want to follow. My goal is to create a trusted and engaging platform for fans, and I’m committed to making that happen with my site, Bitlife Mod APK
Wow, Ania, what a journey! Building Rootd from zero experience to 3M+ downloads is incredible, talk about turning panic into a plan! 😅 Your focus on ASO and user reviews really shows how obsession with a problem can pay off. How do you keep Ron the blue monster from stealing the spotlight?
Funny enough I have 2 friends that go through panic attacks. Gonna send them this app.
Love this story – especially how you started with just one feature that you needed yourself. I’m building something similar, but focused on helping people sort through mental chaos and find clarity. Would love to hear how you dealt with the ‚Who am I to build this?‘ feeling in the early days
Great
made my day.
Same
Wow this is great would love to try rootd didn't try it yet but the story is amazing
How do you create your content? How did you build your team in the beginning?
Nobody is ever completely sure about their idea at the start. I've seen so many startups fail within 1–2 years.
I want to make a small team for IT (software development). Would you give me some advice?
Thanks
Your journey is so inspiring
Great
I've interviewed hundreds of startup founders about their wins, losses, and lessons.
This was inspiring. Personally relates with me. Turning challenges into opportunities is not everyone cup of tea :)
If you're into discovering fresh independent music, live gigs, or even booking artists, definitely check out the Skillbox India app. It's an awesome platform connecting music lovers, artists, and venues all in one place. You can find underground talent, stream music, and stay updated on live events happening around you. Super useful if you're part of the creative community or just love good music. 🎶🔥
great to read and inspiring
This was such a great read — inspiring. I love how you turned a personal challenge into something that’s now helping millions of people. Building and growing an app with zero experience is no small feat, and the way you’ve stayed focused on the problem and the users really shows.
Your story about bootstrapping, obsessing over details like copy and design, and growing through ASO and word of mouth really resonated. Rootd sounds like an amazing product — wishing you all the best as you keep growing!
Thanks johns!
How?
Thanks
How many months did Rootd take to develop and bring to market?
Development for the MVP, maybe ~3 months
A year later I did a formal release with the original tools I had envisioned
Business plan:
• Painful problem
• Pain-relieving solution
• Rewarding results
Pretty cool success story, but it would be great to learn more about how the app grew. Reading the article, it gives the impression that the app went from 0 to 3 million downloads almost instantly.
No this is over a few years. Primary focus was on ASO, social media, and press.
Very inspiring. Solving your own problems is the best way to enter the space.
Agreed! It helps with staying passionate about what you're building!
Really Inspiring! I'm working on something in a similar space (Hocus, it's a mock-office accountability app with an expert accountability boss and virtual focus works) and It's really motivating to see a solo-founder bootstrap her way to success.
I have a few observations and questions -
1. You haven't revealed your exact number, but considering 4M downloads, you revenue should be higher. Do you face any issues with turning free users to paid ones? What have been a few lessons that you've learnt so far?
On your website, I noticed a lifetime subscription. How effective has that strategy been to help you with the bootstrap journey?
One of the reasons I started Rootd was to help folks who didn't have access to a resource, so ther is plenty of free content. While this has the added benefit of helping with organic growth, it also makes it difficult to turn free users into paying ones. This is where the B2B subscriptions come in.
Re: B2C lessons however, the biggest lift seems to come from onboarding updates.
I really appreciated your post
I'm curious about the technical aspects of your app's development. Specifically, did you utilize any particular frameworks or libraries to optimize performance and scalability? For instance, did you implement any caching mechanisms or asynchronous processing to handle high user traffic efficiently?
Understanding these choices could provide valuable insights into how non-technical founders can make strategic technical decisions.
In the software space, we all root for "freemium" models, but in reality it is probably the hardest SaaS pricing model to get right. Very well done👏
Cheers Sander. Agreed that it has been both a blessing (getting users free access to content when they need it most) and a challenge (converting free to paid, + even free users will complain if something isn't working exactly as they want :)) But, it's been a part of the journey I don't think I would change.
Such a Powerful reminder thanks!
Such a powerful reminder that starting messy is better than not starting at all. Well done!
Glad that resonated with you! I've seen friends with great ideas get stuck in the perfectionist cycle. Even Rootd's MVP, which wasn't at the level of what I had envisioned, was already helping people.
