Practical launch guide
How to Launch on DevHunt
DevHunt makes sense when developers are the users of your tool. A useful quick-start can do more for that audience than a broad startup pitch. Decide separately whether you want a free listing or a paid weekly launch.
Reviewed 2026-10-27
When to Wait or Choose Another Channel
A general product does not become a developer tool because its founder writes code. Check the audience fit before spending time on a specialist submission.
DevHunt: Facts Before You Submit
- Free option
- Free permanent listing with nofollow link
- Paid launch
- $19 weekly launch; $49 boosted launch
- Launch format
- Developer-tool directory and weekly launch competition.
- Eligibility
- Tools for developers, including APIs, libraries, CLIs, and developer-focused AI tools.
- Conditions
- The paid launch adds a chosen week, newsletter inclusion, and dofollow. Boost changes placement when votes tie; it does not guarantee a win.
Prepare and Launch
1. Demonstrate Developer Value
Prepare a runnable example, API request, or short workflow. Explain the problem the tool removes and any constraints a developer should know before trying it.
2. Prepare the Listing Assets
The official FAQ asks for a name, website, description, logo, and screenshots. Make the destination useful to someone evaluating installation effort, not just someone looking at a launch graphic.
3. Choose Listing Versus Launch
A free listing keeps a permanent page with a nofollow link. The paid weekly launch adds scheduling, newsletter inclusion, and dofollow. Compare the boosted option only if its stated placement rule is useful to you.
4. Support the Launch Week
Be ready to answer setup and compatibility questions. If a user reports a broken quick-start, repair it and say what changed. Track successful trials of the tool separately from visits to its homepage.
Before You Submit
- Developer audience confirmed
- Quick-start tested
- Logo and screenshots ready
- Free listing or launch week chosen
- Technical questions covered
Questions Founders Ask
Is a DevHunt Listing Free?
Yes. The FAQ distinguishes the free permanent listing from a paid weekly launch. The fact table shows the checked launch prices.
Does Boosting Guarantee a Win?
No. The boosted launch changes placement when votes are tied, along with the stated promotion benefits. It is not a guarantee of the winning position.