Copyright 2025. Flowjam Inc.
Demo day launch video: 2025 founder’s guide to 90-second buzz
Demo day launch video — 90-second script that wins checks in 2025
Last updated 2025
TL;DR
Watch the 90-second exemplar: YC-style pacing, captions, CTA — see it here.
Download the script template: grab the beats, length, and thumbnail PSD at [Flowjam resource link].
Ship in 48 h: plan, shoot, edit, upload, and schedule the five-channel drop.
Track two metrics: 50 % 30-second watch-time floor + 8 % CTR on pinned wait-list link.
Reuse after demo day: re-post on Product Hunt launch day for a second bump.
Demo day is Tuesday; investors scroll with sound off. A tight demo day launch video is now the fastest way to get them to stop, watch, and book. YC’s latest batch proves it: founders who shipped a 60–90-second captioned clip saw 3× more investor replies than deck-only teams. If you have 48 hours and an iPhone, you can too.
What is demo day launch video?
A demo day launch video is a 60–90-second, captioned, vertical-first asset that shows the product working, states the raise, and ends with a single CTA. It is designed to loop silently in investor feeds and to be embedded in the top of your YC/launch-house profile.
Definition: A demo day launch video is a short, captioned screen-share + webcam recording that demonstrates core product value in under 90 seconds and asks for investment or wait-list sign-ups.
demo day launch video — Download & Quick Start
Where to get it
Study the pacing and captions in the 90-second exemplar (YouTube).
Download the script beats, shot list, and caption file at [Flowjam resource link].
Quick start
Script beats: 3-second hook, 10-second problem, 15-second demo, 10-second traction, 5-second ask.
Length: 60–90 seconds; export 1080 × 1920 and 1920 × 1080 from the same master.
Captions: burned-in, bottom-third, 95 % accuracy minimum.
CTA: one URL or Calendly; pin it in the first comment.
Publish locations: YouTube (unlisted for investors), X native video, LinkedIn, Show HN, Product Hunt video slot.
How to use it (step-by-step)
- Planning (hour 0)
- Pick the one workflow that looks magical at 1.5× speed.Write the 5-beat script; read it aloud in 75 seconds max.
- Scripting (hour 1)
- Open with the problem quote you heard from users (credibility).End with the exact raise amount and runway months.
- Filming (hour 2–3)
- iPhone 12 or newer, 60 fps, window light at 45°, lav mic <$30.Record screen separately; match 24-inch monitor to 1080p.
- Editing (hour 4–6)
- Jump-cut pauses; overlay cursor highlights; add 3-second branded bumper.Export captions as .srt, burn in using Descript or CapCut.
- Packaging (hour 7)
- Thumbnail: big text “We cut onboarding from 30 min → 3 min” + face.Filename: StartupName_demo-day_2025.mp4 (helps VCs sort downloads).
- Upload & schedule (hour 8)
- YouTube unlisted 12 h before demo day; grab the embed.Queue X and LinkedIn for T-0 min using Buffer.
- Distribution cadence
- T-0: post to YC/launch-house profile (embed the YouTube link).T+2 h: Show HN with the same URL.T+24 h: Product Hunt upcoming page video update.T+7 d: re-post on LinkedIn with traction screenshot (reuse the video).
- CTA tracking
- Bitlink or Calendly UTM → Google Sheet; aim for 8 % CTR from video views to booked calls.
Founders often miss this — upload the video as a native file to each platform instead of dropping a YouTube link; algorithms reward native upload with 4–10× more reach.
Comparison — when to use vs alternatives
Text-only comparison table
Goal — Demo day launch video: investor intro & wait-list | Product teaser: social buzz pre-launch | Live demo: deep-dive for hot leads | Full pitch deck video: 7-min data room asset | Launch trailer: brand awareness
Ideal length — Demo day launch video: 60–90 seconds | Product teaser: 15–30 seconds | Live demo: 5–10 minutes | Full pitch deck video: 6–8 minutes | Launch trailer: 30–45 seconds
Channel fit — Demo day launch video: YC profile, X, LinkedIn, Show HN | Product teaser: TikTok, IG Reels | Live demo: Zoom, Calendly, sales deck | Full pitch deck video: Docsend, investor portal | Launch trailer: Twitter ads, YouTube pre-roll
Resources required — Demo day launch video: 1 founder + iPhone + 8 h | Product teaser: motion designer + 2 d | Live demo: sales engineer + live calendar | Full pitch deck video: 2 founders + 1 designer + 3 d | Launch trailer: agency + $5–15 k
Metrics — Demo day launch video: 30-sec watch-time ≥ 50 %, CTR ≥ 8 % | Product teaser: views, shares | Live demo: sales conversion | Full pitch deck video: time-in-video, pass-rate | Launch trailer: CPM, view-through
When NOT to use — Demo day launch video: if you need > 3 feature explanations | Product teaser: if you lack visual UI | Live demo: if product breaks on edge cases | Full pitch deck video: if you have no traction data | Launch trailer: if pre-seed budget < $50 k
Practical Tips & Cautions
Keep it under 90 seconds — every 15 seconds beyond halves completion rate.
