Citizen’s user base isn’t just consuming news—they’re participating in a crowdsourced surveillance network. With 61% direct traffic, users are returning habitually, not discovering passively. The app taps into a primal fear (and fascination) with crime, but monetizes through a subscription model ($4.99/month) that promises 'premium' features like police scanner access and expanded incident history. It’s a high-stakes play on the anxiety economy, and it’s working.

Citizen’s growth isn’t driven by traditional marketing—it’s fueled by viral moments and ethical debates. The app has been criticized for enabling vigilante behavior and racial profiling, yet these controversies only cement its position in the cultural conversation. Their SEO strategy is weak (only 30% organic traffic), but brand recognition is strong: 'citizen' gets 178K monthly searches, and 'citizen app' follows with nearly 12K. This isn’t a growth hack; it’s a cultural phenomenon.