We’re always on the lookout for different ways to market “scanner” apps. The market is extremely saturated, so finding a new angle really highlights the creativity and skill of the growth hacker running the play.

ChowTracker, launched in April, isn’t huge yet. It’s sitting at around 8K downloads with a small MRR.

But they’ve managed 500K views across 150 slideshows. Not mind-blowing, but since these are Pinterest-style faceless slideshows, the format could scale across multiple accounts.

Their approach follows the classic Pinterest weight-loss style: first image is a fit girl taking a mirror selfie, followed by app screenshots and direct promotion.

The hook is simple: “Free calorie tracker app that actually works.” On the surface it feels basic, but in this niche it’s actually pretty effective.

And if you dig into the account, there are a few better examples.

What it really shows is that going vertical still creates opportunities for smaller niche apps. Our GLP-1 coverage was one case, and this (although smaller) could be another.