You've spent months, maybe years, building your product. You've poured everything into your startup. Now, it all comes down to a 3,000-character application and a one-minute video. It's that video that causes the most stress for founders. Why? Because the instructions are deceptively simple, yet the stakes feel impossibly high.

Most guides will tell you what YC wants: a one-minute video with all founders, no script, and no special effects. They'll show you a few examples of companies that got in. But they miss the most important part. They don't tell you why these rules exist and what the YC partners are truly trying to figure out in those 60 seconds. This guide fixes that. We're not just covering the basics; we’re giving you the playbook to understand the psychology behind the YC application video so you can nail it.

Why Your One-Minute Video is More Than Just a Pitch

First, let's get one thing straight. The video is not about your product. You have a demo link and a whole application for that. This video is about you.

It's Not a Product Demo; It's a Founder Demo

YCombinator funds people, not just ideas. Ideas pivot. Markets change. The one constant they are betting on is the founding team. They want to see how you and your co-founders interact. Do you have chemistry? Do you talk over each other? Does one person dominate the conversation? They are trying to get a signal on whether you can work together for the next ten years. Your ability to communicate your vision together, concisely and clearly, is a direct reflection of your team's alignment.

Assessing Your Communication and Conviction

Can you explain what you do with genuine passion? Or do you sound like you're reciting a memorized speech? YC partners watch thousands of these videos. They have a finely tuned radar for inauthenticity. They want to see the real you. They're looking for founders who are so obsessed with the problem they're solving that they can't help but be excited about it. This isn't about being a slick salesperson; it's about showing raw, unscripted conviction.

Can You Explain a Complex Idea Simply?

Great founders can make complicated things sound simple. Your one-minute video is the ultimate test of this skill. If you can't explain your startup in 60 seconds to a friendly audience, how will you explain it to a skeptical customer or a potential investor in a 30-second elevator ride? YC wants to see that you have mastered your subject so well that you can articulate it without hiding behind jargon or buzzwords.

[PRO TIP: Before you even think about filming, try explaining your startup to a friend who knows nothing about your industry. Watch their face. Do their eyes glaze over? If so, you need to simplify your message.]

The Official YC Rules: What You Absolutely Cannot Ignore

YCombinator is very clear about its instructions. Ignoring them is the fastest way to get your application tossed. Let's break down the official rules and the reasoning behind them.

The One-Minute Mandate: Why Brevity is Everything

The video must be one minute long. This isn't an arbitrary number. It forces you to be concise. It respects the reviewer's time and shows that you can prioritize information effectively. While some famous examples like Zenefits went over, that was an exception, not the rule. Stick to the minute.

All Founders on Screen: No Exceptions

If you have a co-founder, they must be in the video. If you can't be in the same room, a screen-recorded video call works. This is non-negotiable. YC is investing in a team, and they need to see the entire team. Leaving someone out sends a major red flag about your co-founder relationship.

No Scripts, No Effects, No Music: Authenticity is the Goal

YC explicitly states: "Please do not recite a script written beforehand." They want a spontaneous conversation, not a performance. People who read from a script often come across as wooden and insincere. The same goes for post-production wizardry and background music. They don't want to see your video editing skills; they want to see your unvarnished ability to communicate.

Technical Checks: Audio, Lighting, and a Stable Camera

This might sound obvious, but a surprising number of applications have inaudible audio. Before you upload, play it back. Can you hear every word clearly? Are you in a well-lit space where your faces are visible? Is the camera stable (propped up on a book is fine!)? You don't need a professional studio, but you do need to make sure the basics are covered so they can focus on your message, not your production quality.

Deconstructing a Winning YC Video: A 60-Second Framework

You have 60 seconds. That's it. You need a structure that covers the essentials without feeling rushed. Here’s a battle-tested framework to guide your video.

Seconds 0-10: Who Are You? (The Introduction)

Start with your names and the name of your company. That’s it. Don't waste time on long-winded introductions.

• Example: "Hi, I'm Jane, and this is my co-founder John. We're building SwiftReply."

Seconds 10-30: What Are You Building? (The Problem & Solution)

Clearly state the problem you are solving and for whom. Then, immediately explain your solution. Be specific.

• Example: "Customer support teams spend hours writing the same emails over and over. SwiftReply is a smart inbox that uses AI to instantly draft replies, cutting response time by 80%."

Seconds 30-50: Why You? (Founder-Market Fit & Unfair Advantage)

This is your chance to shine. Why are you the right people to build this? Briefly mention your relevant experience or a unique insight you have. What is your unfair advantage?

• Example: "I spent five years leading a support team at a major SaaS company and experienced this problem firsthand. John led the machine learning team at a top tech firm, so we have the perfect blend of domain expertise and technical skill to solve it."

Seconds 50-60: What's Your Progress? (Traction & The Ask)

End with momentum. Briefly mention your most impressive metric. This could be revenue, user growth, or pilot customers. End strong.

• Example: "We launched four weeks ago and already have 50 paying users and are growing 20% week-over-week. We're applying to YC to help us scale."

Scripting Without a Script: The Bullet Point Method

The rule is "no script," not "no preparation." The key is to use bullet points, not a verbatim text. This allows you to talk naturally while ensuring you hit all your key points.

