How the Biggest Consumer Apps Got Their First 1,000 Users — Lenny Rachitsky’s 2020 Breakdown That Still Holds Up

Before they became well-known, these products were just trying to get 100 people to care.

This timeless piece from 2020 by Lenny Rachitsky explores how leading consumer apps like Reddit, Figma, Duolingo, and Clubhouse found their very first users. It features 40+ real examples of early traction that came from hands-on effort, not hype.

📖 Read the full piece

It’s still one of the best reads for founders figuring out how to launch and grow something new. The tactics may vary, but the mindset is the same.

Some standout insights:

• Reddit created fake user accounts to simulate engagement in the early days.
• Figma ran in-person design workshops and gathered live feedback from students.
• Duolingo quietly spread through niche forums and communities before any major campaigns.
• Clubhouse focused on bringing in the right early users instead of chasing big numbers.

Why this matters now:

Even with all the new tools and channels, early growth still depends on real conversations, community, and effort.

This read is a good reset for anyone thinking about growth. It brings the focus back to building trust, doing the work, and being close to your earliest users.

If you're planning your own 0 to 1, this one is worth saving.