Ready to make your next product video?
We can help.
At Bottle Rocket Media, we understand the vital role product videos play in your business and your audience. But not all product videos are created equal. The most effective ones tell a story, solve a problem, and spark curiosity. They’re intentional from the first frame to the last, using strategy, creativity, and the right tools to leave a lasting impression.
Turning a good idea into a powerful piece of content is what we excel at, and we want to guide you through what a product video truly is, what makes it effective, and how to create a product video that stands out.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is a Product Video?
Typically, a product video highlights the major components and features of an item. It informs the audience about the product, its usage, and why they should consider purchasing it. It typically varies in length, with shorter videos focusing on the product’s strong aspects, and longer ones delving into more detail and the benefits it can provide to consumers.
Before creating a product video, ensure you have all the necessary information about your product so you can advertise it effectively. That knowledge, coupled with strong visuals, will stand out and catch your audience’s eye.
Tips for Making a Product Video
Now that you know what a product video is, you’re ready to start filming, right? Wrong. Before jumping headfirst into visuals and motion graphics, you should understand a few things first. Let’s go through some tips you can use to make a great product video.
- Use The Correct Equipment
To make a product video, you’ll need a variety of equipment, which may include:
- DSLR camera
- Tripod
- LED lights
- Charging equipment
- SD card
- Softbox diffuser
- Light stands or clamps
- Multiple camera lenses
Next, think about the type of video you want to create. Do you have a product you’d like to showcase from all angles? Use a rotating turntable so viewers can be up close and personal with the item you’re promoting.
Want to do a voiceover or need to use multiple camera angles to display different viewpoints of your product? Consider using portable microphones and adding an additional camera to your setup. If this sounds a bit complicated, hire a video production team, so they can handle everything from camera setup to post-production.
- Provide Clear Communication
One of the most important aspects of making a product video is to provide clear communication to the viewer. If you’re promoting a product, you’ll want a creative, strategic video that clearly outlines the benefits of the product.
What does that look like? First, start with a good script. A good script will set the tone for the entire video and ensure that you’re effectively conveying your point. Next, think about your visuals. Your voiceover should match what viewers are seeing on screen. Finally, keep it simple! Providing your audience with too much information can be confusing. Instead, focus on having a clear message that encourages them to make a purchase.
To make it accessible, add captions. This will boost your viewership, as accessible content can reach those who are hearing impaired and those who might enjoy content with the sound off.
- Have A Strategic Hook
Before creating your product video, consider a strategic hook that resonates with your target audience. Ask yourself, ‘Who is my target audience?’ What sex, age, or demographic am I trying to reach? That will help you formulate a great hook.
For example, if you’re promoting a handy tool for the garage and outdoors, you may ask: “Why wrestle with five tools when one does it all?”. When you advertise a much-needed item to the right group, you’re certain to receive interest in your product.
- Reveal The Purpose Of The Product
Here’s the thing – you should always prioritize revealing your product’s purpose and how it benefits your customers. If the item assists someone at their work desk, your video can show this in a reenactment. This can illustrate how it streamlines tasks, keeps things organized, or boosts productivity right where your audience needs it most.
No matter what you’re promoting, remember: knowing the purpose is one of the most important parts of a product video.
- Use Lighting To Enhance The Product
Lighting can make or break your video. Bad lighting can make your brand appear low-quality or unprofessional, regardless of the actual quality of your product. For instance, if light is coming from behind an object, it’s considered backlit and may appear dark to viewers. Good lighting, on the other hand, enhances every detail, sets the mood, and makes your product stand out in the best possible way.
Depending on the size of your product, lighting can be a hassle-free process. To get the best possible lighting, you should:
- Use at least one primary light source directed toward the front of the product to highlight its shape and features.
- Add fill lights or side lights if needed to reduce harsh shadows and show more detail.
- Adjust the lighting angle to bring out texture or shine, depending on the type of product you’re filming.
A well-lit product video instantly boosts your brand’s professionalism and helps viewers focus on what matters most: your product.
- Add Customer Reviews And Testimonials
If your product sales are already doing well, consider adding positive reviews and customer testimonials to your video. When viewers see positive customer reviews, it can help them make a decision faster and ultimately choose your product.
If you want to take the easy route, add a testimonial or reviews as text to your video for your audience to see. However, providing footage of a customer discussing their experience with the product may be more effective.
Having that real, human presence adds authenticity and builds trust. Viewers are more likely to relate to someone speaking honestly on camera than with a line of text. If possible, film a customer using the product in action; it helps potential buyers visualize themselves doing the same.
- Focus On The Video Length
Creative freedom is great, but length still matters when you’re making a product video. You don’t want your video to be longer than necessary. After all, you wouldn’t want to lose the attention of the audience.
Conversely, your video shouldn’t be too short either, so aim for 1-3 minutes. That’s a perfect sweet spot, so you don’t lose interest and keep your viewers engaged.
- End Your Video With A Call To Action
To make a successful product video, end with a strong call to action. This should inform your audience of where they can purchase or find the product. Additionally, provide viewers with important website links about the product and similar items.
You can also direct viewers to related products or bundles that complement the main item, giving them added value and encouraging further engagement. What’s important is that you make it as easy as possible for your audience to take the next step.
Examples Of Product Videos
On our YouTube channel, we feature several product videos. For instance, our Impossible Objects sizzle video not only demonstrates how a 3D printer works, but it also acknowledges each step along the way. Additionally, the Impossible Objects video displays text, allowing audiences to understand the content better.
Our Crosman ST-1 video was able to show viewers a breakdown of the ST-1, without a voiceover. Intertwined with music, our video provides just uses text to describe the product.
Our Dyson Airwrap video takes a unique approach: the only audio you hear is the natural sound of the product itself. This step-by-step guide features on-screen text and a visual demo, making it easy for viewers to follow along. It’s all part of our goal to create product videos that feel fresh, engaging, and truly stand out.
We hope that seeing a variety of our product videos will inspire you to create your own.
Conclusion
A successful product video blends creativity with clarity. It highlights what makes your product unique while building trust and inspiring action. Understanding how to make a product video is the first step to creating content that converts.
At Bottle Rocket Media, we bring the experience, tools, and creativity needed to elevate your product. We’re here to help you craft a video that’s not just visually stunning, but strategically effective.
Let’s bring your product to life, together.