5 Tips for Shooting Compelling Product Videos

When you’re trying to promote a product, sometimes a picture just isn’t enough. You need video to really capture the viewer’s attention and show them what your product can do. But shooting quality product videos can be tricky. Here are five tips that we here at our video production agency  have learnt over the years to make sure your product videos are top notch:

1. Plan, plan, plan!

The pre-planning stage is crucial for any video shoot, but especially for product videos.  This stage consists of  three important aspects that will make your video shoot go much smoother. 

a. Music Selection: 

The music you choose should compliment the products you are selling. The right music can make or break your video. Make sure to spend some time picking out the perfect music that fits the mood and energy of your product.

b. Brainstorm Ideas For Each Shot: 

Brainstorm ideas with your team and come up with a clear picture of what each shot will entail. This means knowing the camera angles, what should be in the frame, and how long the shot should last.

c. Shot List: 

Once you have determined all of the shots, it is important to put them in a list form so that you can easily reference it during the shoot. This will help keep you on track and ensure your ideas come to fruition.

2. Determine Shoot Settings or Product Environment 

There are two types of environments that should be considered when shooting product videos: primary and secondary. 

a. Primary environment: 

The first thing you need to decide is what kind of environment you want to shoot in. Is your product best suited for a home setting, an office setting, or something else? Remember the primary environment is the environment in which the product will primarily be used. For example, if you are selling a KitchenAid mixer, the primary environment would be a kitchen. 

b. Secondary environment:

The secondary environment is not necessarily where the product will be used, but it should still be relevant to the product. For example, if you are selling a KitchenAid mixer, a secondary environment could be a cooking class or bakery. You can shoot the product in a flat lay or plain color background. Remember, the simpler the background setting, the better. After all, you’re not selling the background.

Whatever the setting of your video, make sure it is clean, relevant for your product and doesn’t distract from the intended focus point of the video. 

3. Plan Proper Lighting Setup

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any video shoot. Without proper lighting, your shots will look dull and unappealing. There are three main types of lighting that should be considered for product videos: natural, artificial, and fluorescent. 

a. Natural light: 

This is the best type of light to use if possible. It is soft and flattering, and it will make your product look its best. 

b. Artificial light: 

If natural light is not an option, artificial light can be used. However, it is important to be careful with artificial light, as it can often be too harsh and unflattering. 

c. Fluorescent light: 

This type of light is often used in office settings, and it can be a good option for product videos if used correctly. However, fluorescent light can sometimes give a greenish tint to shots, so it is important to test it out before using it for your final video. 

Natural lighting is beautiful but it can be finicky and unreliable. So, always aim for consistent lighting- be it natural or artificial. 

4. Add Special Touches 

Once you have the basic shots of your product, you can add some special touches to make your video more interesting. 

a. B-roll: 

B-roll is additional footage that can be used to fill in gaps or add interest to a shot. For example, if you are shooting a close-up of a product, you can use a b-roll of someone using the product in order to add context. 

b. Voiceover: 

A voiceover can be used to narrate the video or provide additional information about the product. 

c. Graphics:

 Graphics can be used to highlight important information or add interest to a shot.  

d. Use creative props:

Props can help to bring a product to life and add interest to a shot. Look for unique or unexpected items that can be used to showcase the product in new and interesting ways.

e. Incorporate slow motion:

 Slow motion can add a sense of drama and excitement to a product video. When used judiciously, it can highlight the key features of a product and make it more visually appealing.

5. Pack Different Shot Varieties

Once you have all of the shots that you need, it is important to mix them up in order to keep the video interesting. This means using a variety of shot types, such as close-ups, wide shots, and point-of-view shots during the video editing stage. It is also important to mix up the angles and camera movements, so that the video does not feel static. 

Product videos are a powerful way to show off your products and drive sales. By following these tips, you can create product videos that are both high quality and effective at selling your products. If you need help creating high-quality product videos, our team of experts is here to help. We offer video production services that will help you create engaging, informative, and persuasive product videos that will help increase your sales online.