Modal · Video · Empty state · First use
Hopscotch’s video onboarding feels human
Hopscotch welcomes new users with a short captioned video from its founder in a modal, then an empty state that gets them to their first tour.
Screenshot added to the library in September 2022; its exact capture date wasn’t recorded, and the product may look different today. Write-up reviewed 22 Oct 2026.
Hopscotch, a tool for building product tours, opens with a welcome video modal. At the time of the recording, the modal plays a 27-second captioned video in which Cam, the founder, welcomes you, points to the help docs in the menu and gives an email address for questions. One line of copy sits below it ("You're on your way to delighting users with a great onboarding experience") with an Okay button. Behind it is an empty state: an illustration, "Let's get you up and running", the install script with a Copy Script button and a link to create your first tour.
Why it works
- A human face: seeing the founder talk to camera is an oddly comforting start in a new tool, and it tells you there are real people to contact if you get stuck.
- Short video, captions on: at under half a minute with subtitles, the video can be watched with the sound off and doesn't hold anyone up.
- Encouraging copy: both the modal and the empty state keep the tone light ("You're going to be an onboarding superstar in no time!") while the empty state hands you the one thing you need next, the install script.
More on this pattern: onboarding videos and empty states in progressive onboarding.
