Inside DAZN's $7M/Month Playbook: Reverse-Engineering Their Mobile Success

Streamlined Onboarding: Getting Users In the Game Fast

DAZN wastes no time. After a clean logo splash, users are immediately guided into a concise 3-step account setup.

The first step requests the essentials: First Name, Last Name, Email Address, and Password creation (with confirmation). There's no unnecessary friction here, just the core requirements to establish an account. An optional checkbox addresses marketing communications – standard practice, but clearly presented.

Interestingly, DAZN includes a "Restore purchase" option prominently below the main form. This anticipates users who might have subscribed elsewhere (like through Apple directly) or are reinstalling, smoothing the path for returning customers – a smart UX touch. ✅

Monetization Upfront: The No-Nonsense Paywall

Step 2 hits immediately after account creation: the paywall. DAZN employs a 'Soft Paywall' strategy – you create basic login credentials first, but access to content requires payment. There's no free trial offered in the flow observed, demanding immediate commitment.

The paywall intelligently presents multiple options catering to different viewing habits. A high-profile Pay-Per-View event (like "Fury vs Usyk" for €22,99) is featured prominently as an add-on, appealing to event-driven viewers. Alongside this sits the standard "Monthly Pass" (€11,99 per month), offering broader access. This dual approach maximizes potential revenue streams by capturing both dedicated fans and casual viewers. The call-to-action is clear, moving users efficiently towards payment completion. 💰

Post-Subscription Nudges: Driving Engagement Early

Once subscribed, DAZN strategically uses prompts to enhance the user experience and gather valuable permissions.

Almost immediately, a native-looking prompt asks "Enjoying DAZN?" encouraging users to rate the app. This timing is crucial, often catching users when excitement about accessing content is high, potentially leading to more positive reviews. ⭐

Next, users encounter the standard iOS App Tracking Transparency (ATT) request. Crucially, DAZN precedes this with its own screen explaining why they want permission – primarily for more relevant advertising during breaks. This pre-framing is a common tactic to increase opt-in rates by providing context and perceived user benefit before the potentially jarring system prompt appears.

Navigating the Action: Content Discovery & UI

DAZN’s main interface is built for sports fans. The home screen prioritizes immediate value:

• Live & Upcoming: "Live Now" and upcoming event carousels put timely content front-and-center. 🔴
• Filters: Quick-access filters for major sports/leagues (like Boxing, NFL Game Pass) allow users to instantly narrow down content.
• Content Variety: Rows showcase different formats – "Free to watch" highlights, specific event promotions (Taylor vs. Catterall Face Off), live channels (NFL Network, PGA TOUR), previous events, and top competitions. This caters to browsing and specific intent.
• Event Detail: Tapping into an event (e.g., NFL Draft) reveals more context, related content, and crucially, options for setting event reminders – a key retention mechanic. 🔔

A dedicated schedule view, accessible via a calendar icon, allows browsing by date and filtering by sport. This is essential functionality for any comprehensive sports streaming service, letting users plan their viewing ahead of time. 🗓️

Personalization and User Control

DAZN offers features to tailor the experience and manage usage:

• Following: Users can follow specific sports, leagues, or competitions (like NFL Game Pass or NFL Draft shown). This presumably customizes their home feed and notifications, making the app feel more relevant over time.
• Settings: Key options observed include:
  • Data Saver: Toggles for reducing data usage on both cellular (3G/4G/LTE) and WiFi networks. This acknowledges the data-intensive nature of streaming and empowers users. 👍
  • Biometric Sign-in: Offers convenience and security.
  • Event Alerts: Ties directly back to the reminders set on event pages, driving re-engagement.
  • Location: Displays the user's region (Philippines shown), likely influencing content rights and offerings.

Key Takeaways: The DAZN Playbook

DAZN's mobile strategy demonstrates a clear focus on efficient conversion and content accessibility:

1. Direct Monetization: A mandatory paywall immediately after basic signup (no free trial observed in this flow) filters for high-intent users willing to pay from day one.
2. Efficient Onboarding: Minimal steps to create an account reduce initial friction.
3. Strategic Prompts: Well-timed requests for ratings and tracking aim to maximize positive feedback and data permissions.
4. Content-Rich Interface: Prioritizes live and timely content while offering robust filtering, search, and scheduling tools.
5. User Control: Features like 'Following' and 'Data Saver' provide personalization and address practical user concerns.

Generating $7 million monthly requires more than just content rights; it demands a meticulously crafted user experience that converts browsers into subscribers and keeps them coming back for more. DAZN's app showcases a robust understanding of these principles, providing valuable lessons for anyone in the competitive app landscape.