Show HN: I launched a MIDI controller and IG banned me 48 hours later

[harmonyresearch]

The MIDI controller I wanted didn't exist, so I built it.

I: - posted it to reddit, got 50k views, sold a few (including to some big names in the EDM world) - used it in a session with a Wu Tang affiliate (got paid 30 chicken wings, all flats) - got banned from Instagram in 48 hours, right after one of my favorite producers followed my account.

Build Details: - 2.0mm 5052 powder coated aluminum body, modeled in fusion, laser cut and bent by sendcutsend - Solid walnut endcaps - SLA keycaps - gateron switches - custom switch matrix pcb - custom c++ firmware - rp2350 mcu - i2c oled display - ec11 encoders connected to a mcp23017

Do any of y'all have any advice for promoting a new hardware product, without incurring the wrath of Meta's algorithms?

harmonyresearchlabs.com

[sxzygz]

For people who want to see it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9MhqrdpzU4

[harmonyresearch]

Thanks! Yeah I played that in C phrygian, doubled 3rd voicing, all handled by the device.

[dapangzi]

Checked the project out, while basic from an engineering perspective, does feel like it meets a niche, and how's that a crime?

I'm inclined to buy once I see others test it (I hate being a beta tester, no offense intended).

$250 for this is *stupid* cheap, given your competitors' *stupid* prices.

Feels like a lot of info is missing here, you getting banned from Instagram.

What was the nature of the post?

edit: Also, have you considered a spring-loaded x-y controller or touchpad x-y controller? I find these indispensable.

[harmonyresearch]

Thanks for checking it out!

RE:engineering: You're spot on, on the engineering side it's dead simple. Simple, reliable, serviceable were all part of the goal.

RE:pricing: Other devices in this category are expensive and several have built-in synth engines and audio cards. This build uses mostly off the shelf components in an effort to keep the price down.

Instagram said I 'violated community guidelines'. Not sure how, I posted a photo of the controller and two videos of it in action. I think my error was following too many people too quickly, maybe lots of external traffic from reddit hurt too?

[johng]

My guess is that it isn't anything you did other than maybe "grow" too fast and it looked like some kind of spam bot. Just a guess though. I don't know much about how instagram works other than personal use, I post pictures rarely.

[harmonyresearch]

Yeah that's my best guess, too.

[dapangzi]

That really stinks, sorry you had to experience that.

I feel like it's the nature of these social media companies anymore. They use automated enforcement and the appeals process is impossible. :/

Will keep an eye out, this is very cool.