“Focus Friend,” a productivity app co-created by YouTuber, entrepreneur, and VidCon co-founder Hank Green, briefly ranked as the #1 app in the “Top Free Apps” category in the U.S. App Store on August 19, ahead of ChatGPT. As of writing, the app is ranked #3.

The app, developed in partnership with Honey B Games, was soft-launched last month but has recently gained significant momentum. The productivity tool combines Pomodoro timing techniques with a gamified, companion-based approach. Users receive a virtual bean character that knits while they focus on their work.

The app includes a “Deep Focus Mode” that integrates with iOS Screen Time settings to block distracting applications during work sessions. It also plays background music during sessions, which can continue even when the screen turns off with the appropriate settings enabled.

According to TechCrunch, what distinguishes Focus Friend from standard productivity apps is the emotional connection it creates through the bean companion. Users name their bean and help it complete knitting projects by staying focused on their own work. 

Gamification Elements

Successful focus sessions reward users with virtual “socks” that function as in-game currency. These socks can be exchanged for decorative items for the bean’s living space, including furniture, wall art, and room decorations. A simple rug costs 75 socks, with prices increasing for premium items.

The app operates on a freemium model, with a subscription priced at $1.99 monthly, $14.99 annually, or $29.99 for lifetime access. Premium features include the ability to allow specific apps during focus time, triple sock output, additional knitting projects like scarves, and customization options for the bean character.

Companion-Based Productivity Trend

Focus Friend shares characteristics with other successful apps like Finch, a self-care application that uses a virtual bird companion to encourage healthy habits. As TechCrunch notes, both leverage the psychological appeal of caring for virtual companions to promote beneficial behaviors.

According to Green on Bluesky, the app aims to provide “an ad-free experience because the mobile ad ecosystem kinda blows,” relying instead on premium subscriptions to generate revenue and support the development team.

The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.

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