AI & No-Code: Building a SaaS MVP in 72 Hours (A ChatGPT & Bubble.io Challenge)

This article documents a challenge: building a new SaaS application (MVP - Minimum Viable Product) in under 72 working hours, primarily using AI tools like ChatGPT for code generation and a no-code SaaS builder like Bubble.io for the front end. The goal was to demonstrate that:

Leveraging AI for SaaS development can significantly accelerate the initial build phase.
It's possible to launch a functional application quickly, without months of traditional development, making it easier than ever for anyone to start.

This process was shared publicly, embracing the building SaaS in public challenge methodology to gather early interest and feedback.

The Challenge Rules

AI-Assisted Coding: Primary reliance on LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude for writing backend code (e.g., APIs).
No-Code Frontend: User interface built using a platform like Bubble.io.
Time Limit: Maximum of 72 working hours for the initial build to MVP.
Core Features: Launch with at least three functioning core features.

The App Concept: Assisting Content Creators

The idea for the MVP, named "BopIt" for this challenge, was a tool to help short-form content creators find and utilize audio for their videos. The core planned features were:

Download video files from links (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram).
Isolate vocals and music from the video, providing separate downloads.
Identify the song name used in the video.
Provide a transcript of the video's audio.

This initial feature set aimed to provide immediate utility. Future enhancements would be based on user feedback, a key part of customer-centric SaaS development.

The Development Process: AI and No-Code Workflow

The workflow involved:

Prompt Engineering: Instructing LLMs (like ChatGPT and Claude 3.5 Sonnet, which proved particularly effective for bug-free code) to generate Python scripts for the core functionalities.
API Development: Turning these scripts into secure, functional APIs.
Frontend Integration: Connecting these APIs to a frontend built with Bubble.io.
Iterative Debugging: Reading and understanding the AI-generated code was crucial for identifying and fixing bugs and potential security issues. While AI accelerates coding, human oversight remains vital.

Deployment of APIs was noted as a challenging part, a common experience in SaaS development. The results after the initial build, including early user traction from the SaaS MVP launch, demonstrate the viability of this approach.

Building in Public and Gathering Interest

Sharing the journey on social media platforms helped generate a waitlist of over 100 people in just a few days. This building SaaS in public challenge not only creates initial hype but also provides an early avenue for feature suggestions and validation. The initial plan for BopIt included a free hobby tier and a paid plan for higher usage, a common strategy discussed in SaaS pricing models.

This experiment in rapid MVP development underscores the potential of combining AI-driven coding assistance with no-code platforms. It significantly lowers the barrier to entry for creating and launching new software ideas, though dedication and an understanding of the underlying technology are still essential for success. Even with AI, the ability to debug and manage deployment is critical. The fact that this app started making its first money quickly further validates the approach.

Connect with Sebastian Volkis: Instagram: @sebastian_volkis YouTube: Sebastian Volkis on YouTube Twitter (X): @sebastianvolkis