Did you see that latest startup's video? You know, the one with the animation and the bouncy tune?
Don't remember exactly? It's not your fault.
This year, we saw some innovative launch videos including HelloFlo's "Camp Gyno" and GoldieBlox's controversial "Princess Machine". Most, however, relied on clichés.
But don't blame the ads' creators. Yann Lhomme, co-founder of ThinkMojo, a company that creates videos for startups, says he's tired of following clichés, but entrepreneurs still ask for them. "You would think people would be sick of it, and a lot of people are getting sick of it now," he says. The tide may be turning, though. More than a few people criticized Instagram for using a gratuitous combination of hipsters and an AMC Pacer in a video that introduced Instagram Direct last week.
Meanwhile, as we look back on the wasteland of 2013, here are seven startup-video clichés we can do without in 2014:
Flannel shirt, check. Horn-rimmed glasses, check. Facial hair? Are you kidding? If you're going to feature people in your startup video, please make sure they are of the hipster variety.


That's the industry term for the upbeat background music in a video, which often includes ukulele sounds, whistling or an acoustic guitar strumming.


There's nothing like brightly colored, childlike animation to make your startup video blend into the pack. Extra points if you use this guy.


Another industry term, this time referring to the lazy device of starting the video with the phrase "Meet X." X inevitably has a problem that only this new startup app or device can solve.

Offer2Supply from Video Explainers on Vimeo.

Med Climate from Video Jeeves on Vimeo.


You're selling a gadget, not the Second Coming.


Facebook shows that this technique isn't just for startups:

Ever since iOS 7 hit the scene, makers of startup videos have also rejected skeuomorphism for two-dimensional designs, bright colors, crisp edges and open space.

A surprising number of startup videos employ a basic girl-meets-boy plot, albeit one that is enabled through a new app or gadget.



Extra points to Xero for appearing on this list twice.
Know any others? If so, please tell us in the comments, below.
Image: Field Trip App, YouTube