Laughly Goes live
Streaming Stand-Up Comedy, Anytime, Anywhere

When we teamed up with Laugh Radio Inc., the mission was clear: build the world’s first streaming audio platform dedicated exclusively to stand-up comedy. With the largest comedy library on the planet and a devoted fanbase hungry for on-demand laughs, we saw an opportunity to transform how people experience comedy—right from their phones.

In compliance with existing non-disclosure agreements, confidential information in this case study has been omitted and obfuscated. The information in this case study represents our own opinions and views and does not necessarily reflect the views of Laughly.

My role

We led the initial design of the Laughly app for iOS during its 2016 launch with Laugh Radio Inc., partnering closely with key stakeholders to shape a bold new product from the ground up. Together, we defined the core user experience, mapped out the product’s strategic direction, and crafted a go-to-market solution that made discovering stand-up comedy as effortless—and joyful—as hitting “play.”

Planning & Scope Definition

We partnered closely with product managers to shape a product roadmap grounded in empathy and intent. Championing both user needs and business goals, we prioritized features strategically—defining the must-haves for launch while leaving room for future innovation. Every decision was a balance of ambition and feasibility.

Leadership & Mentorship

We led with both heart and clarity—driving decisions, presenting concepts, and building consensus across teams and stakeholders. From visioning sessions to stakeholder reviews, we guided the process with creative confidence, ensuring everyone had the insight and direction needed to keep moving forward.

The Challenge

Why not stream comedy?

Back in 2015, 90 million Facebook users listed stand-up comedy among their top interests. In the U.S. alone, over 50 million tickets were sold to comedy clubs that year. The demand was undeniable—but somehow, no one had built a dedicated app to serve this massive, laugh-loving audience.

We already knew streaming was the new standard for audio content—thanks to giants like Spotify and Pandora—and that mobile devices were the mainstage. 95% of users listened on their phones, often while multitasking. So the question wasn’t if a comedy streaming service would work—it was why one didn’t already exist.

The Approach

Pure Play. Direct Hit.

Armed with deep subject matter expertise from Laughly’s stakeholders, we accelerated the early conceptual phases with focused hypotheses and strategic play. We co-created a product vision rooted in what we knew audiences craved—then pushed boundaries to leave space for discovery and innovation.

From whiteboard sketches to high-fidelity prototypes, we validated our ideas with focus groups and heuristic testing. Our iterative approach wasn’t just about refining—it was about listening, adapting, and building smarter. At every step, data guided our direction, ensuring the experience we designed was intuitive, delightful, and aligned with the business’s goals.

Who's listening

The primary segment consists of customers who listen to channels of in-kind comedy and users who seek to control how they consume entertainment.

Curated Playlists v. Discovery

Customers choose playlists that complement a mood or evoke a distinctive feeling, while at times, a user wishes to explore and find something new and awakening. Blending the experience allows a consumer to traverse the finely tuned product, enhancing user engagement.

Laughter On Demand

Customers stream over 80% of their entertainment over a mobile device. Downloading content directly to a device has given way to the convenience of on-demand content streaming.

What's my name

Customers expect to be recognized, and their experience follows and evolves with them. The journey is as important as the vast library of content. Users want the feeling of being there, next to the stage, enjoying the artist with hundreds of fans.

Comedy is more than entertainment. It heals. It connects. It lifts. Our goal was to put that power into as many hands (and ears) as possible—with an interface that feels just as delightful as the content itself.