Guide: Product Hunt Launch Templates (Scripts & Swipe Files)
last updated: Jan 26, 2026
You don't need another generic checklist; you need text you can copy and paste right now to avoid launching to silence. Here are the exact scripts and swipe files I use to secure Top 5 placement without guessing.
TL;DR
Product Hunt launch templates are pre-written text assets (maker comments, outreach DMs, social posts) designed to minimize friction and maximize engagement during the critical first 4 hours of a launch.
- Benchmark: Aim for 15–20% conversion from visitor to upvote. Top launches often see 300–500 upvotes in the first 4 hours.
- Rule: Never ask for an "upvote" directly in mass DMs. Ask for "support" or "feedback" to avoid triggering spam filters.
- Warning: A perfect template cannot save a product that no one wants.
How to use these templates
These scripts are designed for speed. However, blindly copy-pasting is a risk. You must customize the bracketed sections to match your specific value proposition. The goal is to sound human but professional, avoiding the "AI-generated" feel that plagues most launches.
The Asset
Below are the markdown blocks for your launch day. Copy these directly, fill in the bracketed info, and remove the brackets.
1. The 'maker comment' structure
This is the most important text on the page. It sets the tone.
**Subject:** Hey Product Hunt! 👋 I’m [Name], maker of [Product Name].
**The Problem:**
For the past [Time Period], I’ve struggled with [Specific Pain Point]. I tried [Competitor A] and [Competitor B], but they were always too [Adjective: e.g., complex/expensive/clunky].
**The Solution:**
So I built [Product Name]. It’s a [Category] designed specifically for [Target Audience] who want to [Benefit] without [Negative Constraint].
**Key Features:**
* ⚡ [Feature 1]: [Benefit]
* 🎨 [Feature 2]: [Benefit]
* 📊 [Feature 3]: [Benefit]
**The Ask:**
We are live! I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Specifically: does [Specific Feature] make sense for your workflow?
Thanks for your support! 🙏
- [Your Name]
2. Cold DM outreach scripts
Use this for LinkedIn or Twitter DMs. Do not spam. Send this to warm connections or people you have interacted with before.
**Subject:** Quick favor (launching today)
Hey [Name],
I know you’re busy, so I’ll keep this brief.
I just launched [Product Name] on Product Hunt today. Since you’re interested in [Topic], I thought you’d get a kick out of it.
It helps [Audience] solve [Problem] by [Mechanism].
Here is the link: [Link]
If you have 30 seconds to check it out and leave a comment/support, it would mean the world to me. No pressure at all if not!
Best,
[Your Name]
3. Social media announcement (Twitter/X & LinkedIn)
Post this at 12:05 AM PST.
Twitter/X Thread Opener:
We are LIVE on Product Hunt! 🚀
After [Number] months of building in public, [Product Name] is finally out.
We built this because [Short Pain Point].
If you agree that [Industry/Problem] needs a fix, check us out here:
👉 [Link]
Detailed breakdown below 👇 🧵
LinkedIn Post:
It’s official. [Product Name] is live on Product Hunt. 🚀
Building a startup is never a straight line. When I started working on this [Time Period] ago, I just wanted to solve [Problem] for myself.
Today, it’s available for everyone.
[Product Name] is for [Target Audience] who are tired of [Pain Point].
Check out the launch here: [Link]
I’ll be hanging out in the comments section all day answering questions. Appreciate every bit of support! hashtag#producthunt hashtag#startup hashtag#launch
4. The 'first comment' strategy
Strategy: Do not leave your comments section empty for the first 10 minutes. Have 2-3 friends or team members post immediately using this format to seed discussion:
1. The 'maker comment' structure
This is the most important text on the page. It sets the tone.
**Subject:** Hey Product Hunt! 👋 I’m [Name], maker of [Product Name].
**The Problem:**
For the past [Time Period], I’ve struggled with [Specific Pain Point]. I tried [Competitor A] and [Competitor B], but they were always too [Adjective: e.g., complex/expensive/clunky].
**The Solution:**
So I built [Product Name]. It’s a [Category] designed specifically for [Target Audience] who want to [Benefit] without [Negative Constraint].
**Key Features:**
* ⚡ [Feature 1]: [Benefit]
* 🎨 [Feature 2]: [Benefit]
* 📊 [Feature 3]: [Benefit]
**The Ask:**
We are live! I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Specifically: does [Specific Feature] make sense for your workflow?
Thanks for your support! 🙏
- [Your Name]
2. Cold DM outreach scripts
Use this for LinkedIn or Twitter DMs. Do not spam. Send this to warm connections or people you have interacted with before.
**Subject:** Quick favor (launching today)
Hey [Name],
I know you’re busy, so I’ll keep this brief.
I just launched [Product Name] on Product Hunt today. Since you’re interested in [Topic], I thought you’d get a kick out of it.
It helps [Audience] solve [Problem] by [Mechanism].
Here is the link: [Link]
If you have 30 seconds to check it out and leave a comment/support, it would mean the world to me. No pressure at all if not!
Best,
[Your Name]
3. Social media announcement (Twitter/X & LinkedIn)
Post this at 12:05 AM PST.
Twitter/X Thread Opener:
We are LIVE on Product Hunt! 🚀
After [Number] months of building in public, [Product Name] is finally out.
We built this because [Short Pain Point].
