Gone are the days when shoppers would scroll forever. Now, they have too many options, and they're quick to bounce when they don't find what they're looking for. For online retailers, product videos have moved from optional to expected. They shape perception, influence purchase behavior, and set your brand apart from everyone else.

Ecommerce product video Chicago entails 360° product showcases to fast-paced social media clips that match the speed of a buyer’s swipe. However, the quality and strategy behind your video really impact its results.

Specializing in product video production Chicago, INDIRAP helps brands like you make video content that shows your products while attracting customers. We also diversify your video content by covering different types of videos for social media, email marketing, website, search engine ads, and so on.

How Product Videos Increase Conversions & Reduce Returns

You’ve probably noticed it yourself. When shopping online, you’re more likely to trust a product when you can see it in action. That’s exactly why ecommerce product video is such a powerful tool. It helps customers make confident buying decisions.

Let’s start with conversions. A short, well-shot product video can do the work of five product photos and a long-winded description combined. It brings texture, movement, and functionality to life.

When someone watches a video showing how a backpack fits, how a blender sounds, or how a skincare product glides onto skin, it removes a layer of uncertainty. That clarity often translates into clicking "add to cart." NutriBullet's video is an excellent example of this working out.

The same applies to returns, too. If you’ve sold anything online, you know the headache that comes with returns. It includes restocking, shipping fees, and lost revenue.

Many of those returns happen because the product didn’t match expectations. A strong video sets those expectations correctly from the start. People see how big something is compared to a hand, how it works in real time, and how it looks in natural light. Such detail reduces confusion and makes it less likely that a customer will send something back.

That's why businesses now create product video production in Chicago. Working with a local Chicago video production company lets you create video content that reflects your brand and meets ecommerce standards.

Teams experienced in video production Chicago for retail, fashion, consumer electronics, and other fast-moving industries already know what shots convert. They can further create messaging that keeps customers from second-guessing their purchase.

At INDIRAP, we've seen clients shave down return rates just by adding short video clips to their product pages. We help you show what matters and how to entice customers.

Why Product Video is Ideal for Amazon, Shopify, and DTC Brands

If you're selling on Amazon, through a Shopify store, or running your own DTC brand, product video is a strong tool. Why? Because your customers can’t touch the product. A strategic video funnel fills this gap. 

For example, Amazon is a crowded and competitive marketplace built for fast decisions. A product video added to your listing can instantly set you apart.

It shows the product in action, answers common questions visually, and helps shoppers trust what they’re buying. For high-volume sellers, this can mean fewer abandoned carts and more five-star reviews.

Shopify stores benefit in a different way. You own the whole experience, from the product page to checkout. That gives you more room to play with video, such as feature reels, behind-the-scenes clips, or even quick how-tos. For example, in this Reel, Bruvi, a Shopify coffee brand, shows how to use its coffee maker to make a quick Affogato.

A 30-second clip showing how to use a skincare product or how a jacket looks outdoors can do more to convince someone than paragraphs of text, especially if the video matches the overall brand feel. People stick around longer and bounce less when there's movement on the page.

For DTC brands, product videos help tell your story at scale. Since you’re cutting out the middlemen, everything rides on the strength of your own platform. For example, ELF Cosmetics uses influencer videos to show its products in action.

A great video communicates lifestyle, personality, and value in seconds. As a result, the footage can increase ad performance and turn a new visitor into a repeat customer.

Sellers who use product video production Chicago have an added benefit of letting customers see how the product is in the real world. But it's better if a Chicago video production company makes these videos. At INDIRAP, we understand the pacing that works for social, the framing Amazon wants, and the formats Shopify supports.

6 Types of Ecommerce Product Videos and Where They Work Best

Here are some common types of ecommerce product videos Chicago companies can create for their brands.

1. White Background Product Videos

Sometimes, less says more. White background videos place your product against a clean, neutral background with no distractions. They’re typically used for Amazon listings, online catalogs, and comparison-style product pages where clarity is the priority.

The video format allows viewers to focus entirely on size, shape, texture, and function without any styling or extras getting in the way. These videos work well because they build trust quickly.

There's no fancy editing in such videos. The product is usually shown from multiple angles, being used or held by someone’s hands, and sometimes paired with a voiceover for context. It's especially useful for categories like electronics, tools, accessories, and anything that gets sold in large quantities. If you're using a Chicago video production company for ecommerce, this style is often part of the standard package.

2. Lifestyle Product Videos

While white background clips handle the what, lifestyle videos tackle the why. They’re filmed in real-world settings that match your brand story. These scenes offer visual cues that help potential buyers picture the product in their own routine. For example, Big Agnes shows how to use its inflation sack in this video.

Lifestyle product videos are perfect for Shopify pages, product launches, brand websites, and high-intent landing pages. They’re also a strong match for industries like fashion, wellness, fitness, food, and home decor. For example, Philip Hues shows how the sleep lamp functions in this YouTube video.

