HOW TO MAKE A VIRAL UNBOXING VIDEO

Got a holiday gift you’re excited to share? Or maybe you’re a small business owner showcasing what customers can expect when ordering for the festive season. Unboxing videos are a favorite among brands and influencers alike. These short, snappy videos can do wonders for your online presence.

If you’re ready to create your own, let’s explore how to make unboxing videos that will captivate your viewers.

 

What are unboxing videos?

An unboxing video is where a brand or creator opens and shows a new product they have received on camera. They usually provide an overview of the product and give their thoughts on both the product and their experience of receiving it. 

 

What makes unboxing videos so valuable?

Despite having been around since the mid-2000s, unboxing videos are still some of the most popular videos online. Especially during Black Friday and the Christmas period, they can help raise awareness of the latest products and pique the interest of customers.

For creators and influencers, making unboxing videos can be a way to make money from their content. Brands may offer them a sponsorship deal where they will get paid for their videos and receive a trending product for free. 

Brands may also send products out for free as PR to get creators to showcase them to their followers on various social media platforms.

 

How to make an unboxing video 

Let’s look at how to shoot an unboxing video, as well as some tips for creating engaging unboxing videos that retain viewer attention. 

1. Write a script

While unboxing videos often have a casual feel, a little planning goes a long way. Start by jotting down key points to cover. These can be introducing the product, highlighting standout features, and sharing your thoughts. This ensures you stay on track and don’t forget anything important.

If you’re working with a brand, they might provide specific messaging to include. For personal projects, focus on creating a natural flow. You can do this by including an engaging opening, smooth transitions, and a clear call to action at the end.

Even with a loose structure, preparation helps keep your video sharp and engaging.

2. Setting up your camera

Your camera can make or break your unboxing video. For platforms like YouTube, choose a camera that records in high definition for clear, professional results. For Instagram or TikTok, a high-quality smartphone camera should suffice.

To set up the camera for an unboxing video, you’ll then want to:

• Use a tripod to stabilize your shots and avoid shaky footage

• Position the camera overhead to capture both you and the product clearly

• Check that your lighting is even and the product is in clear focus

Simple adjustments like these can make your video stand out.

3. Think about your background

You and the product you are unboxing are the stars of the video. A busy background can pull focus and distract viewers from what you are showing them.

A plain, neutral background is ideal to keep viewers engaged with you. If you can’t find anywhere suitable, you could film in front of a green screen and add a background during the editing process.

You can add a little extra for special occasions, too. For example, for a seasonal touch, you could add a string of lights for Christmas to bring more of a festival feel to your unboxing.

 

4. Consider where your video will be posted

Where your video will end up is important. For example, if your video is going to be on YouTube, you will need to film in landscape, and you can get away with making it longer-form.

But if it’s going on a platform like Instagram or TikTok, keep it short and shoot in portrait. You’ll also want to add subtitles so people can read along with what you’re saying. 

 

5. Show the product off

You have seconds to grab the viewer’s attention, so don’t wait to introduce the product. This can be you holding it, or a hero shot that fully unveils the product. Including a holiday-themed setup, like a gift-wrapped box or festive props, can make your video feel more seasonal.

Display its name as it appears on camera. You should also showcase yourself using the product so viewers can visualize how it might look for them.

 

6. Speak confidently

Those watching are likely interested in the product and will be relying on you to share the information they need to decide whether it is right for them. Speak clearly and at a steady pace so your audience can follow along. Confidence in your delivery will keep viewers engaged.

 

7. Editing matters

Good editing can transform your raw footage into an engaging unboxing video. Start by cutting out anything unnecessary to keep your video concise. Use edits to create a sense of flow and excitement, especially for seasonal content.

You may also want to add seasonal touches. These could be a subtle snowfall effect or upbeat holiday transitions, which can make your video pop during the festive period. For Black Friday, focus on creating a sense of urgency with bold captions or quick, high-energy edits.

 

8. Background music

Background music sets the tone for your video. Choose something that fits with the product’s branding, but doesn’t distract from you or the product.

Keep the volume low so viewers can hear you clearly. You’ll also want to make sure you have the right permissions and licenses to use the music in your video. This is where our world-class catalog of over 50,000 claims-free tracks can help. Every track in our library is safe-to-use across all social media platforms for stress-free music selection in every video.

 

Ideas for creative unboxing videos

If you’re looking to stand out, here are some fun unboxing video ideas you could consider:

• Experiment with transitions: Add flair with fun transitions like finger snaps, spins, or shakes. These simple effects can make your content feel dynamic and polished.

• Comparisons and dupes: Compare high-end products to more affordable alternatives. Side-by-side contrasts help viewers weigh their options and decide what’s worth their money.

• ASMR: If you know you struggle to speak confidently, you could try ASMR instead. Use close-up microphones to capture satisfying sounds like peeling packaging or opening boxes.

• Seasonal themes: Add holiday cheer with gift-wrapped items, festive props, or holiday music. Small touches like these can make your videos feel timely and engaging.

 

Get your unboxing videos right from the start

Creating a click-worthy video takes planning, creativity, and attention to detail. These tips can help you craft content that grabs attention, encourages shares, and even inspires viewers to buy the product.

If you’re looking to elevate your videos further with music and sound effects, explore the Universal Music for Creators catalog. Here, you will find more than 50,000 tracks and 200,000 SFX sounds to complement your unboxing content and keep your audience engaged.