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yc startup launch video (2025): watch, steal, ship faster
yc startup launch video: the 3-minute clip that ships your MVP today
Last updated 2025
TL;DR
Free 3-min watch: the yc startup launch video on YouTube.
Instant template: copy the exact 5-slide order YC partners expect.
Zero fluff: skip the 30-page “How to launch” article; ship in 30 min.
No gear needed: Loom + landing page is enough.
Bookmark: YC Launch for the submit button.
Need to go from “private beta” to real users before tomorrow’s batch deadline? The yc startup launch video is a 3-minute screen-share by YC Group Partner Kevin Hale that shows the minimum-viable launch that still gets accepted. Watch it once, duplicate the slide order, hit record, and you have a submission-ready Launch video in under an hour—no editing, no budget, no excuses.
What is yc startup launch video?
A recorded walk-through—shot on Loom—where a founder demos the product, shows the five canonical slides (problem, solution, progress, team, ask), and uploads the unedited file to YC Launch.
Definition: A yc startup launch video is an unedited 1–3-minute screen recording that explains what you built, who it’s for, and what traction you have, used to apply to YC batch or publish on Launch.
yc startup launch video — Download & Quick Start
Watch the canonical clip: YouTube – 5aYb8p1Qk0w (3:07).
Duplicate the slide deck shown in the description (Google Slides link).
Record your screen + voice with Loom; keep it <3 min, 1080p.
Export MP4 or use Loom’s “Download” button.
Upload directly to YC Launch or attach to your batch application.
How to use it (step-by-step)
Prep: open the copied slide deck, replace placeholders with your data.
Script: one sentence per slide; total word count ≤ 250.
Record: full-screen the slide, start Loom, talk slowly.
Review: replay at 2×; if any slide needs >25 s, cut copy.
Export: MP4 <25 MB; filename “startup-name-launch.mp4”.
Submit: drop into the “Demo video” field on YC Launch or the batch application form.
Publish: toggle “Public” to get an instant SEO-friendly page you can tweet.
Comparison: yc startup launch video vs alternatives
Option: YC startup launch video — Best for: founders with no budget who need to ship today — Pros: 3-min template, zero editing, accepted by YC — Cons: no SEO juice until you also publish a landing pageOption: YC Launch page — Best for: already have MVP and want traffic — Pros: do-follow backlink, up-votes, press visibility — Cons: requires working URL + 1-sentence pitchOption: YC “How to launch” article — Best for: pre-product idea validation — Pros: deep tactics, 30 case studies — Cons: 20-min read, easy to over-engineerOption: Generic “Product Hunt launch guide” — Best for: consumer products hunting tomorrow — Pros: large audience, badges — Cons: needs graphics, scheduling, hunter contacts; not used by YC admissions
Practical Tips & Cautions
Keep it under 3 min or reviewers bounce.
Show real pixels; no Figma mock-ups past the first 10 s.
Include today’s date in the intro—proves the product is alive.
Founders often miss this — uploading to YouTube public first leaks your idea to competitors; use unlisted or upload straight to YC Launch.
No background music; audio must be <0 dB peaks.
Check legal: if you incorporated via Cooley GO, confirm no confidential client data is on screen.
FAQs
Do I need a voice-over for the yc startup launch video?
Yes. YC reviewers watch at 2×; silence makes them skip.
Can I use the video outside of YC applications?
Absolutely. Once public on YC Launch you can embed it on your site or tweet the link.
How polished should the slides be?
Minimal. Black-on-white text plus one screenshot per slide is standard—design polish does not raise acceptance rate.
File-size limit?
25 MB on the batch form; Launch page accepts up to 100 MB.
Does the video replace the written application?
No. Treat it as the “demo” field; you still need 1-sentence answers to the core questions.
Is a mobile demo okay?
Yes, but mirror your phone so the cursor is visible; reviewers hate shaky vertical video.
Conclusion
The yc startup launch video is the fastest way to show—rather than tell—what you’ve built. Watch the 3-minute template, duplicate the deck, record once, and hit submit on YC Launch tonight. Ship now, iterate tomorrow.
Grounded in YC docs and verified legal 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