50+ Best AI Directories to Submit Your Tool (2025 Guide)

Looking to get your AI tool discovered? Here's the complete, updated list of AI directories where you can submit your startup, get quality backlinks, and reach thousands of potential users.

Why Submit to AI Directories?

Before diving into the list, let's be clear about why directory submissions matter for your AI tool or SaaS:

SEO & Backlinks. High-authority directories provide dofollow backlinks that boost your domain rating. Going from DR 0 to DR 30+ within weeks is realistic with strategic submissions.

Targeted Traffic. These platforms attract users actively searching for AI tools. Unlike generic marketing, you're reaching people ready to try new solutions.

AI Assistant Visibility. This is huge in 2025: directories are crawled by AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude. When users ask for AI tool recommendations, these systems pull from authoritative directories.

Social Proof. Being listed alongside established tools builds credibility and trust with potential users.

Permanent Value. Unlike paid ads that stop when your budget runs out, directory listings stay live and keep working for you.

Tier 1: High-Authority Directories (Submit First)

These directories have the highest domain authority and traffic. Start here for maximum impact.

1. ListMyAI

Website: listmyai.net
Type: Free + Featured options
Best for: AI tools, SaaS, and emerging startups

ListMyAI stands out as one of the fastest-growing AI directories in 2025. What makes it different is its focus on quality curation and actual user discovery rather than just being a link farm.

Why submit here first:

• Fast approval process (typically 24-48 hours)
• Clean, modern interface that users actually browse
• Growing organic traffic from AI-related searches
• Featured placement options for extra visibility
• Dofollow backlinks included

Pro tip: Submit with a compelling description and high-quality logo for better placement.

2. Product Hunt

Website: producthunt.com
Domain Authority: 91
Type: Free
Best for: Product launches and gaining initial traction

The OG launch platform. While competitive, a successful Product Hunt launch can drive thousands of visitors in a single day. The key is preparation: build an audience before launch day, and coordinate upvotes in the first few hours.

Pros: Massive exposure potential, high DA backlink, engaged tech community
Cons: Extremely competitive, success depends heavily on existing network

3. There's An AI For That (TAAFT)

Website: theresanaiforthat.com
Type: Free + Paid featured
Best for: AI-specific tools

With over 2 million monthly visitors and 9,500+ AI tools listed, TAAFT is the largest dedicated AI directory. Users come here specifically looking for AI solutions, making it high-intent traffic.

Pros: Massive AI-focused audience, strong SEO, category-specific listings
Cons: Crowded, featured placement requires payment

4. Futurepedia

Website: futurepedia.io
Type: Free + Premium
Best for: All categories of AI tools

Futurepedia hosts 5,000+ AI tools across 54 categories. They've built a strong brand with their YouTube channel and newsletter, driving consistent traffic to listed tools.

Pros: Large database, active community, strong content marketing
Cons: Many tools means more competition for attention

5. G2

Website: g2.com
Domain Authority: 91
Type: Free listing
Best for: B2B SaaS and enterprise tools

G2 is the go-to platform for B2B software reviews. A strong G2 presence with genuine reviews significantly impacts purchasing decisions, especially for enterprise buyers.

Pros: Extremely high DA, trusted by businesses, review-driven discovery
Cons: Slower to build presence, requires active review collection

Tier 2: Established AI & Startup Directories

These platforms have solid traffic and provide valuable backlinks.

6. BetaList

Website: betalist.com
Type: Free (queue) / Paid ($129 to skip)
Best for: Pre-launch and beta products

The classic platform for startups in beta. Excellent for building a waitlist before your main launch. Their audience specifically wants to try new, unpolished products.

Pros: Early adopter audience, good for validation
Cons: Free submissions have long wait times

7. Uneed

Website: uneed.best
Type: Free + Featured ($20)
Best for: AI tools and productivity apps

Curated directory that categorizes tools by use case. Clean interface and growing traffic make it a solid choice for AI submissions.

8. SaaSHub

Website: saashub.com
Type: Free
Best for: SaaS products and alternatives

SaaSHub positions products as alternatives to existing tools, which is great for capturing comparison traffic (e.g., "Notion alternatives").

