# Ph Video Demo

> Create effective demo videos for Product Hunt launches. Use this skill to script, structure, and produce demo videos that showcase your product's value and drive engagement. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/ph-video-demo` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/ph-video-demo`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/ph-video-demo/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/ph-video-demo

---


# Product Hunt Video Demo

This skill helps you create demo videos that capture attention, demonstrate value, and convert Product Hunt visitors into users.

## When to Use This Skill

- Scripting your Product Hunt demo video
- Deciding on video format and length
- Planning the visual flow
- Choosing recording tools
- Optimizing for Product Hunt audience

## Video Specifications

### Technical Requirements
- **Platform:** YouTube only (for PH embedding)
- **Visibility:** Public or Unlisted (NOT Private)
- **Upload timing:** Before launch day (test embed!)

### Optimal Length
| Type | Length | Purpose |
|------|--------|---------|
| Teaser | 15-30s | Quick hook, curiosity |
| Demo | 45-90s | Full product showcase |
| Walkthrough | 2-5min | Detailed tutorial |

**Product Hunt Sweet Spot: 30-60 seconds**

## Video Structure Framework

### The 3-Act Structure

```
ACT 1: THE HOOK (0-10 seconds)
├── Problem statement OR
├── Bold claim OR
└── Question that resonates

ACT 2: THE DEMO (10-45 seconds)
├── Show product in action
├── Highlight key features
└── Demonstrate the "aha" moment

ACT 3: THE CLOSE (45-60 seconds)
├── Recap value prop
├── Call to action
└── Special offer (optional)
```

## Scripting Guide

### Second-by-Second Template

```
[0:00-0:05] HOOK
"[Problem statement or attention-grabber]"

[0:05-0:10] INTRODUCTION
"[Product name] lets you [core value prop]"

[0:10-0:20] FEATURE 1 (Most impressive)
"Watch how easy it is to [action]..."
[Show action happening]

[0:20-0:30] FEATURE 2
"And when you need to [action]..."
[Show action]

[0:30-0:40] FEATURE 3 / THE WOW MOMENT
"The best part? [Unique capability]"
[Show the magic]

[0:40-0:50] RESULTS / PROOF
"[Users/Companies] have already [achieved result]"

[0:50-0:60] CTA
"Try [Product] free at [domain].
Special for Product Hunt: [offer]"
```

## Hook Formulas

### Formula 1: The Pain Point
```
"If you've ever spent hours [frustrating task],
you know how painful [problem] can be."
```

### Formula 2: The Bold Claim
```
"What if you could [impressive outcome]
in [surprisingly short time]?"
```

### Formula 3: The Question
```
"Why do [target audience] still struggle with
[problem] in [current year]?"
```

### Formula 4: The Statistic
```
"[Target audience] waste [X hours/dollars]
every [timeframe] on [problem]. We fixed that."
```

### Formula 5: The Story Start
```
"Last month, I lost [something valuable]
because [problem]. So I built [Product]."
```

## Demo Section Best Practices

### Show, Don't Tell
- ✓ Cursor movements with purpose
- ✓ Highlight clicks with zoom/callouts
- ✓ Real data (or realistic fake data)
- ✓ Smooth, practiced actions

### Pacing
- ✓ Fast enough to maintain interest
- ✓ Slow enough to follow
- ✓ Pause on key moments
- ✓ No dead time

### What to Demonstrate
1. **Simplest path to value** (Getting started)
2. **Most impressive feature** (The wow)
3. **Unique differentiator** (Why you, not them)

## Voice & Narration

### Option 1: Founder Voiceover
**Pros:** Authentic, personal, builds connection
**Cons:** May not be professional quality

**Tips:**
- Use external microphone
- Record in quiet space
- Speak naturally, not scripted
- Energy matters!

### Option 2: Professional VO
**Pros:** Polished, clear
**Cons:** Less personal, costs money

### Option 3: No Voice (Music + Text)
**Pros:** Universal (no language barrier)
**Cons:** Less engaging, harder to follow

