Etsy Insights: Using video to highlight my unique items

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I’m Calder van Andel, a potter based in The Netherlands and the owner of Calder’s Ceramics. My journey into pottery began over seven years ago, starting as a hobby with my mom in our kitchen. I really liked making pottery and started doing it more and more. I began sharing my progress on social media, and to my surprise my following started to grow. Eventually, my audience's curiosity about my work led me to open my Etsy shop. And I still have my followers to thank for the orders that I get on Etsy.

One thing I’ve learned is that good photos and videos are key to earning buyers' trust. When I started, I took simple photos of my finished pieces. As I improved, I saw how important it is to tell a story with visuals. Videos tell a story, show the process, and let potential buyers connect with your work on a deeper level. Videos also often reach a bigger audience. Now, I put more thought into how I can use video to show the quality and uniqueness of my work.

Here are a few ways I highlight my unique items through video content:

Start Small with Short Videos: If you're new to videography, I suggest beginning with short-form content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. For me, they are easier to produce and have a larger reach. These videos can give a quick glimpse into your process, which can help spark curiosity and drive traffic to your shop. And you can add the same videos you produce to your Etsy listings. Here’s a quick look at my bubble glaze process here.
Show the Process: People love to see the making of a product. Share behind-the-scenes clips of your creative process, from the initial sketch to the final product. This not only engages your audience, but also builds trust and highlights the craftsmanship behind your work. My followers enjoy watching me make this berry bowl here.
Highlight Key Details: Use close-up shots and different angles to showcase the unique features of your products. This is especially important for listing videos on Etsy, where buyers can get a better sense of the texture, size, and quality of your items. Below is an example of my bubble glaze mug up close.

Join me at my workshop where I’ll be hosting a session on Showcasing Product Quality and Driving Engagement through Video on October 15 at 1pm ET, where I’ll dive deeper into creating engaging video content for your Etsy shop. Be sure to RSVP here!

What’s your favourite way to highlight the details of your items in your shop? Do you like to focus on the unique features of your item? Highlight your creative process? Or do you enjoy making social media focused content? I’d love to hear from you!

caldersceramics

Posted 1 year ago · Edited 1 year ago·Last reply 1 year ago

97 comments

Picyona

·1 year ago

It's helpful for new seller like me, thank you so much!!!

DESIGNSbyMZSENCEVIK

·1 year ago

Bilgilendirdiğiniz için çok teşekkürler !

LinhCraftGifts

·1 year ago

Thanks for your useful sharing ! love it

UyenAmigurumi

·1 year ago

very helpful for a newbie like me !!!

RetroAestheticWall

·1 year ago

Good advice thx !

ChienStoreFinds

·1 year ago

Thanks for sharing, I'm new and it's great to hear from everyone.

Crochetlovemelbourne

·1 year ago

Great tips, thank you so much, love your work!

WoolFeltCo

·1 year ago

Handmade Products Wool Felt Products and Home Decor

Thank you so much for sharing such information.

OladinoStore

·1 year ago

Thank you for this information ! Love

GIFTSBYCREATE

·1 year ago

Wonderful information.

EngnHomeArt

·1 year ago

Your experiences inspire me. Thank you very much

Portraitshops

·1 year ago

Thank you so much for sharing your journey and tips, Calder! It's truly inspiring to hear how you’ve grown your passion for pottery into a successful Etsy shop, and the way you’ve embraced storytelling through videos is really insightful. Your advice about starting with short videos and showing the process behind the scenes is so helpful, especially for connecting with potential buyers on a deeper level. I’m sure many makers, myself included, can benefit from your thoughtful approach to showcasing unique items. Wishing you continued success with Calder’s Ceramics!

EngnHomeArt

·1 year ago

thank you very much for your advice

EngnHomeArt

·1 year ago

thank you for your advice

DerseyLeather

·1 year ago

<span class="">I started applying it. I believe it will get better. Thank you for the nice and useful information.</span>

UniqueNYExpressions

·1 year ago

Videos can definitely get you more exposure and will give the buyer a full experience on how the item will best work for them.

