A recent analysis of 10,150 indie hacker products listed on the TrustMRR platform as of September 2026 reveals that only 2.4% have reached an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of at least $100,000. This figure is based on 245 products that maintained active, verified payment connections and reported monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of at least $8,333.33.
The data highlights significant challenges for independent developers. Approximately 26.1% of the listed products had never recorded a payment, and only 49.1% generated any revenue in the 30 days prior to the study. Among those earning money, the median revenue for that period was $169. Furthermore, the top 1% of products accounted for 76.1% of all revenue generated on the platform during that timeframe.
The study notes that MRR metrics may underrepresent businesses relying on one-time purchases, templates, or marketplace commissions. In fact, 1,222 products that earned money in the previous month reported zero subscription revenue. The research also highlights that stale data is common, with 37 records showing over $5,000 in MRR failing to sync for more than 30 days.
Comparing these findings to a 2022 analysis of 937 products on Indie Hackers, which suggested a 5% success rate, is difficult due to differences in methodology and platform selection. TrustMRR, launched in October 2025, relies on self-reported data from founders. While U.S.-based entities showed higher revenue performance, the study emphasizes that these figures reflect a specific snapshot rather than a universal success probability.
