AI Startup Launch Guide - Platforms & Distribution Channels

The ultimate launch checklist for AI startups. Product Hunt, BetaList, directories, and communities to get your first users. Updated February 2026.

February 20, 2026

📣 AI Startup Launch & Distribution Guide

The fastest way to get your first 10 / 100 users? Get in front of the right communities at the right time.

This guide covers launch platforms, software directories, and communities that actually drive traffic and users for AI startups.

🚀 Launch Platforms

Tier 1: High Impact

Platform	Traffic	Best For	Submission Tips
Product Hunt	🔥🔥🔥	General launches	Plan 1-2 weeks ahead, mobilize community
Indie Hackers	🔥🔥	DevTools, B2B	Show revenue/users, engage in comments
Hacker News	🔥🔥	Developer tools	Technical depth, YC affinity

Tier 2: Solid Alternatives

Platform	Traffic	Best For
Betalist	🔥	Early-stage products
Fazier	🔥	Curation-focused
Uneed	🔥	Modern startups
Microlaunch	🔥	Quick launches
Peerlist	🔥	Professional network
SideProjectors	🔥	Side projects

📂 Software Directories

Must-List Directories

Priority  | Directory                    | SEO Value
----------|------------------------------|----------
🔥 P0     | There's an AI for That      | ⭐⭐⭐
🔥 P0     | Alternativeto               | ⭐⭐⭐
🔥 P0     | Product Hunt                | ⭐⭐⭐
⭐ P1      | G2                          | ⭐⭐⭐
⭐ P1      | Capterra                    | ⭐⭐⭐
⭐ P1      | SaaSHub                     | ⭐⭐
⭐ P1      | Toolfolio                   | ⭐⭐
⭐ P1      | toools.design               | ⭐⭐
⭐ P2      | OpenAlternative             | ⭐⭐
⭐ P2      | LibHunt                     | ⭐⭐
⭐ P2      | TrustPilot                  | ⭐⭐

AI-Specific Directories

There's an AI for That — Must-list for AI products
OpenAlternative — Open-source alternatives
Alternativeto — General alternatives
LibHunt — Open-source libraries

Review Platforms

G2 - Enterprise software reviews
Capterra - SMB software reviews
TrustPilot - General reviews

💰 Lifetime Deals & Discount Platforms

Platform	Audience	Note
AppSumo	Entrepreneurs	High volume, brand building
SaaS Mantra	SaaS buyers	Quality audience
SaasZilla	Deal seekers	Aggregator
ProductCanyon	SMB buyers	Growing

💬 Reddit Communities

⚠️ Always check rules before posting. Use appropriate flairs.

High-Traffic Subreddits

Subreddit	Flair Required	Best For
r/SideProject	✅	Side projects
r/indiehackers	✅ Self-Promo	Startup launches
r/buildinpublic	✅	Transparency-focused
r/selfhosted	✅ Product	Open-source
r/webdev	✅ Showoff	Developer tools
r/ShowMeYourSaaS	✅	SaaS showcase

Niche but Quality

r/Startups_Ideas - Feedback
r/roastmystartup - Criticism
r/alphaandbetausers - Beta testers

🎯 Product Hunt Launch Checklist

1 Week Before

Create maker profile with bio
Prepare high-quality screenshots/gifs
Write compelling tagline (60 chars max)
Write detailed description
Set up pre-launch page

2-3 Days Before

Mobilize your network (DM, email, social)
Prepare launch day content
Set up maker interview if eligible
Prepare thank-you comments

Launch Day

Post at 00:01 PST (best visibility)
Engage with every comment in first 2 hours
Share on Twitter/LinkedIn
Ask for upvotes from early users
Respond to feedback quickly