Choose one point of view
A POV overlay places the viewer inside a recognizable situation. Select one person, one moment and one task before writing. It is a creative setup, not proof that a customer had the experience. If the message requires a real testimonial, use only an actual account with permission.
For this fictional planning exercise, NorthStar Notes organizes a project call note with a next-step section. Imagine a teammate preparing a follow-up after a call. No customer, performance result or product usage is claimed.
Write a complete small story
Try this overlay: “pov: the call is done, the follow-up is tomorrow, and you cannot remember which note had the next step.
you open the project note and find the next-step section.
okay, now you know where to start.” The first line establishes the scene; the middle gives a specific action; the last closes the moment without promising an outcome.
For a task-management app, use a different situation: “pov: monday starts and you are looking for the task your team agreed to finish.
you open the project board and check the agreed task.
one thing at a time.” Use this version only if the real product has that board and task.
| Element | Example | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Person and moment | A teammate after a call | Is this relevant to the intended audience? |
| Action | Open the note and check next steps | Can the real product do this? |
| Point of view | “pov: you…” | Does it avoid an invented testimonial? |
| Footage | A calm workspace scene | Is it permissioned and readable? |
Protect the facts and the speaker
A hypothetical “pov: you…” can describe an imagined scenario. “I used this and saved hours” is a personal and measurable assertion. Do not turn a hypothetical into a testimonial or invent a customer, time saving, feature, integration or guarantee. Confirm each product fact against your own application. If the next-step section must be manually written, the copy must not suggest the app creates it automatically.
If a reference inspired the structure, write your own wording and keep a record of the reference and its permissions. A familiar creative structure does not give you the right to reuse a creator’s video or exact text.
Make the story readable
Place the approved words as an editable overlay over relevant footage that you own or have permission to use. Choose a quiet part of the frame and check the contrast throughout movement. Read at normal phone size and give the full message enough time; shorten the story when it cannot be read comfortably.
Review the exported version against the exact copy and ask a viewer what task the story shows. If they cannot identify the connection to the product, show a clearer action or revise the story. This is a comprehension check, not proof that the video will perform.
Copy the planning worksheet
Use this worksheet in your own notes. Fill it with verified product details and actual review observations before sharing an asset.
Viewer: __. Moment: __. Supported product fact: __. Complete POV overlay: __. Claim to verify: __. Footage permission: __.Browse the founder guide library for the next task in your workflow.