Practical launch guide
How to Launch on Show HN
Use Show HN for a substantial project you personally worked on and people can actually try. It is a discussion about the work, not a directory placement to purchase or a slot for a signup-only announcement.
Reviewed 2026-10-27
When to Wait or Choose Another Channel
Wait if all you can show is a landing page, list, newsletter, or fundraiser. The official guidelines exclude these from Show HN because readers cannot try the underlying project.
Show HN: Facts Before You Submit
- Free option
- Free submission
- Paid launch
- No paid Show HN launch tier
- Launch format
- A Hacker News discussion about something you personally built and people can try.
- Eligibility
- A substantial, usable project. Signup-only landing pages, newsletters, and lists do not qualify.
- Conditions
- Start the title with Show HN. Remove trial barriers where possible, stay to discuss the work, and never ask friends to vote or comment.
Prepare and Launch
1. Make Trying It Easy
Test the experience as a new visitor. Offer a sample or demo without an email gate where possible. A reader should be able to explore the work before deciding whether to become a customer.
2. Explain What You Personally Built
Choose a specific title beginning with Show HN and write an opening comment about how and why you made it. Be ready to explain the constraints and tradeoffs instead of repeating a sales pitch.
3. Submit and Stay Available
Use the normal HN submission form. Give the discussion time and answer questions respectfully. Do not ask friends to upvote or comment; the guidelines explicitly prohibit it.
4. Use the Feedback Carefully
Separate a reader misunderstanding from a product limitation. Clarify the first and consider fixing the second. Record useful technical criticism even if the post never attracts broad attention.
Before You Submit
- Personally built project
- Usable sample or demo
- No unnecessary trial barriers
- Specific Show HN title
- Time to discuss the work
Questions Founders Ask
Can I Post a Signup-Only Landing Page?
No. The Show HN guidelines require something readers can try. A signup page alone does not qualify.
Can I Organize Friends to Support the Post?
Do not ask friends to vote or comment. Participate in the discussion and let interest come from the work itself.