Real cases of dev projects that exploded - and what we can learn

Created By: DevIron | Event day: 2025-11-05

In the Hacker News community, visibility can translate into thousands of users, media attention and even a new phase for your product. Here are three concrete examples of projects that have "blown up" on the platform - with links to the full blogs/studies and lessons you can apply to your next launch.


Gift Reserved by Link
Screely - 31,000 users in the first week Gbool Link
Jukebox - from burnout to HN front page Bill Link
MockMechanics — launch on HN that generated an “explosion” but failed to monetize Glen Link
Lessons learned from launching and reaching #2 on HackerNews Moggle Link
How I Made My Side Project Going Viral on Hacker News Sandra Link
How To Run A Side Project: Screenings Case Study Mustafah Link
HN Side Project Directory twwir12 Link

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