Note:

We are testing this feature, and it isn’t available to all freelancers at this time.

A cover video draws attention to your proposal and lets you explain what you offer directly. It helps build trust beyond what’s possible in a cover letter, demonstrating your professionalism and giving clients a chance to see who you are and how you communicate.

Your video can be up to three minutes, and you’ll record it right in your proposal. 

Adding video may require extra Connects, which you can see near the Record video button and in your Connects total.

Tips to prepare


  • Plan what to say. Focus on how your skills and experience relate to this specific job post. Let the client know you look forward to hearing from them
  • Practice. Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror. Remember to maintain eye contact and speak clearly without reading from a script
  • Dress professionally. Dress as you would for an in-person meeting, in business or business casual attire if possible
  • Check your location. A simple background works best, in a quiet area. Check your lighting too, making sure your setting isn’t too dark or too bright
  • Check your equipment. Use the highest quality camera you have available and make sure you have a good connection  

Be sure to follow Upwork’s Terms of Service and do not include contact information or material you do not own the rights to in your video.

Create your cover video

Creating your cover video is easy and happens right in the proposal. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. In the video section of your proposal, select Record video
  2. A pop-up will appear asking permission to use your camera and microphone. Choose Allow
  3. You’ll see a box with tips on preparing your video. When you’re ready, choose Next
  4. Choose Start recording to begin, and Stop recording when you’re finished
  5. View your video to see if you’re satisfied. If not, choose Start over to re-record. You can do this as many times as you want
  6. Once you’re satisfied with your video, choose Done recording
  7. Set your thumbnail, using the video progress bar to choose an image from your video. This is the first image the client will of your video
  8. Choose Finish and add. The video will upload to your proposal

You can delete the video before submitting your proposal if you change your mind. However, you cannot edit or delete your video after you submit your proposal.

Was this article helpful?

6 out of 8 found this helpful
{"global":{"message":"","icon":"info","start":"","end":""},"responsive":[{"message":"","country":"All","usertype":"all","icon":"info","start":"","end":""},{"message":"","country":"All","usertype":"all","icon":"info","start":"","end":""}]}