**If using text overlays:**
- Large, readable font
- High contrast
- Short phrases
- Synced with actions

### Option 4: AI Voiceover
**Tools:** ElevenLabs, Murf, Play.ht
**Pros:** Quick, consistent, multiple takes
**Cons:** Can sound robotic

## Visual Production

### Screen Recording Tips
- Clean desktop (hide personal info)
- Close unnecessary tabs/apps
- Use zoom/focus effects
- Highlight cursor
- 1080p minimum resolution

### Recommended Recording Tools

**Basic:**
- Loom (free tier available)
- QuickTime (Mac)
- OBS (free, powerful)

**Professional:**
- ScreenStory
- Screen Studio (Mac)
- Camtasia

**For Polished Demos:**
- Arcade
- Supademo
- CleanShot X

### Post-Production
- Cut dead time
- Add zoom on important actions
- Include transitions (subtle)
- Add background music (quiet)
- Export at 1080p

## Music & Audio

### Background Music
- Keep it subtle (under voice)
- Upbeat but not distracting
- Royalty-free sources:
  - Epidemic Sound
  - Artlist
  - YouTube Audio Library (free)

### Audio Levels
- Voice: Primary volume
- Music: 10-20% of voice volume
- No sudden volume changes

## Thumbnails & Titles

### YouTube Thumbnail
- Custom thumbnail (not auto-generated)
- Product name visible
- Clear, simple design
- Matches PH gallery style

### Video Title
```
[Product Name] - [Core Value Prop] | Product Hunt Launch
```

Example:
```
Raycast - Supercharged Productivity for Mac | Product Hunt Launch
```

## Video Types by Product

### SaaS/Web App
```
[Hook] → [Dashboard tour] → [Key workflow] → [Integration] → [CTA]
```

### Developer Tool
```
[Problem] → [Installation] → [Code example] → [Result] → [Docs mention]
```

### Mobile App
```
[Phone mockup] → [Onboarding] → [Key screens] → [Use case] → [Download CTA]
```

### AI Product
```
[Input example] → [AI processing] → [Output magic] → [Variations] → [Try it]
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

- ❌ Too long (over 90 seconds)
- ❌ Slow start (hook must be immediate)
- ❌ Too many features (focus on 2-3)
- ❌ Poor audio quality
- ❌ Robotic reading of script
- ❌ No clear CTA at end
- ❌ Private YouTube video
- ❌ Uploading on launch day (test first!)

## Video Checklist

### Pre-Production
- [ ] Script written and practiced
- [ ] Hook crafted for first 5 seconds
- [ ] Features prioritized (top 3)
- [ ] Recording environment prepared

### Production
- [ ] High-quality recording (1080p+)
- [ ] Clear audio (external mic)
- [ ] Smooth demo (no fumbling)
- [ ] Clean desktop/environment

### Post-Production
- [ ] Dead time removed
- [ ] Zoom effects on key moments
- [ ] Background music added
- [ ] Captions/subtitles (optional but helpful)

### Publishing
- [ ] Uploaded to YouTube (Public/Unlisted)
- [ ] Custom thumbnail set
- [ ] Descriptive title
- [ ] Tested embed on PH before launch

## Output Format

```
VIDEO SCRIPT FOR: [Product Name]

DURATION: [X seconds/minutes]
FORMAT: [Screen recording / Mixed / Animation]
VOICE: [Founder / Professional / AI / None]

---

SCRIPT:

[0:00-0:05] HOOK
[Write exact script]

[0:05-0:10] INTRO
[Write exact script]

[0:10-0:25] DEMO - FEATURE 1
Visual: [Describe what's on screen]
Script: "[Narration]"

[0:25-0:40] DEMO - FEATURE 2
Visual: [Describe what's on screen]
Script: "[Narration]"

[0:40-0:50] WOW MOMENT
Visual: [Describe what's on screen]
Script: "[Narration]"

[0:50-0:60] CTA
Visual: [Describe what's on screen]
Script: "[Narration]"

---

PRODUCTION NOTES:
- Recording tool: [Recommendation]
- Music style: [Upbeat/Calm/None]
- Key zoom moments: [Timestamps]
- Thumbnail concept: [Description]
```

---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->

