Unboxing Videos: How to Drive E-Commerce Sales in 2025
If you think unboxing videos peaked in the 2010s, think again. In 2025, these videos stand both as trendy and e-commerce gold.
What started as an innocent YouTube curiosity has now evolved into a powerful conversion tool, directly influencing purchase decisions and turbocharging product visibility across platforms.
And no, you don’t need to ship your product to a Kardashian to make it work.
Let’s unwrap this.
What Is the Benefit of Unboxing Videos in 2025?
Unboxing videos do something traditional advertising can’t: they make the experience tactile—digital. Although we might say unboxing is also kind of traditional, still watching someone open a box builds anticipation, authenticity, and trust. It’s one of the few formats where the viewer imagines themselves actually owning the product before clicking “buy.”
But here’s where things get interesting in 2025:
- Shoppable unboxings: With TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping integrating live and pre-recorded unboxing content, viewers can now purchase mid-video. Zero friction. One tap.
- Authentic micro-influencer boost: High-budget productions step out. Audiences often enjoy and trust creators with 5,000 followers more than ones with 5 million. Influencer unboxing content from “real people” drives more engagement for niche ecommerce brands.
- Platform-native relevance: On YouTube, unboxing videos remain king. On TikTok, they’re quick, vertical, and reaction-focused. Instagram Stories offer backstage access, while YouTube Shorts are being used to tease longer unboxing reviews.
Want to get your product out there? There’s no better real content strategy than the good old unboxing—repackaged for a new era.
What Types of Unboxing Videos Work Best?
All unboxings are different, sometimes even from one content creator. The best ones have a specific tone, intention, and value beyond simply “look what’s in this box.”
Here are the most popular types in 2025:
1. Honest First-Reaction Reviews
The creator opens your product for the first time and shares raw reactions. No script, no edits—just vibes and authenticity. Works great for beauty, gadgets, and fashion items.
2. Aesthetic ASMR Unboxing
For luxury or design-focused ecommerce products, these are the go-to. Think slow shots, ambient sounds, perfect lighting, and no talking. Viewers focus on the feel of the product: texture, packaging, and elegance.
3. Challenge or Comparison-Based
Unbox a product and compare it to a competitor. Or do a “$30 vs $300” side-by-side. These add storytelling, and if your product wins on camera, you’ve got a viral hit.
4. Family or Pet Reactions
If your product suits kids, pets, or families, film them reacting. These unboxings perform exceptionally well on YouTube unboxing channels that focus on toys, pet gear, or home items.
5. Behind-the-Scenes Creator Vlogs
This is a softer, more lifestyle-driven unboxing, where the creator casually shows the product in their day-to-day life. Think: “Just got this package from [brand], let’s open it together.”
How to Find Influencers for Unboxing Videos
Going straight to each creator you find is equivalent to summoning a black hole. A lot of effort for little to no reward. Connect only with those that feel like the right fit for your product. Some things to consider to find creators who actually convert:
1. Check Engagement, Not Just Follower Count
Don’t obsess over subscriber numbers. Instead, look for creators whose audience actively comments, likes, and shares. A micro-influencer with 15k followers and a 10% engagement rate will outperform a 200k account with bots.
2. Use Tools, but Go Manual Too
Start using influencer marketing platforms. This way, you filter creators by location, niche, and engagement. But also go old-school—search YouTube unboxing, TikTok hashtags like ‘pr package’ or ‘influencer unboxing’, and dig into the content yourself.
3. DM Like a Human
Don’t copy-paste generic outreach messages. Reference a specific post or story they made, and clearly explain why your product suits their style. You’ll stand out from 95% of boring brand pitches.
4. Vet Past Brand Collabs
Scan how they’ve handled previous brand partnerships. Did they genuinely use the product? Was the unboxing informative or just filler content? Real product alignment matters.
5. Offer a Creative Hook
Instead of “Can we send you a product?” say “Want to do a 3-product blindfold unboxing challenge with our new release?” Make the pitch fun. People love filming unboxings, but they really love ideas that get views.
Ideas on How to Make an Unboxing Video
You don’t need large sums to shoot a scroll-stopping unboxing. Let’s break down how to make an unboxing video of your own:
Story First, Aesthetics Second
Outline the basic “story arc” first, film later. What’s the moment of surprise? What’s the hook in the first 5 seconds? Is it funny, dramatic, calming, or informative? Even simple videos need direction.
Set the Scene—But Don’t Over-Stage
Use a well-lit space with a clean background. Natural daylight works wonders.
Record horizontal for YouTube and vertical for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts (though, you can change aspect ratio in converters or similar tools). If you can, film with a smartphone that supports 4K and 60fps—plenty of creators still do this without pro gear.
Use a Video Editor (No Watermark, Please)
Let’s be real: nothing screams “amateur” more than a giant watermark across your clips. Especially if you’re posting to your brand’s official page.
If you’re just starting out, try a video editor no watermark tool. Some options offer enough control to cut, color-correct, and add text without branding splashed across the screen.
Sound Matters More Than You Think
Bad audio kills even the best shots. Use a lavalier mic or even wired earbuds with a mic. ASMR-style? Capture the sound of opening plastic, tearing seals, zippers, or magnetic clasps. These details keep viewers watching.
Inject Personality, but Focus on the Product
It’s okay to be funny, sarcastic, awkward—whatever fits your voice. But remember: people clicked for the product. Don’t stretch a 1-minute story into a 12-minute monologue.
Conclusion: Your Product Is the Star
Unboxing videos in 2025 have both a fun part and a strategic focus. They tap into curiosity, trust, and social proof—all wrapped in one shiny package.
If you’re in e-commerce and haven’t added influencer unboxing to your content strategy, you’re leaving attention (and revenue) on the table. Go ahead—film it, share it, and let your product speak for itself.
FURTHER READING
