How would I approach Product Hunt in 2026?
We recently discussed the changes that took place on the platform in 2025, so it’s clear that the approach to Product Hunt will need to evolve as well.
Some features were removed, others were added, but there are still opportunities to gain visibility.
This year, I would definitely focus on the following:
Before launching the product, I would ask people to follow the product page.
If possible, I would also encourage them to follow the makers behind the launch. That said, I’d prefer to build this organically by being active on the platform (supporting other products, writing reviews, and participating in discussions).
Being in their shoes, I’d try to join other launches as a maker. Besides gaining maker status and increasing a product’s chances of success, this helps build stronger relationships and trust with other makers, who are then more likely to support your launch.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these are my core observations on how to strengthen your position on Product Hunt in 2026.
What are your suggestions for this year to "shine" on this platform?
Replies
Vozo AI — Video localization
I did my first Product Hunt launch back in 2015, when the community felt especially pure — lots of honest critique, real feedback, and very little noise.
PH has changed, but I still believe it works best when we treat it as a maker community, not just a launch channel. Show up, support others, and give thoughtful feedback — and you’ll usually get the same when it’s your turn.
People here are sharp. Authenticity shows.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@lightfield I bet that there were also more "famous" people. Like those early YC people etc. Shame I didn't experience that. I couldn't, I was 19, and my English was weak hahaha.
This is helpful timing for me. I just launched my first product on Product Hunt and intentionally did it without fanfare mostly to understand what I didn’t know yet.
The experience gave me a lot of signal around how the platform actually works now, and it made me appreciate the community side much more than the launch mechanics themselves. I plan to be more active here going forward supporting other makers, joining discussions, and learning in public.
@joshjwgm Congrats on your launch! Once the dust settles on your @LoopLog.me launch today, I'd be interested to hear more about what you learned.
What are some of the things that surprised you that you didn't know yet until after launching for yourself? Any tips for things that you either did well or would encourage others to do differently in their upcoming launches?
minimalist phone: creating folders
@joshjwgm Be active and people start noticing you ;) Everything takes time (and engagement) :)
@busmark_w_nika Absolutely agree. I was ready to open the floodgates yesterday, but I really like the vibe here. I’m in.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@joshjwgm Also, maybe you can become more engaged on LinkedIn too :) Many people from PH goes there.
MultiDrive
I would add: be active here and on LinkedIn. Be friendly, share your experience, and ask for suggestions. I’d say this is a huge, friendly community. :)
@tetianai Very impressive that your MultiDrive launch hit #1 for the day and #5 for the week!
Did you find that enough of your LinkedIn followers also had Product Hunt accounts and supported your launch? Or, do you recommend LinkedIn as a completely separate, unrelated channel from Product Hunt that drives traffic directly to MultiDrive's website instead of through Product Hunt?
MultiDrive
@kilpatrick Thank you 🙂
I’d say the first option. I started talking to different people and asking for their advice. Many of those who are active here on Product Hunt have already launched their products, so they can share their experience, mistakes, and what helped them succeed.
This way, I also received many suggestions about text and visuals. You end up creating your own small community of people.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@kilpatrick @tetianai People, who you already connected with, will fix you as a person in their mind and find you familiar. They are more likely support you then! :) Good approach, Tetiana :)
minimalist phone: creating folders
@tetianai This is what works! You are a living example here :)
MultiDrive
@busmark_w_nika thank you 🥰
minimalist phone: creating folders
@tetianai You are welcome :)
Easy Save AI
minimalist phone: creating folders
@wealthyshezzy1 Do you have more suggestions? Honestly, I expected some :D
minimalist phone: creating folders
@kilpatrick But the product page should be available. Like ours: https://www.producthunt.com/products/minimalist-phone-reduce-your-screentime
@busmark_w_nika You're right! It doesn't show up in the PH search yet, but I tried manually typing in my pre-launch url, producthunt.com/products/known-names , while logged out and that works fine. I added the link to my profile page. Thanks for the tip!
minimalist phone: creating folders
@kilpatrick Lemme know on 13 jan ;)
Hi @busmark_w_nika Thank you very much for all the information!
I have one question: how do you recommend getting followers during the pre-launch phase—when the startup only has an Upcoming page on Product Hunt?
Do you advise to mainly focus on sharing it on LinkedIn, X, and within Product Hunt groups, or are there other tactics you’d suggest at this stage?
minimalist phone: creating folders
@pamela_requena If you have built a personal brand as an expert and have a strong presence on these platforms, you can benefit at a great extent. Otherwise, being active here as well :)