The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
“People use Tik Tok like a search engine”
What It Means
TikTok has evolved beyond entertainment to become a primary discovery mechanism for solutions to specific problems
Why It Matters
Reveals a major distribution opportunity for products, especially mobile apps targeting specific problems or demographics
When It's True
For problems that people actively search for solutions to, especially visual or demonstration-friendly products
When It's Risky
For complex B2B products or problems people don't typically search for on social platforms
How to Apply
Create content addressing specific search terms your target users use
Optimize for TikTok's algorithm and search functionality
Include clear calls-to-action in moments of problem recognition
Target specific demographics actively searching for solutions
Example Scenario
“A health app creator makes TikTok content about 'exercises for desk workers' knowing people search this term, then directs viewers to download their specific solution”
Related Knowledge
AI Search Strategy
Optimizing content and pages specifically to rank highly in AI search results from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude rathe
focus on one channel with three formats per week
Effective app marketing requires deep focus on single platform with consistent content variety rather than spreading acr
First time founders focus on product. Second time founders focus on distribution.
Experienced entrepreneurs prioritize how to sell and distribute over what to build
SEO not dead still generating billions dollars commerce
Search engine optimization remains a viable distribution channel despite AI search tools and claims of SEO's death
Distribution is the new moat
The ability to reach and engage audiences has become more valuable than traditional competitive advantages like product
Users Becoming Sophisticated at Detecting AI-Generated/Vibe-Coded Apps
Mobile app users are developing the ability to quickly identify apps built with AI tools ('vibe-coded') through visual and interaction cues, similar to how people learned to spot AI-generated images and videos.