YC Launch Video Example: The 60-Second Script That Opens Doors

Last updated 2026

TL;DR

What it is: A 30–60 second founder-led video demonstrating traction, product, and team—modeled on YC's launch and pitch frameworks.

Where to get it: Copy/paste script below + [Flowjam template link] for storyboard and checklist.

When to use it: YC application, Demo Day, Product Hunt, investor cold outreach, or any moment where proof beats promises.

How to apply: Script in 30 min → film on phone in 60 min → edit in 2 hrs → ship same day.

Critical win: Concrete metrics in first 10 seconds; product demo in middle; single CTA at end.

Start now: Copy the script, record today, ship tonight.

You need to launch like YC founders do—fast, proof-heavy, no fluff. You searched YC launch video example because you want the exact script, pacing, and proof points that get investors to reply. This guide gives you a copy/paste template grounded in YC's launch framework, pitch methodology, and investor presentation tactics—plus a storyboard you can film today.

What is a YC launch video?

A YC launch video is a 30–60 second founder-led demonstration that establishes market traction, shows working product, and communicates team credibility—designed for high-signal distribution to investors, early users, and accelerator programs like Y Combinator.

Definition: A YC launch video is a concise, founder-narrated video that combines quantitative traction proof, live product demonstration, and clear team credentials to generate investor interest and user adoption within a single minute.

YC launch video example — Download & Quick Start

Copy/Paste Script Template (60 Seconds):

"[Company] helps [ICP] do [outcome]. Unlike [alternative], we [key differentiation].

We launched [timeframe] ago. Today we have [traction metric: revenue/users/GMV], growing [growth rate] month-over-month.

Here's how it works: [10-second screen recording of core workflow].

We're [founder names], [relevant credential: ex-[company], [domain] experts]. We're raising [amount] to [specific milestone].

[CTA: Reply for deck / Join waitlist / Start free trial]."

Timestamped Storyboard:

0–5s: Founder face, bold claim with metric ("$50K MRR in 6 months")

5–15s: Problem flash + solution statement

15–40s: Screen recording, cursor visible, 3-click demo

40–50s: Founder face, team credentials, funding ask

50–60s: CTA with URL/email visible

Minimal Equipment Checklist:

iPhone 12+ or equivalent (4K, decent low light)

Window or ring light (face the light source)

Quiet room (closet = sound booth)

Loom or Screen Studio for screen capture

Descript or CapCut for editing (captions mandatory)

Where to get the full template: [Flowjam template link] — includes YC-specific beat sheet and equipment alternatives.

How to use it (step-by-step) — practical, not theoretical

Step 1: Script (30 Minutes)

Open Notes. Fill in the bracketed template above. Constraints:

130 words maximum = 60 seconds at conversational pace

One metric only—revenue beats users, users beats "engagement"

No adjectives without proof ("fastest" → "10x faster than [competitor]")

Step 2: Capture (60 Minutes)

Face shots: 3 takes of opening and closing. Look at lens, not screen. Energy 20% higher than normal.

Screen demo: Record 3 full walkthroughs. Show real data, real loading states, real notifications. Authenticity > polish.

Audio: iPhone voice memo backup if camera audio fails. Closet recording with clothes on hangers = zero echo.

Step 3: Edit (2 Hours)

Assembly: Cut face shot → screen demo → face shot. No transitions, just jump cuts.

Captions: Burn in high-contrast text. 85% watch muted; captions are primary audio.

Pacing: No shot over 5 seconds. If screen demo runs 15 seconds, cut to 10.

Export: 1920×1080, 30fps, H.264, <100MB file size.

Step 4: Publish and Test

YC application: Upload to YouTube unlisted, link in application.

Demo Day: Embed in Notion/Slides, autoplay muted, loop last 10 seconds.

Investor cold outreach: Attach thumbnail GIF, "60-second demo attached" subject line.

Product Hunt: Native upload, 1:1 crop, thumbnail at 15-second mark (peak action).

LinkedIn: 1:1 aspect, native upload, no link in post (kills reach), link in first comment.

Pre-Flight Checklist:

.Metric is specific, recent, and verifiable

.Product demo shows 3 clicks max

.Captions burned, not SRT

.CTA is single action, not "learn more"

.File <100MB for fast mobile load

.Tested playback on iOS Safari and Chrome

Founders often miss this — The metric in your opening line isn't for credibility—it's a filter. "We have 10 paying customers" repels investors seeking scale, but attracts the right advisors for your stage. Specificity beats aspiration; wrong attention wastes time.

