Kickstarter Video for Board Games
By Hersh GlueckA Kickstarter video is the first thing most visitors watch on your campaign page, before they scroll to read anything. Keep it between 1:30 and 3:00 minutes, hook people in the first 30 seconds, and show the game being played. This guide explains what to put in your board game trailer, and lists video makers who specialise in board games, with their prices.
Why Your Kickstarter Video Matters
The video sits at the top of your campaign page, and it is what potential backers see first. Not everyone watches it, but many use those two minutes to decide whether to back you. A good video can set your campaign apart from the many board games on Kickstarter.
How Long Should a Kickstarter Video Be?
Between 1:30 and 3:00 minutes. More than three minutes is too long. If you have more to show, such as a full playthrough or reviews, put them in separate videos further down your page.
What to Show in Your Board Game Trailer
Your board game trailer should be visual and product-focused. Hook the viewer in the first 30 seconds, then keep each part short:
- The hook: the game’s theme and what makes it fun, in the first 30 seconds.
- How to play: a quick look at a turn and how you win.
- The game on the table: real components, ideally your prototype, being played.
- You, the designer: a few seconds of you talking builds trust.
- The call to action: follow the page, or back the campaign now.
Kickstarter Video Checklist
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Under 3 minutes | Longer videos lose viewers |
| Hook in the first 30 seconds | Most people decide quickly |
| Real components on the table | Shows the game exists and builds trust |
| Readable on a phone | Most campaign traffic comes from mobile |
| Captions or on-screen text | Many people watch with the sound off |
| A clear call to action | Tell viewers what to do next |
Ask friends and family to watch the video to the end: watch time helps the platform’s algorithm. Short GIFs of key components work well further down the page; keep each under 10 MB so the page loads quickly.
Reviews, Previews and Playthroughs
Besides your own video, reviews, previews, playthroughs and unboxings by others are powerful, because backers trust what other players say. Send prototypes to reviewers well before launch, and group their videos near the bottom of your page. Our lists of hobby board game reviewers and family game reviewers and channels will help you find them.
Kickstarter Video Production: Makers We Recommend
For a professional result, these makers specialise in board game video production for crowdfunding. They are ordered by price:
| Video maker | What they make | Price | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| LVC Games | Simple, thematic videos for first-time and low-budget campaigns | USD 150-300 | lvcgames.co.uk |
| The Cardboard Stacker (Ferdinand Capitulo) | Kickstarter videos, GIFs and tutorials, only for board games since 2016. Clients include Level 99 Games, Thunderworks Games and Steeped Games | USD 500-800 | thecardboardstacker.com |
| Mesa Game Lab (David Diaz, designer of Fossilis) | Animation and visual effects | USD 1,000-3,000 | mesagamelab.com |
| Oniro Creative | Cinematic visuals for top publishers: Santorini, Gorilla Marketing, Dice Throne: Season Two | USD 4,000 for a Kickstarter video | onirocreative.com |
| Kagan Productions (Israel) | Full service: script, 2D and 3D animation, live action, voice-over and animated GIFs | Quote per project | kaganproductions.com |
For the rest of your campaign, read our Kickstarter pre-launch plan and our guide to Kickstarter consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should a board game trailer show?
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