On this page
Most launch videos do not get made because they look like a week of work. You need a script, a storyboard, screen captures, music, an editor and someone who knows how to use it. So the launch goes out with a screenshot instead.
It does not have to be that way. With the right tool, the video itself takes under a minute. The part that decides whether it is any good is the five minutes of prep before you press the button, and the five minutes of checks after.
What "under a minute" really means
Here is where the time goes when you make a launch video from your website:
- Paste your URL: a few seconds.
- Filmagic reads your site: your name, tagline, brand colours, fonts, logo and screenshots.
- It writes the scenes and cuts them to music: your first full cut is ready in under a minute.
- You review and edit: this is the part worth spending real time on.
So the machine part is fast. Your judgment is what makes it land. The rest of this guide is about making that judgment quick too.
Before you start: five minutes of prep
A tool that reads your site can only be as clear as your site. Do these first and the first cut will need far fewer fixes.
1. Check your headline says one thing
Your landing page headline usually becomes the core line of the video. If it is vague ("The future of work, reimagined"), the video will be vague. Rewrite it so a stranger knows what the product does: "Turns your Stripe data into a weekly email your team reads."
2. Have two or three real screenshots ready
Real product shots beat stock visuals every time. Pick the screen that shows the result, not the settings page. If your value is in a flow, such as typing a prompt and getting an answer, a short screen recording works even better.
3. Decide your length now
- 15 seconds for X and fast feeds
- 30 seconds for most launches
- 45 to 60 seconds for Product Hunt, YouTube and your homepage
Not sure? Make 30 seconds. Our guide to launch video length by platform covers each one in detail.
Making the video, step by step
- Paste your product URL on the Filmagic homepage.
- Pick a template, or let Filmagic build a custom cut. Browse the launch video templates if you want a specific look, such as a 3D device reveal or a fast social cut.
- Choose your length.
- Add screenshots or a screen recording if the first cut feels thin. Filmagic builds the story around them.
- Wait under a minute for the first full cut.
That is the whole build. No timeline, no keyframes, no exporting stock clips.
The five minute review
This is where a good video becomes a great one. Watch the first cut once with sound off and ask:
- Do I understand the product in the first five seconds? If not, change the opening line to name the problem.
- Is every line short enough to read? If a scene needs two sentences, cut words, not seconds.
- Is my real product on screen? Swap any generic visual for a real screenshot.
- Does the ending say what to do? Close on your product name and URL, held long enough to read.
Edit any line directly in the scene. Then watch it once more, cold, as if you had never seen the product.
Export once, post everywhere
Export 16:9, 9:16 and 1:1 versions from the same edit, then post natively on each platform:
- 16:9 for Product Hunt, YouTube and your homepage
- 9:16 for TikTok, Reels and Shorts
- 1:1 for X and LinkedIn feeds
Native uploads autoplay in the feed. A YouTube link preview does not.
When a fast video is not enough
A one minute video is right for most launches, changelogs and feature drops. It is not a replacement for a brand film or a long sales demo with a voice walking through every screen. If that is what you need, see hiring a video editor vs Filmagic for an honest comparison.
Try it now
Paste your link into Filmagic and see your first cut in under a minute. The free tier exports free templates at 720p with no watermark. New to launch videos? Read how to make a product launch video for the full playbook.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really make a launch video in under a minute?
Yes. With Filmagic, the first full cut is ready in under a minute after you paste your URL. Plan a few extra minutes to review the words and swap in your best screenshots before you export.
Do I need video editing skills?
No. Filmagic writes the scenes, places your screenshots and cuts everything to music. You edit text and swap images, which works like editing a slide.
What do I need before I start?
A live product page with a clear headline, plus two or three real screenshots or a short screen recording. That is enough for a strong first cut.
Is it free?
There is a free tier that exports the free templates at 720p with no watermark. Paid plans unlock more templates, higher resolutions and voiceover.