Comparison section — YC launch video vs alternatives

YC Launch Video

Goal: Investor interest + user adoption in 60 seconds

Use when: YC application, Demo Day, cold outreach, Product Hunt, fundraising

Length: 30–60 seconds

Audience: Investors, early adopters, accelerator partners

Core elements: Traction metric, product demo, team credential, funding ask

Trade-off: Requires concrete metrics; vaporware founders exposed immediately

YC Application Video

Goal: Demonstrate founder clarity and market insight for admissions

Use when: YC W/S batch application only

Length: 60 seconds (YC-specified)

Audience: YC partners

Core elements: Problem insight, solution approach, team background, why now

Trade-off: Less product demo, more thesis; no distribution beyond application

Investor Pitch Deck

Goal: Comprehensive business case for partnership consideration

Use when: Partner meetings, due diligence, formal fundraising process

Length: 10–15 slides, 3–5 minute read

Audience: VC partners, associates, investment committees

Core elements: Market size, business model, competition, financials, team

Trade-off: Static, no product proof, easily forwarded to competitors

Product Demo Video

Goal: Feature education for active evaluators

Use when: Sales enablement, onboarding, support documentation

Length: 2–5 minutes

Audience: Qualified prospects, new users, customer success

Core elements: Deep feature walkthrough, use cases, integrations

Trade-off: Too long for cold outreach; assumes existing interest

Landing Page Product Tour

Goal: Interactive exploration for website visitors

Use when: High-intent traffic, product-led growth, self-serve conversion

Length: User-controlled (3–10 clicks)

Audience: Website visitors with problem awareness

Core elements: Clickable UI, tooltips, guided workflows

Trade-off: Engineering heavy, no founder voice, low emotional connection

Decision Matrix:

YC application due tomorrow: YC application video (60s thesis-heavy)

Demo Day in 2 weeks: YC launch video (metric + demo + ask)

Cold investor outreach: YC launch video (attachment-friendly, high reply rate)

Partner meeting booked: Pitch deck + live demo (deep dive)

Website conversion optimization: Product tour + YC launch video hero (trust + exploration)

Practical Tips & Cautions

Lead with metric, not mission: "We help teams collaborate" is noise. "$50K MRR helping remote teams cut meeting time 40%" is signal. Per YC's pitch guide, traction first, vision second.

Show working product, not roadmap: Demo today's features, not Q4 promises. YC's launch framework emphasizes "launch when you have something people want"—prove it visually.

One founder on camera: Co-founder split-screen adds complexity without value. Single face builds direct connection.

Captions are non-negotiable: 85% of mobile video plays muted. Burn high-contrast captions or lose 4 of 5 viewers.

Validate every claim: Screenshot metrics from your dashboard, don't type them. YC's investor presentation guide warns that inflated numbers kill credibility fast.

Music licensing: Use Artlist or Epidemic Sound. "Free" music triggers Content ID claims that block uploads.

File size ceiling: >200MB triggers platform transcoding delays and mobile data warnings. Compress to <100MB for 60s 1080p.

Test before blast: Send to 3 advisors, incorporate feedback, then mass distribute. First impressions compound.

FAQs

What should a YC launch video include?

Traction metric (revenue/users/growth rate) in first 10 seconds, 10–20 second product demo showing 3 core clicks, team credential establishing domain expertise, specific funding ask with milestone, and single CTA. See YC's pitch methodology for proof-point prioritization.

How long should a YC launch video be?

30–60 seconds optimal. YC application videos have a 60-second hard limit. For investor outreach and Product Hunt, 60 seconds maximizes completion rates; every 10 seconds beyond reduces retention 12%. Shorter is better than comprehensive.

When should I start making my YC launch video?

2 weeks before application deadline for polish, 48 hours before if iterating fast. Don't start until you have concrete traction—launch video without metrics is just noise. Per YC's launch guide, ship product first, video second.

How do I show traction if I'm pre-revenue?

Show user growth, waitlist size, pilot agreements, or letters of intent. Quantify everything: "500 waitlist signups in 2 weeks" beats "strong early interest." If truly zero traction, focus on problem insight and technical demo— but know that YC heavily weights execution evidence.

Can I use the same video for YC application and investor outreach?

Yes, with tweaks. YC application version emphasizes "why now" and team insight. Investor outreach version leads with metric and market size. Same footage, different opening 15 seconds. [Flowjam template link] includes both cut variations.

What's the difference between YC application video and YC launch video?

Application video: 60 seconds, thesis-driven, explains "why this, why now, why us" for admissions. Launch video: 30–60 seconds, traction-driven, demonstrates working product for investors and users. Application video gets you in; launch video gets you funded.

Should I hire a videographer or DIY?

DIY for YC stage. iPhone + natural light + closet audio beats polished production with weak content. YC partners evaluate clarity and traction, not cinematography. Spend $0 on production, 10 hours on metric verification and script refinement.

Conclusion

A YC launch video example isn't inspiration—it's a template you execute today. Copy the script above, fill in your metrics, film on your phone, and ship before midnight. The founders who get into YC and raise seed rounds aren't the ones with the best cameras; they're the ones who proved traction in 60 seconds and asked clearly.

Your launch window is narrow. Your video should be too.

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