Show HN title and timing formula
Use data-backed keyword and scheduling rules to maximize visibility when launching on Hacker News.
Why this can grow a startup
Including 'Open Source' or 'YC' in a Show HN title boosts points by 38%. 'CLI' or 'API' adds 26%. Question-style titles ('Why X Sucks and How Y Fixes It?') get 2.2x more comments. Titles under 55 characters get 24% more upvotes. Posting on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 8-11 AM UTC drives 28% more engagement. Critically, 'AI-Powered' in the title now causes a 15% score penalty due to audience fatigue.
Company example
Analysis of ~1,200 Show HN launches (scraped and published on r/indiehackers) revealed specific title keywords and posting windows that dramatically affect traction.
Source and metric
Source: reddit.com · Browse reddit.com tactics
Source discovered: March 20, 2026
When to use it
Use this when Hacker News is relevant to 0-100, 100-1K and you can run a bounded test with a free budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read reddit.com and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: Hacker News.
- Define the test around one observable customer behavior.
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Build creator and community systems around real incentives, trust, and repeat participation.