Triller
Music Video Maker App for sharing videos via social media, and skyrocketing engagement
Launched on July 2015
My Role: Lead Designer
I created mobile experiences for a variety of demographics and features that satisfied user needs with simplicity, consistency, and robustness. I led the design of Triller and was involved in the whole production process, including pitching ideas and concepts for investors, and establishing the app’s information architecture and work process best practices for the team. I was also responsible for creating all the marketing promotions on social media.
Mission
How do we enable anyone to create professional-grade music videos with zero editing skills, while launching fast enough to capture a young, trend-driven audience?
Challenges
Due to the nature of the startup environment, speed was more important than perfection with limited funding. There were so many competitors out there with similar ideas already. It was important to be discovered in the market as quickly as possible. We also needed to understand the target users, their needs and their underlying challenges. We had to quickly acquire influencers on social media and create a viral app without falling behind the trend of the young audience.
The Result By focusing on simplicity and robustness, we met our aggressive 3-month deadline. Triller was later featured as "App of the Day" and won "Best of 2015" on the App Store.
Triller’s initial competitors
The Context
In 2015, the social video market was already crowded with giants like Musical.ly and Snapchat. As a startup, our mission was to build a tool that enabled anyone to create professional-grade music videos with zero editing skills. We had to move fast going from concept to a full App Store launch in just 3 months.
The Strategy: "Cool" vs. "Simple"
To understand Gen-Z trends quickly, I invited social media influencers for casual interviews. This led to two core design goals:
- Aesthetic: The UI had to be vibrant and "cool" to gain credibility.
- UX: The process had to be so intuitive that it required zero onboarding. If a user needed a tutorial, we already failed.
The Execution: Content as the "Hero"
- Dark-Themed UI: I prioritized a dark interface to ensure the video content remained the "hero" of the experience.
- Consistency: I managed the social media promotions myself to ensure a consistent brand voice from the first ad a user saw to their very first video in the app.
Process
First, I created brand identities and the design system of Triller, which gave a fun and vibrant impact for the young users. I partnered with Colin Tilley, an American music video director, to make a unique algorithm for various animated app filters. I also created wireframes and animated prototypes to help developers understand the quick and easy user flow. We delivered our very first version of the app in just 3 months!
Initial Sketches & Concepts
Branding and Styleguide
Wireframes
Animation Prototypes
Visual Design Execution
First Version: Simplifying the Workflow
The UX Solution: Most video apps overwhelm users with timelines and trim tools. Instead, I designed a flow where you just pick a song, record, and let the app do the rest.
Apple TV
Apple Watch
User loves Triller.
WhenI make a good product, the biggest reward is getting a positive response from the user. Triller has been praised by many users worldwide and used by many celebrities like Alicia Keys, BTS, Cardi B, Justin Bieber, Marshmello, Mike Tyson, Roddy Ricch, Eminem, and more! Triller is now not only a music video maker app, but people have also developed it into an app that records their daily life in many areas such as travel, exercise, cooking, and family. I created a successful app that is a great tool for easy video making and engages the users internationally.
Triller on Twitter
Triller was recognized on the presentation screen at Apple’s 2019 September event as one of the top apps.
Product Impact and Results
300M+
Installs on both App Store and Google Play
Ranked #1 in Apple App Store
In 50+ countries in August 2020. Additionally, recognized as "best app" of 2015 and 2016 in both Apple App and Google Play Stores.
sooyundesign@gmail.com
© Soo Yun Kim 2025 All Rights Reserved
Triller
Music Video Maker App for sharing videos via social media, and skyrocketing engagement
Launched on July 2015
My Role: Lead Designer
I created mobile experiences for a variety of demographics and features that satisfied user needs with simplicity, consistency, and robustness. I led the design of Triller and was involved in the whole production process, including pitching ideas and concepts for investors, and establishing the app’s information architecture and work process best practices for the team. I was also responsible for creating all the marketing promotions on social media.
Mission
How do we enable anyone to create professional-grade music videos with zero editing skills, while launching fast enough to capture a young, trend-driven audience?
Challenges
Due to the nature of the startup environment, speed was more important than perfection with limited funding. There were so many competitors out there with similar ideas already. It was important to be discovered in the market as quickly as possible. We also needed to understand the target users, their needs and their underlying challenges. We had to quickly acquire influencers on social media and create a viral app without falling behind the trend of the young audience.
The Result By focusing on simplicity and robustness, we met our aggressive 3-month deadline. Triller was later featured as "App of the Day" and won "Best of 2015" on the App Store.
Triller’s initial competitors
The Context
In 2015, the social video market was already crowded with giants like Musical.ly and Snapchat. As a startup, our mission was to build a tool that enabled anyone to create professional-grade music videos with zero editing skills. We had to move fast going from concept to a full App Store launch in just 3 months.
The Strategy: "Cool" vs. "Simple"
To understand Gen-Z trends quickly, I invited social media influencers for casual interviews. This led to two core design goals:
- Aesthetic: The UI had to be vibrant and "cool" to gain credibility.
- UX: The process had to be so intuitive that it required zero onboarding. If a user needed a tutorial, we already failed.
The Execution: Content as the "Hero"
- Dark-Themed UI: I prioritized a dark interface to ensure the video content remained the "hero" of the experience.
