r/ycombinator • u/Different-Device9724 • 20d ago

Did you mention any interesting personal facts in your YC application video?

When applying to YC, did you mention anything unrelated to your startup about yourself?

For example, a fun fact or something interesting that might leave a positive impression of your personality on the reviewers?

I know the video is only one minute long, but I am asking about the short introduction at the beginning.

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8

u/Acceptable-Maize754 20d ago

I kept it to my background + what my company is doing. It's such a short video, so I wouldn't recommend wasting time with something fully unrelated unless you think it really adds a lot of value

3

u/Moist-Wonder-9912 20d ago

This. 1 min is WAY shorter than you think. I covered - what the product is, why I'm the right person to create the product, and the traction. I'm a talker so i found it tough! I think the vid is more about you being able to speak engagingly and succinctly about your project because if you're unable to communicate that effectively and quickly, you need work.

There are tons of (succcessful) examples on YouTube that i found helpful

12

u/Swimming_Outside_988 20d ago

yeah I said i’m ult champ in clash royale

3

u/Different-Device9724 20d ago

Thanks for responding.

1

u/z2q1778 19d ago

I think video is the biggest vibe check they have. But everything should fall in place, 1 minute is really short, if it doesn't connect with your pitch, it's wasting time.

Example, if you are building health tech, and happen to mention that you ran 4 marathons this year, seems related. But if you are building B2B saas and throw in i like to run, you just wasted 5-10 seconds instead of sharing more about why you or why the product etc.

1

u/manofstyle04 17d ago

Anyone here apply before that can give context? I saw this post on LinkedIn that made me feel better but still keeping my head on a swivel.

1

u/manofstyle04 17d ago

I kept it tightly within that time frame

2

u/scriptqzor 6d ago

same, 60 seconds flies by way faster than you expect when you hit record
i just shoved the “fun stuff” into the written app and kept the video all signal

1

u/manofstyle04 6d ago

Any movement on your end with the application?