I analyzed 10k top posts on r/SaaS subreddit - 5 post types that get you on top

Background: we're building popsy.ai - an AI tool that automates lead generation on Reddit. Our tool analyzes hundreds of thousands of Reddit posts daily. I dug into top performing posts from r/SaaS subreddit so see if there are any patterns that can help me write winning posts. I found 5 post types that consistently rank on top. I added lots of real examples for your inspiration.

Based on top r/SaaS posts as of Jun 22 2025

1. Success Stories with Metrics

Personal stories of success with real numbers (MRR, ARR, user counts, exits) regularly make it to the top. But there's also a growing sentiment against bold claims without any proof or added value.

Examples:

• I raised $130M, grew Base44 solo to $3.5M ARR, 300K users, and sold to Wix for $80M. AMA.
  739 upvotes, 809 comments

• It finally happened — got my first paying user today!
  387 upvotes, 308 comments

• My new AI app just got 1000 Users from my uni in 24 hours - What I learned from it
  150 upvotes, 105 comments

• Typeform alternative I made has crossed $65,000 in total revenue and crossed $5,000 MRR. AMA!
  152 upvotes, 98 comments

• My non-AI app made $8000 USD in 2 months. Here’s how I did it
  1200 upvotes, 312 comments

• I built an app and had no clue what I was doing and it’s now making me thousands…
  680 upvotes, 294 comments

• Quit my job, built a Chrome extension, now have paid customers from 40+ countries
  827 upvotes, 222 comments

• I survived 2.5 years without a job by building a Chrome extension solo
  1000 upvotes, 342 comments

• It took 7 months to get my first paying customer. Then it took 8 months to reach $33k revenue. Keep going!
  163 upvotes, 96 comments

Why it works:

• Everybody in r/SaaS wants to make it. Success stories are great motivation.

• Specific metrics prove credibility.

Tips:

• Don't fake it. r/SaaS are sceptical to a fault and will even call bullshit on legit claims.

• Small milestones perform just as well (maybe better) than large.

• Add relevant screenshots, photos, etc. The more proof the better.

• Don't be vague, use specific numbers.

• Don't just share your metrics, include some actionable advice that other can apply to their own startup.

• Make it personal, talk about your feelings etc.

2. Growth Playbooks

Posts that show experiments in acquisition, retention, or conversion — especially when backed by numbers.

Examples:

• Book a Demo button is killing your conversions.
  156 upvotes, 45 comments

• How I hacked growth on Reddit to build a $1M SaaS
  758 upvotes, 188 comments

• I ran $2200 worth of paid ads (no prior experience). This is what I learnt.,
  849 upvotes, 172 comments

• Sending 15 emails everyday changed my life completely
  377 upvotes, 91 comments

• My SaaS made $60,000 before we built the product. Here's how we validated demand by faking automation
  229 upvotes, 111 comments

Why It Works:

• Everyone in r/SaaS wants to grow faster. They've heard the usual advice. They come to Reddit for concrete playbooks from fellow founders.

Tips:

• Target common pain points (growth, churn, conversion...).

• Use lots of data or test for credibility.

• Add relevant screenshots, photos, etc. The more proof the better.

• Make it actionable - add lists or steps other can follow.

3. Rants and contrarian takes

Posts venting frustrations about SaaS trends, tools, or just r/SaaS itself.

Examples:

• Fuck founder mode. Work in 'Fuck off mode'
  688 upvotes, 323 comments

• Stop building useless sh*t
  1700 upvotes, 276 comments

• How I made $0 in one month with $0 ads
  822 upvotes, 104 comments

• building in public isn't a good idea. here's my experience
  104 upvotes, 46 comments

• Is anyone else tired of the drop your startup link or promote your startup in 5 words posts?
  70 upvotes, 43 comments

• I Removed AI-Powered From All My B2B Copy
  410 upvotes, 151 comments

Why it works:

• They suprise and attract attention. People either agree or disagree and that drives up the comment count.

• They can be pretty funny.

Tips:

• Don't hold back, say what you really feel. Chances are you're not alone in your frustration.

• Should still be relevant to other founders.

4. Failure Stories

Posts failed projects, mistakes, and lessons learned from them.

Examples:

• I Left my Job, Spent almost 10 Months, $20K of loss Building an AI Design/Infographics Tool That Made $0 and Got 0 Users —Here’s What I Built Anyway
  86 upvotes, 148 comments

• I am tired of working everyday with no result.🥲
  27 upvotes, 52 comments

• How I got 0 leads with my content strategy in 30 days
  20 upvotes, 11 comments

• How I killed listingbott in 6 months
  15 upvotes, 21 comments

Why it works:

• Reading all the success stories can also bum you out. These can be a good to balance things out.

• Some failure stories provide good lessons for others.

Tips:

• Be honest about what went wrong and why.

• Share specific lessons or takeaways.

• Also makes sense to provide metrics to make it more concrete.

5. Giveaways

Offering free services, tools, or datasets tends to perform well, especially if it's actually useful to fellow founders.

Examples:

• Drop a link to your SaaS and I'll reply with free custom promo video!
  70 upvotes, 297 comments

• Share your project. Will see the website and review it
  60 upvotes, 249 comments

• Link your SaaS we'll find you 5 customers for free
  148 upvotes, 405 comments

• I bundled every golden SaaS growth strategy from 100+ founders into a free guide
  15 upvotes, 4 comments

Why it works:

• People love free stuff.

Tips:

• Make sure the resource/service is genuinely useful and relevant.

• Invite users to drop a comment to drive engagement.

• Combine with a success story for credibility.

• Follow through on promises, don't be a d*ck.