consumer mobile apps are quietly back thanks to tiktok creators and AI

consumer mobile apps are quietly back thanks to tiktok creators and AI if i wanted to make $1M with mobile apps right now, here’s the exact playbook i’d use: 1. find hidden opportunities on sensor tower. search for apps making $30k+ monthly with basic or outdated AI, or non-AI apps that could use an AI edge. pick ones with clunky UI or weak UX—those are your goldmines. improve the look, add useful AI, and you’re on your way. 2. master one distribution channel. pick your niche’s top platform and lock into one format that works. post daily, and use claude to analyze the best posts in that space. figure out the language that drives engagement. 3. scale distribution through tiktok creators. search tiktok shop hashtags in your niche + "link in bio" find sellers doing $10k+ monthly in physical products look for 40k+ followers and high engagement rates bonus if they're already promoting other apps the big insight here is way easier to sell $4.99 app to a stranger than a $49 pillow to a stranger. DM strategy that works: "saw you crushing it with [product]. we're building an app that solves [same problem] at $4.99. most users stick around 6+ months. 50% rev share on every sale you drive. interested in early access?" start everyone on 50% rev share track performance for 90 days convert your top 3 to equity milestone-based vesting tied to revenue 4. launch quick, effective landing pages. v0 for mockups, get inspiration from top app store screenshots, and set up a waitlist + a simple validation survey. throw ~$50 into tiktok ads to see if your copy converts before committing resources. 5. keep the build stack lean v0 for UI, claude for code, openai for AI features, and revenue cat for payments. minimize overhead so you can iterate fast and keep costs low. 6. scale and rinse launch a related app and cross-promote with the first one. bundle pricing to lock users in and reuse your creator network to scale even faster. congratulations, you didn’t just build an app—you built a mobile holding company. seeing this playbook work again and again last month saw a holdco 2 founders 3 apps 0 VCs 15 creators on the cap table 72% margins $120k/month in combined revenue not based in silicon valley it fires me up.