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Unboxing video

What is an unboxing video?

An unboxing video shows someone taking a product out of its box. They usually feature the product in its original packaging from the manufacturer, so viewers can see exactly what is included if they also decide to purchase the product. 

Unboxing videos started as product reviews, showing viewers the good and bad points about a product. As they’ve become more popular, people now watch unboxing videos just to see what’s inside, with or without a review. 

What kinds of products do people unbox in these videos? They range from toys and candy to electronics and beauty products. Anything that comes in a box (or some kind of packaging you have to open) is fair game for an unboxing video. 

You wouldn’t think watching someone else open a box would be interesting, but unboxing videos have become a veritable internet phenomenon. You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get watching someone react to a gift they really love and weren’t expecting? Unboxing videos make viewers feel that way, and the people behind the camera have a knack for building excitement. 

Other reasons unboxing videos are so popular might be:

  • They’re kid-friendly (mostly)
  • They offer an honest peek at consumer products
  • They’re inexpensive to make, other than purchasing the product for unboxing
  • The concept is simple
  • They’re easy to produce 

Unboxing videos are especially popular with kids because many of these videos feature toys. Kids aren’t the only viewers, however, as unboxing videos for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other tech are also prominent. Because unboxing videos seem to fascinate so many people, some companies have even started rethinking their packaging to make their products more interesting to open. 

How to monetize an unboxing video

Many people start making unboxing videos with the goal of monetizing them. If you’re planning to start doing your own unboxing videos on YouTube, here are five ways you can make money with them:

  • Influencer marketing: Unboxing videos are perfect for product placements. Ask the brand whose products you’re unboxing to sponsor your video. You can also try to become a brand ambassador or get into affiliate marketing and referral programs.
  • Ads: YouTubers earn money from advertisements shown in their content using Google AdSense.
  • Super Chat: YouTube’s Super Chat feature allows viewers of live videos to purchase highlighted comments, so they get special placement in the live chat. Content creators get a share of revenue from the purchase of Super Chats.
  • Donations: Many content creators add links to their Patreon or Kickstarter pages so viewers can send donations.
  • Other business ventures: Many successful content creators use unboxing videos as one part of their overall marketing strategies. They may also create and sell merchandise, mobile apps, courses, books or other digital products. 

If you want any of these monetization methods to work, you have to create videos that many people want to watch. Since unboxing videos have become so popular, carving out a niche is a necessity if you want to make money with it. It’ll take some work to make videos that stand out, but once you do, it opens up monetization opportunities. 

How to create a sensational unboxing live video

The key element you need to distinguish your unboxing videos from all the others could be live streaming. If watching someone open a box is so exciting, imagine how much more thrilling it would be live. Your viewers will love to see your reactions and hear your comments in real time because it makes them feel more connected to you. 

Here are our top tips for creating live unboxing videos. 

1. Choose your niche

You might find it difficult to gain traction with a general unboxing channel unless you add some fun twists to it. Choosing a niche, such as electronics, beauty products, home goods, toys, tools, or just about anything else, will attract viewers who are interested in those products and brands. Just be sure to choose something exciting to open; gift cards would not make for good unboxing videos. 

2. Test your setup and connection

When you get ready to live stream, be sure to check all your streaming equipment and software. Also, test your internet upload speed to confirm it’s fast enough for live streaming. Once you have everything set up, do a test run. You can create an unlisted channel on YouTube to do a test or, if you’re using another platform, simply name your stream “test” so viewers know it’s not the real thing. 

3. Ensure you have enough lighting

Lighting is important for unboxing videos because you want viewers to see the product well. If you stream your unboxing with low lighting that makes it difficult to see, no one will stay tuned in. A decent lighting setup can also make up for a lower-quality webcam or filming with a smartphone. Read our video lighting guide to learn more about getting your lights just right. 

4. Add graphics to your stream

Your stream will look more professional and engaging if you add graphics. Use captions and lower thirds to remind people which product you’re unboxing or give a shoutout to your sponsor. Graphics also let you add a logo and the names of your other social channels if you have them.

5. Speak clearly and entertain your audience

Although unboxing videos are highly visual, people are also tuning in for your voice and commentary. Describe each piece you pull out of the box to help put it in context and provide your feelings on the product as you go. Remember to speak clearly and slowly so your audience can keep up, and don’t hesitate to crack a few jokes and show some personality. 

6. Demonstrate the product

One reason people watch unboxing videos is to see how a product works, especially if it’s a toy or some kind of gadget. If you’ve never used it before, don’t worry — that’s part of the charm of unboxing live streams. The viewers want to see what it would be like if they were using this product for the first time as well. As you demonstrate or attempt to demonstrate how the product works, offer your comments. Do you find it difficult to figure out? Are the instructions clear? These reviews are helpful to your viewers. 

7. Use multiple cameras

Many unboxing videos are shot with a simple smartphone, with one person unboxing and another holding the phone. While that formula works, a better solution is using more than one camera. Have one camera pointed at the product so people can watch the unboxing. Point the other camera at yourself, so you can narrate or review the product. Showing a feed of you offering commentary as picture-in-picture is more engaging than a single camera showing the product. If you need help setting up a multi-camera live stream, read our guide.