Product Hunt is no longer just a launch platform...

When we launched our product here in April 2025, the playbook was quite different:

• Create a “Coming Soon” page

• Build your network through the Notify Me page

• Let Product Hunt notify everyone on launch day

• Launch, celebrate, and (hopefully) trend

We followed that playbook to the dot and ended up winning #1 Product of the Day.

The network effect from that launch still brings traffic even today.

But that playbook doesn’t really work anymore.

Over the past few months, Product Hunt has quietly evolved.

It’s not a transactional “launch and vanish” platform anymore and has turned into a community.

And the real conversations now start in the forum threads

Here’s what’s changed:

• 💬 Forum discussions drive visibility. So no more message of"please support me on D day" but you genuinely get a chance to explain about your product in advance. 🧭 Being top in your niche matters more than being #1 overall

• 🤝 Reputation compounds as consistent engagement helps your future launches perform better

• 🚀 Being top in your niche (Product Category) often matters more than being #1 of the day.

• 🎯 Relevance wins as people now get to understand what exactly you're building for..

Product Hunt now rewards people who show up often, not just once.

Forum threads, updates, and conversations have become the new pre-launch momentum.

Curious to hear your take

Have you noticed the same shift?

Are you using the forum to build awareness before your next launch?