When Google first launched its Chromecast product, I was eager to learn more about its capabilities. I currently enjoy my Roku, but heard rumors that Chromecast would be able to project anything Android onto TV screens. Better yet, the device was small and inexpensive. I wanted to see more.
I turned to YouTube in hopes that a Chromecast owner would post a demonstration video. I found plenty of unboxing videos, but most did not include a product demonstration. In fact, most didn’t even bother connecting the device to a TV. I wanted more, and I’m sure many other tech enthusiasts feel the same way.
I understand the allure of seeing technology products unveiled outside the corporate stage. Unboxing video fans like to see new gadgets released in natural habitats. But it’s time unboxing videos evolve beyond taking items out of boxes and into more meaningful experiences for viewers and video producers.
So, here are five tips for making better unboxing videos.
1. Research before unboxing.
Your unboxing video will go smoother if you have a good idea of what features, quirks or performance promises to test before you record. Print a list of features you want to highlight and post it next to the camera. Work the list as you demo the item, but remain open to spontaneity.
2. Get it out of the box quickly.
An unboxing video shouldn’t be about the box. It’s about the product inside. You risk losing the viewer’s interest if you take too long getting the items unwrapped. Keep commentary brief and don’t let it slow down the action.
3. Hook it up.
OK, it’s out of the box. Don’t stop there. Hook it up, turn it on, activate it, install it or do whatever it takes to get it working. How easy or difficult it is to install a product is valuable information. Your viewers will want to see if you have a hard time getting the item up and running.
4. Demo the product.
Now that you’ve hooked it up, let’s see how easy it is to use. Quickly showcase its features and some potential issues you notice as you demo. The list of features you posted next to your camera will come in handy. Narrate what you’re doing and your impressions as you go so viewers can easily follow the action.
5. End with a question.
Don’t just end with “That’s all, folks!” The web is social, so make the video a conversation starter. Throw in a relevant question or two at the end. Ask your viewers if they have questions about the product that you didn’t cover in your video. Perhaps some viewers also have the product but have different impressions or experiences. Ask for them. Questions give you opportunities to engage with your audience and their comments could lead to a second video.
YouTuber Lewis Hilsenteger of the Unbox Therapy channel created an unboxing video for the Chromecast that follows most of these suggestions. He did an excellent job with the video and it has generated 167.5k views and over a thousand comments. Although it doesn’t pose any questions at the end, it serves as a good example of a well-done unboxing video. Enjoy!
Your Turn
Do you think unboxing videos should include a demonstration of the product? What other tips could help make this genre of videos more valuable for viewers? Tell me what you think in the comments.
The post 5 Tips for Better Unboxing Videos appeared first on John Janney.