- Consistency: I managed the social media promotions myself to ensure a consistent brand voice from the first ad a user saw to their very first video in the app.
Process
First, I created brand identities and the design system of Triller, which gave a fun and vibrant impact for the young users. I partnered with Colin Tilley, an American music video director, to make a unique algorithm for various animated app filters. I also created wireframes and animated prototypes to help developers understand the quick and easy user flow. We delivered our very first version of the app in just 3 months!
Initial Sketches & Concepts
Branding and Styleguide
Wireframes
Animation Prototypes
Visual Design Execution
First Version: Simplifying the Workflow
The UX Solution: Most video apps overwhelm users with timelines and trim tools. Instead, I designed a flow where you just pick a song, record, and let the app do the rest.
Apple TV
Apple Watch
User loves Triller.
WhenI make a good product, the biggest reward is getting a positive response from the user. Triller has been praised by many users worldwide and used by many celebrities like Alicia Keys, BTS, Cardi B, Justin Bieber, Marshmello, Mike Tyson, Roddy Ricch, Eminem, and more! Triller is now not only a music video maker app, but people have also developed it into an app that records their daily life in many areas such as travel, exercise, cooking, and family. I created a successful app that is a great tool for easy video making and engages the users internationally.
Triller on Twitter
Triller was recognized on the presentation screen at Apple’s 2019 September event as one of the top apps.
Product Impact and Results
300M+
Installs on both App Store and Google Play
Ranked #1 in Apple App Store
In 50+ countries in August 2020. Additionally, recognized as "best app" of 2015 and 2016 in both Apple App and Google Play Stores.
sooyundesign@gmail.com
© Soo Yun Kim 2025 All Rights Reserved
Triller
Music Video Maker App for sharing videos via social media, and skyrocketing engagement
Launched on July 2015
My Role: Lead Designer
I created mobile experiences for a variety of demographics and features that satisfied user needs with simplicity, consistency, and robustness. I led the design of Triller and was involved in the whole production process, including pitching ideas and concepts for investors, and establishing the app’s information architecture and work process best practices for the team. I was also responsible for creating all the marketing promotions on social media.
Mission
How do we enable anyone to create professional-grade music videos with zero editing skills, while launching fast enough to capture a young, trend-driven audience?
Challenges
Due to the nature of the startup environment, speed was more important than perfection with limited funding. There were so many competitors out there with similar ideas already. It was important to be discovered in the market as quickly as possible. We also needed to understand the target users, their needs and their underlying challenges. We had to quickly acquire influencers on social media and create a viral app without falling behind the trend of the young audience.
The Result By focusing on simplicity and robustness, we met our aggressive 3-month deadline. Triller was later featured as "App of the Day" and won "Best of 2015" on the App Store.
Triller’s initial competitors
The Context
In 2015, the social video market was already crowded with giants like Musical.ly and Snapchat. As a startup, our mission was to build a tool that enabled anyone to create professional-grade music videos with zero editing skills. We had to move fast going from concept to a full App Store launch in just 3 months.
The Strategy: "Cool" vs. "Simple"
To understand Gen-Z trends quickly, I invited social media influencers for casual interviews. This led to two core design goals:
- Aesthetic: The UI had to be vibrant and "cool" to gain credibility.
- UX: The process had to be so intuitive that it required zero onboarding. If a user needed a tutorial, we already failed.
The Execution: Content as the "Hero"
- Dark-Themed UI: I prioritized a dark interface to ensure the video content remained the "hero" of the experience.
- Consistency: I managed the social media promotions myself to ensure a consistent brand voice from the first ad a user saw to their very first video in the app.
Process
First, I created brand identities and the design system of Triller, which gave a fun and vibrant impact for the young users. I partnered with Colin Tilley, an American music video director, to make a unique algorithm for various animated app filters. I also created wireframes and animated prototypes to help developers understand the quick and easy user flow. We delivered our very first version of the app in just 3 months!
Initial Sketches & Concepts
Branding and Styleguide
Wireframes
Animation Prototypes
Visual Design Execution
First Version: Simplifying the Workflow
The UX Solution: Most video apps overwhelm users with timelines and trim tools. Instead, I designed a flow where you just pick a song, record, and let the app do the rest.
Apple TV
Apple Watch
User loves Triller.
WhenI make a good product, the biggest reward is getting a positive response from the user. Triller has been praised by many users worldwide and used by many celebrities like Alicia Keys, BTS, Cardi B, Justin Bieber, Marshmello, Mike Tyson, Roddy Ricch, Eminem, and more! Triller is now not only a music video maker app, but people have also developed it into an app that records their daily life in many areas such as travel, exercise, cooking, and family. I created a successful app that is a great tool for easy video making and engages the users internationally.
Triller on Twitter
Triller was recognized on the presentation screen at Apple’s 2019 September event as one of the top apps.
Product Impact and Results
300M+
Installs on both App Store and Google Play
Ranked #1 in Apple App Store
In 50+ countries in August 2020. Additionally, recognized as "best app" of 2015 and 2016 in both Apple App and Google Play Stores.
sooyundesign@gmail.com
© Soo Yun Kim 2025 All Rights Reserved