What Is Vibe Coding? How One Developer Makes $750 a Day Building Vibe Code Apps with Replit and ChatGPT

What Is Vibe Coding? How One Developer Makes $750 a Day Building Vibe Code Apps with Replit and ChatGPT

•Nick Tesh
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"Vibe coding is the new freelance gold rush."

That's how Greg Isenberg frames it in his new YouTube interview with developer Billy Howell, who makes up to $750 a day building simple vibe code apps using Replit, ChatGPT, and Upwork.

If you've been searching for "what is vibe coding" or "vibe coding jobs," this post is your ultimate breakdown of how this modern coding movement is helping indie developers, freelancers, and creators turn ideas into income—fast.

What Is Vibe Coding? (Vibe Code Meaning Explained)

Vibe coding is the practice of building quick, scrappy MVP apps using AI tools like ChatGPT, Replit, and low-code platforms. It's less about perfect code and more about momentum, validation, and fast iteration.

Think of it like this:

The Process:

  1. Find a real-world need (like someone on Upwork asking for an Airtable app)
  2. Prompt ChatGPT to help build the backend and frontend
  3. Use Replit to prototype, test, and deploy
  4. Pitch it to the client (often with a simple Loom video)
  5. Get paid.

That's vibe coding. It's not just coding—it's coding with feel. With flow. With... well, vibes.

Vibe Code Apps: Real Projects, Real Paychecks

In the YouTube episode, Billy shows how he landed his first $750 gig on Upwork by replacing a client's Airtable workflow with a custom app built on Replit—in just a few days.

Since then, he's built over 40+ vibe code apps, charging anywhere from $500 to $2,500+ per project. Many of these apps are simple CRUD systems or custom dashboards tailored to small business needs.

I just look for Airtable jobs on Upwork and ask: can I do this faster, cheaper, and better with my own app? – Billy Howell

What Kind of Vibe Coding Jobs Exist?

Searching for "vibe coding jobs" or "vibe code app ideas"? Here are some examples of real use cases:

  • Replacing Airtable/Notion setups with lightweight web apps
  • Automating internal workflows for small businesses
  • Building client portals for agencies
  • Simple inventory or CRM tools
  • Scheduling platforms (e.g. tutoring businesses)
  • Dashboards for nonprofits or remote teams

Most of these apps:

  • Have low complexity
  • Involve forms, databases, and interfaces
  • Can be scaffolded quickly in Replit or with AI assistance

Why Vibe Coding Works (And Pays)

Here's why vibe coding is exploding:

  • Speed: ChatGPT + Replit = MVPs in hours, not weeks.
  • No friction: No local setup, package management, or deployment pain.
  • Real demand: Thousands of businesses are hiring devs to build custom tools.
  • Upsells: Hosting, support, and future feature add-ons = recurring revenue.

Even better? You don't need to spend months building a startup. You get paid upfront to build something small—but valuable.

How to Get Started with Vibe Coding

Want to get into vibe coding? Follow this step-by-step:

  1. Search Upwork for keywords like "Airtable", "automations", or "custom CRM"
  2. Copy the job post into ChatGPT and ask it to create a Product Requirements Document (PRD)
  3. Use Replit to build a working prototype (or just the UI using V0.dev)
  4. Record a Loom demo and send it with your Upwork proposal
  5. Get paid. Improve. Upsell. Repeat.

You're getting paid to learn. That's the power of vibe code. – Greg Isenberg

Bonus: Use Replit's "Get Help" and Bounties to Scale

Replit even has a "Get Help" button and bounty system—so if you get stuck, you can pay another dev $50–$100 to help debug or polish your app.

That's how vibe coders scale: build fast, fix fast, ship fast.

Vibe Code Boost: Taking Things Further

Want to go beyond Upwork? Once you've got a few successful apps:

  • Turn them into micro-SaaS products
  • License them to multiple clients in the same niche
  • Join private communities like Startup Empire (Greg's paid group)
  • Or just keep flipping apps and refining your skills

It's your vibe, your rules.

Final Thoughts: Should You Start Vibe Coding?

If you're curious about:

  • Getting freelance coding jobs
  • Building simple apps without a CS degree
  • Learning as you earn
  • Launching a micro-agency with AI tools

Then yes—vibe coding might be the easiest on-ramp to making money online right now.

As Billy puts it:

Build something cool. Then move on to the next one. That's it.

Watch the Full Video Interview:

He Makes $750/Day 'Vibe Coding' Apps (w/ Replit + ChatGPT)
Video by Greg Isenberg

Did you like this blog post? Stay tuned for future breakdowns of emerging internet-side-hustle trends and ways to learn vibe coding.