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The core of independent development is finding demand; I used AI to build three mini-programs and acquired 520,000 users.

The hardest part of independent development is rarely writing code; it's finding a niche demand that people are willing to use. The author built three mini-programs using AI programming, with one already serving 520,000 users, while the others targeted Red Packet covers and Chasing Light wallpapers. Commenters asked about daily costs.

Summary

Review the results before exploring further

The hardest part of independent development is rarely writing code; it's finding a niche demand that people are willing to use. The author built three mini-programs using AI programming, with one already serving 520,000 users, while the others targeted Red Packet covers and Chasing Light wallpapers. Commenters asked about daily costs, promotion methods, and sought developer collaborations. These can be replicated as a vertical mini-program matrix, monetized through ads, memberships, or custom services.

Our Take

Three things to consider about this case

Why it matters
First, run a small, verifiable task, recording the outcome, manual modifications, and maintenance effort.
Who it suits
Suitable for reference by those who already have similar needs and can verify effectiveness through small tasks.
What to check first
The achievements mentioned in the summary belong to the author's self-report; distinguish between revenue and profit, and consider costs, man-hours, and reproduction conditions.
Our Suggestions / Try This
Who it suits
Independent developers and those needing to improve workflows
What to try first
Select a small task with clear boundaries and create a minimum viable version that can be handed over for others to try.
What to measure
Record task completion rate, number of manual corrections, and whether users reuse the service.
For Individuals
Try Related Open Source Projects ↗

What should you ask before trying this?

  • What specific need does this practice solve for you?
  • How should the minimum viable test be accepted, and how much time needs to be invested?
  • Which steps still require human processing and continuous maintenance?
Still deciding? Read our decision guides
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