LaunchWakeCan I post my startup on Hacker News — Show HN?
You can share here directly, provided you follow the format. Posts are rarely removed when they lead with substance instead of a pitch.
Why the ban risk is low
- Built for sharing what you made — no promo-specific restrictions beyond the format.
The rules, in plain English
How to post here safely
- Lead with what it is and the problem it solves, in plain language.
- Use the 'Show HN:' title format when it's something people can try.
- Reply to every comment quickly — engagement is the whole game.
- Don't use hype adjectives ('revolutionary', 'game-changing').
- Don't post a pitch; post a build story or a substantive writeup.
Account requirements
- Add a real name and an 'about' that says what you're building.
- Comment on other threads for a week or two so you're not a zero-history 'green' account.
- Line up honest early testers — never organize upvotes; vote rings get flagged.
Source: Hacker News guidelines & FAQ — there's no karma requirement to submit, but new ('green') accounts draw more scrutiny and voting rings are penalized.
Frequently asked
Can I post my startup on Hacker News — Show HN?
Low ban risk. You can share here directly, provided you follow the format. Posts are rarely removed when they lead with substance instead of a pitch.
What gets posts removed on Hacker News — Show HN?
Built for sharing what you made — no promo-specific restrictions beyond the format. In short: Don't use hype adjectives ('revolutionary', 'game-changing').
When is the best time to post on Hacker News — Show HN?
Tue–Thu 8am ET. Timing helps, but fit and format matter more — a rule-breaking post fails at any hour.
Do I need an established account to post on Hacker News — Show HN?
There's no hard rule, but Hacker News — Show HN works best with an account at least 14 days old. (Source: Hacker News guidelines & FAQ — there's no karma requirement to submit, but new ('green') accounts draw more scrutiny and voting rings are penalized.) Tip: Add a real name and an 'about' that says what you're building.
Related channels
Appears in: Best places to launch a developer tool · Where to share an open-source project · Best places to announce your startup
Is Hacker News — Show HN even the right channel for your launch?
Paste your GitHub repo into the free Launch Checker and get a ranked plan — which channels fit your product, their ban risk, and how to post in each. No account needed.