The 60-Second Video Pitch

The 60-Second Video Pitch

A short video pitch is one of the most powerful tools you have as a young founder. Futurepreneurs projects with a video get significantly more backers than those without one. The best part? You do not need expensive equipment. Your smartphone is all you need.

Why 60 Seconds?

Attention spans are short. Research shows that most people decide within the first 10 seconds whether to keep watching. A 60-second video forces you to be clear, focused, and engaging. It is also the perfect length for sharing on social media.

The Script Structure

Every great 60-second pitch follows the same simple framework. Here is your script template with approximate timings:

Writing Your Script

Write your script word-for-word first. At a natural speaking pace, 60 seconds is roughly 150 words. Here is an example:

Hook: "Did you know the average UK teen throws away 7 kilos of clothing every year?"

Problem: "Most of us want to dress sustainably, but eco-friendly fashion costs way too much for a student budget."

Solution: "That is why I started ReThread — I upcycle second-hand denim into custom jackets, each one totally unique, for under fifteen pounds."

Proof: "I have already sold 35 jackets at school fairs and have a waiting list of 20 more."

Ask: "I am raising four hundred pounds on Futurepreneurs to buy a proper sewing machine and bulk denim supplies. Back me and you will get an exclusive jacket at a discount."

Close: "Visit my project page and help me make sustainable fashion affordable for teens. Every pound counts."

That is 128 words — right in the sweet spot.

Filming Tips (Smartphone Only)

You do not need a fancy camera. Here is how to get professional-looking results with your phone:

Lighting:

• Film facing a window during the day — natural light is the most flattering and free
• Avoid overhead lights (they create shadows under your eyes)
• Never film with a window behind you (you will appear as a dark silhouette)
• If filming at night, face a desk lamp placed behind your phone

Audio:

• Film in a quiet room — background noise is the number one video killer
• If you have wired earphones with a mic, use them — the audio quality is much better than your phone's built-in mic
• Speak clearly and slightly louder than normal conversation
• Close windows to reduce traffic noise

Camera setup:

• Film in landscape (horizontal) for Futurepreneurs and YouTube, portrait (vertical) for TikTok and Instagram Reels
• Prop your phone at eye level — use a stack of books or a mug if you do not have a tripod
• Position yourself from the chest up, slightly off-centre
• Make sure your background is tidy — a plain wall or bookshelf works well

Your performance:

• Look at the camera lens, not the screen — this creates "eye contact" with the viewer
• Smile naturally and speak with energy
• It is fine to read from notes taped next to the camera, but try not to read robotically
• Film it at least three times — your third take will almost always be the best

Authenticity Over Polish

This is the most important tip in this entire guide: be yourself.

Backers on Futurepreneurs are not looking for a slick advert. They want to see a real young person with genuine passion for their idea. A slightly imperfect video where you clearly care about your business will outperform a perfectly edited video that feels fake.

Things that make your video feel authentic:

• Showing your actual product or workspace
• Speaking in your natural voice (do not try to sound like a news presenter)
• Mentioning a specific challenge you have faced
• Showing genuine excitement about your idea

Things that make your video feel fake:

• Over-rehearsed delivery with no personality
• Stock music drowning out your voice
• Making claims you cannot back up
• Copying someone else's style instead of being yourself

Free Editing Apps

You do not need to pay for editing software. These free apps handle everything a 60-second pitch needs:

Essential edits to make:

• Trim the start and end (remove the awkward "Is it recording?" moment)
• Add captions/subtitles — 85% of social media videos are watched without sound
• Add your business name and Futurepreneurs link as text on screen
• Optional: add a simple title card at the start and a call-to-action card at the end

Keep editing minimal. Do not add flashy transitions, excessive effects, or distracting music. Your face and your words are the star of this video.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting with "Hi, my name is..." — Start with your hook instead. You can introduce yourself after you have grabbed attention.
• Going over 60 seconds — If it is too long, cut the weakest section. Respect your viewer's time.
• Talking about features instead of benefits — Do not say "my candles are made from soy wax." Say "my candles burn cleaner and longer, so your room smells amazing for hours."
• Forgetting the ask — Always tell people exactly what you need and how they can help.
• Filming vertically for a horizontal platform (or vice versa) — Check where the video will be shown before you start filming.
• Bad audio — Viewers will forgive slightly shaky video, but they will click away instantly from bad sound.

Advanced Tips

Once you have nailed the basics, try these:

• Show, do not tell — If you make a product, show yourself making it. Action shots are more engaging than talking to camera.
• Use jump cuts — Film each section separately and edit them together. This keeps the energy high and lets you nail each part.
• Add a "B-roll" — Film some extra footage of your product, workspace, or happy customers. Cut these clips in while you are talking.
• Film a longer version too — A 2-3 minute version for YouTube gives you space to go deeper. The 60-second version works for social media and your project page.

Use the Video Pitch Scorecard (Tool 17) in the Futurepreneurs toolkit to evaluate your video against the criteria that matter most to backers.

Your Action Plan

• Write your script using the 6-section template (aim for 130-150 words)
• Read it aloud and time yourself — cut until it fits in 60 seconds
• Set up your filming space (lighting, quiet room, tidy background)
• Film at least three takes
• Edit with CapCut or iMovie — add captions and a call-to-action
• Upload to your Futurepreneurs project page
• Share on your social media accounts

Your video does not need to go viral. It just needs to make one person think, "I want to support this." Film it, post it, and move on to building your business.