In the ever-growing world of music streaming, I had the opportunity to work on Keakie—a platform with a bold vision: to revolutionize how music lovers and podcast enthusiasts discover and engage with audio content. From concept to reality, I played a crucial role in scaling Keakie to a successful seven-figure acquisition. Here’s how I approached this journey, blending design, development, and strategy to deliver an exceptional user experience.

Defining the Vision

When I first joined the Keakie project, the goal was clear: to build an end-to-end listening platform tailored to music lovers and content creators, with an emphasis on discovery and long-form content. The vision centered around:

• Objective: Crafting a seamless user experience for both listeners and creators.

• Target Audience: Young, tech-savvy music enthusiasts and DJs aged 18-25, eager to explore new genres and creators.

• Tone and Style: Modern, innovative, and culturally engaging—balancing cutting-edge technology with a rich artistic experience.

I set out to create visuals and designs that embodied this refined, user-centric ethos, delivering a platform that felt both personal and ahead of its time.

Crafting a Scalable Platform

To bring Keakie to life, I developed a holistic design and development strategy focused on:

• User-Centered Design: I designed an intuitive interface that included one-click login, algorithmic discovery, and a streamlined content queue system.

• Collaborative Development: I partnered with iOS developers and internal full-stack engineers to ensure the platform was robust, scalable, and responsive.

• Cinematic Visual Aesthetic: Drawing inspiration from Netflix, I used dark tones with contrasting whites and blues to evoke a timeless, cinematic feel.

These elements combined to create a seamless and visually stunning experience, blending culture and intuitive technology.

Custom Graphic Assets

I knew that to resonate with Keakie’s culturally savvy audience, we needed bold and bespoke graphic assets. I spearheaded the creation of:

• Unique Album Artwork: Collaborating with designers, I helped create genre-defining visuals for playlists, moods, and themes, adding a dynamic layer of storytelling.

• Illustrative Elements: I integrated custom graphics into the app to enhance usability and inject life into the interface.

• Merchandise & Promotional Materials: Extending the brand’s identity, I designed flyers, stickers, and branded merchandise to create a cohesive user experience across all touchpoints.

These assets not only elevated Keakie’s brand but also positioned it as a trendsetter in the music-tech space.

Execution and Iteration

Launching Keakie was a process of constant refinement. My key steps included:

• Prototyping: I created wireframes and tested early iterations with users to gather actionable feedback.

• Bug Management: Using TestFlight and Airtable, I managed testing and debugging to ensure a polished final product.

• Refinement and Deployment: Designed in Figma and deployed via React and Xcode, I continuously optimized for engagement and retention.

Attention to detail at every stage ensured Keakie’s success, delivering a polished, engaging product for users.

Growing the Brand

Once Keakie was live, I shifted focus to building its user base and brand recognition. My strategies included:

• Community Engagement: Partnering with DJs and content creators, I helped generate buzz and exclusive content to attract new users.

• Content Curation: I prioritized high-quality, curated audio content to differentiate Keakie from competitors.

The Results

• User Growth: Through targeted marketing and community partnerships, we scaled the platform to thousands of active users.

• Financial Success: I guided Keakie’s lifecycle from inception to its acquisition for a seven-figure sum.

• Legacy: Keakie became a leader in the curated music and podcast space, seamlessly blending technology with culture.

Key Takeaways

The success of Keakie highlights the power of user-centered design, strategic development, and focused brand building. At its core, the platform created a seamless connection between listeners, creators, and culture—and that’s what made it stand out.

Let’s Build Your Vision

If you’re looking to create a platform that stands out and scales to success, let’s collaborate. Together, we can bring your vision to life.