89: one sec - Frederik Riedel

On the podcast: how Frederik Riedel built one sec as a weekend prototype, accidentally triggered it 20 seconds later, and turned it into a research-backed screen time app with a proven 57% reduction. From a viral tweet with 700 followers to partnerships with Stanford, Cambridge, and three national governments — plus why he filed a US patent as an indie dev.

Top Takeaways: 🧪 Your weekend prototype might be the one The app that changes everything doesn't always come from a grand plan — sometimes it's just a weekend hack to fix something that's bugging you. 🐦 One great tweet can carry you further than you think A single authentic screen recording can generate months of organic growth, especially when it shows a product that instantly clicks with people. 📱 Advertise where your users already are (even if it's ironic) If your target audience lives on social media, that's exactly where your ads should be — even if your product is designed to help them use it less. 🔬 Research isn't just for credibility — it's a product advantage Partnering with researchers can unlock new features, new audiences, and a trust signal that no amount of five-star reviews can replicate. 🧑‍💻 Ship fast, ship often, and let the market tell you what sticks Building 50-100 apps teaches you more about product-market fit than any amount of planning — the winners reveal themselves. 🫣 Hiring doesn't have to mean managing You can grow a team of 18 without a management layer if you hire independent thinkers who use the product and share the mission. 🧠 A breathing exercise beats willpower every time Interrupting an autopilot habit with a brief pause is more effective than screen time limits, cold turkey deletion, or guilt — science backs it up at 57%. 🛡️ Patents are for indie devs too If your idea is genuinely novel and you're worried about big tech copying it, a patent gives them a reason to talk to you first instead of just shipping their own version.

About Frederik Riedel:

🚀 Indie Developer and Creator of one sec, the focus app that tackles the problem of unconscious social media use at its root. It is designed to change your habits on a long-term basis. 👋 LinkedIn 🌐 Learn more about one sec

Follow us on X: Charlie Chapman - @_chuckyc RevenueCat - @RevenueCat Launched - @LaunchedFM

Episode Highlights: [0:00] Introduction to Frederik Riedel and the one sec Story [2:30] The Origins of one sec: From a Personal Struggle to a Solution [5:10] How one sec Helps People Reclaim Control Over Screen Time [7:45] Frederik's Background in Software Development and Early App Journey [10:15] From Indie Developer to Full-Time Founder: Transitioning to one sec [13:00] The Importance of Intentional Design and User Experience in one sec [15:30] The Growth of one sec: From Concept to Widespread Adoption [18:00] Marketing one sec: Using Personal Connections and Organic Growth [21:15] The Role of Research in one sec’s Credibility and Success [24:00] Monetization Strategy: One-Time Payments to Subscription Models [27:45] Balancing Personal and Professional Life as an Indie Founder [30:30] Building a Team: The First Hire and Growing the one sec Team [33:00] Community Building: How one sec Connects with Users [35:45] Managing Product Development and Customer Support as an Indie Founder [38:30] Navigating the Transition from Indie Developer to Business Owner [41:20] The Future of one sec: Scaling and Expanding Features [44:00] The Importance of Personal Branding and Authenticity in Business [46:45] Lessons Learned from the Indie Developer Journey [49:30] Closing Thoughts: The Balance Between Passion, Productivity, and Sustainability [52:00] Takeaways for Aspiring Indie Developers