TLDR Founders · HEADLINES & TRENDS

THE END OF THE 1 BILLION ACTIVE USER AD-SUPPORTED STARTUP

andrewchen.substack.com4 min read

Summary from the TLDR Founders newsletter

The tech industry may be shifting away from broadly horizontal consumer apps like YouTube and TikTok, which have become increasingly difficult to create and sustain due to high competition and changing user behaviors. Instead, the next generation of successful apps may be "vertical apps" that cater to specific niches or interests, offering higher monetization potential through direct spending and focused utility. These apps may prioritize solo user experiences, leveraging game design mechanics and AI-driven productivity tools to drive engagement and growth.