Build It magazine is a digital publication for self-build and renovation projects, providing expert advice and design ideas on iOS.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users hire this app to access specialized trade information for home renovation projects, replacing the need for physical magazine archives.
For DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and readers interested in specialized trade, craft, and general interest publications.
What does it look like?
Key features
Text-to-speech playback for selected magazine issues
Account-based synchronization of purchased issues across multiple devices via Pocketmags login
Unlimited access to 600+ titles via the Pocketmags Plus+ subscription
How much does it cost?
Hybrid model combining transactional single-issue sales with a recurring subscription tier anchored at £9.99/month.
Velocity
Dormant developmentnew contentperformanceShow more...
The app has not received a single update in the last 12 months, indicating a complete cessation of development activity. With no releases since June 2025, the project is currently in a zombie state. There is no evidence of feature work, bug fixes, or live operations support during this period.
Who built it?
Jellyfish Connect
13+ apps tracked · Productivity
Row360 Magazine
ARMI SHOP Magazine
Elaborare GT Tuning
Organists' Review Magazine
BECCACCE CHE PASSIONE.
Chef Mag
Freshwater Fishing Australia
Golf Course Architecture
NEXUS MAGAZINE
Moto.it Magazine
ARMI MAGAZINE.
Majesty MagazineUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for Build It Magazine
How's the Productivity market?
Build It magazine operates in the Productivity category with a 2.33 rating on 3 reviews. The reliance on a static digital reader format puts it at a disadvantage against video-first competitors in the home improvement space.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By Taunton Interactive
This app directly competes for the attention of self-builders and renovation enthusiasts by offering a comprehensive library of professional-grade construction techniques and expert-led tutorials.
- Offers a robust, searchable digital archive of past issues that provides long-term reference value
- Integrates a dedicated discussion forum that fosters a community-driven knowledge base for complex projects
- Provides high-quality technique videos that offer visual clarity for difficult construction and repair tasks
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Build It Magazine
Where is it heading?
The self-build and renovation market is consolidating around multimedia-rich platforms that offer both technical advice and community interaction. Build It magazine remains in a maintenance-mode posture, which will erode its market share as users migrate to competitors with higher-fidelity content.
- The lack of video-first content in the latest release leaves the app exposed to rivals with multimedia hubs, which will likely accelerate user churn.
- The current subscription model provides stable revenue but lacks the community-driven retention loops necessary to compete with established professional-grade platforms.
The SWOT
- Project-lifecycle focus differentiates content from general trade-technique publications.
- Cross-platform synchronization via Pocketmags account reduces friction for multi-device users.
- Integrate community discussion forums to increase user retention.
- Develop searchable technical archives to provide long-term reference value.
Next best moves
Ship video-first tutorial content because competitors like Fine Homebuilding use video to drive engagement → increase session duration.
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's biggest risk is not its content quality but its static format…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Searchable technical archive (available in Fine Homebuilding but absent here) +2
Since the last report: The app's competitive analysis shifted from transactional marketplaces to multimedia-rich technical platforms, resulting in a pivot toward video-first content and community features.
Bottom line
Build It magazine provides niche project advice but lacks the multimedia engagement required to compete with professional-grade rivals, so the PM should prioritize video-first content to prevent further user attrition.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeReport last updated