FRONIES

·1 year ago

I have attempted several times to video items but it never worked.

SocksintheboxUS

·1 year ago

Nice Post Thank You!

ClefDesign

·1 year ago

Thank You for useful information .

JimSonArtStudio

·1 year ago

Great insight!

ReyhanSilverRing

·1 year ago

Thank you

KanjaniCraft

·1 year ago

I have recently been using video to highlight how we’ve been using screenprinting to enhance some of our pins eg our latest bird series.

I do longer videos on instagram and then can use clips from that attached to the listing videos on Etsy. So the Etsy video is a mix between a process and product video…

I think I do get more engagement in my shop because of the new video format. The pigeon video is quite popular and - based on favouriting patterns - I have noticed folks who click this video seem to explore the shop more which is always good…

IMUPRU

·1 year ago

I like to highlight the creative process of making the physical item.

TinyWoodGift

·1 year ago

Very good idea

HandmadeeCollection

·1 year ago

Thank you for sharing

DancehallHoops

·1 year ago

Very informative

digitalrtosatr

·1 year ago

thanks

MyKidsFurniture

·1 year ago

Thank you for this information and suggestion

HimalayanGemsindia

·1 year ago

I made video of my jewelry so my customer can see what they buy and your information and suggestions are also very helpful for us. Thank you for your support

Serkanileri

·1 year ago

I've been creating short, 10-second videos of my finished paper drawings using JPGs in a video editing program. I like to zoom in on the piece, highlight the details, and play around with different transitions. However, I'm excited to start filming the whole drawing process with a DSLR and a tripod soon!

MKEmbroidered

·1 year ago

Thank you!

NashkasCreations

·1 year ago

For my finished product that i sell here I think its better to make video with the prodyct as it is - final ine!

DerseyLeather

·1 year ago

<span class="">Great. I also sometimes shot production videos. But I never used them in the listing. I have to try it now. Thank you</span>

NuriartDeko

·1 year ago

Thanks for sharing, I agree that videos are essential to show all the details of an article. I also like the videos where you can see how the article is made, but personally I don't do it because I don't want to show too much, it's like a chef doesn't want to tell the recipe for one of his dishes.

EtherPotato

·1 year ago

Needed this !! Thankyou

MeharCraftIndia

·1 year ago

manufacture of Hand Made Bone inlay Furniture & Home Living Products

Thank you so much

SuSueOfficial

·1 year ago

Good stuff

GoldGlassArt

·1 year ago

Thank you very much for suggestions.

WoolFeltCo

·1 year ago

Handmade Products Wool Felt Products and Home Decor

Thank you so much for the information. I do make videos of my products and shared on social media also but I m not getting response as I want. Sometimes it is very hard to make video during the making of prodcuts.

KunerArtDesign

·1 year ago

Great!!!

Portraitshops

·1 year ago

Your story is truly inspiring, Calder! I love how you've embraced video to connect with your audience and showcase the beauty of your pottery. Seeing the process behind your creations really highlights the craftsmanship and dedication you put into each piece—it’s a great reminder of the value of storytelling in our work. I’m still experimenting with different ways to present my items, but I’ve found that focusing on close-ups of unique features helps potential buyers appreciate the details. I’m also exploring more behind-the-scenes content to give a personal touch. Thank you for sharing these tips—I’m excited to try incorporating more videos into my listings!

MerryMomentStudio

·1 year ago

Thank you so much for sharing your insights! At MerryMomentsStudio, we also love using videos to highlight the unique details of our designs and showcase the creative process behind each piece. It really helps us connect with our customers on a deeper level. Your tips are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to try incorporating more behind-the-scenes moments into our content. Thanks again for the inspiration!

CeyZen

·1 year ago

thank you

WallMode

·1 year ago

thank you very much

LouiseGBShop

·1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your skills with us.