9. Dang.ai

Website: dang.ai
Type: Free
Best for: AI tools and applications

Growing AI-focused directory with a clean submission process. Good for building your backlink profile.

10. Startup Fame

Website: startupfa.me
Type: Free
Best for: Startups and indie projects

Startup-focused platform that offers badges you can display on your site for social proof.

11. Toolify.ai

Website: toolify.ai
Type: Free + Featured
Best for: AI tools across all categories

Large AI directory with a product launch feature similar to Product Hunt. Growing quickly in 2025.

12. FutureTools

Website: futuretools.io
Type: Free submission
Best for: AI tools and productivity

Matt Wolfe's curated directory. Benefits from his YouTube audience of AI enthusiasts.

13. TopAI.tools

Website: topai.tools
Type: Free + Featured
Best for: Quality AI tools

Curated approach means being listed here adds credibility. Integration with Product Hunt provides additional exposure.

14. AI Scout

Website: aiscout.net
Type: Free
Best for: New AI products

Growing directory focused on discovering new AI tools.

15. Ben's Bites Directory

Website: news.bensbites.com
Type: Free
Best for: AI tools targeting the developer/builder audience

Leverages the popular Ben's Bites newsletter audience.

Tier 3: Niche & Community Directories

These platforms serve specific audiences or offer unique benefits.

16. Hacker News (Show HN)

Website: news.ycombinator.com
Domain Authority: 91
Type: Free
Best for: Developer tools and technical products

Not a traditional directory, but a successful Show HN post can drive massive traffic. The audience is brutally honest—expect direct feedback.

Warning: Don't use marketing speak. Be technical and direct.

17. Indie Hackers

Website: indiehackers.com
Type: Free
Best for: Bootstrapped products and building in public

Share your journey, not just your product. Long-term engagement builds a loyal following.

18. Reddit Communities

Subreddits: r/SideProject, r/SaaS, r/Entrepreneur, r/artificial
Domain Authority: 95
Type: Free
Best for: Community feedback and organic growth

Reddit provides incredibly high DA backlinks. Post genuinely helpful content and your project will get noticed.

19. DevHunt

Website: devhunt.org
Type: Free
Best for: Developer tools

Community-first platform specifically for developer-facing tools.

20. Postmake

Website: postmake.io
Type: Free
Best for: Side projects and maker tools

Clean directory for makers. Offers a badge you can display on your site.

21. Twelve Tools

Website: twelve.tools
Type: Free
Best for: Curated tool discovery

Minimalist directory focused on quality over quantity.

22. Capterra

Website: capterra.com
Domain Authority: 91
Type: Free listing + PPC
Best for: B2B software

Part of Gartner Digital Markets. High-intent business traffic looking for software solutions.

23. AlternativeTo

Website: alternativeto.net
Domain Authority: 82
Type: Free
Best for: Positioning as an alternative

Great for capturing "X alternative" search traffic.

24. Crunchbase

Website: crunchbase.com
Domain Authority: 90
Type: Free basic listing
Best for: Startups seeking credibility and investor visibility

Essential for any startup wanting to appear legitimate to investors and partners.

25. SourceForge

Website: sourceforge.net
Domain Authority: 92
Type: Free
Best for: Open source and downloadable software

Old school but still has massive authority and traffic.

Tier 4: Additional Directories Worth Submitting

These directories round out your submission strategy:

