Why Do People Record Unboxings And Are They Actually Helpful

The first time someone pressed record on a new gadget being pulled from its box, few could have predicted how transformative that simple act would become. Today, unboxing videos dominate platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with millions of views generated daily across categories ranging from smartphones to skincare. But what drives this phenomenon? Why do people spend hours filming themselves opening packages, and more importantly—do these videos offer any real value beyond entertainment?

Unboxings sit at the intersection of consumer behavior, digital storytelling, and marketing evolution. They reflect both personal excitement and collective curiosity. While some dismiss them as trivial, others rely on them for purchasing decisions. To understand their role, it’s essential to explore not only the motivations behind creating them but also their practical usefulness for viewers.

The Psychology Behind Recording Unboxings

At its core, an unboxing taps into fundamental human emotions: anticipation, novelty, and discovery. The ritual of unwrapping something new triggers dopamine release, a neurological response tied to pleasure and reward. When creators film this moment, they’re not just documenting a purchase—they’re sharing an emotional experience.

For many, recording an unboxing is a way to validate ownership and celebrate a personal milestone. Whether it's a long-awaited tech upgrade or a limited-edition fashion item, the video becomes a digital receipt of achievement. Social media amplifies this effect by turning private moments into public performances. Likes, comments, and shares reinforce the creator’s sense of identity and belonging within niche communities.

Additionally, there's a performative aspect to unboxings. Creators often adopt specific tones—calm and analytical for tech reviewers, energetic and expressive for lifestyle influencers—tailoring their delivery to audience expectations. This curation transforms a mundane activity into engaging content, blurring the line between authenticity and production.

Tip: When filming your own unboxing, speak naturally and focus on sensory details—texture, sound, packaging design—to make the experience immersive.

Are Unboxing Videos Actually Helpful to Consumers?

The answer depends on context, quality, and intent. Not all unboxings are created equal. A poorly lit, rushed 30-second clip showing nothing beyond the product label offers little utility. In contrast, a well-structured unboxing can serve as a powerful decision-making tool.

High-quality unboxing videos provide tangible benefits:

• First-hand inspection: Viewers see build quality, materials, and finish before buying.
• Scale and proportion: Photos on e-commerce sites can be misleading; video reveals actual size.
• Packaging contents: Does the box include accessories? Are manuals included? These details matter.
• User experience: Real-time reactions highlight usability issues or pleasant surprises.

According to a 2023 survey by Consumer Reports, nearly 62% of online shoppers watch at least one unboxing video before purchasing high-ticket electronics. For products where tactile feedback matters—like headphones, watches, or makeup—seeing someone interact with the item builds trust faster than static images ever could.

“An unboxing isn’t just about the product—it’s about reducing uncertainty in a world of impersonal shopping.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Behavioral Economist at MIT Media Lab

How Brands Use Unboxings Strategically

Smart companies no longer treat unboxings as passive viewer content. Instead, they design products and packaging with the camera in mind. Apple, for instance, has long optimized its minimalist boxes for visual appeal—the precise fit, the magnetic closure, the silent slide—all engineered to feel cinematic when filmed.

Brands now collaborate with influencers to seed early unboxings ahead of product launches. These “first look” videos generate buzz and create a sense of exclusivity. Some companies even send pre-release units under strict NDAs, knowing that controlled leaks can drive organic interest without direct advertising costs.

This strategy works because unboxings bypass traditional ad skepticism. When a real person expresses genuine surprise or admiration, it carries more weight than a polished commercial. The perceived neutrality of the reviewer—even if sponsored—lends credibility.

However, transparency remains critical. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires clear disclosure of paid partnerships. Ethical creators mark sponsorships visibly, preserving audience trust. When done right, branded unboxings benefit everyone: consumers get honest insights, brands gain exposure, and creators earn income.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Useful Unboxing Video

If you're considering making your own unboxing, follow this structured approach to ensure clarity and value:

1. Prepare your environment: Choose a quiet space with natural or soft lighting. Avoid cluttered backgrounds.
2. Test equipment: Ensure your camera or phone is stable (use a tripod), audio is clear, and battery is charged.
3. Show the exterior: Film the package from multiple angles before opening. Note shipping condition and branding.
4. Open slowly: Capture the process step by step. Describe sounds, resistance, and design cues.
5. Reveal contents systematically: Lay out every item. Mention missing or unexpected components.
6. Inspect key features: Highlight materials, craftsmanship, screen quality, buttons, ports, etc.
7. Add context: Compare to previous models or competitors. Share initial impressions honestly.
8. Edit thoughtfully: Trim dead air but keep raw reactions. Add text overlays for specs or prices.
9. Disclose affiliations: If compensated or gifted, state it clearly in the video and description.
10. Engage viewers: Ask questions in the caption like “Would you buy this?” to encourage discussion.

