Technology Challenges YouVersion is Tackling: Personalization

All apps do it. Users expect it. Data and studies show that it drives retention and engagement.?

So, what makes personalization special to YouVersion? It matters to God.?

Why We Believe Personalization is Important

The entire gospel is a reflection of God’s deep desire for a relationship with us. It’s at the heart of our relationship with God.?

• “I knit you together in your mother’s womb” (Psalms 139:13-16).
• “Before you were born, I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5).
• “I search your heart; I know your anxious thoughts” (Psalms 139:23-24).

That’s why we’re pursuing personalization at YouVersion.?

What Personalization Looks Like?

The main goal of any app is to meet the needs of its target audience.?

For YouVersion, our users are made up of a global Community.?

That means no matter where you live, what language you speak, or what your culture is like, you can open the Bible App and have a meaningful encounter with God’s Word.?

Our hope is that people around the world can open the Bible app and have a unique experience.

How We Approach Personalization?

So, how does it work??

Most of what we do right now in the app is based on the language the user has selected. But we are starting to expand our focus from the user’s selected language to their actual activity in the app.?

We’re asking questions like:?

• What do they see when they first open the app??
• In what ways are people connecting with God? Through Plans? Verse of the Day? Audio Bibles? Guided Prayer??
• When are they most likely to use the app?
• Which features do they consistently interact with? Which ones do they not use? Why?

With over a hundred thousand pieces of content in languages from around the world, we have a great foundation that would allow for deep personalization.

When we prioritize personalization, we’re prioritizing people—not just because the industry says it’s important, but because God does.?

We’re Dedicated to the Mission

It all starts with people who are dedicated to the mission.?

More specifically, it takes innovation and top software engineers to develop a personalized experience.

Our team is growing every day, and you can be a part of it. Check out our open roles today.

“As a software engineer at YouVersion, I get to solve the coolest technical challenges every day in order to bring people of all backgrounds closer to God and help them connect to His Word in their own languages.”

Jeremy Devore | Software Engineer

“I can give my time, my engineering skills, and my unique gifts and passions to advance God’s kingdom.”

Mary LaCombe | Technical Product Manager

Want to join the team? Check out our open roles and apply today!

Kali Gibson, YouVersion Copywriter