I think this is a big problem today, with the amount of good looking vibe coded clones that are showing up one after another.
I think it will be harder and harder for new platforms to establish themself.
This might be overstating it, but it feels like this, and I'm open for being wrong:
What I think has to be done in 2026, is that you have to show really unique genuine innovation. Not genetic recombination of existing solutions, but genetic mutation and successful such.
Then you have to get that signal out, and with a lot of force. You have to show that you have done something truly unique, and make that signal go viral. If you don't get momentum before someone has vibe coded a clone of your Idea, you will have a hard time catching up
What I so far have noticed, is that when people that are not software developers innovate prototypes using vibe coding, it will result in more projects that will require someone understanding how to continue developing and maintaining it.
It will be about the projects architecture and it's alignment with the will of the users. Since AI is not able to do that yet, and probably won't be there in a long time. We as programmers has to contribute with that part. It's our intuitive system thinking, and user understanding that have taken years or decades to form.
Because of this, my prediction is that in the short term, there will be an increase in the need of programming / system thinking skills
Another angle that works well when you have zero budget is partnering with small creators who already talk to your target audience. Not big influencers, micro-creators with a few thousand very engaged followers.
If you offer a simple performance-based deal (e.g., a small reward for each signup or free premium access for their audience), many will happily try your tool because there's no upfront cost for them. Give them a short demo, a clear value story, and a unique link so they can track referrals.
A single well‑matched micro-influencer can easily get you your first 100 real users. It could be a fastest ways to get distribution without spending money.
I think it will be harder and harder for new platforms to establish themself.
This might be overstating it, but it feels like this, and I'm open for being wrong:
What I think has to be done in 2026, is that you have to show really unique genuine innovation. Not genetic recombination of existing solutions, but genetic mutation and successful such.
Then you have to get that signal out, and with a lot of force. You have to show that you have done something truly unique, and make that signal go viral. If you don't get momentum before someone has vibe coded a clone of your Idea, you will have a hard time catching up