Tip: Always show your hands during the unboxing—viewers want to see scale and interaction, not just floating objects.

Mini Case Study: The Rise of Tech Unboxings on YouTube

In 2010, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) uploaded his first unboxing of a Dell laptop to YouTube from his college dorm room. With basic equipment and zero editing skills, he focused on one thing: telling the truth about what he saw and felt.

Over time, his attention to detail—measuring bezel thickness, testing hinge stability, comparing color accuracy—set a new standard for tech reviews. His unboxings evolved into full-fledged review formats, but the foundation remained the same: transparency and firsthand experience.

Today, MKBHD has over 18 million subscribers. Major manufacturers send him devices months in advance, not just for exposure, but because his audience trusts his judgment. His success illustrates how authentic unboxings can grow into influential platforms that shape consumer perception and even push companies to improve product design based on public feedback.

Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Unboxing Content

Do’s	Don’ts
Show packaging integrity and shipping condition	Rush through the opening process
Highlight small details like font quality or material texture	Assume viewers know the product category well
Mention price and where to buy	Omit disclosure of sponsorships or free products
Compare with similar models when relevant	Exaggerate reactions for clicks (“OMG!” every five seconds)
Use close-ups for fine details	Ignore audio quality—rustling paper can ruin playback

When Unboxings Cross the Line: Criticism and Limitations

Despite their popularity, unboxings face valid criticism. Detractors argue they promote excessive consumption, glorify materialism, and contribute to electronic waste. The rise of “unboxing addiction”—where creators constantly acquire new items solely for content—raises ethical concerns about sustainability and authenticity.

Moreover, not all creators maintain objectivity. Some prioritize shock value over substance, using clickbait thumbnails or misleading titles. Others accept payments without disclosure, eroding viewer trust. As algorithms favor engagement, the incentive to sensationalize grows stronger.

Still, the format itself isn’t inherently problematic. Like any medium, its impact depends on how it’s used. Responsible creators emphasize longevity, repairability, and environmental considerations—even within unboxings. For example, some now include segments on recyclable packaging or modular design, adding educational depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can unboxing videos replace professional product reviews?

No—but they complement them. Unboxings excel at showing physical attributes and first impressions, while professional reviews dive deeper into performance benchmarks, long-term durability, and technical analysis. Together, they form a more complete picture.

Are unboxings still relevant with augmented reality shopping?

Yes. While AR allows virtual try-ons, it lacks emotional resonance. Human-led unboxings provide personality, context, and subjective insight that technology alone cannot replicate. As long as people seek peer validation, unboxings will remain relevant.

Do I need expensive gear to make a good unboxing video?

Not at all. Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras. What matters more is lighting, audio clarity, and thoughtful presentation. A $1,000 phone in poor light performs worse than a $300 phone in a well-lit room.

Final Thoughts: The Lasting Value of Seeing Something New

Unboxing videos endure because they satisfy a deep human desire: to witness discovery. In an age of algorithmic feeds and curated perfection, there’s something refreshingly raw about watching someone encounter a product for the first time. It restores a sense of intimacy lost in digital commerce.

They are helpful—not because they always inform perfectly, but because they democratize access to experience. A teenager in Nairobi can examine the stitching on a designer bag released in Paris. A parent can check if a toy’s edges are sharp before buying. A traveler can verify if a portable charger fits in a jacket pocket.

And for creators, unboxings offer more than views—they foster connection. Behind every camera is someone saying, “Let me show you this thing I found.” That gesture, simple as it seems, continues to reshape how we shop, share, and decide what matters.

💬 Have you learned something valuable from an unboxing video? Or made a purchase because of one? Share your story in the comments—your experience might help someone else make a smarter choice.