Bean there, done that: Hank Green’s focus aid soars to top of App Store charts

Hank Green has concocted another clever creation, and this time, he’s claiming the top spot on the App Store charts. Focus Friend, a productivity aid that features an adorable, bean-shaped character, became the most-downloaded app in the U.S. shortly after its August 17 launch.

Focus Friend, published by Honey B Games, invites players to put their beans to work whenever they need to focus. When they start a timer, their bean starts focusing on the decor of its virtual room. Players who leave their phone alone for long enough unlock cosmetic items that can be used to trick out their bean’s room. The app offers a similar concept to the Pomodoro Technique, a little bit of body doubling, and a whole lot of cuteness.

Though the app is far from Green’s first creation — his other credits include Vlogbrothers, VidCon, Crash Course, and multiple books — Focus Friend has emerged as one of his most successful projects. One positive review came from Hank’s brother John Green

, who addressed the app in a Vlogbrothers upload. John loves his little bean friend, even if he has complaints about the white-haired “John Bean” character who can be unlocked as an in-app purchase.

18 years after the launch of Vlogbrothers, the Greens are reminding the world that they possess one of the most devoted fanbases in the creator business. The same “Nerdfighters” who support annual Project 4 Awesome charity drives have helped Focus Friend earn its perch atop the App Store charts.

If, somehow, an adorable beany sidekick isn’t enough to keep you occupied for days, don’t worry. Hank Green, who always stays busy, is devoting himself to several other developments. In a recent Bluesky post, he claimed to have 19 different projects in the works. Thanks to Focus Friend, we’ll be able to experience all those creations as efficiently as possible.