AmelieRoseCraftGifts

·1 year ago

This is so useful thank you. I definitely need to work on my videos. I have added a couple to listings but not sure that they have benefitted me much. However I shall certainly take on board your comments and try harder!! Thank you

TeacupsAndDayDreams

·1 year ago

Thank you Calder. Looking forward to your October video.

AgaveWorld

·1 year ago

Thank you

AcornVintageandCraft

·1 year ago

As a seller of vintage items, I use videos to give a complete view of my items. A 360 degree video gives a clear view of the item. Although I take still photos from each side, top and bottom, a video is quicker to view and the sides are clearly shown sequentially. It is especially useful in revealing the details of handmade items. As a small shop, an inexpensive wooden 'lazy Susan' placed on a table serves to hold each item. I manually turn the 'Susan' by slowly pulling a taped on ribbon in a matching color. With my phone mounted on a tripod, after a couple of attempts, I have a short video ready for quick editing. Easy, inexpensive, and effective!

AcornVintageandCraft

·1 year ago

AmelieRoseCraftGifts

·1 year ago

Such a good idea

SelkiJewellery

·1 year ago

Thank you

EngnHomeArt

·1 year ago

Thank you very much for your suggestions

JCRDIGITAL2

·1 year ago

Thank you! So helpful.

elfhouseatelier

·1 year ago

thank you

DesignsStainedGlass

·1 year ago

Thank you.

LotusTx

·1 year ago

thanks

craftgemsshop

·1 year ago

Thank you for your suggestion about photo or videography

PixelFlame60

·1 year ago

Thank you

EngnHomeArt

·1 year ago

Thank you very much for your suggestions.

ChillwolfArt

·1 year ago

Thank You for sharing your tips with us. You have a lovely Shop!
I don't use social media (personal preference, I realize I'm of the minority). I do a couple of Local Shows, mainly Cider Mills.
While I think videos are great, I do think you have to be careful with how much detail you show in process videos.

MudeseDesign

·1 year ago

Thank you for information! I am so excited to sell all of my products after applying these.

modestly

·1 year ago

hi - I am quite lacking the technical area, but I have made a short video for showing me in my workroom painting and I use that in my painting listings. I did a similar thing for my bookmaking. For instagram I tend to use a programme to put together stills into a short video that means I can show a few paintings in one post. Saying that I am a long way from getting views!

ArtistycaPrints

·1 year ago

Hallo everybody!

We use to focus in detail our digital art pieces in order to highlight and reveal their hidden preciousness! ♥

ArdaGallery

·1 year ago

Thank you a lot!

UrbanArtisanBrisbane

·1 year ago

Thank you for sharing this, needed this!

FloralWallpaperArt

·1 year ago

thank you, I will try that!

NisPersonalized

·1 year ago

Thank you

NisPersonalized

·1 year ago

Thank you

digitalrtosatr

·1 year ago

niice

Apexgemsfinediamonds

·1 year ago

i uploaded and its helping to get visit but not sells

Apexgemsfinediamonds

·1 year ago

i uploaded and its helping to get visit but not sells

OnHighat5

·1 year ago

maybe it’s your photos !

Zakcreationz

·1 year ago

Needed this !! Thankyou

OnHighat5

·1 year ago

I find it difficult to upload videos that reflect the true colors. They are always washed out.

For me, that doesn't happen on Instagram!

OnHighat5

·1 year ago

I find it difficult to upload videos that reflect the true colors. They are always washed out.

For me, that doesn't happen on Instagram!

Apexgemsfinediamonds

·1 year ago

which phone or camera do you use? you need a better phone, my friend. check mine all looks brilliant as it looks in personal

FancyTogs

·1 year ago

@OnHighat5

"I find it difficult to upload videos that reflect the true colors. They are always washed out."

That sounds like you are using the wrong video settings.

The default setting on Apple phones is HDR video, which I think from memory uses the Rec.2020 colourspace.

Etsy requires the Rec.709 colourspace instead.

