Validate demand on distribution platform before building product
Research your intended distribution channel to confirm both market demand and content virality before writing code. If competitors have viral content on the platform, this proves two things: people want the product category AND content about it spreads on this channel. This de-risks both product-market fit and go-to-market strategy simultaneously.
When to use
When you have a specific distribution channel in mind (TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, etc.) and want to validate before building. Especially powerful for content-driven distribution strategies where the product idea comes from observing platform trends.
Don't do this
Building a product first and then hoping you can figure out distribution later. Assuming demand exists because you see competitors without checking if those competitors can actually get distribution.
2 Founders Who Did This
Before writing code, searched TikTok for AI humanizer content and confirmed many videos were going viral (millions of views). Used TikTok search and Creator Search Insights to validate content virality. Only then decided to build the product because promotion would be easy.
Posted case studies to Reddit's r/Entrepreneur before scaling. First post hit the top of the subreddit, validating format and demand.