We know how much everyone just looooves to be featured as a top story on HackerNoon’s homepage, what, with all those juicy views and free (yes, free!) translations. Plus, you get to be in viewers’ notice for a full 24 hours!

But how do editors decide what story is worthy to be on top and which one is published regularly? Well, here are some secrets from the editorial team that you can use to increase your chances of being featured as a top story, and brag about it to your friends 😋

This one should be a non-brainer. Any story that requires less effort on an editors’ part is an instant consideration for HackerNoon’s top-spot. And we don’t just mean the content (though that’s just as equally important). 

Featured image. Keywords. Meta. Story tags. Proper formatting. The whole nine yards. Treat these avenues with the same love as your actual story, and you’re more likely to be featured on the top.

🛎️ Learn how to get the most out of our editor here.

Recurring authors have a higher chance of getting featured on the top by virtue of their time spent on HackerNoon. The editorial team loves seeing authors return, especially those that submit top-notch content, and has more conviction in posting their submissions as top stories. 

But does that mean a first-time author cannot be featured on top? Absolutely not! At the end of the day, it’s the content that matters. If it’s from a recurring author, all the better!

💡Did you know?
Being a frequent contributor can also land you on our Top Writers List, which is updated daily and highlights the top 10 contributors in each tech category. Learn more here.

The editorial team LOVES a good technical deep dive. Got an open-source-AI-web3-videogame fusion project with code walkthroughs? That’s what we live for.

Break down complex builds, explain your logic, and guide the reader step-by-step. Do that well, and you're probably looking at your name on the homepage.

For all you budding reporters out there. Any time you submit a story on a trending topic, such as a major hack or development in the tech industry, you’re automatically eligible to be considered for the top spot.

💡Learn how to track news headlines for your next story.

Yep, sometimes it's as easy as sending a kind note to the HackerNoon editorial team via the blogging inbox. We can’t promise a top feature every time—but you never know unless you ask.

Didn’t make it this time? Don’t sweat it. Keep writing and submitting—your next story could be the one.

✅ And if you want guaranteed exposure, check out the Story Boost:
The Story Boost service helps amplify your article’s visibility and engagement. Whether or not your story was a top feature, boosting it gives it an extra push—and yes, that includes a feature in our daily HackerNoon Newsletter (sent to 500,000+ readers with an open rate of up to 31%). Learn more here.

Curious about the best stories of the past two weeks? Our editors have handpicked their favorites, and your story might just be one of them! See if you made the list.

P.S. If you're one of the lucky ones mentioned, you'll receive a special interview template. Check your inbox!

That’s all, folks! Now go write something awesome—we can’t wait to feature it ✨

Until next time,
HackerNoon Team