Imagine you’ve just received a package, and there is something you’ve been eagerly waiting for inside. You rip off the tape, open the box, and unpack your prize. Well, that’s the magic, isn’t it? The moment of anticipation, the reveal, the sheer joy — it’s no wonder unboxing videos have taken over the internet.
But these aren’t just fun to watch. They’re a marketing powerhouse, a way for brands to turn curiosity into cold, hard sales. It can be anything: from the latest smartphone or a trendy subscription box to a pack of artisanal snacks. Unboxing videos create a personal, real-time product showcase that drives purchases.
So, let’s dive in and unpack (pun untended) everything you need to know about making unboxing videos work for your business.
What Is an Unboxing Video?
The name says it all: it is a video of someone opening and showing a product for the first time. Think of it as a product review, reaction video, and mini-infomercial all rolled into one.
You can find these videos on all major social media platforms: YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Creators who do the unboxing usually go into detail about the packaging, the design, and the first impression of the product. And the best thing about such content? Genuine reactions make viewers feel like they’re right there with the said creators, also experiencing the product.
And when an influencer with a loyal following says, “Wow, this is incredible!” — that’s social proof in action. Proof that can turn sheer curiosity into an actual sale.
Why Unboxing Videos Are Important for Business and Sales
Unboxing videos aren’t just fun; they’re also an incredibly effective sales tool. Here’s why businesses should consider investing in them:
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They build consumer trust: People are naturally skeptical of marketing fluff, but when a real person gives a live reaction to a product, it feels authentic.
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They boost purchase confidence: Potential buyers want to see exactly what they’re getting before they hit “add to cart.” After all, videos (including unboxing ones) convince 87% of people to make a purchase.
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They create brand awareness: A well-done unboxing video gets shared, discussed, and recommended, leading to more eyes on your brand.
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They make shopping an experience: Great packaging, thoughtful branding, and a satisfying unboxing process make customers feel special — and they’ll remember that next time they shop.
Why Are Unboxing Videos So Popular?
Ever wondered why we love watching someone else open a box? Unboxing videos are addictive for a few reasons:
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They tap into anticipation and curiosity: It’s like opening a present on your birthday, even if you already know what’s inside.
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They deliver social proof: When your favorite influencer reacts positively to a product, you’re much more likely to trust its quality. Unboxing videos resemble customer testimonials in that way a lot.
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They feel personal: A good unboxing video doesn’t just show a product; it tells a story and builds an emotional connection.
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They rank well in search results: With the right hashtags and SEO tactics, unboxing videos can drive traffic that is massive and organic.
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They have viral potential: Some of the most-watched YouTube videos are unboxings, with millions of views. Who knew watching someone open a box could be a full-time job?
Imagine a popular tech influencer unboxing. The person gets their hands on the latest gaming console. As they unbox it, they gush over the sleek design, inspect every feature, and give an honest review. Their audience, made up of thousands of potential buyers, now has all the information they need to decide whether to purchase.
That’s basically what Marques Brownlee does with his tech YouTube unboxing videos. And it works incredibly well!
Types of Unboxing Videos
Yes, unboxing videos can be different. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of them:
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Tech Unboxing: New phones, gaming consoles, and futuristic gadgets.
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Beauty & Skincare Unboxing – Makeup collections, skincare hauls, and beauty boxes.
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Subscription Box Unboxing – Monthly surprise boxes filled with goodies.
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Luxury Unboxing – High-end fashion, designer accessories, and premium products.
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Toy Unboxing: Yes, even kids get in on this trend — some toy unboxing channels have more subscribers than major TV networks! Although, it’s fair to say that kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy toy unboxings.
Finding Influencers for Unboxing Videos
The issue with unboxing videos is that you need to find influencers that will receive your product and work their magic unpacking it. Doing so can be challenging. Here’s where you can look:
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YouTube & TikTok: Look for influencers in your niche using relevant keywords. Sometimes a quick search for something like “tech unboxing videos YouTube” can help you find all the right people.
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Instagram & Twitter: Use hashtags like “unboxing” or “review” combined with the hashtags that are relevant to your brand to discover the right content creators.
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Influencer Platforms and Search Tools: Websites like Upfluence connect brands with influencers.
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Direct Outreach: If you’ve stumbled upon a creator that interests you, slide into their DMs (professionally, of course) and propose a collaboration.
Creating a Successful YouTube Unboxing Video
Now that we’ve covered why unboxing videos are so great for business, it’s time to take a look at some of the best practices that will help you create one:
Get the Right Tools
No shaky footage allowed. A good camera, proper lighting, and a quality mic will make your video shine.
And don’t forget about good editing software. We might disappoint Mac users when we say that iMovie won’t cut it. But fear not, there are plenty of alternatives of iMovie for Windows and Mac that will do the job.
Plan Your Shots
Don’t just wing it. Think about what you want to highlight — close-ups of packaging, hands-on product testing, and your final thoughts.
Make It Entertaining
Don’t turn your content into a monotone review. Be excited (but avoid overdoing it), express your thoughts, give genuine reactions, comment on the packaging. Including a couple of jokes and memes can’t hurt, either.
Think about what James Charles does with his mystery box unboxings. He provides entertaining commentary, shows his personality, pays attention to each product, and tests them right away to give an honest opinion.
Talk to Your Audience
Ask viewers questions, encourage them to share their thoughts in the comments, address them directly. Basically, try to make them feel like they’re in the same room with you, unboxing together.
Use Smart Hashtags
Use SEO tactics and boost visibility by including keywords like #unboxing, #ecommerce, #productreview and those that are relevant in your niche in your video description. This will help users discover your content easily.
Edit Like a Pro
Cut the boring parts, add music, and keep the video snappy. A well-edited unboxing video keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
For example, a beauty brand can share a stylized skincare unboxing that includes fun commentary, relaxing background music, and satisfying slow-motion shots of product textures.
Final Thoughts
When done right, unboxing videos can become a sales-driving machine. They don’t just demonstrate products; they turn them into experiences, create hype, and help potential buyers make informed decisions.
That’s why figuring out how to make an unboxing video is a great way to produce content that stands out, increase sales, grow your influence, and just build a stronger relationship with your audience.
