Ex-techie creates 'really basic' AI photo app, earns Rs 8.4 lakh a month: 'Taught all of this on YouTube'

Hitesh Choudhary describes himself as a software engineer who has retired from the corporate life and is currently a full-time YouTuber. (Image credit: LinkedIn)

A former software engineer based in Jaipur has highlighted the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) tools in non-tech industries by sharing that a simple photo editing app he created has been drawing in Rs 8.4 lakh in revenue every month.

YouTuber Hitesh Choudhary recently shared on X that he had created the app three months ago and shared tutorials on how to create similar applications.

"Never knew that there is this much AI demand in non-tech segment. Built a really basic AI powered app that helps people to modify photos (remove background and some saturation) and write some text for a platform," he wrote. "After 3 months, I am at $10,000 MRR [monthly recurring revenue]. I taught all of this in my videos on YouTube."

But Choudhary also said that he does not want to put the spotlight on coding for non-tech markets. "Building for coders is a tough market, non-tech market is easier to crack. I don’t want to get it popular now. Stay invisible," he added.

Never knew that there is this much AI demand in non tech segment. Built a really basic AI powered app that helps people to modify photos (remove background and some saturation) and write some text for a platform.After 3 months, I am at 10,000 $ MRR.I taught all of this in
Hitesh Choudhary (@Hiteshdotcom) November 24, 2024

When asked about the kind of marketing he used for his services, Choudhary said that his first client -- who was also his friend -- was handling the distribution over WhatsApp. "Secret is that I charged the very first client/friend. He handles the distribution in the supply chain. He shared in his WhatsApp group and now it’s spreading."

The YouTuber added that he also runs some offline businesses "classic marwari style".

X users lauded Choudhary for reaching the milestone. "Hitting $10K MRR in just 3 months with a non-tech audience is impressive. You're right—non-tech markets often have unmet needs that are easier to address with simple solutions. Staying invisible while growing sounds like a smart play for now. Quiet execution > noisy hype," commented software engineer @TrendChaseX.

"Charging from client 0 isn’t new in consumer SaaS, all of my friends do it. But handling distribution via WhatsApp, now that is new," wrote entrepreneur Saurabh Kumar (@drummatick).