Episode 155: Ari Missed CES, but Eric and AI Were There. Plus, Mike Khristo Creates Marketing Plans from GitHub

Ari Paparo and Eric Franchi break down the biggest themes coming out of CES and across ad tech. Ari speaks with Mike Khristo, CEO of Layers, about turning code directly into customers, automating marketing for developers, and how vibe coding is enabling a new wave of profitable niche apps. Ari and Eric then cover AI-powered ad platforms, agentic buying and selling, and major industry announcements from Walmart, Viant, Reddit, Amazon, and The Trade Desk.

Takeaways

• Layers automates marketing for developers who lack marketing skills.

• Vibe coding allows non-professionals to create viable apps.

• AI tools are improving the quality of code produced by non-developers.

• Organic growth is becoming increasingly important for app distribution.

• App Store Optimization is crucial for visibility in app stores.

• TikTok and Meta are key platforms for app marketing.

• Non-technical individuals can successfully build and market apps.

• The rise of niche apps is creating new opportunities in the market.

• Developers can focus on building features rather than marketing.

• The future of app development is empowering individuals to create without needing extensive technical backgrounds.

Chapters

00:00 Intro and CES check-in

02:05 Upcoming interviews and announcements

04:00 MADDB product update

05:26 Interview begins: Mike Khristo, CEO of Layers

10:10 Vibe coding and production-quality apps

15:02 App growth channels: Meta, Apple Search Ads, and ASO

17:58 Managed UGC and creator scale

25:20 News of the Week begins

29:34 Amazon DSP and Reddit automation (“Max” modes)

31:06 Viant Lattice Brain and outcomes-based buying

37:27 Agentic advertising and IAB roadmap

46:59 Closing and Marketecture Live reminder

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