Product Videos That Show the Product in Use

Why in-use beats a spec sheet

A product on a white background answers "what is it". A product in someone's hand, doing its job, answers the question the buyer actually has: "will it work for me". A product video earns its keep on that second question.

Plan the shots before the words

List the three moments that show the product working: opening it, using it, the result. Write those first and let the narration follow them. Narration written first tends to describe things the camera never shows.

Use a presenter only where a person helps

A presenter holding the product builds trust. A close-up of the product working needs no face at all. Mixing the two, a talking scene followed by product and b-roll scenes, keeps the video moving. In a FinalTake storyboard each scene is either a presenter scene or a product and b-roll scene, so you choose per moment.

Keep captions off the product

Captions cover whatever is under them. Check the storyboard for scenes where the product sits low in the frame and make sure the caption placement leaves it visible. Burned-in captions are 5 credits per pass.

Watch it on mute

If a viewer with the sound off can tell what the product is, what it does and what to do next, the video is done. If not, the fix is usually in the shots rather than the script.

FAQs

Do I need a person in a product video?

No. A video can be all product and b-roll shots with a voiceover, or mix a presenter with product scenes. You choose per scene in the storyboard.

How do I keep the product accurate?

Shots are grounded in your real product photos. Review each scene against your product before you approve the plan.

What length should a product video be?

As short as it can be while still showing the product working. Cost scales with finished length, so a 15s reel is 32 credits and a 30s ad is 62 credits at 1080p.