Indie Founder

#357 - Is Indie Hacking Dead Or Will It Be Killed By AI?

I reflect on changes in the indie hacking community, especially how Twitter’s algorithm elevated a few “stars” and reduced sharing of useful lessons. I discuss how AI is transforming bootstrapping and SaaS, making coding accessible and raising anxiety about job security. I explore how software is becoming a commodity, what this means for developers and founders, and why owning distribution and marketing will matter most. I share thoughts on diversifying businesses beyond SaaS as AI rapidly evolves, and invite feedback from listeners about their own experiences with AI and entrepreneurship.

Twitter: https://x.com/wbetiago

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiago-ferreira-48562095/

Timestamps by PodSqueeze

Introduction and Episode Overview (00:00:00)  

Podcast Housekeeping and Call for Reviews (00:01:37)  

Tiago’s Indie Hacking Beginnings (00:03:06)  

Golden Days of Indie Hacking Community (00:04:27)  

Rise of Indie Hacking Stars and Algorithm Shift (00:05:45)  

Vanity Metrics and Decline of Knowledge Sharing (00:07:17)  

Personal Impact and Disconnection from Community (00:10:12)  

Platform Comparison: Twitter vs. LinkedIn (00:12:47)  

Transition to AI and Future of SaaS (00:14:13)  

Personal Story: Co-founder’s Journey with AI Coding Tools (00:14:13)  

AI’s Impact on Coding and Productivity (00:15:56)  

AI in Daily Work and Expanding Use Cases (00:17:09)  

Anxiety Over AI Replacing Computer-Based Jobs (00:20:08)  

Threat of Big Tech and Commoditization of Software (00:21:31)  

Changing Developer Job Market and Skills Gap (00:22:56)  

Importance of Distribution and Marketing (00:25:56)  

Existential Questions: AI Replacing Human Intelligence (00:27:16)  

Human Value in a Post-AI World (00:31:48)  

Diversification as a Survival Strategy (00:34:25)  

Uncertain Future and Final Reflections (00:35:39)