What it does
Tapon is a mobile reading platform that provides access to a vast library of serialized fiction, with a strong focus on genres like romance, billionaire, and werewolf stories. The app is designed for binge-reading, allowing users to discover new books and read them chapter by chapter. Its core model revolves around a virtual currency, where users can unlock new chapters by purchasing or earning in-app "Coins."
Where it shines
The app excels at quickly connecting readers with content they'll likely enjoy. The onboarding quiz (00:02 - 00:21) is a great example, using a multi-step process to tailor the initial Discover feed. This avoids overwhelming new users with an enormous library. The monetization strategy is also noteworthy. The "Unlock in bulk" screen at 01:02 cleverly encourages larger purchases by offering discounts for buying more chapters at once, which fits the binge-reading use case perfectly.
UX highlights
- Personalization-first onboarding: The app prioritizes a four-step quiz (language, age, gender, topics) to immediately curate the home feed, ensuring a relevant first impression.
- Clear content stats: Each book's detail page (00:39) prominently displays word count, views, and likes, giving readers social proof and a sense of the book's scope before they commit.
- Gamified rewards: The Rewards section (02:50) uses a daily check-in streak and task-based coin earnings to create a strong habit loop and provide a non-paying path to content.
- Genre-specific tabs: The main navigation includes dedicated tabs for popular genres like "Wolf" (02:40), making it easy for power-readers to find their niche.
- Placeholder loading states: The app uses a simple, on-brand coffee cup animation (00:24) for loading book covers, which is more engaging than a standard spinner.
- Soft sign-up gate: Users can browse and explore extensively without an account. A sign-up prompt only appears when they try to perform an action like rating a book (00:41).
Monetization & growth
Tapon's monetization is built around a virtual currency ("Coins") used to unlock story chapters. This model is introduced when a user tries to read past the free chapters. The key tactic is the "Unlock in bulk" screen (01:02), which offers discounts for purchasing multiple chapters at once, effectively increasing the average transaction value. The app also features a prominent coin store (01:08) with limited-time offers and bonus coins for larger packs. Growth is supported by a rewards system that incentivizes daily use and habit formation.
Who it’s for
The app is clearly targeted at avid readers of commercial and genre fiction, particularly those who enjoy serialized stories and are accustomed to micro-transaction models. The content library, featuring categories like "Billionaire," "Mafia," and "Werewolf," suggests a primary audience interested in romance and escapist fantasy. The user interface is straightforward, catering to users who want to find and consume content with minimal friction.
Notes & opportunities
The app's core loop is strong, but there are areas for improvement. The direct system prompts for tracking (00:01) and notifications (00:22) without a warm-up screen could lead to lower opt-in rates. While the library is functional, the edit mode for removing books (03:29) could be more intuitive, perhaps with a long-press gesture instead of a separate edit button. Finally, the app blocks screen recording for copyright protection (01:30), which is understandable but creates a frustrating user experience when it interrupts the flow.