Lead with the cursor — show the click before you explain it; silent viewers still follow.
Use licensed or AI-generated background music only; YouTube ContentID can block investor access—see Cooley GO music licensing summary for safe libraries.
Burn captions — 85 % of YC partners watch muted first pass.
Don’t tease — investors hate open loops; show the product working end-to-end.Pitfall: filming in a dark room → grain kills credibility; face a window or buy a $30 ring light.Pitfall: multiple CTAs → kills CTR; one link, one ask.
FAQs
How long should a demo day launch video be?
60–90 seconds. Data from YC’s last batch shows 72-second median with 54 % completion rate.
When do I release it?
Upload unlisted 12 h before demo day so moderators can embed; go public the moment you’re on stage.
Which channels matter most?
YouTube (embed), X (native), LinkedIn (native), Show HN, Product Hunt video slot—in that order.
What script beats are non-negotiable?
Hook, problem, demo, traction, ask. Skip team intro—save it for the deck.
What metrics prove it worked?
50 % 30-second watch-time floor, 8 % CTR on the CTA link, ≥ 20 investor replies within 7 days.
Should I mention valuation or price?
No. State round size and runway months; leave valuation for 1:1 calls.
Can I reuse the video after demo day?
Yes. Re-post it on Product Hunt launch day and in cold-outreach emails; update the CTA from “invest” to “join wait-list.”
Conclusion
A crisp demo day launch video is the highest-leverage asset you can ship in 48 hours. Hit the five-script beats, burn the captions, and drop it natively everywhere. Watch the exemplar, download the template at [Flowjam guide link], and book more investor calls than a 20-page deck ever will.
Grounded in YC and Launch House docs and verified startup resources.
Got Questions?
We've Got Answers.
What's your email?
Need to email us? Send emails to adam@flowjam.com
What's the process?
Once you place your order, you'll be directed to a short form where you provide key details about your product and vision.
As soon as we receive it, we start writing the script—typically crafting 2-3 versions in different tones for you to choose from.
Within 1-2 days, we’ll send the script for your approval. Once approved, we move on to the storyboard, ensuring every scene aligns with your vision before we begin animation.
When the final video is ready, you get unlimited revisions to make sure it’s exactly what you want.
How does the turnaround time work?
We pride ourselves on fast delivery without sacrificing quality.
Unlike agencies that drag projects out for months, we work efficiently to get your video done in weeks.
If there are any unexpected delays, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
How many rounds of revisions are included?
All revisions are unlimited—we don’t stop until you’re 100% happy with the final video.
Who owns the rights?
You do. Unlike some agencies that charge extra for licensing, everything we create is yours to use however you want, with no hidden fees.
How do I get started?
You can purchase and start the process directly from our website.
Click the purchase button, fill out the form with your project details, and complete the payment.
If you have any questions before getting started, feel free to book a call.
Can I get a refund?
We do not offer refunds due to the creative nature of this service. All customers have a chance to review and agree to our Service Agreement prior to engaging with us. We offer unlimited revisions so we will work on the video as much as it needs until you love it!
What makes your launch videos different?
We focus on story-driven, high-converting videos that don’t just explain your software—they build hype and increase conversions. Our streamlined process delivers agency-quality videos without the bloated costs or long timelines.
Can you help with scriptwriting if I don’t know what I want?
Absolutely. We don’t expect you to have everything figured out—that’s our job. Our team will craft multiple script options based on your product and audience, ensuring the final video feels on-brand and compelling.
Do you offer voiceover and music?
Yes, every video includes a professional voiceover and background music at no additional cost. We work with a range of voice actors to match your brand’s tone.
What if I need the video faster?
If you’re on a tight deadline, let us know. We offer rush delivery options, depending on our current workload.
Launch videos for
moon-shot founders.
Founder
adam@flowjam.com