Do I need a video for Product Hunt?
It’s not required. About half the winners had one.
Short answer
No, Product Hunt doesn’t require one. But about half of its Product of the Day winners since 2021 had a video. On a busy launch day, a short video that shows your real product helps people get it fast.
I make launch videos for startups, and I make Dranic. Here’s what Product Hunt asks for, what people there say works, and what I’d put in your video.
Does Product Hunt require a video?
No. Product Hunt’s launch guide says videos can help but “aren’t always necessary.” What you must have is a square thumbnail and at least two gallery images.
Do launches with a video do better?
Nobody has shown that a video brings more upvotes. In a Product Hunt discussion, most people said a video doesn’t change how they vote. One regular said it can change sign-ups and purchases instead.
That makes sense to me. On launch day you’re next to many other products. A short video is the fastest way to show yours working, and that’s what turns a visit into a sign-up.
What kind of video works there?
One that shows the real product, early. In the same discussion, people said they want to see the interface and a real use case fast. One said they skip launches that only show animation.
- Open on the problem or the result, not your logo.
- Show your real screens in the first few seconds.
- Put a few words on screen, because many people watch with the sound off.
- Keep it short. 30 to 60 seconds is common for a launch.
For a 30-second plan, see how to make a product launch video.
Should it be polished or rough?
Either can work, as long as the start is strong. If you don’t have a budget, Product Hunt itself suggests a quick recording with a tool like Loom.
In another Product Hunt thread, one maker made their launch video alone in about 3 hours, and their product was Featured. That’s one story, not a rule. Polish helps most when well-funded launches are on the same day as yours.
How do I add the video to my launch?
Through YouTube. Product Hunt doesn’t take video files:
- Export your video as an MP4.
- Upload it to YouTube. Don’t set it to private.
- Copy the full link from the address bar, not a shortened one.
- Paste it into your launch’s video field.
Free to try, no card needed.
Questions people also ask
How long should a Product Hunt video be?
Product Hunt gives no length rule. 30 to 60 seconds is common. Put the best part in the first few seconds, and stop once you’ve shown it.
Can I use a GIF instead?
Yes, in the gallery. Product Hunt allows animated GIFs in the gallery and the thumbnail, under 3 MB each. A GIF thumbnail only moves when someone hovers over it, so its first frame has to work on its own.
Will a video get me more upvotes?
Don’t count on it. In Product Hunt’s own discussions, most people say a video doesn’t change how they vote. It’s there to help people understand your product and sign up.
Do I need to be on camera?
No. In the same discussion, people said a founder on camera only works if you’re comfortable there. Your screen and a few words on it work fine.
Sources
- Prepare for your launchProduct Hunt, read 3 Nov 2026. The platform’s own launch guide.
- What type of video actually works on a Product Hunt launch?Product Hunt discussion, about Mar 2026. Makers and regulars sharing what they look for.
- How do you make your Product Hunt launch video?Product Hunt discussion, about 2025. Founders’ own stories.