Video Reviews on Blogs

A couple thoughts as a viewer, not a video reviewer.

The camera doesn't need to be the highest quality. Good lighting can do a lot for that. People tend to keep it dark (maybe trying not to show off their surroundings). I remember one video of a black toy where I couldn't even SEE the toy and I was like.. Um.. Yea. And while I don't need to be able to see the company name carved into a dildo (sometimes people try to do close ups that don't turn out well), I want to be able to see it at all.

Honestly, I think sound quality is more important. It bugs me to no end when there's that "in the can" sound. I think you should watch and listen to your reviews and absolutely redo them if there are issues - especially if you're trying to illustrate the amount of noise a toy makes because some mics aren't that sensitive. It's a waste of everyone's time if your review comes off as "Well, I want you to hear this but you probably won't". Then don't do it. If you're not okay with doing 2 or 3 versions, then don't do it. If we have to struggle over your kids screaming or dogs barking or other audio or visual distractions, it doesn't matter how good the information is. (And, it makes your work seem sloppy)

On the subject of information, I feel like most video reviews do not include as much information as written ones but maybe it just seems that way.

I've seen a few reviews with text and music as opposed to the reviewer speaking. I am more likely to page to another tab and completely forget about those videos. Speech commands my attention more. And if that's all you're doing, then photos and a text review are pretty much the same thing IMO.

Also, I am really partial to including a text review or at least a summary with your video review. I actually do not like the attention I have to give to video reviews so this is most helpful. Even if it's just a list of pros and cons.

In this, like all things, I am a picky bitch.

You have to be careful reviewing products by video because of the video hosting companies. They randomly decide to delete reviewer accounts, as Vimeo did mine, claiming the reviews are actually commercials - which aren't allowed (at least on Vimeo.) I've also known reviewers who had videos deleted from youtube. You can read about my experiences here: link

This has deterred me from doing more videos, at least for now. I put too much work into the ones I did to take the chance they will just be deleted.

I definitely agree with Adriana's points. I'll add that it's nice when people use a common object - like a cell phone - as a size comparison in videos.