Description: We dove into Carter Thomas's "Make Your Own App: No Coding Required" course on CreativeLive, and here's what we discovered. This free course (yes, completely free) takes you through the entire app creation process without touching a single line of code. Carter Thomas, who's published over 1,500 apps with 18 million+ downloads since 2011, breaks down the intimidating world of app development into digestible chunks.
The course covers everything from initial ideation to App Store submission. We found it particularly refreshing how Carter focuses on the business side, teaching you not just how to build, but how to think strategically about your app. You'll learn how to find and manage developers (if you choose to outsource), navigate both iOS and Android app stores, and implement basic monetization strategies.
What caught our attention? The inclusion of Steve Young as a guest expert for the marketing module. This isn't just about building an app in isolation, it's about understanding the entire ecosystem. The course demystifies topics like App Store Optimization (ASO) and user acquisition, which many beginners overlook until it's too late.
Now, let's be clear about what this course isn't. It's not a deep dive into specific no-code platforms like Bubble or FlutterFlow. Instead, Carter provides a framework for understanding the app business holistically. Think of it as your roadmap rather than your toolkit. For a free course, we found this approach surprisingly comprehensive, though some might wish for more hands-on platform tutorials.
Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)
light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)
Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)
Learn A New Skill
Students consistently praise the course's approachability and comprehensive overview. The mood is overwhelmingly positive, especially considering it's free. Most appreciate getting insider knowledge from someone who's actually built and sold app portfolios.
"This was a great class!! If you're thinking about launching your own app, this is the best first step you can take!" - CreativeLive Student
"Lots and lots of information, I can't wait to listen to it again, so it can really sink in." - CreativeLive User
"Comprehensive lesson that takes you from the moment you get an idea all the way up to monetizing your app. Highly recommended!" - lauritadr21
"Gave me the confidence to finally start my app project." - CreativeLive Student
"The marketing insights from Steve Young were particularly valuable, something I hadn't considered before." - Course Participant
Reddit discussions about Carter Thomas are mixed but lean positive for beginners. Users on r/Entrepreneur appreciate his straightforward approach, while some on r/AppDevelopment debate the longevity of his app flipping strategies. Quora threads generally recommend him for newcomers but suggest supplementing with platform-specific tutorials.
For a free course, this delivers exceptional value for complete beginners. While it won't make you a technical wizard, it provides the strategic framework most newcomers desperately need.
The promise to teach app creation without coding is fulfilled, though success depends on your chosen no-code platform and dedication.
Originally a paid course, now permanently free on CreativeLive
No upsells within the course itself. Carter has other paid offerings but doesn't push them aggressively here
Carter Thomas himself (1,500+ apps, 18M downloads), various students report launching their first apps though specific revenue numbers aren't tracked
Honest, realistic marketing that doesn't overpromise. The free price point removes any concerns about value proposition
CreativeLive, professional educational platform with excellent video streaming quality and user interface
Full lifetime access, streamable videos, mobile-friendly interface
Excellent through CreativeLive's responsive design and mobile apps
Standard internet connection (5+ Mbps recommended), any modern browser
CreativeLive provides a premium learning experience that far exceeds expectations for a free course. Video quality is professional, the platform is stable, and navigation is intuitive. We particularly appreciated the chapter markers for easy navigation.
We found minimal complaints about this specific course. The few grievances relate to Carter's broader ecosystem (particularly around his paid offerings), but nothing concerning for a free CreativeLive course.
Not applicable (course is free)
Refreshingly transparent. The course is marketed as a beginner's guide and delivers exactly that. No inflated income claims or unrealistic promises.
Community sentiment is largely positive for beginners. Some skepticism exists around app flipping strategies from Carter's other content, but this course focuses on building from scratch.
We're impressed. For a free course, there are virtually no red flags. The main caution? Don't expect this to be your only resource, but Carter never claims it should be.
At free, the value proposition is unbeatable. We spent several hours reviewing the content and found it delivers substantial knowledge that would typically cost $100+ elsewhere.
After thorough review, we can confidently say "Make Your Own App: No Coding Required" is absolutely legitimate and valuable for its intended audience. Carter Thomas brings real credibility with his track record of 1,500+ published apps and 18 million downloads. The course doesn't pretend to be something it's not, it's a strategic overview of the app business, not a technical deep-dive.
What impressed us most? The holistic approach. While many courses focus solely on the building aspect, Carter covers the entire journey from idea to monetization. The inclusion of Steve Young for the marketing module adds another layer of expertise.
However, we need to set realistic expectations. This course won't teach you specific no-code platforms in detail. You won't walk away knowing how to use Bubble, Adalo, or FlutterFlow. Instead, you'll understand the app business landscape and know what questions to ask.
For absolute beginners, this is a no-brainer. It's free, comprehensive, and taught by someone with proven success. Just remember, this is your starting point, not your final destination. You'll need to supplement with platform-specific tutorials and stay updated on ever-changing app store policies.
Bottom line? We recommend this course to anyone curious about app development who doesn't know where to start. The price (free) removes all risk, and the knowledge gained provides genuine value. Just don't expect it to be your only resource on the journey.
At free, the value proposition is unbeatable. We spent several hours reviewing the content and found it delivers substantial knowledge that would typically cost $100+ elsewhere.
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