A Content Creator’s Secret Weapon: Unboxing Videos
By Nisha • 6 min read, Oct 1, 2020
An unboxing video is exactly what it sounds like — a video of someone opening a package and capturing their initial interaction with a product for the first time. People love unboxing videos for their real-time, moment by moment candid feel.
In recent years, unboxing videos have grown from an internet fad to a powerful eCommerce marketing tool because they allow consumers a visual “try before they buy” through other people. These videos allow people to scope out a brand-new product they’re interested in and compare online without, you know, actually going out and doing the shopping part!
Content creators share unboxing videos on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or their website to bolster their brand identity, drive traffic, and reach a wider audience.
Are unboxing videos still popular?
Without a doubt. New unboxing videos are still being posted on YouTube every day by the thousands — if not millions! In fact, unboxing videos have recently increased in popularity during the COVID-19 crisis that prevented many consumers from shopping in-stores (see below graph from Google Trends).
Graph showing 1-year trend line for searches of the term “unboxing video” on YouTube
There’s no sign of this trend slowing down anytime soon, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are unboxing videos fun to watch, but they’re ridiculously simple to create. Anyone with a camera (and a little charisma) can record themselves opening a package. No special talents or tools required!
As long as the product has wide appeal, the video is likely to attract a wide audience and grow a large following
The benefits of unboxing videos
Whether you’re a budding blogger, small business owner, or both, unboxing videos are one of the best ways to get your brand out there.
- You can create partnerships with brands. Your audience will start to associate your name with the brands you unbox. No matter what platform you’re sharing on, make sure you tag the company you purchased the product from. You’d be surprised how many companies check up on their tags. This leads us to the next point…
- You might get sponsored. If you’ve gained a substantial following, companies might eventually send you free product samples to unbox.When you promote a company’s products for them, you’re promoting yourself. Which brings us to the final point…
- You can elevate your OWN brand. Having your name associated with popular products can drive some serious traffic your way and help you stand out from the competition. It’s a win-win all around.
Nine tips for nailing your unboxing video
Here are a few top tips and tricks to get started today.
Tip #1: Get the lighting right
The primary reason people watch unboxing videos is to get a good look at the actual product. They don’t want to stare at someone speaking from a dimly lit bedroom opening a box in the shadows. When it comes to lighting, always err on the bright side.
Make sure you record your video in a room flooded with natural daylight, if possible. If natural light is not an option, an inexpensive ring light can make up for it. (Overhead lights and desk lamps can create harsh shadows where there shouldn’t be.)
Example: This unboxing video is filmed during daylight hours in a well-lit kitchen, no fancy studio equipment needed.
Tip #2: Configure your camera
No matter how cool the product is, you won’t hold anyone’s interest with pixelated footage that looks like it was filmed with a flip phone from 2004. All cameras these days have the ability to shoot ultra HD, and social media platforms automatically adjust bitrate to optimize user experience.
Make sure you’re filming with the highest video quality possible (in landscape mode) so your video looks aesthetically pleasing at any size, on any device.
Example: If it weren’t for the high definition macro shots of these fish, this unboxing video would probably be a flop.
Tip #3: Do a soundcheck
We’re lucky to live in an age where even the most basic camera and smartphone microphones are capable of recording professional-quality audio. Unfortunately, this also means they easily pick up distracting background noises like traffic sounds, lawnmowers, and your cat meowing the next room.
Make sure you’re recording in a quiet spot to create a fully immersive unboxing experience. If that’s not possible, record a play-by-play voiceover when you do have a quiet moment to yourself.
Example: You can hear every crinkle when this unboxer opens her latest delivery of art supplies from London.
Tip #4: Timing is everything
Like it or not, short attention spans are par for the course these days. If you ramble too much and delay the main event, your viewer will quickly skip to the next clip in their queue. For that reason, make sure you have everything you need to unbox as quickly as possible at the very start. (Nobody wants to watch you fumbling with packing tape for five minutes!) Once the product is out of the box, that’s the time to slow down a little and let your candid observations flow naturally.
Example: This unboxer dives right in and starts unboxing within the first thirty seconds, then takes her time poring over her purchases.
Tip #5: Stay on top of the trends
If you want your video to trend, you have to be a trend-setter! You’ll drive in much more traffic if you zero in on recently released products that your audience might not have had a chance to try yet. Think about it: anyone who’s interested in buying these brand new products will be searching for them by name. The more traction your unboxing videos gain, the more likely you are to be sponsored by companies to unbox more hot-off-the-shelf items.
Example: This unboxer unpacks all of the latest tech trends so you don’t have to.
Tip #6: Nail down your niche
Though it’s tempting to unbox a wide variety of random items, you’ll gain a larger and more loyal following if you’re consistent with your content and your viewers know exactly what to expect from you. Focus on something you’re enthusiastic about, and stick to it!
Example: This photographer is captivated by instant cameras in particular, and fellow enthusiasts know to check out her channel for their vicarious comparison shopping needs.
Tip #7: Show and tell
You’re already showing your audience what the product looks like and sounds like. Now, tell them what it feels like, smells like, and — if it’s edible — what it tastes like. Interact with the product and do a live demo using all of your senses. Don’t forget to talk about the packaging itself. Is it unique in some way? Environmentally friendly? Your initial reactions are what make it interesting.
Example: This unboxer shows and tells us everything about her new soap haul from start to finish — even the biodegradable packing peanuts it was packaged with.
Tip #8: Set the scene
Your backdrop adds context to your content. Before you start filming, think about your surroundings and how they reflect the products you’re unboxing, then throw in a few relevant props. If you’re a gardener, for example, film yourself unboxing in the greenhouse surrounded by plants. If you’re an artist, film yourself unboxing amongst your art supplies.
Your surroundings will become part of your brand aesthetic, making your videos recognizable to your audience at first glance.
Example: Where else would a woodworker unbox his tools but in his very own woodshop?
Tip #9: Keep it real
People can spot a scripted promo video a mile away, which is why people love the free-flowing homemade feel of unboxing videos. They feel “real” because they are. Your audience is experiencing the product for the first time right along with you.
This is the time to think out loud. Share your candid observations, and let your viewers know exactly what you’re thinking. If you’re confused or unhappy with something, say so! Good, bad, or ugly, they want to hear it from you firsthand.
Finally, at the end of the video, make sure you “hand it over” to your viewers. After all, you’ve made them feel like they’re in the same room as you, so acknowledge their presence! Ask them to leave their comments or questions “below” — and respond.
This interactive experience will keep them coming back for more.
Example: This unboxer lets his personality shine through with every off-the-cuff reaction.
Not only are unboxing videos easy (and fun) to make, but they can “open you up” to a much wider audience. Don’t forget to include your logo at the beginning of your video for instant brand recognition. Don’t have a logo for your brand yet? Design one today in our easy to use logo maker!