Nika

How has Product Hunt changed in the last year? 2025 Recap

In 2025, we witnessed a true Product Hunt (r)evolution – so many things changed dramatically. I honestly think this was the most intense year of changes the platform has ever had.

For example, we got to experience all of this:

  • Verifying profiles (badges)

  • Alternative product suggestions on launch pages

  • Views and online count on forum posts

  • Adding/Removing the ambassador program

  • Forums instead of Discussions

  • Changing the UX/UI of launch pages

  • Removing “Coming soon” (Notify me pages)

  • Adding/Removing downvotes on comments

  • Forum comments now showing up on our profiles

  • More extensive footer

  • Redesign of the main page UI (e.g., new notification icon)

  • Removing Kitty’s awards

What changes do you like the most/least?

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Kate Ramakaieva

I still miss Golden Kitty Awards, though Orbit is also an interesting replacement. Looking forward to what 2026 will bring us here 😻

Nika

@kate_ramakaieva I see Orbit as something that eventually should retain the attention of makers more on this platform. Tho, still missing the Golden Kitty as well, because it sounded so fancy, those titles etc :D

Esther George
Well, I became active 3 months ago. But I barely understand what happens here. I just upvote things I like and would wish to use (for future reference), I follow creators I like (like you), and engage on discussions I love. I'm just finding out here that kitty awards are not here anymore even though I still have it (maybe it's the outdated version or kitty awards and kitty coins aren't the same). I also don't know steps to take to get verified. I think I'd have to update my app right now.
Esther George
@george_esther maybe it's the laptop version. Because I tried to update and it says updated
Nika

@george_esther Have you tried to verify yourself via a desktop device? (It is in the profile section – settings – Verify account.

Esther George
@busmark_w_nika yes, I submitted my business email. But it's still pending. I don't know how long it's supposed to take
Nika

@george_esther I think they control it manually. So hard to say, probably several weeks. It depends also how big is this a piority in their tasks.

Tetiana

@george_esther I do almost the same :D

Rohan Chaubey

Good list. Adding a few more to your list:

  • Addition and removal of the cover photo for launch posts

  • Extending description limit from 260 characters to 500 characters

  • Shifting placement of top nav elements (Best Products and Launches swapped)

  • Introducing Orbit awards

Nika

@rohanrecommends I totally missed the character limit. So glad they extended it. I am preparing for one launch and have around 400 characters :D

Igor Lysenko

I do not like that the day activity was removed; it was easier to see whether a day was counted or not. I also used to be very sensitive to the PH interface, but now it seems fine to me, probably because I have gotten used to it 🙃

Nika

@ixord Wait, what do you mean by daily activity?

Igor Lysenko

@busmark_w_nika I am referring to the Daily Streak that we had.

Nika

@ixord But the daily streak is still counting.

Igor Lysenko

@busmark_w_nika The streak counter is still there, yes. But I am referring to the place where "Forums" is now; on the right side of the screen, the current number of consecutive days we have logged in was always displayed. It was convenient, but it was removed after the updates.

Tetiana

Oh my God, were here downvotes on comments? Thank God they don’t exist anymore :D

Nika

@tetianai They were here for a little while a few months ago. They used to be next to "Upvoted." I was used to the old system, and anytime I wanted to tap "Reply" on my desktop, by accident I tapped "Downvote." :D