What it does
Boom AI is a mobile application that uses artificial intelligence to transform static photos into dynamic, short-form videos. Users can select from a vast library of effects—ranging from romantic kisses and hugs to artistic transformations—upload their own photos, and generate unique video content suitable for social media sharing.
Where it shines
Where the app truly shines is in its ability to sell the 'wow' factor from the moment it's opened. The onboarding (00:07 - 00:46) is not a boring tutorial but a high-energy showcase of its most impressive video transformations, creating instant desire. The main interface (01:05) continues this by presenting features as a browsable, content-rich library rather than a sterile menu of tools. This makes discovering new effects feel entertaining and encourages repeat use.
UX highlights
- Content-first discovery. The app presents its features as a scrollable feed of 'Hot Picks' and thematic categories (01:05), which encourages exploration and serendipity.
- Clear input guidelines. Before asking the user to upload a photo for an effect, the app shows a helpful 'For Best Results' screen (01:33) with do's and don'ts, which helps manage expectations and improve output quality.
- Engaging video previews. Every effect in the library is represented by a dynamic video thumbnail, giving users a clear idea of the final product before they commit to creating it.
- Expansive library. The sheer number of categories, from 'Greek Gods' (02:19) to 'Text to Video' (02:55) and 'Effects' like 'Melt' (03:31), gives the impression of a constantly evolving and deep feature set.
Monetization & growth
The app employs a highly aggressive and persistent monetization strategy. A paywall is presented immediately after the onboarding carousel (00:46), featuring a prominent discount to encourage an annual subscription. However, the paywalls don't stop there. Almost every core creative action, from applying a simple effect to generating a video, is gated by a subscription prompt (01:54, 03:12, 04:49). The app also tests different paywall designs, sometimes showing three tiers (00:47) and other times a single, highlighted weekly price (01:59).
Who it’s for
This app is primarily for social media users, content creators, and couples looking to create novel, eye-catching video content with minimal effort. The focus on effects like 'kisses' and 'hugs' suggests a strong targeting of users in relationships who want to create fun, shareable digital keepsakes. The wide variety of artistic and trendy effects also appeals to a younger demographic active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Notes & opportunities
The primary point of friction is the relentless paywalling. While it ensures high visibility for the subscription, it severely limits the user's ability to experience the app's value. A potential user might abandon the app in frustration before successfully creating a single video. A more balanced approach could be to offer a limited number of free creations or a watermarked output to prove the app's worth and build user investment before gating the full experience so heavily.