What it does
Calendly is a scheduling automation platform designed to eliminate the back-and-forth of finding a meeting time. The mobile app brings this core functionality to users on the go, allowing them to create event types, share their availability via links, book meetings directly, and manage their schedule from their phone. It integrates with existing calendars like Google Calendar to check for conflicts and add new events automatically.
Where it shines
The app excels at making complex scheduling tasks feel simple and fast on a small screen. The onboarding flow (01:14) is a great example, turning tedious account setup into a quick, guided quiz. The ability to create a "one-off meeting" (05:51) is a standout feature. It allows users to select a few custom time slots and share them for a single event without creating a permanent meeting type. Finally, the simple calendar view for booking (02:53) provides a clean and intuitive interface for invitees and for the user booking on behalf of someone else.
UX highlights
- Guided Setup: The app turns account configuration into a series of simple questions about role and availability, reducing cognitive load.
- Smart Defaults: During availability setup (01:40), the app pre-fills standard 9-to-5 working hours, which users can easily adjust or copy to other days.
- Contextual Shortcuts: A small 'copy' icon at 01:57 lets users instantly apply one day's schedule to others, a huge time-saver.
- Intuitive Time Selection: The ability to tap and drag on the daily calendar (06:05) to create a custom time slot for one-off meetings feels natural and efficient.
- Clear Action Hierarchy: The home screen (02:46) clearly displays primary meeting types, with a floating action button for creating new meetings, guiding the user to key actions.
- Streamlined Contact Creation: The dedicated contacts tab allows users to pre-fill information (03:15) for frequent invitees, making future bookings even faster.
Monetization & growth
Monetization is not heavily featured in this recording. The user signs up for a free account. In the settings menu, an "Upgrade" link is visible next to the "Free trial" label (11:07), indicating paid plans are available. Tapping this leads to an upgrade screen (11:11) that presents a Standard Plan for a monthly fee. The value proposition is focused on eliminating back-and-forth scheduling. There is no hard paywall or forced trial during the initial onboarding flow, suggesting a freemium growth model.
Who it’s for
The app is for professionals, freelancers, and teams who frequently schedule meetings with external parties. Its mobile-first features like creating one-off meetings and quickly sharing links make it ideal for users who are often away from their desks, such as sales representatives, consultants, or recruiters. The clear distinction between solo and team use during onboarding (01:15) shows it caters to both individual entrepreneurs and larger organizations.
Notes & opportunities
The onboarding is strong, but there's a missed opportunity for a clearer value proposition at the very start. The app jumps directly into sign-up (00:04) without a screen explaining the core benefit. While the Calendly brand is well-known, new users might benefit from a single screen that says, for example, "Stop the back-and-forth. Schedule meetings in seconds." The post-onboarding tutorial carousel (02:34) is helpful but could be integrated more smoothly into the initial setup to demonstrate value earlier.