Ask HN: Is product hunt a popularity contest?

And whoever has the biggest network wins?

I guess it's no surprise, but it's gotten to the point where the top products are solving the most shallow problems. Even among the apps that target me, I've seen it done before countless times just with prettier UIs.

I've been thinking about announcing my app on product hunt, but I feel like the odds are against indie devs that don't have backings from a VC or a network of high profile influencers.

Just what sort of audience am I working with on the platform when it's clear that my actual target audience isn't them? When does it make sense to announce it on product hunt?