DirectoryWebsiteTypeBest ForAI Tool Huntaitoolhunt.comFreeAI toolsAI Directoryaidirectory.orgFreeGeneral AIStackvivstackviv.comFreeAI tools by categoryCloudbooklet AIcloudbooklet.comFreeAI toolsAI Pedia Hubaipediahub.comFreeAI toolsSpiff Storespiff.storeFreeAI toolsAI Libraryailibrary.netFreeAI toolsFind My AI Toolfindmyaitool.comFreeBusiness AIGetLatkagetlatka.comFreeSaaS metricsLaunch Archivelauncharchive.comFreeProduct launchesBetapagebetapage.coFreeBeta productsPeerlist Launchpadpeerlist.ioFreeProduct launchesOpenHuntsopenhunts.comFreeTransparent launchesMicroLaunchmicrolaunch.netFreeMicro SaaSTinyStartupstinystartups.comFreeSide projectsNextBigProductnextbigproduct.netFreeSaaS launchesKillerStartupskillerstartups.comFree/PaidStartupsStartupbasestartupbase.ioFreeStartup discoveryLaunching Nextlaunchingnext.comFreeNew startupsStartupListstartuplist.inFreeFree backlinksAI Tool Guruaitoolguru.comFreeAI discoveryAI Tools Directoryaitoolsdirectory.comFreeAI toolsSuper Tools AIsupertools.aiFreeAI toolsAixploriaaixploria.comFreeAI tools

Submission Strategy: How to Maximize Results

Prepare Your Assets First

Before submitting anywhere, have these ready:

• Logo: PNG format, minimum 256x256px (512x512 preferred)
• Short description: Under 160 characters, keyword-rich but natural
• Long description: 200-500 words highlighting key features and benefits
• Screenshots: 3-5 high-quality images showing your product
• Categories: Know which categories fit your tool
• Pricing info: Clear free/paid breakdown

Prioritize by Domain Authority

Start with high-DA sites (90+) like G2, Product Hunt, and Crunchbase. These backlinks have the most SEO impact.

Batch Your Submissions

Set aside 2-3 hours and submit to 10-15 directories at once. Use a spreadsheet to track:

• Submission date
• Approval status
• Link live date
• Notes

Write Unique Descriptions

Don't copy-paste the same description everywhere. Tailor your pitch for each platform's audience.

Follow Up

Some directories take weeks to approve. If you haven't heard back after 2 weeks, send a polite follow-up.

What to Expect: Realistic Timeline

Week 1: Submit to top 20 directories
Weeks 2-4: Approvals start coming in, backlinks go live
Month 2: DR increases noticeably, organic traffic starts
Month 3+: Compounding effect as backlinks strengthen

Don't expect overnight results. Directory submissions are a long-term SEO strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting too fast. Google can flag sudden backlink spikes. Space out submissions over 2-4 weeks.

Generic descriptions. Each directory's users are slightly different. Customize your pitch.

Ignoring small directories. Even low-traffic directories provide backlink value.

Not tracking results. Use Google Search Console and Ahrefs/Semrush to monitor backlink growth.

Expecting immediate traffic. Most directory traffic is SEO-driven, which takes time.

Paid Submission Services: Worth It?

Several services offer to submit your tool to 50-300 directories for $29-$200:

• LaunchDirectories.com — 100+ submissions, done-for-you service
• 300aidirectories.com — 300+ AI directory submissions
• Backl.io — Backlink-focused submission service

These save significant time (70+ hours of manual work) and can be worth it if you're focused on building rather than marketing. However, you can absolutely do this yourself with the list above.

Start Today

The best time to submit to directories was when you launched. The second best time is today.

Start with the Tier 1 directories, especially ListMyAI, Product Hunt, and TAAFT. Then work through the list systematically over the next few weeks.

Your future self—and your SEO—will thank you.

Ready to get your AI tool discovered?

👉 Submit to ListMyAI — Fast approval, quality traffic, dofollow backlinks.

Last updated: December 2025

FAQ

How long does approval take? Most directories approve within 1-7 days. Some curated platforms take up to 2 weeks.

Can I submit a beta product? Yes! BetaList and similar platforms specialize in pre-launch products. Most other directories accept MVPs with a working demo.

Do I need to pay for submissions? No. The majority of directories have free submission options. Paid features typically offer faster review or featured placement.

How many directories should I submit to? Aim for 30-50 quality directories over 4-6 weeks. Quality matters more than quantity.

Will this actually help my SEO? Yes. Multiple high-authority backlinks significantly impact domain rating and organic rankings. Many founders report going from DR 0 to DR 25-35 within 2-3 months of systematic submissions.