Amazing story - a great example of an app that has a real impact on people's lives.
This is a great article for your inspiring story.
inspiring.
we are at an interesting place in history.
Would programmer become drastically reduced to 1% of current need?
in that world, if anyone could create software, does that mean all problems would be much quicker and easier?
I could definitely use this! Panic attacks are scary but I'm all in for health apps and tech-enabled solutions for real-life use cases that would help people get over their fears.
Ah I’m really glad this resonates! Panic attacks can be so intense, I wanted to help people feel supported and in control when it really counts.
As someone whose existential dread peaks when Netflix buffers, Ania’s story hits three nerve-endings of modern truth:
1. The Unhinged Poetry of Passion-Driven Development
When Ania transformed panic-attack fumbling into designing Ron the blue monster, she essentially coded a digital Little Prince—every pixel whispering, “I cried real tears for you.” While Silicon Valley obsesses over AI, she was reverse-engineering CBT worksheets. While others raised VC funds, she crowdsourced sanity from student developers and React Native tutorials. This “build-a-therapy-app-in-your-bedroom” ethos feels more revolutionary than any garage startup myth.
2. Anti-Growth-Hacking Performance Art
In an era of dopamine-driven UX, Rootd’s growth strategy is a zen garden in the tech startup storm. While competitors drown in paid ads, she turned ASO (App Store Optimization) into a therapeutic ritual—curating keywords like a librarian archiving human fragility. The kicker? This TIME-featured app’s core functionality stays stubbornly 2000s-minimalist: one panic button, one guide. A masterclass in digital less-is-more for the anxiety-industrial complex.
3. Capitalism’s Guilt-Free Glow-Up
While every SaaS preys on user addiction, Rootd monetizes its own obsolescence. Their freemium model sells the ultimate paradox: pay us to (hopefully) never need us again. The B2B pivot? Genius. Imagine HR departments bulk-buying “panic attack packages” like printer ink—turning corporate wellness into a Trojan horse for mass mental health support. It’s like McDonald’s selling kale smoothies that actually work.
Absurdist Takeaways:
• Her success proves modern anxiety is so epidemic, even the cure has a CAC (Customer Anxiety Cost)
• While 400M watch ASMR slime videos, 4M trust a blue monster to navigate existential dread
• The ultimate bootstrap flex: “No investors? Congrats—you’ve unlocked the ‘Not Having to Pretend NFTs Are Useful’ achievement”
Final Truth Bomb:
In a world where even ChatGPT needs therapy, Rootd reminds us that the antidote to digital-age angst might just be a human stubborn enough to code compassion in Flutter.
What an amazing story! Absolutely inspiring. I am in pretty much the same boat when it comes to developing my own app. With that said, I'm not quitting. I'm getting it figured out one step at a time.
I really needed to hear this. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Thanks for helping others with this issue. Truly amazing!
It’s such a rollercoaster building something from scratch. Cheering you on big time!
Its a really appreciate able approach
Hey James, just jumping in here because I built something that fits this space perfectly 👇
I created a working MVP that auto-migrates products from Gumroad to Payhip using AI agents + n8n + Lovable.
✅ Fully automated
✅ Website + database setup
✅ Real-time previews
✅ Cloudinary integrated
✅ Just 1% left (Problem is with Payhip CAPTCHA — otherwise it’s 100% done)
Not continuing only due to hardware limitations — but the system works like a beast and is ready to go live or resell.
Could easily be rented, flipped, or scaled as a SaaS. I’ve also made a version with just the AI agent alone.
If anyone’s looking for a turnkey AI tool with real use case + working backend, DM me.
Happy to show the demo. 🚀
That must have been such a difficult experience, especially being far from home without the right support. It's incredibly inspiring how you turned that moment into motivation to create something helpful for others. Your dedication to researching and truly understanding the issue shows in your journey. If you're looking for additional wellness tools or want to explore supportive resources, you might find something useful at 7brewmenu — it offers a range of options that could complement your mission. Keep up the amazing work!
It was a really difficult time for me, so I'm glad at least Rootd was created out of it. Thanks for the kind words!
Woah, this is a big achievment. Congrats! How did she beat competitors? What were her strategies? any ideas? failures?
That's incredible achievement , Congrats
This comment was deleted 5 months ago