6
I turned my $60/month AI bills into a product with 250K users in 6 months. Ask me anything.
r/SideProject
7/8/2025
Content Summary
A developer created ninjachat.ai to consolidate multiple AI subscriptions (ChatGPT, Midjourney, Perplexity) into a single platform after experiencing high costs and usage limits. The MVP was built in 2 weeks using APIs, then expanded with additional models and features. Growth strategies focused on YouTube influencer marketing ($20 CPM target), maintaining a Discord community from launch, and abandoning underperforming ad channels. Achieved 250k+ users in 6 months with a team of 3.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinions focus on rapid execution and channel optimization:
- Admiration for 2-week MVP development cycle
- Validation of influencer marketing over paid ads
- Emphasis on community-driven product growth
Controversial aspects:
- Some skepticism about timeline authenticity ("2 weeks 🤣" comment)
- Questions about customer acquisition specifics unanswered
- Potential concerns about API dependency and scalability
Debates center on:
- Bootstrapping vs external funding approaches
- Value of public building transparency vs competitive risks
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Not mentioned | AI Chat | Pro subscription with API access |
| Midjourney | Not mentioned | AI Image Generation | Pro subscription with API access |
| Perplexity | Not mentioned | AI Search | Pro subscription with API access |
| ninjachat.ai | Not mentioned | AI Aggregation Platform | Combines multiple AI models (chat, image, video), open source integration, Stripe integration |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- High subscription costs for multiple AI services ($60/month)
- Frequent hitting of usage limits on individual platforms
- Fragmented AI tool experience requiring multiple interfaces
Problems to Solve:
- Consolidate multiple AI services into single platform
- Reduce overall costs for AI tool access
- Overcome usage limitations of individual platforms
Potential Solutions:
- Unified interface for multiple AI models
- Aggregating open source and commercial AI models
- Implementing pay-as-you-go pricing through API optimization
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Rapid MVP development (2 weeks to launch)
- Focused channel optimization (YouTube influencer marketing)
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Influencer marketing with $20 CPM target
- Abandoning low-performing channels (Meta/Google ads)
Monetization & Product:
- API-based cost optimization model
- Continuous feature expansion (video models, open source integration)
User Engagement:
- Day 1 Discord community for feedback
- Responsive customer support driving referrals