
Arvid Kahl's Best X Posts
@arvidkahlArvid talks about building in public. He's a creator and software builder
Arvid Kahl has grown a big (and profitable) audience on X.
One of the reasons? The ability to create engaging content that got a lot of engagement.
Here are the 10 best posts (and why they worked):
Post #1
Why This Post Performed Well
This post strikes a chord with a lot of folks in the tech community, especially those dealing with large datasets. First off, the post is relatable. Many people have faced the frustration of slow search queries, and the mention of "keeping me awake at night" adds a touch of humor and humanity. It's a shared pain point, and that builds instant connection. The mention of specific technologies like MySQL and Meilisearch adds credibility and specificity. This isn't just a vague complaint; it's a real-world problem with real-world tools. It attracts tech-savvy readers who might have faced similar issues or have solutions to offer. Finally, the call to action—asking for advice—invites engagement. People love to share their expertise and feel helpful, especially in niche areas where they can showcase their knowledge. This drives comments and interaction, boosting the post's visibility and reach.
Post #2
Why This Post Performed Well
This post nails it by tapping into the universal desire for creative freedom and the validation of pursuing side hustles. It cleverly uses the Michelin Guide as an example, a well-known brand that defied expectations by branching out from tires to fine dining. This juxtaposition is both surprising and inspiring, making readers think, "If they can do it, why can't I?" The post resonates with the 30-something crowd who often juggle day jobs and passion projects. It gives them permission to explore their interests without guilt, which is a powerful motivator. The casual tone and relatable message create an instant connection, making it highly shareable. People love content that feels like a friend giving them a nudge to follow their dreams. Plus, it subtly encourages self-reflection, prompting readers to reconsider their own limitations and possibilities. It's a perfect blend of inspiration, relatability, and a touch of humor.
Post #3
Why This Post Performed Well
This post did well because it taps into a shared cultural observation that resonates with many people. The idea that we often prioritize projecting our experiences over truly living them hits home for a lot of social media users. It's a clever take on the performative nature of social media, where the act of sharing can sometimes overshadow the actual experience. The use of contrasting pairs like "projection, not reflection" and "surface, not depth" makes the message punchy and memorable. These juxtapositions are easy to digest and provoke thought, encouraging readers to reflect on their own social media habits. The post also subtly critiques modern social behavior, which can make readers feel validated in their own frustrations with the digital age. By articulating a common sentiment in a concise and relatable way, this post invites engagement and shares, as people recognize themselves and their peers in the message.
Post #4
Why This Post Performed Well
This post did well because it taps into a few key elements that resonate with its audience. First, it uses humor and self-deprecation ("call me a noob") to create relatability. Many people in tech have felt overwhelmed or amazed by new tools, so this instantly connects with the reader. The post also highlights a common experience in tech: the joy of discovering something that simplifies a complex process. By sharing a "life-changing experience," it taps into the universal desire for efficiency and ease. The use of specific tech jargon (Laravel, Jetstream, Spark) signals to the target audience—developers and tech enthusiasts—that this is insider content. This creates a sense of belonging and community. Finally, the surprise and excitement ("WHAT?! 🤣") at the end adds an emotional punch, leaving readers with a positive feeling. This emotional engagement encourages likes, shares, and comments, boosting the post's visibility.
Post #5
Why This Post Performed Well
This post taps into the universal desire for efficiency and productivity, which resonates with the busy lives of 30-year-olds. The opening line, "I'm still not over just how massive this is," creates intrigue and sets the stage for something groundbreaking. By quantifying the achievement—transcribing 2.5 hours of audio in under 2 minutes—it provides a clear, impressive metric that captures attention. The post cleverly uses time as a relatable currency, translating the benefit into everyday terms: a podcast episode, an hour long, can be fully processed in just 1 minute. This juxtaposition of time saved versus time spent is powerful and relatable. The use of emojis, like the mind-blown face, adds a layer of excitement and visual interest, making the post more engaging. Overall, it speaks to the tech-savvy, efficiency-craving mindset of the audience, promising them more time for what truly matters.
Post #6
Why This Post Performed Well
This post hits home because it taps into a common frustration among 30-somethings: the glamorization of startup culture without the substance. It cuts through the fluff with a no-nonsense tone, appealing to those who are tired of the "fake it till you make it" mentality. The juxtaposition between "building a business" and "playing startup" is powerful. It suggests maturity and seriousness, resonating with an audience that's likely been around the block a few times and is ready to focus on real, sustainable growth. The post is short and punchy, making it easy to read and share. Its simplicity is its strength, as it doesn't overcomplicate the message. Plus, it subtly challenges the reader, prompting them to reflect on their own goals and whether they're truly committed to building something lasting. Overall, it's a call to action for authenticity and dedication, which is why it strikes a chord.
Post #7

Why This Post Performed Well
This post resonates because it taps into the raw, often unspoken struggles of entrepreneurship—mental health. It's not just about the hustle; it's about the human behind the hustle. People love authenticity, and this post delivers it in spades. The phrase "I am done. I give up" is a powerful hook that immediately grabs attention. It's relatable and evokes empathy, making readers pause and reflect on their own experiences. Sharing a link to a Hacker News post adds credibility and context, inviting readers to explore the story further. The mention of mental health issues is timely and relevant, as more people are opening up about these challenges in professional settings. By highlighting that this is a "common" experience, the post normalizes the struggle, making it a shared experience rather than an isolated one. This creates a sense of community and support, encouraging engagement and sharing among readers.
Post #8
Why This Post Performed Well
This post did well because it taps into a universal desire: the need to make a meaningful impact. For many people, especially those around 30, there's a growing realization that life isn't just about the paycheck—it's about purpose. The post flips the traditional narrative of chasing money and instead highlights how money follows when you're genuinely helping others. This resonates with the millennial mindset, which often values experiences and purpose over material wealth. It's a refreshing take that aligns with the idea of social entrepreneurship and conscious capitalism, both of which are hot topics right now. Moreover, the post is concise and packs a punch with its message, making it highly shareable. The simplicity of the statement makes it easy to remember and repeat, which is gold in the world of social media. It’s a feel-good message that inspires and motivates, leading to more engagement and shares.
Post #9
Why This Post Performed Well
This post hits home because it cuts through the noise with a simple, powerful truth that resonates with anyone who's ever tried to start a business. It's a wake-up call for dreamers and doers alike, reminding them that passion projects need to be financially viable to be considered a business. The post's bluntness is refreshing in a world where entrepreneurship is often glamorized without acknowledging the hard financial realities. It's a reality check that sparks introspection and conversation, encouraging people to evaluate their ventures critically. The statement is short, making it easy to digest and share, which is key for engagement on social media. Plus, it appeals to the entrepreneurial spirit, tapping into the desire for success and financial independence. By challenging the reader's perception, it not only grabs attention but also encourages them to reflect on their own business journey, making it highly relatable and shareable.
Post #10
Why This Post Performed Well
This post taps into the entrepreneurial mindset by acknowledging a universal truth: chaos is part of the journey. By stating this upfront, it resonates with anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by the unpredictability of starting and running a business. The word "comfortable" is key here. It suggests a shift in mindset rather than a change in circumstances, which is empowering. It implies that chaos isn't something to be eradicated but embraced, which can be a relief to those who feel like they're constantly battling it. The post also creates a sense of camaraderie among entrepreneurs. It's like a nod to those in the know, fostering a community of people who 'get it.' This shared understanding can be incredibly validating, making the post highly relatable and shareable. Plus, it's short and punchy—perfect for social media, where attention spans are fleeting. It delivers wisdom without the fluff, making it easy to digest and remember.
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