Product Introduction
- MillionShip.dev is a curated 3D interactive directory designed for indie developers and small startups to showcase their products without traditional marketing efforts. Users select a virtual "ship" representing their product, place it on a global 3D map, and gain visibility as others explore the platform. The system eliminates the need for self-promotion by leveraging organic discovery through visual and spatial engagement.
- The core value lies in democratizing visibility for indie products by replacing aggressive marketing tactics with a playful, collaborative ecosystem. It prioritizes simplicity and creativity, allowing developers to focus on building their products while the platform handles exposure through its immersive globe interface.
Main Features
- Users can claim a customizable "ship" icon and pin it to a 3D-rendered Earth model, creating a visually engaging representation of their product’s location or target market. The globe supports zooming, rotation, and click interactions to view product details.
- Submission requires minimal effort: developers input their product name, URL, description, and a thumbnail, then select coordinates or a region for placement. No coding or design skills are needed to participate.
- The platform automates passive discovery by encouraging users to explore the globe organically, with ships visible based on geographic relevance or trending status. Products gain exposure without requiring ongoing user engagement.
Problems Solved
- Indie developers often lack resources for effective marketing, leading to obscurity despite having functional products. MillionShip.dev solves this by replacing costly campaigns with a zero-effort visibility platform.
- The target audience includes solo developers, bootstrapped startups, and niche tools that struggle to compete with heavily marketed alternatives. It also serves creators who dislike self-promotion but want ethical exposure.
- Typical scenarios include launching MVPs without a marketing budget, reviving abandoned projects through community interest, and cross-promoting complementary tools via geographic clustering on the globe.
Unique Advantages
- Unlike static directories or social media groups, MillionShip.dev uses a gamified 3D interface that increases user engagement and memorability. Competitors like Product Hunt focus on time-bound rankings, whereas this platform emphasizes spatial permanence.
- The globe integrates real-world geography, allowing users to associate products with regions—useful for local services or culturally relevant tools. Ships can be clustered to form "hubs" for specific tech stacks or industries.
- Competitive advantages include zero listing fees, no algorithmic suppression of visibility, and a visually distinct format that encourages organic sharing. The platform avoids ads, ensuring focus remains on product discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I add my product to the globe? Submit your product name, URL, and a brief description through the "Add Your Ship" form, then drag a pin to your desired location on the interactive map. Approval typically takes 24 hours.
- Is there a cost to list my product? MillionShip.dev is free indefinitely for indie developers, with no tiered subscriptions or hidden fees. Revenue is generated through optional sponsor slots for larger companies.
- How does the discovery process work? Users explore the globe by rotating/zooming or searching by region, with ships appearing based on proximity. Trending ships are highlighted via a heatmap effect, and all listings remain permanently visible unless removed.
- Can I update my ship’s details after submission? Yes, users can edit their product’s description, thumbnail, or location through their account dashboard. Changes require re-approval to prevent spam.
- What prevents spam or low-quality listings? A manual review process ensures all ships meet basic quality standards, including functional links, clear descriptions, and adherence to indie-focused guidelines (no VC-backed startups).