Rec.709 is the video equivalent of sRGB for photos. It is the basic range of colours that most devices can display, and is the default for the internet.

Etsy ignores any alternative colour profile info in the uploaded video file and assumes it is Rec.709 without converting the colours.

If using an Apple device go to your video settings and disable HDR video.

The same will apply to other makes of devices if they default to colourspaces that are not Rec.709. Avoid HDR.

Lawrence (Clare's other half)

FancyTogs

·1 year ago

You should be able to convert existing videos to Rec.709 in a video editor.

Lawrence

FourHappyHearts

·1 year ago

I totally agree~ I sell bow ties etc and they take a bit of editing to get the true colors of each item in photos. Videos don't work at all - I have an iPhone 15 pro max so it has nothing to do with what I am taking the photos with/

OnHighat5

·1 year ago

Thank you Fancy Togs.

Lawrence, your information was just what I needed to know and fixed the problem I had.

So easy!!!

Best

Ellen

FaithfullfindsCo

·1 year ago

Thank you

YasminJewelryGifts

·1 year ago

The most important emphasis in my store is making unique jewelry with the colors of glass beads, necklaces and accessories, which are large single samples, I make the colors dance and I love it I will attend your workshop, thank you for the great information!

CraftDolly

·1 year ago

I enjoy a little of both showing the creative process and showcasing the unique features.

WallArtCeylan

·1 year ago

thank you

LelasStickers

·1 year ago

My main process is to take video of the item at all angles. Since I make stickers, I like to show to holographic shine or the glossy shine of the stickers. I have also made videos of how I make my stickers and even how I would place them. Thank you for all the suggestions!

dorothydomingo

·1 year ago

I agree that people enjoy process videos, especially from potters. Somewhere along the way though they become free tutorials for beginners. I used to make process videos for engagement and promotional purposes on social media but I've soured on it lately. It became so time consuming and the main focus shifted to showing how something was made instead producing finished work to sell. Then of course they start asking for sources for glazes and free tips on how to use them.

I do agree that sharing the process engages buyers and authenticates the maker - that's so important these days with so many resellers on the site.

Good luck with your workshop - your work is great!

dorothydomingo

·1 year ago

I do agree that sharing the process engages buyers and authenticates the maker - that's so important these days with so many resellers on the site.

Good luck with your workshop - your work is great!

CraftsAndGlitterShop

·1 year ago

I've had the same experience with sharing process videos. I feel that I'm attracting the 'wrong' audience of people who want to learn how to make the items rather than the ones who want to purchase the finished product.

SUPERwhiteArt

·1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on process videos! As a new seller on Etsy, I can definitely relate to the challenges you mentioned. It can be really tempting to focus on creating engaging content for social media, especially when you see how it can draw in potential customers. However, I completely understand how it can become overwhelming and shift your focus away from actually creating and selling your finished pieces.

For new sellers like me, finding the right balance between promoting our work and maintaining our creative process can be tricky. It’s important to engage our audience and build a connection, but we also need to ensure that we’re not giving away too much of our craft or expertise, especially when it comes to unique techniques or materials.

I appreciate your perspective on authenticity—it's crucial for standing out in a marketplace filled with resellers. Perhaps there’s a way to share snippets of the process without turning it into a full tutorial? Short clips or behind-the-scenes glimpses could keep the engagement while still protecting our creative methods.

Thank you for your kind words about the workshop! I’m excited to learn and grow in this community. Wishing you all the best as you navigate this balance too!

DrunkCraft

·1 year ago

Thank you for this information and suggestion

DrunkCraft

·1 year ago

Thank you for this information and suggestion

LeatherBagsKingdom

·1 year ago

Thank you for this information and suggestion

NashkasCreations

·1 year ago

Thank you

SuSueOfficial

·1 year ago

Good Stuff Here.

ASCStarlightDesign

·1 year ago

Thank you

VietCraftFinds

·1 year ago

Thank you !