Influencers already have an audience. SaaS offers a scalable, recurring revenue model. Combine the two? You've got a recipe for a cash-generating machine. And with AI making software development easier than ever, this trend is about to explode.
Think about it like this: TikTok made video creation accessible, leading to an explosion of content creators. Similarly, AI is simplifying software creation, paving the way for more influencers to launch their own SaaS ventures.
Let’s look at some examples of influencers who are already cashing in on this trend.
- Mr.Beast — YouTube Analytics SaaS
Mr.Beast, the YouTube superstar with over 318 million subscribers, isn’t just about crazy stunts and massive giveaways. He’s also the brains behind ViewStats, a SaaS tool that provides in-depth YouTube channel analytics.
With ViewStats, users can search for any creator, compare performance metrics, track growth trajectories, and more. It’s a perfect fit for Mr.Beast’s audience — other YouTubers looking to up their game.
According to entrepreneur Eric Siu, who’s well-connected in entrepreneurial circles, ViewStats is likely pulling in around $6 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). But given Mr.Beast’s massive influence in the YouTube space, that number could be even higher.
- Jason Levin — Meme Maker SaaS
Jason Levin, a well-known figure in the meme marketing space, launched Memelord Tech, a SaaS that helps users create memes and offers a daily newsletter packed with meme content.
The beauty of this? His audience is already meme-obsessed, so a meme-making tool fits perfectly. And the pricing? It’s almost a joke in itself at $6.90/month — a clever nod to internet humor.
- Sabrina Ramonov — AI Repurposing SaaS
Sabrina Ramonov, an AI educator with almost 200k followers in just four months, is building Blotato. This SaaS is designed to streamline content creation by repurposing content into social media posts.
Sabrina created the tool to solve her own workflow issues, producing over 100 pieces of content weekly using AI and automation.
Blotato allows users to remix multiple pieces of content and even convert YouTube videos into LinkedIn posts with a single click. While the process might seem simple to people who are good with technology, many are willing to pay for that one-click convenience.
- Riley Brown — AI-Powered Thread Generator
Riley Brown, another AI educator with over a million followers across platforms, is working on Yapthread, a SaaS similar to Blotato. His tool focuses on helping users generate content threads effortlessly.
Riley’s already put together a slick video showcasing Yapthread’s features, and given his reach, this could be another massive hit in the making.
- Tommy Clark — Ghostwriting SaaS
Tommy Clark may "only" have 30k LinkedIn followers, but don’t underestimate his influence. As the owner of a ghostwriting agency that went from $0 to $1 million in under a year, he knows how to create viral content. Now, he’s launching his own SaaS, leveraging his expertise in going viral for clients like Triple Whale.
Even a poorly designed wallpaper app can hit the Top 10 of the App Store and rake in millions if it’s backed by the right influencer. Case in point: Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), whose wallpaper app made $2-$3 million despite being a simple project.
- Iman Gadzhi — Social Media Marketing SaaS
Iman Gadzhi, a 22-year-old high-school dropout turned multi-millionaire, owns IAG Media and GrowYourAgency.com. He started his YouTube channel documenting his journey from personal training attempts to building one of the leading online advertising agencies.
Since founding IAG Media in 2017, his boutique digital marketing agency has generated over $60 million in revenue for clients with high-return-on-investment strategies. His online course, 'Six Figure SMMA,' further cements his influence, has 1,500 active students at $1,499 each, adding another $2.2 million to his net worth.
Iman also dabbles in NFTs, reportedly making around $10 million, and recently bought a $30 million private jet. His estimated net worth? Around $30 million!
- Jordan Welch — E-commerce Education SaaS
Jordan Welch, entrepreneur and founder of Viral Vault, has made a huge impact in e-commerce by helping over 10,000 individuals start their own Shopify stores. Viral Vault is a full stack ecomerce SaaS that offers education, community support, and software solutions for e-commerce entrepreneurs, making it a powerhouse in the e-commerce sector.
Since its founding in 2018, Viral Vault has grown into one of the largest SaaS companies in the ecommerce. In June 2024, it was acquired by Auto DS at an undisclosed 8-figure pricetag, reflecting its success and influence in e-commerce automation.
Why influencers are turning to SaaS?
Influencers understand one key thing: distribution is king. They already have the audience; all they need is a product that delivers real value. SaaS fits the bill perfectly because, when done right, it’s a cash-printing machine.
Instead of relying on inconsistent brand deals or questionable partnerships, influencers can now create recurring revenue streams through SaaS. And as AI continues to lower the barrier to entry for software development, we’re going to see many more influencers jumping on this trend.
The future of SaaS isn’t just in the hands of tech companies — it’s in the hands of influencers who know how to connect with their audience and deliver exactly what they need.
