YC launch video: cost, timeline and checklist.
In this guide
- 01What a YC launch video costs
- 02How long it takes
- 03Plan backward from launch day
- 04Checklist before the shoot
- 05What to deliver for launch day
A Y Combinator launch video has one job: make the launch post land on the day it goes out. This guide sets out what one typically costs, how long it takes, and what to decide before filming, drawn from the launch films WERZ made for Rhem Labs and Hemlock (both YC F26) and Cosmic Robotics, whose Cosmic-1 film Y Combinator published as the launch announcement.
What a YC launch video costs
Launch and investor films typically run $15,000–45,000. Cuts built from footage you already have cost less. The price follows the production plan. Shoot days and locations are the largest single driver, followed by who is on camera (founders only, or customers and actors too), what has to be captured (a physical product, a screen, or both), motion design and interface replacement, and how many versions you need for the launch post, the website and the deck.
How long it takes
Launch films take 1-6 weeks, from a rush cut of existing footage to a full multi-day production. Most shoots take 1-3 days, and post-production takes 1-3 weeks. Booking six to eight weeks before the announcement is comfortable; faster is possible when the decisions below are made on the first call. Hemlock went from a scoping call on a Thursday to a wrapped shoot by Monday afternoon, and Rhem Labs had its film edited in under a week.
Plan backward from launch day
Put the launch post date on the calendar first, then work back: final review, edit, shoot, materials and kickoff. A delivery date a few days before the post leaves time for captions, the vertical cuts and a final technical check.
Checklist before the shoot
These decisions do the most to keep a launch film on schedule. Bring them to the first call.
What to deliver for launch day
One shoot should cover everything announcement day needs, so nothing is improvised on the morning of the post.
“I called WERZ for the scoping call on Thursday, and by Monday afternoon we had already finished shooting.”
Common questions.
How much does a YC launch video cost?+
Launch and investor films typically run $15,000–45,000. A cut from footage you already have costs less; a multi-location shoot with customers on camera sits at the top of the range.
Can a launch video be done in a week?+
Sometimes. A rush cut of existing footage, or one shoot day with decisions made on the first call, can fit in about a week. Hemlock went from scoping call to a wrapped shoot in four days, and Rhem Labs had its film edited in under a week.
How long should a YC launch video be?+
The hero cut usually runs 45–90 seconds. Cosmic Robotics’ Cosmic-1 film, which Y Combinator published as the launch announcement, runs 67 seconds; Rhem Labs’ runs 1:17.
Can you work under an embargo?+
Yes. NDAs are signed before scoping and delivery is held until your announcement window. Unreleased footage stays off public review links.
How does WERZ price video, web, or marketing work?+
Pricing is scope-based, not template-based. We define deliverables, audience, locations, crew, and revisions before quoting — so the budget reflects actual production needs rather than a pre-set tier.
More questions (5)
Can WERZ work from a fixed budget?+
Yes. A fixed budget works best when deliverables, locations, revision rounds, and timeline are clear before production starts. We will tell you what is achievable inside the budget rather than promise more than the scope supports.
Are there ongoing retainers, or only project work?+
Both. Most marketing and web programs run as monthly retainers (strategy, content, optimization). Video and brand projects are typically scoped per engagement, with optional content retainers for ongoing assets.
How long does a typical engagement take?+
Discovery and strategy run 1–2 weeks; production and build run 3–8 weeks depending on scope; launch and iteration kicks off after delivery. Marketing programs are ongoing with measurable milestones at month one, month three, and month six.
Can you accommodate a tight deadline?+
Yes, when the scope and approval lanes are tight. Rush projects work best when the team can lock decisions quickly and accept fewer revision rounds. We will tell you upfront if a deadline is unrealistic for the scope.
What happens after the project ships?+
Delivery, any post-launch support and ongoing work are agreed in your scope. We can discuss additional content, optimization or campaign support once the initial project is complete.
Get the next guide.
One email when we publish a new production guide. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Plan your next video project.
Tell us the goal, the audience, and the deliverables. We will scope the production around that.
Not ready for a call? Send a brief — written reply within one business day — or estimate your budget in two minutes.
- 2
- launch films featured by Y Combinator (Cosmic Robotics, Rhem Labs)
- 4 days
- Hemlock (YC F26): scoping call to a wrapped shoot
- 100K+
- impressions on Rhem Labs’ launch
- 45
- Whole Foods stores for 1971 Hook