Blerp
About the Company
Blerp is an audio-sharing platform that enables users to share sound bites on live streaming and social platforms. It was created to enhance live moments, particularly on Twitch, where its integration has proven highly popular. Blerp allows creators to customize and monetize their streaming experiences, making sound donations and sound pack purchases available to viewers. The platform takes a small commission on sound packs, generating a sustainable revenue stream while helping streamers build stronger relationships with their communities.
Initially targeting users who wanted fun sound effects, Blerp has expanded its offerings and grown its impact through partnerships with top Twitch streamers. Today, it focuses on helping creators make a living by engaging with their audiences in unique ways. With over 50,000 active users, Blerp continues to grow, thanks to strategic community building and sound-focused interactions.
Idea Behind Company
Aaron was inspired to create Blerp after a soundboard app he developed in college went viral. Realizing the potential for sound-sharing as a full-fledged platform, he envisioned an interactive space where users could access and share sounds for live experiences. Raised in an immigrant family, Aaron valued hard work, and his background in game design and computer science allowed him to bring his idea to life.
The original concept for Blerp focused on text messaging apps, but it wasn’t until TikTok gained traction and Twitch emerged as a platform for interactive sounds that Blerp found its core user base. Aaron saw an opportunity to create a more engaging product when he noticed that live-streaming audiences craved interactive, memorable moments, sparking the need for real-time sound effects.
Creating the Company
his free time in coding and designing the app. He met his first co-founder, Evan, in school, who helped improve the user experience. Their first app was simple but fun, designed to mimic the playful use of GIFs in messaging. Blerp’s design evolved as they identified the need for a distinct brand that reflected their focus on sound.
The team first tested Blerp’s viability on iOS and Android, but the real breakthrough came with Twitch’s extension program, which offered new possibilities for user retention. By talking to streamers and getting direct feedback, the Blerp team refined the product and increased user retention from 30% to 60%. This approach to testing, iterating, and improving features became fundamental to Blerp’s ongoing growth.
Launching the Business
Upon launching on Twitch, Blerp was fortunate to be featured on the extension store’s front page, gaining thousands of installs in the first week. However, installs alone didn’t lead to active users, so Aaron and his team went to Twitch Con, where they networked with streamers. These personal connections proved invaluable, leading to word-of-mouth growth and a loyal user base.
The team realized that Blerp’s success would come from building strong relationships with customers, sparking growth through product marketing. By continuously engaging with their user community, they built a foundation of loyal streamers who provided feedback, enabling rapid product improvements. This led to a more than 70% retention rate, a key indicator of Blerp’s solid customer engagement.
Earnings
Today, Blerp generates approximately $20,000 per month and has helped its creators earn over $1 million in revenue. Much of Blerp’s growth has been fueled by organic word-of-mouth marketing and direct user support through their Discord server. The company has also seen success in social media, particularly on TikTok, where they grew from 7,000 to over 300,000 followers by focusing on relatable content that tells the Blerp story.
Blerp recently closed funding from Amazon’s Alexa fund and other gaming VCs, who were interested in its user engagement and team dynamics. The team has grown to 12 employees, most of whom are developers focused on enhancing the product. With plans to expand and innovate further, Blerp is positioned to become a long-term player in the interactive audio space.