For ecommerce brands doing product video production Chicago, these often involve creative planning and location shoots. However, the results can drive serious engagement and conversions.

3. UGC Style Videos

User-generated content is one of the most effective formats in ecommerce today. These clips mimic what a real customer might post: filmed vertically, casually lit, and often with someone speaking directly to the camera. The video production goal here isn’t polish but believability.

UGC-style videos are highly effective in paid ad campaigns, influencer collaborations, and product launches on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. They tend to feel more personal and authentic, especially for DTC brands targeting mobile-first shoppers.

A Chicago brand working with a video production Chicago team might even shoot these with actors or creators, but the final result still feels off-the-cuff. That familiarity helps break through ad fatigue and builds trust quickly. For example, Pela uses UGC to promote its phone cases on its Instagram page.

4. Explainer Videos

If your product requires any instruction, something with features, multiple parts, or a learning curve, explainer videos are your best asset. These typically use a combination of voiceover, step-by-step visuals, on-screen text, or light animation to show how to use the product.

A good example comes from this explainer video Lafeeca has created for its espresso machine.

Explainer videos are ideal for anything technical, multifunctional, or new to the market. Some examples include skincare kits with multiple steps, smart home devices, subscription boxes, or kitchen gear.

You’ll often find these videos embedded on product pages, FAQ sections, or as follow-up content after purchase. They cut down on support tickets and help reduce returns caused by confusion or misuse.

5. Social Ad Creatives

Designed specifically for paid media, these videos are short, punchy, and built for speed. You’ve got about three seconds to stop someone from scrolling, and social ad creatives are made with that in mind. So, these videos usually have bold visuals and clear messaging.

Social videos work best when they’re customized for the platform and audience. A Facebook ad for parents will look different than a TikTok ad for college students, even if the product is the same.

Brands doing product video production Chicago for paid ads usually shoot multiple versions at once. At INDIRAP, our video creation process accounts for these different distribution channels.

6. Unboxing Videos

There’s a reason millions of people watch strangers open packages online. It’s a form of shared anticipation.

Unboxing videos tap into that moment of curiosity and satisfaction, showing what arrives, how it’s packed, and what it feels like to interact with your brand for the first time. For example, Owlcrate shares unboxing videos for its book subscription boxes on Instagram.

These are especially helpful for subscription boxes, luxury items, or products that come with multiple pieces. They give future customers a realistic view of what to expect. 

Choosing Between Studio and Location-Based Product Video Shoots

When it comes to ecommerce product video Chicago projects, one of the first decisions brands need to make is where the shoot will take place. Do you film in a controlled studio environment, or head out into the real world for something more atmospheric?

Both options offer advantages and have shortcomings. It's up to you to choose now.

Studio Shoots

Filming in a studio gives your production team complete control over lighting, sound, and background. It’s the go-to setup for white background product videos, experimental camera shots, tabletop demonstrations, slow-motion shots, and any type of repeatable content.

For brands with hundreds of SKUs, studio shoots help keep everything consistent from one video to the next.

The benefits go beyond aesthetics. Studios reduce the risk of delays caused by weather, noise, or logistical surprises. Need to shoot five products in the same day? A studio team can set up an efficient flow, with lighting and camera gear already locked in.

Studio shoots are also ideal for content that will live on Amazon, Shopify, or anywhere product consistency matters. The clean look helps highlight product details without distraction. It also keeps your video content aligned with still photos and descriptions.

Location Shoots

Sometimes, a studio just won’t cut it. Lifestyle videos, how-tos, and social ads often benefit from being filmed on location. You may have to film in a kitchen for a cooking product, a local park for activewear, or even a client’s warehouse if you’re showing something at scale.

Location shoots create an immediate sense of realism. Viewers see the product along with how it fits into daily life. That context helps them imagine using it themselves, which is exactly what strong ecommerce content should do.

For brands working on product video production Chicago campaigns, location shoots can be surprisingly accessible. Many production teams have location libraries, permits, and even relationships with studios that offer both indoor and outdoor setups.

Plus, a good video production Chicago crew will know how to scout spaces that reflect your target audience's environment, such as urban, suburban, or somewhere in between.

But what's the tradeoff? Less control. Sound, weather, and natural lighting can all impact the final result.

What’s Right for Your Brand?

In many cases, the best answer is both. You can use studio setups for product pages and detailed shots.

Then, switch to the location for lifestyle content, social campaigns, and ad creative. A smart content strategy blends the two seamlessly to tell a visual story that speaks to the buyer wherever they are.

If you're looking for flexibility in how your ecommerce video content gets produced, working with a team that understands both studio and location-based shooting is key. INDIRAP offers both options without making you choose between control and creativity.

Our team knows when to use each option. We collaborate closely with each client to understand where the video will live and who it's speaking to. Then, we help map out the production approach that makes the most sense, whether it's studio, location, or both.

Book a free, no-obligation Discovery Call today to make your product irresistible with pro video production from INDIRAP.