An upvote is a single click from a signed-in visitor saying they like a product. On leaderboard-style launch platforms, the products with the most upvotes in a day or week rank highest.
Upvotes decide visibility on those platforms: the top few products get most of the clicks, and the rest are barely seen. That is why launches there are planned around rallying supporters during the voting window.
Most platforms forbid asking for upvotes directly and discount votes from new accounts. Asking people to take a look and leave honest feedback is allowed everywhere.
Why it matters for a launch
If you have no audience yet, a leaderboard works against you, since you are competing with people who do. A feed that lists launches newest first gives a small product the same slot as a big one.
Read more: How to launch on Product Hunt