The video explains that while vibe coding platforms initially attracted many users with the promise of easy app-building without coding, most users eventually leave due to high costs, complexity, and the need to learn coding, leading to a decline in sustained engagement. Despite this, these tools remain valuable as entry points for aspiring developers, potentially inspiring a new generation of coders even as the market consolidates and hype diminishes.
The video discusses the rise and apparent decline of the “vibe coding” trend—web applications designed to let non-developers build apps without needing to write code. The creator notes that while vibe coding tools like Lovable, Replet, Bolt, and Vzero gained massive popularity, recent data shows a significant drop in user engagement, particularly for Lovable, which reportedly lost nearly 50% of its web traffic over a few months. The video’s host, who is an investor in some of these companies, clarifies that the discussion is about the broader market viability of vibe coding products rather than the individual strengths or weaknesses of each platform.
A key point made is the distinction between two main reasons people try new tools: solving real problems and the novelty factor. Many users initially flock to vibe coding platforms driven by the excitement of trying something new and the aspiration to build their own apps, even if they lack coding skills. However, once the novelty fades and users realize the complexity and limitations involved—such as high costs for extensive AI usage or the need to learn coding to progress—they tend to leave. This “graduation problem” means users either churn due to expense or move on to traditional coding tools, limiting the long-term retention and growth of these platforms.
The video draws an analogy between vibe coding platforms and GoPro cameras. GoPro sold an exciting promise that everyone could capture action footage, but most users never fully utilized the potential, leading to a decline in sustained engagement and a massive drop in company valuation. Similarly, vibe coding platforms sell the dream that anyone can become a developer, but many users try once and then abandon the platform when reality sets in. Despite this, the creator acknowledges that vibe coding tools serve as important gateways for some users, helping them get their first taste of coding and app development, which could lead to deeper engagement with software development down the line.
The host also critiques some of the data and commentary circulating on social media, noting that much of it is influenced by tech insiders and Twitter conversations that don’t reflect the actual user base—mostly non-developers like parents or casual creators. He emphasizes that vibe coding platforms are not competing directly with developer-focused AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot or Cursor, as they serve fundamentally different audiences and purposes. The decline in web traffic may partly be due to marketing campaigns that temporarily inflated numbers, and revenue for some companies is still growing despite the drop in casual users.
In conclusion, the video presents a balanced view: while vibe coding as a trend may be losing its initial hype and many users are leaving, the platforms still hold value as entry points for aspiring developers. The novelty has worn off for many, but a small percentage of users might find these tools transformative, potentially leading to a new generation of coders. The creator remains cautiously optimistic about the long-term impact of vibe coding, hoping these tools continue to evolve and support more people in learning to code, even if the market consolidates and some companies struggle to sustain their early growth.