Latest development update: Direct Hire & Leaderboards on HYVE

At HYVE, we're committed to building the a transparent, and dynamic platform for freelancers and companies looking for talent. Each new update brings us closer to that vision—and our latest features are no exception. Following the recent release of Connections, we’re excited to announce two major additions: Direct Hire and Leaderboards.
Together, these three features form a powerful trio that enhances how talent is discovered, how collaborations are initiated, and how success is recognized within the HYVE ecosystem.
Rewind: Connections—The Social Layer of HYVE
Last month, we introduced Connections, a feature that laid the groundwork for social collaboration on the platform. Inspired by how networks grow in the real world, Connections allowed users to build meaningful links with each other.
This feature transformed HYVE from a transactional workspace into a relationship-driven ecosystem, encouraging users to grow their network, establish credibility, and discover like-minded professionals.
Connections gave users the ability to:
- Easily message and collaborate with their network
- Stay updated on each other’s activity and posted tasks
- Re-engage with past clients or collaborators without needing external platforms like LinkedIn
It was the first step toward a more connected, intuitive user experience.
Introducing Direct Hire: Skip the Wait, Start the Work
Building on the foundation of Connections and the User Directory, the new Direct Hire feature simplifies the hiring process even further. Instead of needing to connect first, clients can now send an offer directly to a freelancer.
This means:
- Faster onboarding—send offers without the back-and-forth
- Flexible contracts—use Direct Hire for one-off tasks or long-term projects
- Full freelancer control—offers can be accepted or declined at their discretion
Whether you're a client on a tight deadline or a freelancer looking for more inbound opportunities, Direct Hire removes barriers and keeps momentum high.

Leaderboards: Recognition for the Best in the Community
While Direct Hire speeds up hiring, our new Leaderboards feature shines a light on top performers. It brings a layer of visibility and friendly competition that helps the most active and successful members stand out.
Leaderboards will highlight:
- Freelancers with the most completed jobs
- Creatives with the highest digital item sales
- High engagement across a range of performance metrics
Updated regularly, this feature not only recognizes excellence but also helps clients discover reliable talent with a proven track record. For freelancers, it’s an opportunity to build their brand and grow their presence in a public, platform-wide way.
How It All Comes Together
These three features—Connections, Direct Hire, and Leaderboards—are part of a larger vision: to create a platform where opportunity flows freely, talent is easy to find, and success is celebrated.
- Connections allow you to build a trusted network.
- Direct Hire turns discovery into action with instant offers.
- Leaderboards provide recognition and visibility to those who consistently perform at a high level.
Whether you’re new to HYVE or a seasoned user, these features are designed to enhance every aspect of your journey—helping you hire faster, connect better, and stand out through your work.
What’s Next?
At HYVE, every update is a step toward redefining how freelance collaboration should feel—less friction, more freedom, and an experience built around people, not just projects.
Explore the new features now. Send that offer. Build new connections. Climb the Leaderboard.
This is freelancing, reimagined.