No matter the niche, UGC creators could be asked by a brand to make different types of videos.
Why?
Because everyone responds differently to various stimuli and therefore their attention is caught in a different way. So let’s take a look at some of the different video variations:
- Unboxing Videos
Unboxing videos are a form of content that showcase a product in its original packaging and document the process of opening it for the viewer. These videos have gained significant popularity as they allow potential buyers to assess a product before making a purchase. According to Pack Help “Over 90,000 people type ‘unboxing’ into YouTube every month.” [Woźniczko.M, 2024]. Beyond practical evaluation unboxing videos also create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the viewer, replicating the feeling of receiving and discovering a product for the first time.
2. Reviews & Testimonials
These are both forms of customer feedback and these types of videos heavily influence someone’s buying decisions and help a brand’s reputation. Testimonials are usually a more positive outlook on a product, highlighting its benefits, whereas a review is more of a general perspective of a product offering either positive or constructive feedback.
“Like testimonials, reviews help build trust by creating transparency. Even when they include constructive criticism, reviews demonstrate a brand’s willingness to receive feedback and improve, which is also an excellent foundation for establishing long-term loyalty.” [MacNaught.S, 2024]
3. Aesthetic videos
An Aesthetic is “a particular theory or conception of beauty or art : a particular taste for or approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight” [Webster.M, 2025]. Aesthetic videos are usually between 10-15 seconds long maximum as they aim to visually please the audience. Usually there is no voiceover explanation, just a nice piece of background music (and sometimes text). I like to think of this concept like this: you are trying to please the audience by showing something perfect and idealistic, so that they dream of having it themselves.
4. ASMR Videos
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response’ are very popular types of videos to help relax and distract the viewer. It uses sounds and visuals to calm down viewers.
“Self-selected viewers turn to the videos for relaxation and relief from depression, insomnia and chronic pain […] These videos, like the cognitive behavioral techniques such as guided relaxation and meditation, may accomplish the same thing by distracting the viewer from worrisome thoughts and by providing a comforting and familiar set of sounds that may remind people of the way they were cared for as children.” [Cline.J, 2024].
In summary, no matter the type of video, the aim of all these video types are to engage the viewer and make them want to buy whatever you are showcasing. Its goal is to help brand exposure, reputation and drive sales.
research & websites I used to write this blog (Click the Dash (-) bellow to show all the links).
-Cline.J (2024) What Is ASMR and Why Are People Watching These Videos? [Online] Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/sleepless-in-america/201809/what-is-asmr-and-why-are-people-watching-these-videos#:~:text=Self%2Dselected%20viewers%20turn%20to,were%20cared%20for%20as%20children. [Accessed: 14/04/2025]
-MacNaught.S (2024) The Power of Testimonials and Reviews as UGC [Online] available at: https://www.microbizmag.co.uk/the-power-of-testimonials-and-reviews-as-ugc/ [Accessed: 14/04/2025]
-Webster.M (2025) AESTHETIC Definition & Meaning [Online] available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetic [Accessed: 15/04/2025]
– Woźniczko.M (2023) The Anatomy Of A Killer Unboxing Video: How and Why [Online] available at: https://packhelp.co.uk/unboxing-phenomenon-why-people-watch-unpacking-videos/?srsltid=AfmBOorjuA2yqmrRXq2rjRe-EqOFZ1Li-PoXkMikNNRRjBHEgvFAsZxK [Accessed: 14/04/2025]
Please note these are not ALL of the video types that exist for UGC. There are so many more out there as new trends emerge!
