Let’s face it, most people don’t shop on Etsy to save a buck — in many cases, they’re actually paying a premium.
So why buy that handmade or vintage bowl on Etsy instead of popping over to Amazon or the local big-box store?
As an Etsy seller, you’re probably aware there are many reasons (we’ll look at more below), but what it boils down to is this: when people shop on Etsy, they’re not just buying a handmade or vintage product, they’re buying a story. The story of that product and how it came to be. And an Etsy video is one of the most powerful ways of telling that story.
Why make an Etsy video?
While video on Etsy has been around for a few years, we’d go so far as to say it’s underutilized by sellers. And we’re not just saying that because we love video.
We could talk endlessly about why video is such a powerful marketing tool — or you could head over here for 48 compelling statistics that prove it.
If you’re ready to make a video for Etsy, we’ve got some good news. You don’t have to spend a fortune on production to make an effective shop video and Biteable makes it easy to do it yourself — no video making skills required.
Etsy video templates
Using our beautiful video templates, anyone can create a free, high-quality Etsy product video in just minutes. Check out some of our favorites for Etsy sellers below:
Click the ‘Edit video’ button on any of the templates above and you’re on your way. We’ve made Biteable to be easy and intuitive to use, all you’ll need is some product pictures and/or video you can take with your smartphone.
But how do you write your Etsy video? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too. Let’s look at some of the intangibles that drive people to shop on Etsy and how your video can tell a story that will compel them to buy.
They want a handmade product that’s one of a kind.
Many Etsy shoppers want to buy something they won’t see anywhere else — they may even want it customized for them.
Use video to share how you personalize your products so no two are the same, as Lily&Thistle shop owner Hannah Stevenson does in her shop video below.
They want a product with a history.
If you sell vintage or reclaimed products, a video can help you share your passion — what draws you to the treasures you sell? Where do you curate your products?
Etsy seller Kevin Stinehart includes footage of the community he sources his reclaimed barn wood from, as well as details about his process in his shop video.
They want to support an artist or small business owner.
Some people want to say, “Oh, this? It was made by an AMAZING upcoming art student that sells her work as a side hustle!”
Video can help you reveal that story, show off your personality, and build that personal connection. Keila Marciel’s Etsy shop offers a delightful range of stickers and jewelry featuring her own custom illustrations. Through captivating timelapse videos and personal insights, Keila brings her creative process to life.
They want to support a local seller, or one from a far-flung locale.
Perhaps they want to keep their spending dollars close to home by shopping through Etsy Local. Or they love the idea of a handmade or vintage item from somewhere more exotic.
Either way, video helps you build a connection with your buyers by showing them the person and community they’re supporting through their purchase. Check out this example from Etsy shop MadEra which showcases the product and the place it’s made.
They want a higher-quality product that will stand the test of time.
In an era of mass-produced products, Etsy buyers know there’s something quite special about a hand-thrown ceramic vase, or a made-to-order dress.
Whether they’re after a more sustainable product, or simply one that’s better made, an Etsy video like the one below from Katty Huertas can take them behind the scenes and show the time and care that goes into each item.
Etsy video tips
You can add a video to your Etsy profile from your web browser, or using the Sell on Etsy mobile app. We do recommend reading Etsy’s technical specifications for shop videos, and following these best practices:
Use lots of product imagery
Show, don’t tell! Use video to reveal more about a product than a still photograph can capture — think 360° views, close-ups, and process shots. Etsy recommends timelapse video too, to show your creation process over time.
Use live action product demos
Use video to demonstrate how your product looks or works. Include lifestyle shots of your product moving or in use.
Keep the focus on the product
Remember that people are ultimately there to shop, so keep the focus on your product, but…
Put a bit of personality into it
Use your video to share a bit of your backstory and show what goes into making or curating the items you sell.
Highlight benefits over features
People don’t buy a product for what it is. They buy it for what it does for them. As cool as your product is, the story you tell should keep the focus on the buyer. How will your product help or improve their lives? How will it make them look or feel?
Keep it short
Around two minutes is an ideal length for most videos online, including on Etsy.
Pay attention to production values
No, you don’t need fancy equipment (most recent smartphones should be fine), but do pay attention to quality. You need good natural lighting, sound quality, a clean, uncluttered background, and a stable shot (use a tripod — and yes, you can get one for your smartphone).
Include a CTA at the end
Finally, while it might seem obvious, don’t forget to tell people what you want them to do at the end of your video – ‘visit my shop’, ‘check out my products’, etc.
Once your video is finished, you can upload it to your About section on your Etsy shop. We’d also recommend sharing your video on social media, YouTube, and on your website if you have one. Don’t forget to include your shop name and web address at the end of your video so people can find you.
So, if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Biteable! We created it to make inexpensive, high-quality videos accessible to anyone and everyone. Give it a try today!