Point your phone at a painting and get information about it.
Build a simple AI wrapper app to learn an API: ArtScan, about $10K in revenue
A narrow, useful AI app can be found through App Store search for years with little upkeep.
Figures as shared by the creator · source
From @lmtDigital on Reddit · Jan 2026
The Short Version
- What: A developer with a full-time job wanted to learn the OpenAI API and built ArtScan, an iOS app: camera, then API, then answer.
- Result: He reported about 20,000 downloads, 40,000 product page views, a 7% conversion rate and around $10K in revenue, with 30 to 50 downloads a day coming in without ads (Reddit, r/SideProject, Jan 2026).
- Made with: ChatGPT
The workflow
Made With
Where & With What
What They Did
- 1The moveA developer with a full-time job wanted to learn the OpenAI API and built ArtScan, an iOS app: camera, then API, then answer.
- 2Step 2Build to learn one API
- 3Step 3Keep the app to one job
- 4ResultHe reported about 20,000 downloads, 40,000 product page views, a 7% conversion rate and around $10K in revenue, with 30 to 50 downloads a day coming in without ads (Reddit, r/SideProject, Jan 2026).
Quick Answers
What tools do you need?
ChatGPT (openai's ai assistant for ideas, scripts and planning).
How much does it cost?
You can start for $0: ChatGPT has a free plan. Check each tool's site for current prices.
Is it allowed?
Follow the platform rules and disclose ads.
Watch out: Self-reported. He says he does not fully know why downloads continue, so it may not be easy to repeat.
Try It Yourself
(Our template, not the creator's prompt.) Plan a one-screen AI camera app for [hobby]: what the user points the camera at, what the AI returns, 10 App Store keywords and a free vs paid split.
Starter tools
Your first step
Open ChatGPT, paste the prompt above and swap the [brackets] for your own niche.
Full write-up & sources
More detail: He calls it "basically an AI wrapper". No Product Hunt launch, no viral post, no influencers; he improved it when users complained.
Source: @lmtDigital on Reddit · Jan 2026. Summarised in our own words; figures as shared by the creator or shown on the platform. Updated .
