1. r/iosapps launch post
Title: "I built [App Name], a [one-line what it does] for [who it's for]. Free on iOS." Body: "Hi all. I made [App Name] because [the specific problem you had, in one sentence]. It lets you [main action] in [number] taps instead of [the old way]. It's [free / free with a $[price] upgrade for [feature]]. No account needed [if true]. I'm a solo dev and would love blunt feedback on [onboarding / the main screen / pricing]. App Store link: [link]. Happy to answer anything below." Use this on day one, because r/iosapps exists for exactly this kind of post.
2. r/AppHookup promo code post
Title: "[App Name] - [Category] - Free for [48 hours] (normally $[price])" Body: "[App Name] helps you [main benefit]. Key features: [feature 1], [feature 2], [feature 3]. Lifetime unlock is free until [date and time zone]. Requires iOS [version]+. [link]. I'm the developer and I'll be in the comments if anything breaks." Use this when you can run a real temporary price drop or free unlock, since r/AppHookup only wants actual deals.
3. r/SideProject build story
Title: "I spent [X months] nights and weekends building an iOS app for [audience]. Here's what I learned." Body: "Background: I'm a [your job, e.g. nurse, backend dev, teacher] and kept running into [problem]. What I built: [App Name], which [does what]. Stack: [SwiftUI / UIKit, backend, any notable libraries]. Hardest part: [one honest thing, e.g. App Store review rejection for X]. What I'd do differently: [one lesson]. Where it is now: [live on the App Store / in TestFlight]. Link if you want to try it: [link]. I'd really like feedback on [specific thing]." Use this when you want feedback from other builders and are happy to share the story behind the app.
4. r/TestFlight beta invite
Title: "[App Name] beta: looking for [number] testers who [use case, e.g. track running splits]" Body: "I'm about to ship [App Name], a [one-line description]. I need people who actually [do the thing] to break it before launch. What I'm testing: [feature 1], [feature 2]. Time needed: about [10 minutes] plus a short reply on what confused you. TestFlight link: [public link]. Requires iOS [version]+. Every tester gets [free lifetime unlock / credit in the app, only if true]." Use this one to two weeks before App Store launch so you go live with fixes and a few early users.
5. Niche subreddit 'I made this for us' post
Find where your users already hang out: an app for climbers goes to r/climbing, a budgeting app to r/personalfinance or r/YNAB, a study app to r/GetStudying. Read the sidebar and search "self promotion" in that sub first. Title: "I'm a [climber / student / nurse] and made a free iOS app for [specific annoying task]. Mods, remove if not allowed." Body: "Every [session / week / shift] I [describe the painful task]. Nothing on the App Store did [exact thing], so I built [App Name]. It [does X] and [does Y]. No ads, [free / price]. Link: [link]. If it's useless for how you [do the activity], tell me why and I'll fix it." Use this in the community that matches your user, only where the rules allow it or a mod has said yes.
6. Weekly self-promo thread comment
Many large subs, like r/iphone, r/apple, r/productivity and r/Entrepreneur, only allow promotion in a pinned weekly or monthly thread. Search the sub for "self promotion thread" or check the pinned posts. Comment: "[App Name] (iOS): [one-line benefit] for [who]. Built it because [problem in under 10 words]. [Free / price]. [link]. Feedback welcome." Use this in big subs where a standalone post would get you removed or banned.
7. Mod permission message
Message the mods through the sub's "Message the mods" link. Subject: "Ok to share an iOS app I built for r/[subreddit]?" Body: "Hi mods. I'm a longtime [lurker / member] and built [App Name], a free iOS app for [specific use that fits the sub]. Before posting I wanted to check if a single post introducing it is ok, or if there's a thread you'd prefer. Happy to follow whatever format you want. Thanks." Use this before posting in any niche sub with unclear rules, and keep the reply as a reference in case someone reports you.
8. Follow-up post with real changes
Title: "Update: you told me [App Name] was missing [thing]. I shipped it." Body: "[X weeks] ago I posted [App Name] here. The top comments said [feedback 1] and [feedback 2]. Version [number] now [what changed]. I also cut [thing people found confusing]. Still [free / price]: [link]. What should I fix next?" Use this two to four weeks after a post that got useful feedback, so you return with something new instead of the same pitch. Hulby, an AI cofounder, can find the right subreddits and draft these posts for you each day.
Mistakes to skip
- Posting the same text in ten subreddits on the same day, which gets you flagged as spam.
- Skipping each sub's rules and getting a permanent ban from a community full of your users.
- Writing a feature list instead of the problem you had and who the app is for.
- Dropping the link and disappearing instead of replying to every comment for the first few hours.
Want this done for your iOS app, every day?
Hulby finds the people asking for what you built, writes every reply and email, and keeps you on it until they pay. Free to start.
Find my first customersQuestions
Will Reddit ban me for posting my own app?
Not if you follow each sub's self-promotion rules, post in allowed threads, and ask mods when the rules are unclear.
Do I need karma before posting?
Some subs set a minimum. Spend a week leaving useful comments in the communities you plan to post in.
What time should I post?
Weekday mornings US Eastern time usually get the most eyes. Be free for the next two hours to reply.
Should I use a direct App Store link?
Yes. Link straight to the App Store or TestFlight page, not a landing page, so trying it takes one tap.