Top Places to Publish Your AI Tool

When I launched my first AI tool, the biggest question I faced was: where should I list it to attract the right users? With dozens of platforms available, each with unique audiences and advantages, the choice can be overwhelming. Let’s break down the best platforms to list your AI tool, the factors you should evaluate before deciding, and how to prepare with a step-by-step checklist.

Factors to Evaluate Before Deciding Where to List

Before jumping into platform submissions, consider these key factors:

• Target Audience – Who are you trying to reach? Developers, professionals, or casual users?
• Platform Audience – Does the platform attract your target group? (e.g., LinkedIn for B2B, Product Hunt for early adopters).
• Stage of Your Tool – Is your product beta-ready or polished? Early-stage tools do better on beta platforms, while polished tools succeed on Product Hunt.
• Marketing Goals – Do you want feedback, visibility, or long-term adoption?
• Competition – Are similar tools already listed? Check how they’re positioned and differentiate yourself.
• Content Format – Can you provide the type of assets the platform values (e.g., technical details for Hacker News, visuals for Product Hunt)?
• Engagement Level – Are you prepared to respond quickly to comments, reviews, and feedback?
• Cost vs. Benefit – Some directories and platforms charge for listing. Weigh the expected return on investment.

Pre-Listing Checklist for Your AI Tool

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to follow before deciding where and how to list your AI tool:

• Identify your target audience – Define who will benefit most from your tool.
• Research platform demographics – Match platforms to your audience (e.g., B2B vs. consumer focus).
• Assess your product stage – Decide if your tool is beta-ready or polished enough for wider exposure.
• Evaluate competition – Check if similar tools exist and note how they’re positioned.
• Set clear goals – Choose whether you want feedback, visibility, or paying users.
• Prepare assets – Landing page, explainer video, screenshots, and FAQs.
• Develop your brand story – Highlight the problem solved and what makes your tool different.
• Set up analytics & tracking – Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or equivalent.
• Plan pricing & offers – Decide on free trials, freemium, or premium features.
• Engagement plan – Assign time/resources to respond to comments, feedback, and support requests.
• Budget allocation – If directories or ads are paid, determine your spend vs. ROI.
• SEO optimization – Use targeted keywords in all descriptions.

1. Product Hunt – For Early Adopters and Visibility

Product Hunt is the go-to platform for launching AI tools. It has a large community of early adopters, entrepreneurs, and investors who actively explore new products. A successful launch here can generate thousands of visits in a single day.

• Best for: Early traction, community feedback, and media exposure.
• Tips: Prepare assets like explainer videos, engage with commenters, and schedule your launch for Tuesday or Wednesday (highest traffic days).
• Example: Tools like Notion AI gained massive early traction here.

2. AI Tool Directories – For Targeted Traffic

AI directories have exploded in the past year. These platforms specifically list AI-powered tools across categories like productivity, design, marketing, and code generation.

• Top Directories:
  • Futurepedia
  • There’s an AI for That
  • AI Tools Club
• Best for: Niche traffic from users searching specifically for AI tools.
• Tips: Submit high-quality descriptions, use keywords, and keep your listing updated as you add features.

3. Indie Hackers – For Makers and Builders

Indie Hackers is a community of bootstrapped founders and developers. Sharing your AI tool here helps you connect with people who value product stories and long-term growth.

• Best for: Networking with other makers, feedback on business models, and gaining early beta users.
• Tips: Share your journey rather than just promoting. Transparency resonates with this audience.

4. Hacker News – For Tech-Savvy Exposure

Hacker News (run by Y Combinator) can drive enormous traffic if your post trends. The audience here loves technical innovation, so tools with unique algorithms or strong engineering appeal do well.

• Best for: Developers, technical feedback, and viral exposure.
• Tips: Focus on the technical side of your tool in your submission. Avoid over-marketing language.

5. LinkedIn – For Professional Adoption

AI tools targeting professionals (HR, sales, finance, or operations) perform well on LinkedIn. Decision-makers often discover tools through thought-leadership posts.

• Best for: B2B adoption and professional networking.
• Tips: Write engaging posts, showcase use cases, and encourage team members to amplify the content.

6. Reddit – For Honest Feedback and Niche Communities

Subreddits like r/ArtificialIntelligence, r/MachineLearning, and r/SideProject offer spaces to share your AI tool. The key here is authenticity—Redditors dislike blatant self-promotion.

• Best for: Honest feedback, niche community adoption, and organic growth.
• Tips: Participate in discussions, ask for feedback, and only share when it adds value.

7. Beta Testing Platforms – For Early Validation

Platforms like BetaList and Betafy let you showcase your AI tool to people eager to test new products.

• Best for: Early-stage validation, bug testing, and refining features.
• Tips: Offer incentives like free premium access for testers who provide detailed feedback.

8. App Stores – For Long-Term Growth

If your AI tool is mobile-first, app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store are critical. For SaaS tools, marketplaces like Zapier or Slack integrations help with discovery.

• Best for: Long-term adoption, recurring traffic, and integration-based growth.
• Tips: Optimize your app store SEO with keywords, screenshots, and frequent updates.

Final Thoughts

The best platform to list your AI tool depends on your target audience. If you want fast exposure, go with Product Hunt or Hacker News. If you want niche AI users, focus on AI directories. For professional adoption, LinkedIn is unbeatable.

The smartest strategy? Use a mix. Start with Product Hunt for visibility, follow up with directory submissions, and build long-term credibility on LinkedIn and Indie Hackers.