6
How "Cluely" with $3M ARR went viral by encouraging users to “cheat on everything”
r/SaaS
6/27/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cluely | Not mentioned | AI Assistant | Undetectable AI assistant that sees your screen, listens to audio, feeds real-time answers during calls/meetings/coding/exams |
| Interview Coder | Not mentioned | AI Tool | Helped users cheat technical interviews (precursor to Cluely) |
| BrandMentions | Not mentioned | Brand Monitoring | Tracks launches and mentions |
| Similarweb | Not mentioned | Web Analytics | Provides web traffic and analytics |
| Pulse for Reddit | Not mentioned | Sentiment Analysis | Flags sentiment shifts on Reddit |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Need for real-time assistance during high-pressure situations (sales calls, meetings, exams)
- Friction in switching between applications to find information
- Ethical concerns around using AI for cheating
- Corporate compliance and security risks when installing such tools
Problems to Solve:
- Providing instant, context-aware answers without alt-tabbing or searching
- Enhancing productivity in professional and academic settings
- Balancing utility with ethical considerations
- Ensuring tool compliance with corporate security standards
Potential Solutions:
- Developing an AI assistant that operates discreetly on-screen
- Creating permission controls and 'safe modes' (e.g., meeting-only mode)
- Implementing robust security certifications (e.g., SOC2)
- Pivoting messaging to focus on productivity rather than controversy
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Leveraging controversy for viral marketing
- Building on a previous successful product (Interview Coder)
- Focusing on social-first distribution with zero traditional marketing
- Targeting both individual users (Freemium) and enterprises (large contracts)
Marketing & Acquisition:
- High-budget video ads with bold messaging (e.g., "cheat on everything")
- Exploiting social media platforms (X/Twitter, LinkedIn) for organic reach
- Creating a movement around product positioning (reframing "cheating" as smart)
- Using monitoring tools (BrandMentions, Similarweb, Pulse for Reddit) to track sentiment
Monetization & Product:
- Freemium pricing model ($20/month Pro tier)
- Securing seven-figure enterprise contracts
- Achieving profitability early
- Developing a frictionless installation and quick demo (value in 30 seconds)
- Ensuring product solves real problems (context-aware AI assistance)
User Engagement:
- Encouraging viral discussions through controversial positioning
- Building community by framing product as part of a larger movement
- Rapidly iterating based on sentiment analysis to pivot messaging
- Focusing on user experience to drive retention (e.g., seamless onboarding)