First1000: How TradingView Acquired Its First 1000 Users
TradingView grew its first 1000 users through a freemium model, a focus on community engagement, and partnerships with brokerage platforms. Discover how this game-changing tool for traders became a global phenomenon.
In this First1000 edition, we explore TradingView, a platform that changed the landscape of financial analysis and trading by bringing sophisticated charting tools and community features to everyday investors and professional traders alike. Founded in 2011, TradingView has grown into a leading social network for traders and a go-to charting solution for financial professionals. But how did it secure its first 1000 users? Let’s break down their journey.
Founding TradingView
TradingView was founded in 2011 by Stan Bokov, Denis Globa, and Constantin Ivanov, who wanted to build a tool that combined advanced financial charting with community-driven insights. The founders were experienced developers with a passion for finance, and they noticed the lack of a robust, user-friendly, and accessible platform where traders could share analyses, ideas, and strategies.
The goal was to create a tool that democratized access to top-tier trading tools while fostering a community of collaboration and learning. Built as a cloud-based application, TradingView allowed users to access its powerful charting tools from any device, making it particularly appealing to traders looking for flexibility.
Ingenious Strategies to Acquire the First 1000 Users
- Freemium Model with Essential Charting Tools: TradingView launched with a freemium model, providing free access to fundamental charting tools while offering premium features for paying subscribers. This model allowed novice and professional traders alike to test the platform’s capabilities at no cost, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. The free access generated a quick influx of early users who were curious to try out the platform, helping it secure its first 1000 users within weeks.
- Community-Driven Content and Social Features: TradingView’s founders were among the first in the industry to recognize the value of social trading. They introduced a unique feature that allowed users to publish their trading ideas and share analysis, which made the platform feel like a collaborative community rather than just a tool. Traders could follow each other, comment on ideas, and share strategies, creating a social element that encouraged engagement and word-of-mouth referrals. This community-driven approach proved vital in retaining early users and fostering organic growth.
- Strategic Partnerships with Brokerages and Platforms: TradingView focused on forming partnerships with well-established brokerage firms and financial websites, enabling them to embed TradingView charts on their platforms. This approach provided exposure to TradingView’s advanced charting tools among a wider audience, with many users eventually signing up for TradingView accounts to access additional features. These partnerships helped TradingView reach thousands of users without a large initial marketing budget.
- Developer-Friendly Platform with API Access: The founders of TradingView understood the importance of customization for professional traders and developers. By offering API access and supporting integration with popular tools, TradingView attracted developers and power users who were eager to create custom scripts and indicators. The early engagement from this audience helped create a repository of content that benefited the entire community, driving up usage and attracting new users.
- Pine Script for Custom Indicators: TradingView introduced Pine Script, a programming language that allowed users to create custom indicators and strategies. This feature was a game-changer for traders seeking a tailored experience, enabling them to share scripts with the community. The Pine Script library quickly became a valuable resource, drawing traders looking for customized solutions and helping TradingView solidify its community-oriented reputation.
TradingView Today
Today, TradingView is a global powerhouse in the financial industry, boasting over 30 million users in 180 countries. The platform supports a diverse array of assets, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, forex, and commodities, and has partnerships with some of the world’s leading brokers. TradingView’s valuation reached $3 billion following a funding round in 2021, and it continues to expand its offerings to cater to the evolving needs of traders and investors. The platform remains privately held, with its founders and employees maintaining a significant share of ownership.
What is First1000?
First1000 is a series that unveils the early growth stories behind iconic companies, examining how they acquired their first 1000 users. From initial challenges to ingenious strategies, these stories provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts.