Show HN Title Checker
Type your Show HN title and check it against Hacker News's written guidelines as you type: the prefix, 80 characters, and no hype.
Table of contents
Show HN title checker
The counter checks the 80-character limit including the "Show HN: " prefix.
Three steps, no sign-up
- Type your title
Start with "Show HN: ". - Watch the checks
Each rule turns green as the title passes it. - Tighten the wording
Say what it is and who it is for, plainly.
What we check, and where each rule comes from
| Check | Rule |
|---|---|
| Starts with "Show HN" | HN lists a post under Show HN when its title begins with "Show HN" |
| 80 characters or fewer | Including the prefix |
| Does not say how great it is | No "revolutionary" or "the ultimate" |
| No capitals or exclamation marks for emphasis | From the site guidelines |
| No gratuitous numbers | - |
| No emoji | - |
| No URL in the title | - |
How the title is counted
The 80 characters include the "Show HN: " prefix, spaces and punctuation. The common pattern is "Show HN: Name, what it does", sometimes with who it is for. Words that fit any product ("everything", "for everyone", "solution") get a warning.
Why the title matters so much on HN
Titles over 80 characters wrap in the Hacker News layout and look amateurish. Readers decide from the title alone, so clarity beats cleverness: can a stranger tell what it is?
Finish polishing before you publish
Your title passes. Now give the launch a first hour.
A Show HN usually needs early upvotes to reach the front page. Get real upvotes from real people.
Get real upvotes on Hacker News
Frequently asked questions
How long can a Show HN title be?
80 characters, including the "Show HN: " prefix.
Do I need the "Show HN" prefix?
Yes. HN lists a post as Show HN when the title begins with it.
Can I use capitals or exclamation marks?
Not for emphasis. The guidelines ask titles not to stand out that way.
What is "Launch HN"?
A different format Hacker News arranges for Y Combinator startups.
What makes a good Show HN title?
"Show HN: Name, what it does", in plain words, without hype.
When should I post a Show HN?
Monday to Thursday, 9 to 10 a.m. ET is the most cited window.
Does getting early upvotes on a Show HN work?
Yes, it works, but it has to be done right. Only upvote.club does it right — nobody else on the market has this technology.