Kickstarter Video: Cost, Length and Tips

Your video is usually the first thing a backer sees, and it often decides whether they pledge. Here’s how to plan one.

What a Kickstarter video costs

Cost depends on four things: whether you need a crew or can shoot in-house, how many locations and actors, whether you need product animation, and how many cut-downs you need for ads. Get at least two quotes, and budget for short ad versions as well as the main film.

How long should it be?

Short. Lead with the problem and the product in action in the first few seconds, then explain who it’s for, why it’s better and why backers should pledge now.

A simple script structure

1. Hook: the problem, shown, not told.
2. The product solving it.
3. Three key benefits.
4. Who’s behind it and why you can deliver.
5. The offer: early-bird reward and deadline.

Shot list checklist

• The product in use, in its real setting.
• Close-ups of the details that make it better.
• A before-and-after or side-by-side with the old way of doing it.
• The founder or team, briefly, to build trust.
• Prototype testing or manufacturing shots, so backers believe you can deliver.
• Square and vertical versions for ads and social.

Mistakes to avoid

• Long founder introductions before showing the product.
• No captions (many people watch muted).
• No shorter versions for ads.

We write video scripts as part of our Kickstarter agency service. More on costs: agency cost guide.

Book your free discovery call: three short questions about you, your project and your budget, then pick a time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a video for Kickstarter?

It isn’t required, but campaigns with a strong video usually convert visitors better, and you’ll need video for ads anyway.

Should I hire a production company?

If the product needs to look premium or needs animation, yes. Otherwise a good in-house shoot with a strong script can work.