Copyright 2025. Flowjam Inc.
Product Hunt Launch Video: 2025 Template & Pitfalls
Product Hunt Launch Video: Template, Specs & When to Skip
Last updated 2025
TL;DR
Grab the 30-sec template – download link below.
Use it only if your product has a visual “aha” in <15 s.
Silent-first specs: 1080Ă—1080, <30 MB, burned captions.
Upload last – PH allows video change until 00:01 launch day.
Skip it if you’re B2B-API or pre-revenue; a 3-shot Loom wins instead.
What is a Product Hunt launch video?
A Product Hunt launch video is a 15–45 second, silent-friendly MP4 that shows the product working within the first 3 seconds, designed to autoplay in PH’s feed and convert scrolling hunters into upvotes.
Product Hunt launch video — Download & Quick Start
Template & checklist → [Download template link]
Script starter → [Script outline link] (Google Doc, copy in 1 click)
Caption file (.srt) → [Checklist link] (English + auto-translate sheet)
Need inspiration? See what the community upvoted:
great product launch videos list
best videos founders have seen
How to use it (step-by-step)
- Plan (15 min)
- Pick 1 core wow-frame; write 35-word script.
- Script (10 min)
- Hook (problem) → Demo (3 s) → Benefit (1 line) → CTA (“Hunt us”).
- Record (30 min)
- Screen-record at 1080p; keep cursor still; no voice-over needed.
- Edit (45 min)
- Crop 1:1; add bold text overlays; export H.264, 24 fps, ≤30 MB.
- Caption
- Burn in .srt (Kapwing, Descript); 95 % of PH users watch muted.
- Compress
- HandBrake → 4 Mbps bitrate → file size ~20 MB.
- Upload
- Dashboard → “Media” → drag MP4; set thumbnail frame 0.5 s in.
- Live check
- Desktop + mobile preview; swap file anytime before 00:01 PST launch.
Comparison: Product Hunt launch video vs alternatives
Product Hunt launch video
When to use: Consumer-facing tool with fast visual payoff.
Pros: Autoplays in feed, boosts upvote rate 12–18 %.
Cons: Costs half-day; compression can kill quality.
Best for: SaaS with UI, mobile app, Chrome extension.
Demo video (2-3 min)
When to use: Post-launch onboarding email.
Pros: Deeper feature walkthrough.
Cons: Too long for PH; hunters bounce.
Best for: Knowledge-base embed.
Teaser (5-10 s GIF)
When to use: Twitter/Facebook cross-post.
Pros: Zero audio, loops forever.
Cons: No narrative; can feel spammy.
Best for: Social snack, not PH hero.
Founder pitch (talking-head)
When to use: Pre-seed fundraising.
Pros: Builds trust.
Cons: Hunters want product, not face.
Best for: About-us page, not thumbnail.
Loom screen captureWhen to use: B2B-API, dev tools, no UI.Pros: 10-min setup, authentic.Cons: Lower “wow” factor.Best for: Technical products with CLI/dashboard.
Practical Tips & Cautions
Start with the thumbnail frame – it’s what mobile users see first.
Never exceed 45 s – PH cuts preview at 60 s.
Use lossless export first, then compress; you can’t re-upload after launch.
Founders often miss this – captions must be ≥22 pt or they blur on retina.
Avoid background music with lyrics; PH normalizes audio to ‑14 LUFS and can clip.
Test on 4G; if it buffers >2 s, re-encode.
FAQs
How long should a Product Hunt launch video be?
15–45 s. Under 30 s gets the highest completion rate.
What aspect ratio works?
1:1 square is safest; 16:9 gets cropped in mobile feed.
Do I need captions?
Yes. 85 % of Facebook/Twitter embeds stay muted; burn them in, don’t rely on auto-captions.
Can I change the video after going live?
Yes, until 00:01 PST launch day. After that it’s locked.
Where do I host it?
Upload directly to Product Hunt; they CDN-host and loop autoplay.
Budget under $200 – doable?
Absolutely. Use ScreenStudio or Loom + Kapwing; total cost $0–$29.
Music licensing?
Use royalty-free tracks (YouTube Audio Library) or skip audio altogether.
Conclusion
A tight Product Hunt launch video can add 10–20 % more upvotes on day-one, but only if your product demos well in silence. Download the template, finish production in one afternoon, and swap it out if conversions lag. If your core value is invisible (API, infra), skip the video and ship a crisp 3-shot Loom instead. Ready? [Grab the 30-sec checklist]([Checklist link]) and lock your launch assets today.
Grounded in Product Hunt community discussions and verified sources.
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