Have you come across those AI fortune-telling mini-programs?

Enter your birth data, pay 59 yuan, and get a personalized destiny report. Honestly, the first time I saw this, I thought it was nonsense.

But here’s the twist—someone made 25 million RMB in just half a year using this model.

And there’s another one that went global with an app, pulling in $120,000 in a single day. Let me ask you—just who’s really profiting from this cyber mysticism?

So what’s the actual business model?

Just wrap a large language model API with a well-crafted fortune-telling prompt, slap on a sleek UI, and voilà—you’ve got a product. Users pay 59 yuan to unlock their report.

The ecosystem breaks down into three layers—study them carefully:

Front-end: Self-media influencers driving traffic via TikTok and Xiaohongshu with AI fortune-telling videos.

Middle-tier: Fortune-telling companies handling product design, branding, and pricing strategy.

Back-end: Technical teams managing API integration and frontend development.

Each plays their part—just pick one layer and you can still scale.

Where does the money actually come from?

Let’s start with the domestic market.

One company alone raked in 25 million RMB in half a year using this playbook.

Their core users are aged 18 to 35—accounting for over 70%. I’ve reviewed the iMedia Consulting data multiple times: in China’s metaphysical consumption market, individuals aged 18 to 30 make up more than 70%.

Guess what people are asking for?

Career uncertainty? Check. Whether to switch jobs? Check. Dating red flags? Also check.

Take Starla, for example—launched months ago, exploded via TikTok, peaked at $124,000 daily revenue in a single month, totaling over $2.5 million in gross revenue.

Then there’s FateTell—4% overseas conversion rate, 40% repeat purchase rate. Already break-even.

Why do Western users spend more? They’re willing to pay for Eastern mystique and have established subscription habits. In China? 59 yuan? I’d just go straight to DeepSeek and ask for free.

Is the barrier to entry high? Not at all!

All you need is: proficiency in crafting effective prompts, API integration skills, and basic mini-program development.

Startup cost runs under hundreds of yuan; add marketing, and you’re looking at a few thousand. The real key? Traffic acquisition. Post a few AI fortune-telling videos on Douyin or Xiaohongshu—whether they go viral depends on luck.

If you’re just repackaging DeepSeek’s free API for fortune-telling, users will immediately go back to DeepSeek and ask the same question for free.

Why would they pay 59 yuan? Unless you add premium value—like career planning or emotional counseling.

Pure template-based AI fortune-telling is becoming increasingly saturated.

Meanwhile, going global offers far wider opportunities. Pairing Eastern mysticism with psychological wellness positioning resonates with international audiences—and they’re willing to pay.

If you're serious about this space, prioritize overseas markets. After all, Chinese don’t scam Chinese!!