How to Nail Your YC Video (What to Say, How to Film, & Common Mistakes)

Описание: Learn how to craft a strong YC application video — what to say, how to film it, and the biggest mistakes to avoid.
This step-by-step guide (with insights from a former YC partner) will help your team stand out in under 60 seconds.

🔗 Links:
Advice from YC:    • How to Apply And Succeed at Y Combinator |...  
Advice from Gabriel Jarrosson (YC-focussed VC):    • How to Ace Your YC Interview Video  
Apply to YC: https://www.ycombinator.com/apply
YC's Application Video Tips: https://www.ycombinator.com/video
Tella YC Application Video:    • Tella YC  
Zenefits YC Application Video:    • Zenefits (YC W2013) Application Video  
DoorDash YC Application Video:    • DoorDash's Application Video for YC S13  

🚀 How to Nail Your YC Application Video (What to Say, How to Film, & Common Mistakes)

Every year, thousands of teams get rejected by Y Combinator — often because of one deceptively simple requirement: the 60-second application video. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what YC wants, what to avoid, and how to record a clear, compelling founder video that improves your chances of making the 1% acceptance cut.

I went through YC myself (S20 batch with Tella) and spoke directly with my former YC partner about the most common mistakes founders make — and how you can avoid them.

You’ll learn:
✅ What the YC application video actually is (and what it’s not)
✅ The 4 essential elements your video must include
⬩ Introductions
⬩ What you’re building
⬩ Why you’re building it
⬩ Founder background & traction
✅ How to explain your idea in simple, clear, “YC-friendly” language
✅ How to record the video — in-person or remotely — without overthinking it
✅ How to frame your traction, unique founder insight, and team story
✅ Lighting, audio, and eye-contact tips that YC partners actually care about
✅ The top three mistakes YC partners see (shared directly by Gustav Alströmmer)

Whether you’re applying for the first time or refining your video for the upcoming batch, this walkthrough gives you everything you need to avoid the obvious pitfalls and make a strong first impression.

📚 Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to YC Video
01:04 - What is the YC Video?
01:25 - YC's Content Guidelines
01:55 - Founder Introductions
02:26 - Explain Your Startup Clearly
04:25 - Founder Experience & Team
05:48 - How to Record Your Video
07:51 - Common Mistakes to Avoid
09:29 - Conclusion & Resources

#YCombinator #YCApplication #StartupTips #FounderAdvice #PitchVideo #YCTips #Tella