Building Viral Apps: A New Business Trend

Introduction

• Presenter: Blake Anderson
• Achievements: First person to build three apps generating millions in downloads and profit in one year (Riz GPT, Umax, Cal)
• Purpose: Share the process of creating viral apps in a five-part series
• Presented by: Apex - focused on tools and content for health, success, and purpose
• Promise: No courses sold; more future videos planned

Step 1: Coming Up with a Viral Idea

• Focus: Single-player utility apps (simple backend, no complex social functionality)
• Importance: A great idea is the foundation for design, development, and distribution
• Example: Riz GPT had a viral idea despite poor execution

Principles for Viral Ideas

Principle 1: Solve Big Problems

• Concept: People want solutions to fundamental issues
• Reference: Maslow's hierarchy of needs
• Examples:
  • Riz GPT: Helping with dating
  • Umax: Enhancing attractiveness
  • Cal: Assisting with fitness goals
• Key: Frame app as a solution to a significant problem

Principle 2: Simplicity is Key

• Importance: Simple ideas are more likely to go viral
• Presentation: Describe app in three words
• Examples:
  • Riz GPT: "Respond to girls"
  • Umax: "Face analysis"
  • Cal: "Photo calorie counter"
• Outcome: Simplicity aids in growth and content demonstration

Principle 3: Create Remarkable Products

• Intent: Make something people want to share
• Sharing Formula: "Did you hear about...?"
• Examples:
  • Riz GPT: AI texting for dating
  • Umax: Attractiveness rating
  • Cal: Calorie counting with pictures
• Goal: Create shareable moments and emotions

Methods to Identify Problems

Method 1: Scan Social Media

• Purpose: Understand what people are interested in
• Techniques:
  • Use Google Trends
  • Explore Reddit, Instagram, TikTok
  • Engage with diverse content outside personal interests
• Objective: Discover new perspectives and ideas

Method 2: Research the App Store

• Task: Analyze apps to find successful and unsuccessful traits
• Tools: Sensor Tower for downloads and revenue
• Approach: Identify market gaps and inefficiencies
• Caution: Avoid saturated markets with high failure rates

Method 3: Disconnect

• Reason: Best ideas come in moments of clarity
• Advice: Take walks without distractions
• Examples:
  • Riz GPT idea came during a walk
  • Umax idea emerged on a hike
• Insight: Ideas require time and space to develop

Conclusion

• Encouragement: Dare to think differently
• Next Steps: Upcoming video on designing a viral app
• Call to Action: Subscribe for updates

This concludes the lecture notes on building viral apps. For any questions or further discussion, comments are encouraged below the video presentation.