If you agree that [Industry/Problem] needs a fix, check us out here:
👉 [Link]
Detailed breakdown below 👇 🧵
LinkedIn Post:
It’s official. [Product Name] is live on Product Hunt. 🚀
Building a startup is never a straight line. When I started working on this [Time Period] ago, I just wanted to solve [Problem] for myself.
Today, it’s available for everyone.
[Product Name] is for [Target Audience] who are tired of [Pain Point].
Check out the launch here: [Link]
I’ll be hanging out in the comments section all day answering questions. Appreciate every bit of support! hashtag#producthunt hashtag#startup hashtag#launch
4. The 'first comment' strategy
Strategy: Do not leave your comments section empty for the first 10 minutes. Have 2-3 friends or team members post immediately using this format to seed discussion:
- Commenter A (Technical Question): "Congrats on the launch! How does this handle [Specific Technical Edge Case]?" (Allows you to show off expertise)
- Commenter B (Validation): "I've been using the beta for a week. The [Feature] saved me [Number] hours. Huge fan." (Social proof)
- Commenter C (Future Roadmap): "Love the design. Any plans to add [Feature X] later this year?" (Shows vision)
Glossary
- Maker Comment: The very first comment on your launch page, written by you, explaining the "why" behind the product.
- Hunter: The person who submits your product (though self-hunting is now standard and often preferred).
- Golden Hour: The first hour after 12:01 AM PST where initial momentum determines your daily ranking.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of people who see your link and actually click it. High CTR on DMs usually means your subject line is working.
Benchmarks
Understanding what "good" looks like prevents panic during launch day. Here is the math you should aim for to get Product Hunt featured status.
- Visitor to Upvote Conversion: 15–20%
- DM Reply Rate: 10–15% (Warm audience)
- Comment Velocity: 10–15 comments in the first hour
Sample math.
If you send 100 personal DMs to a warm list, expect 15 replies and roughly 10–12 high-quality upvotes. To hit the Top 5, you generally need 300–500 upvotes in the first 4 hours. This means you need to drive approximately 1,500–2,500 qualified visitors to your page during that window.
If you send 100 personal DMs to a warm list, expect 15 replies and roughly 10–12 high-quality upvotes. To hit the Top 5, you generally need 300–500 upvotes in the first 4 hours. This means you need to drive approximately 1,500–2,500 qualified visitors to your page during that window.
Templates vs improvisation
Should you use these scripts word-for-word or write from the heart? Here is the comparison.
Templates:
Improvisation:
Templates:
- Pros: Reduces anxiety, ensures key selling points are hit, saves time during the chaotic "Golden Hour."
- Cons: Can feel robotic if not customized. Experienced users spot generic copy quickly.
- Verdict: Use templates as a skeleton, but fill the muscles with your specific story.
Improvisation:
- Pros: High authenticity. Can resonate deeply with niche audiences.
- Cons: High risk of missing critical info (like the link or the "ask"). Prone to typos under stress.
- Verdict: Only improvise if you are a seasoned copywriter. Otherwise, stick to the script. Note that while templates work on Product Hunt, different rules apply elsewhere: read our guide on Product Hunt vs Hacker News to see why improvisation is better for HN.
Risks
Using templates carries specific risks if executed poorly.
- The Spam Filter Trap: If you send 50 identical DMs on LinkedIn in one hour, you will be flagged. Vary your greetings and subject lines slightly for every 5–10 messages.
- The "Bot" Perception: If your "Maker Comment" looks too polished and marketing-heavy, users may ignore it. Ensure you sound like a human builder, not a PR agency.
- Broken Links: Templates often use placeholders like [Link]. Double-check every single message before sending. Sending a dead link to 100 people is a launch killer.
Conclusion
Mastering these Product Hunt launch templates is a necessary step, but it is not the whole picture. You can copy my swipe files word-for-word, hit #1 Product of the Day, and still end up with zero paying customers if your fundamental offer is broken. I have seen founders get 1,000 upvotes and $0 in revenue because they optimized for "hunters" rather than "buyers."
You can have perfect execution here, but if your other variables—specifically your product launch strategy and market timing—are weak, your probability of hitting $10k MRR remains near 0%. The template gets you attention; your product positioning gets you paid. Don't confuse the two.
You can have perfect execution here, but if your other variables—specifically your product launch strategy and market timing—are weak, your probability of hitting $10k MRR remains near 0%. The template gets you attention; your product positioning gets you paid. Don't confuse the two.
FAQ
- You:Should I use a Hunter or hunt it myself?Guide:Self-hunting is completely acceptable and often preferred in 2025. It allows you to control the narrative and the posting time precisely. If you do use a hunter, ensure they are active, but don't obsess over their follower count. Notifications don't work like they used to.
- You:What is the best time to post these templates?Guide:Post your maker comment immediately after the page goes live (12:01 AM PST). Send your email blasts and DMs between 12:30 AM and 3:00 AM PST to build momentum during the European morning and US east coast wake-up.
- You:Can I use ChatGPT to write my launch comments?Guide:You can use it for drafting, but you must edit heavily. Product Hunt users are tech-savvy; they can smell AI-generated text from a mile away, and they will downvote it.
No-BS guides
📉 Avg founder's probability: 12%
What if your startup is doomed to fail? ò_ô
You spent 5 minutes reading about tactics. Don't leave without checking if your current strategy can get you to $10K MRR in the next 90 days.