S2E2: Own the Audience or Lose the Game. Nick Humphreys - Linktree.
S2E2: Own the Audience or Lose the Game. Nick Humphreys - Linktree.  
Podcast: Startups Decoded
Published On: Mon Sep 22 2025
Description: Send us a textAlgorithms are wringing creators dry. In this inspiring S2 episode, Linktree co-founder & CCO Nick Humphreys ($167M raised; 70M+ users) lays out the new playbook: AI that amplifies your voice, owning your audience over chasing vanity metrics, and revenue that holds when the feed goes quiet. If you’re rebuilding your 2025 content stack, start here.Subscribe nowNick Humphreys is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Linktree, one of the world’s fastest-growing tech platforms enabling creators, brands, and businesses to connect their audiences to everything they offer, on one simple, customizable page. With a background in digital strategy and design, Nick has been instrumental in shaping Linktree’s distinctive brand and product experience, used by over 50 million users globally.Launched in 2016, Linktree pioneered the “link in bio” category, transforming how people share content and monetize their presence online. From musicians and creators to global enterprises, Linktree empowers users to unify their digital ecosystem with clarity, creativity, and control. Linktree has raised approximately $167 million USD in total across its funding rounds.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Linktree and Its Impact01:52 The Early Days of Linktree06:19 Navigating the Startup Landscape11:03 Product Evolution and User Insights17:12 Understanding User Needs and Prioritization21:05 Monetization Strategies and Future Directions25:24 Navigating Audience Ownership and Monetization26:50 Adapting to Rapid Changes in Content Creation29:12 Integrating New Tools for Growth31:12 Balancing Functionality and User Experience34:18 The Future of Content Management Systems38:21 Insights for Founders on Using LinktreeMusic Credit:"Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)TakeawaysLinktree started as a solution to a problem for musicians.The evolution of Linktree's product has been driven by user feedback.Understanding the user base is crucial for product development.Linktree serves a diverse range of users, from celebrities to local businesses.Prioritizing features for a broad audience is a constant challenge.Monetization and audience ownership are key focuses for Linktree.The fNeed clarity on fundraising, strategy, or scaling? You can book me, Andy Walsh, directly on Hubble for focused 1:1 advice. 15, 30, or 45 minutes no fluff, just solutions.Head to hubble.social/AndyWalsh