Popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee has announced that he plans to shut down his subscription app for mobile phone wallpapers, Panels.
The content creator, whose sometimes sharp reactions to new tech products have helped him amass more than 20 million YouTube subscribers, launched the app in September 2024.
The panels let people download a range of digital wallpapers to their devices for a monthly fee – starting at $11.99 (£9) per month.
But more than a year after facing scrutiny over its pricing and privacy, Brownlee has told followers that the app will be shutting down completely on December 31.
“We made mistakes when we built our first app, and ultimately we weren’t able to turn it into the vision I had,” he said in a video Sunday.
Brownlee – who uses MKBHD on his social media – told the audience that he wants it to “be a vibrant ecosystem” for wallpapers, and to support the artists who design them.
He said that while the app had some successes – topping the app download charts at launch and seeing two million wallpaper downloads – he called it a “rollercoaster ride”.
“But at the end of the day, it wasn’t able to sustain,” he said, noting the app’s “niche” appeal and audience.
Brownlee had previously responded to criticism of the app shortly after its launch, highlighting its potentially limited appeal.
“The target market for this is extremely small,” he told a user on X last September who questioned his decision to launch a digital wallpaper app.
“Most people don’t download wallpaper apps.
“This is for those who are asking. If you’re not interested in it, don’t worry about it.”
He also thanked the artists who were involved in creating the wallpapers for the app.
A notice on the Panels website said that users will be able to keep wallpapers purchased or downloaded from the app “forever” and that money will be refunded for any active subscriptions after its closure at the end of the month.
They will also be able to create their own spin-off of the app, as the code behind it will become open source.
“This will allow anyone to build on what we’ve started – we’re excited to see what new projects this can lead to,” the notice said.
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