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Idea Of The Day - Create a Blanket That Solves Everyone’s Nightly Tug-of-War

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GM. This is Needs to Exist (aka NTE), delivering daily startup ideas—today’s is about solving one of the most underrated sleep disruptors of all time: the battle of the blankets.

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Here’s what we’ve got for you today.

  • Daily Idea - More Blanket = Peace

  • Ones Trash = Gold

End the Battle for the Covers

The One Liner

Stop fighting for the covers.

The 140 character tweet (or X) version

Sheets and comforters that are 25% wider than standard, so no one wakes up cold—or angry.

The Longer Story Version

The Problem

It’s 3 a.m. You wake up freezing because your partner (or your dog) has claimed 90% of the covers. You’re left playing a passive-aggressive tug-of-war while trying not to fall out of bed.

The real issue? Standard bedding sizes are stuck in the past. Twin, Full, Queen, King—none of them account for how people actually sleep. Beds might be big enough, but the blankets? Not so much.

This isn’t just a comfort problem. It’s a relationship problem, a sleep problem, and maybe even a mental health problem. When you’re not getting good sleep, everything suffers.

The Solution

Make the covers bigger.

Seriously. Add 25% more width to sheets and comforters. That’s it. No more yanking, no more cold shoulders, no more “accidentally” stealing the blanket. Everyone stays cozy.

Here’s what makes it better:

  • Extra Width: A simple tweak that solves the problem instantly. More blanket = fewer fights.

  • Premium Materials: Use soft, eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo to make this feel like a luxury upgrade.

  • Direct-to-Consumer: Forget big-box stores. Launch this online with easy sizing guides and optional subscriptions for replacements.

How You’d Build This

  1. Prototype the Product: Start with CAD tools like SolidWorks to create extended-width designs for standard bed sizes. Use a platform like ProtoLabs to get your first samples made.

  2. Source the Materials: Partner with sustainable suppliers for fabrics. Check out Texon or Thread International for eco-friendly options.

  3. Manufacture Smart: Work with a manufacturer that specializes in bedding. Platforms like Maker’s Row can connect you with vetted factories.

  4. Build the Storefront: Set up a Shopify store with a clean, intuitive design. Add upsells for matching pillowcases or duvet covers.

  5. Marketing That Hits Home: Lean into relatable humor. Use TikTok or Instagram Reels to show the "sheet thief" problem in action. Tools like AdCreative.ai can help you whip up killer ad campaigns.

  6. Offer Customization: Use platforms like Zakeke to let customers pick colors, patterns, or monogram options for a personal touch.

Why It Needs To Exist

People spend thousands of dollars on mattresses but keep struggling with outdated bedding that’s too small for how they live.

This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about better sleep, happier mornings, and fewer petty fights over the blanket. Plus, the global bedding market is massive, and no one else is solving this specific pain point.

The best ideas aren’t flashy—they’re simple fixes for universal problems. And this? It’s a $100+ solution to a $1,000 problem.

Go build it. Or don’t—and keep losing sleep over it. Up to you.

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Creators Are Selling Unused Videos for $$$

Here’s a wild one: AI companies are paying creators $1–$4 per minute for their unused video footage. That’s right—random clips sitting on your hard drive could be funding your next vacation.

Why? Companies like OpenAI and Google need massive amounts of unpublished video content to train their models. Public content comes with copyright risks, so fresh, unused footage = gold.

Here’s how creators can cash in:

  • Who’s buying? Big names like Moonvalley and Adobe, plus niche players in the AI space.

  • What’s hot? Drone shots, 4K footage, and niche scenes (think: urban time-lapses or nature B-roll).

  • How much? $1–$2 per minute for regular footage, up to $4 for premium stuff.

  • Where to start? Agencies like make it easy to license your clips while protecting your rights.

Creators are walking away with thousands of dollars, turning “extra” footage into a legit revenue stream. But don’t sleep on this—the demand won’t last forever as these companies build their datasets.

How This Ignites Startup Ideas 💡

Whenever something new pops up, there’s always a way to build on it. Here are a few ways this trend could spark your next idea—even if it’s just a quick flip:

  1. Build a Marketplace
    Creators upload footage, AI companies buy it. Simple. Add tools like pricing suggestions (based on quality) and licensing templates to make it idiot-proof.

  2. License Management SaaS
    Creators don’t want to deal with the legal side. Build software that handles copyright, tracks footage usage, and automates payouts. Bonus points if you throw in analytics to show creators what sells best.

  3. AI-Optimized Footage Aggregator
    AI companies need specific footage. Build a tool that tags and categorizes content for easy searching. Example: “Need drone footage of coastal cities? Boom, here’s 500 clips.”

  4. Creator Analytics Tool
    Help creators make better content by showing them what’s in demand. “Drone shots of snowy mountains? Hot. Time-lapse of highways? Not.” Data = money.

Bonus Tools to Make It Easier:

  • Beehiiv or Substack: Launch a newsletter to target creators and AI companies.

  • Notion: Organize ideas, contracts, and client outreach.

  • Zapier: Automate workflows between creators, buyers, and your platform.

  • Adobe Premiere Plugins: Help creators polish and prep footage for sale.

Final Thought:
The beauty of trends like this? They don’t have to be forever to be worth it. Even if you launch a small tool, flip a marketplace, or carve out a niche, you can ride the wave while it’s hot. Think short-term, execute fast, and cash in while everyone else is still thinking about it.

What’s your take? Hit reply and tell me what you’d build.

One More Meme