182K members · Founders & startups
Can you self-promote in r/indiehackers?
Sometimes, in the right context.
Promotion is tolerated when it genuinely answers a question or adds to a discussion, not as a standalone ad. Mention your product naturally, keep it occasional, and use any designated promo thread.
The rule
Self Promotion
“Users can self promote their product 1 time using the SHOW IH flare. The purpose is for feedback and critique not advertisement.”
Source: subreddit rules, last checked 2026-07-13. Read the full rules on Reddit →
Before you post
- Project/showcase posts must use the required flair
The highest-intent moment
The safest way into r/indiehackers is not a post, it is a well-timed reply. Watch for: 'How do you do X' / launch announcements / tool stack threads. Answer it genuinely first, then mention your product only if it directly helps.
From OneUp Today
Get found in r/indiehackers without the ban risk
OneUp watches r/indiehackers for those high-intent moments and drafts a personalized reply or DM in your voice. You review and send, no spam, no rule-breaking.
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<a href="https://oneup.today/tools/reddit-self-promotion-checker/indiehackers" style="display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;font:600 13px/1.4 -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,Segoe UI,Roboto,sans-serif;color:#16231A;background:#F4F8F2;border:1px solid #B7D5B9;border-radius:8px;padding:6px 10px;text-decoration:none">r/indiehackers self-promotion: Case-by-case · via OneUp Today</a>FAQ
Can I promote my product in r/indiehackers?
Sometimes, in context. Promotion is tolerated when it genuinely answers a question or adds to a discussion, not as a standalone ad. Mention your product naturally, keep it occasional, and use any designated promo thread.
What is r/indiehackers's self-promotion rule?
Per r/indiehackers's rules ("Self Promotion"): "Users can self promote their product 1 time using the SHOW IH flare. The purpose is for feedback and critique not advertisement."
How do I get customers in r/indiehackers without breaking the rules?
Instead of posting ads, reply to people already asking for a product like yours. In r/indiehackers the highest-intent moment is: 'How do you do X' / launch announcements / tool stack threads. Lead with a genuine, specific answer and mention your product only when it directly helps.