How Zach Yadegari (17) Built a $1.12 Million-Per-Month AI App

What were you doing at 17? If you're like most people, it probably wasn't building a company that grossed over a million dollars a month. Zach Yadegari , on the other hand, didn't just dream big. He built Cal AI , an AI app that can calculate the calories in a meal based on a photo. Simple, but revolutionary.

Here's how this prodigy built his success step by step and what we can learn from his journey.

Cal AI is a product model designed to amaze. Snap a photo of your meal and, in an instant, the calories and nutritional information appear. This magical moment creates an experience that users love to share.

Zach has also highlighted this feature in videos created by influencers. Users see the app in action and immediately want to try it out.

Lesson learned:

• Build a “wow” moment into your product.

• Encourage users to share by making their experience easier.

Where many ignore comments, Zach sees an opportunity. Every post on Cal AI is scrutinized, with questions like "What app is this?" or "Is it compatible with all foods?" strategically added. These questions stimulate curiosity and increase engagement.

Lesson learned:

• Ask strategic questions in the comments.

• Respond to every interaction to increase engagement.

Zach doesn't collaborate with influencers randomly. He analyzes their performance using metrics like engagement rate (1-3% minimum on TikTok) and interaction quality. Each deal is calculated to maximize return on investment (ROI), using indicators like:

• CPM (Cost per 1,000 views) : A CPM of $5-10 is considered competitive.

• RPM (Revenue per 1,000 views) : The goal is an RPM at least twice the CPM.

Lesson learned:

• Collaborate with creators with authentic audiences.

• Negotiate recurring packages to reduce costs.

Cal AI uses a cleverly designed pricing strategy:

• A 3-day free trial is only available for the annual plan ($99/year).

• No free trial for the monthly plan ($9.99/month), which makes the annual option more attractive.

• The annual cost is listed as “only $8.33/month.”

Lesson learned:

• Offer free trials strategically.

• Simplify your prices and present them in a psychologically appealing way.

Unlike other calorie tracking apps, Cal AI focuses on a single function: calculating calories. It doesn't track hydration or add a pedometer. This minimalist approach reduces friction and improves the user experience.

Lesson learned:

• Focus on one feature and excel at it.

• Make the user experience as simple as possible.

Before Cal AI, Zach launched GrindClock, a motivational alarm app. While innovative, it lacked long-term engagement. Rather than give up, he used this failure to refine his strategy and create Cal AI.

Lesson learned:

• Analyze your failures to learn valuable lessons.

• Adapt quickly and pivot if necessary.

Zach and his team focus all their efforts on Cal AI. They're not distracted by other projects. This focus allows them to innovate quickly and stay ahead of their competitors.

Lesson learned:

• Prioritize one project at a time.

• Maximize your resources to optimize what already works.

Zach Yadegari's story is more than just a success story. It illustrates the importance of a clear strategy, unwavering focus, and a data-driven approach. Whether you're launching an app or a business, his model applies. And who knows? Maybe you'll be the next to disrupt a market.