Would it be a good idea for Product Hunt to have a 'TikTok' feature?
I feel like it would be pretty awesome to have a short video scrolling feature to discover the products that maybe could not make it to the top but have so much value.
Then even if your launch flopped you can redeem yourself by appearing in the feed of others.
Could be a good way to discover products.
Replies
I swear Product Hunt once had vertical scrolling videos... I know it did for the Golden Kitty awards at one point!
@chrismessina wow they should bring it back!
Product Hunt
@chrismessina we did! We also tested similar content on IG back in the day....maybe... we can try again? @aaronoleary should we cook?
Product Hunt
@chrismessina @gabe Im more inclined to go the Tinder route, swipe right to save and check out, swipe left to ignore
@gabe @aaronoleary didn't you also launch that before?
Again, really wish you guys would restore the API so the community can cook!! đ¨đťâđł
Product Hunt
@chrismessina @aaronoleary @gabe Chris is right y'all. We tried both TikTok-style video content as well as a Tinder-style approach to navigating through today's launches -- on the mobile apps exclusively.
The former was a very controlled test where we sourced a few weeks worth of video content from some makers that launched around the time of the test. We found it was difficult to get really quality content, in large part because it's tough to demo and promote desktop-focused launches in that vertical format. The makers who participated didn't really get much positive signal from posting either, so there was little incentive for us to continue investing in the feature.
The latter was a little more interesting, and was definitely a fun interaction to build. Our thought was that the swiping gesture could allow folks to scan the leaderboard as quickly as they can today while allowing us to put more about individual launches in front of them than just name + tagline + thumbnail. I think the big issue was that we couldn't fit enough information in, and so it ended up decreasing visibility for launches further down the leaderboard and not servicing those launches towards the top much better than they were in the normal list format.
Times change and we're always reconsidering our positions, though, so none of the above is to say we won't revisit these features đ.
minimalist phone: creating folders
What should be the content? Product demos? Tips for using certain products?
Dunno why, but I am quite open to it I think that if PH had something like that, it would need more moderators or so (to avoid too spammy or inappropriate content)
@busmark_w_nika yeah I was thinking of either product demos, or sharing their journeys, challenges stuff like that. As for the moderation, maybe you can only post short videos if you have launch a product.. might reduce the spam issue
minimalist phone: creating folders
@ced_paradis If something similar would be in development, maybe it would be safer to let verified users post it. Because even not-so-active or "fake" users can launch products. If this place has to be full of quality, the videos should be curated by trusted people or organisations. Otherwise "low" content would be there too.
I somehow like this idea :)
Really love this idea â it feels like such a natural fit for Product Hunt.
Not every great product makes it to the top on launch day, but that doesnât mean it should be lost. A short video feed could give makers a real shot at connecting with people, even after the initial hype fades.
No, please, leave at least one place on the internet without videos :(
Love the idea! I'd totally scroll through those in bed like TikTok for apps.
Not a bad idea at all video is powerful. Could be great if it's optional and complements the current format.
Hmm⌠itâs a bit hard to picture, but I think itâs an interesting and promising idea.
Clear guidelines and dedicated moderation from the PH team would probably be essential :)
No, please no
Not every app deserves being brainrot, Hell No..!
Good idea but most of the product launches (especially) the non featured ones don't have a demo video for their product launch so I dont think many people will create videos on PH.
I think the idea is super cool, a TikTok for Product Hunt launches! It would be such a fun way to discover new ideas and products.
That said, I have two questions:
First, you mentioned products that didnât make it to the top but still have value, how do you determine whatâs valuable in that case?
Second, some products arenât really designed for mobile. Wouldnât those be left out if they donât create this âextraâ video content? That would be a shame⌠unless you find a way to auto-generate cool videos based on the Product Hunt launch page content.
Anyway, I honestly think itâs a super interesting concept!
It's a brilliant idea! đ A TikTok-style discovery feed would be perfect for uncovering hidden gems we might otherwise miss. Not everyone has time to scroll through every launch, but quick, engaging videos could help amazing products get a second chance. Plus, itâd make Product Hunt way more snackableâIâd totally binge-scroll this while drinking my morning coffee. â Hope the team considers it!
Iâm already imagining how Iâd use this for my next launch , a 15-second walkthrough might do more than any comment section ever could
Amazing idea!! I'm picturing demos / building-in-public style videos
Milestone Content Studio
I get the intention, but this feels like it could steer Product Hunt in the wrong direction.
The whole point of PH is thoughtful discovery and discussionânot endless scrolling through bite-sized, attention-grabbing clips. A TikTok-style feed might reward flashy content over substance, and honestly, not every good product can (or should) be explained in 30 seconds.
It could also dilute the value of a proper launch. If you can just post a quick video later for redemption, does the launch even matter anymore? Feels more like chasing trends than improving the core experience.