Brainstorming Your Core Talking Points

Get together with your co-founders and write down the most important things you need to convey. Use the 60-second framework above. For each section, agree on one or two key phrases or data points.

• Problem: "Support teams waste time."

• Solution: "AI inbox drafts replies."

• Why Us: "Jane = industry expert, John = ML expert."

• Traction: "50 paying users."

Assigning Sections to Each Co-Founder

Decide who will say what. A great way to show co-founder chemistry is to have a natural back-and-forth. Maybe one founder introduces the problem, and the other presents the solution. This creates a conversational feel and avoids one person dominating.

Rehearsing for Flow, Not for Memorization

Do a few practice runs. The goal isn't to memorize lines but to get comfortable with the flow of the conversation. It should feel like you're explaining your startup to a friend, not delivering a presentation. If you stumble, that's okay. It's more authentic than a perfectly polished but robotic delivery.

Filming Day: Practical Tips for a Low-Budget, High-Impact Video

You don't need a Hollywood budget. Your smartphone is perfectly fine. Focus on what matters.

Setting the Scene: Your Natural Workspace is Best

Film in your office, your garage, or wherever you actually work. A simple, clean background is all you need. Good lighting is critical. The easiest trick is to face a window. Natural light works wonders and costs nothing.

Co-Founder Dynamics on Camera: A Balancing Act

Stand next to each other. Look at the camera, not at each other, unless it's for a brief, natural interaction. The energy between you should feel collaborative and respectful. Simple things like nodding when your co-founder is speaking show that you're engaged and on the same page.

The One-Take Myth: How Many Tries is Too Many?

Don't aim for a perfect one-take video. It will take multiple tries to get it right. Most teams do between 5 and 15 takes. The goal is to find the one where you are clear, concise, and your energy is high. Often, after you've done a few takes, you'll loosen up and the best version will emerge.

Learning from Success: Analysis of Past YC Videos

Watching successful application videos is one of the best ways to prepare. YC even provides a list of good examples.

Case Study: Zenefits (Clarity and Boldness)

The Zenefits video is famous for being longer than one minute, but its strength is its incredible clarity. Parker Conrad speaks directly to the camera, explains a boring industry (HR and payroll) in a compelling way, and clearly states the massive market opportunity. The takeaway: clarity trumps everything.

Case Study: Teespring (Authenticity and a Clear Problem)

The Teespring video is a great example of two founders with natural chemistry. They quickly explain a problem they personally faced and built a solution for. Their passion is evident, and they come across as genuine and relatable. The takeaway: let your authentic personality and passion for the problem shine through.

The Biggest Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Sometimes, knowing what not to do is just as important. Avoid these common pitfalls.

Reading a Script Verbatim

We've said it before, but it's the number one mistake. It instantly makes you sound rehearsed and unnatural. YC partners can spot it a mile away.

Using Marketing Jargon and Buzzwords

Avoid words like "synergy," "paradigm shift," or "game-changing." They mean nothing. Instead of saying your product is "innovative," explain what is new about it. Be direct and specific.

Poor Audio or Visual Quality

If they can't see or hear you clearly, they can't evaluate you. Test your setup. Do a quick recording and watch it on a different device to make sure it's clear.

Forgetting to Show Your Personality

Don't be afraid to let your personality show. YC is looking for authentic people. If you're naturally energetic and funny, let that come through. If you're more serious and analytical, that's fine too. The worst thing you can be is forgettable.

Quick Takeaways

• It's a Founder Demo: YC bets on people. The video is their first look at you and your team dynamics.

• Follow the Rules: One minute, all founders, no scripts, no effects. Don't overthink it.

• Structure Your 60 Seconds: Intro (10s), Problem/Solution (20s), Why You (20s), Traction (10s).

• Use Bullet Points: Prepare talking points, not a word-for-word script.

• Authenticity Wins: They want to see genuine passion, not a polished performance.

• Check Your Tech: Ensure your audio and video are clear. It's a basic sign of competence.

• Practice, Don't Memorize: Do multiple takes to find a natural, energetic delivery.

Your Next Steps

Stop worrying and start recording. Your goal is not to create a cinematic masterpiece. Your goal is to clearly and concisely communicate who you are, what you're building, and why you're the right team to do it. Follow the framework in this guide, do a few practice runs, and let your passion for your startup do the talking. You've got this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How important is the video compared to the rest of the application?

The written application is critical for explaining the details of your business, but the video provides the human element. It's the only chance for the partners to get a sense of your personality and team dynamics before the interview. A great video can make a good application stand out.

2. What if we are not native English speakers?

Clarity is more important than perfect grammar. Speak slowly and clearly. YC is a global program and they are used to founders from all over the world. Your passion and the clarity of your idea will matter far more than your accent.

3. What should we wear?

Wear what you would normally wear to work. For most startups, this means a t-shirt or a casual shirt. The goal is to be comfortable and authentic, not to look like you're going to a board meeting.

4. Should we mention our competitors?

In a one-minute video, you don't have time to go into a deep competitive analysis. Focus on your unique insight and what makes your solution special. You can address the competitive landscape in the written application.

5. We're a solo founder. How does that change the video?

The format is the same. You'll cover all the same points yourself. This is your chance to show your conviction, expertise, and that you have the drive to build a massive company on your own. Address the camera with confidence and passion.