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Have you ever heard of a haul video?
Marie Claire had a blurb about them in its July issue. Shopping divas post them online after they've been on a spree, showing the world all they've bought. And plenty of viewers are tuning in -- Blair Fowler, the 16-year-old pictured here, has a YouTube "haul" channel that's been viewed more than 55 million times!
My one question about this phenomenon ...
WHY?
I mean I understand why girls are making them, particularly young girls like the ones pictured here. Teenagers today are living in an age of oversharing -- it's nothing for them to post every detail of their lives on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
But why are people watching them? I clicked on a few and couldn't get through any of them -- they're incredibly boring, and I just don't see the appeal of watching 10 minutes of video detailing what a complete stranger bought at Sephora.
According to Marie Claire, successful haul vloggers now are getting sent products and clothing from brands in hopes that they'll talk about them online. They're also getting a share of ad revenue from the ads that are shown on their videos. In the wake of the Marie Claire attention, Blaire Fowler talks in her latest video about just returning from jaunts to New York and LA, and she definitely looks more polished than she did in some of her earlier videos.
Clearly, her haul videos are paying off!
Have you ever watched a haul video? Would you make one?
Images (top to bottom): JuicyStar07/YouTube; TheCurrentCustom/YouTube
Comments (18)
I don't watch the haul videos, I do like to watch the review ones because it gives me an idea of a product. I do a lot of research before shelling out the big bucks for say a Nars foundation. in our cafemom group we do have a sticky for hauls where we post pictures of whatever beauty related products we have bought, sometimes someone is looking for something but can't seem to find it, if someone else has posted a haul with it they can share that info. we don't haul clothes or purses or stuff like that and we don't receive any products to review the way youtube gurus do.
oh wait, there is one kind of haul video I watch. when there are new makeup collections coming out some of the gurus like temptalia and pursebuzz get sent items before the launch by PR and they do a little haul with swatches and stuff, not so much a review since they don't go into full detail about the products.
I have NO CLUE why people watch the haul videos. Like you said, completely boring! I do like the review videos, or even the how-to ones, especially for hair styling. That's how I learned to curl with my flat iron! I pass on the haul videos, and even on the haul posts that fashion bloggers do. I like to see the clothes styled and ON someone, more like an outfit of the day. And then it's more appropriate to list sources and prices.
I also really appreciate seeing where the clothes/makeup/nail polish/etc comes from and whether it was purchased or gifted by the company. Because I have a hard time believing some of these fashion and makeup bloggers aren't in serious debt with the new outfits they post every single day!
I would watch a haul video posted by a friend because I trust my friend. But a random 16-year-old shopaholic? No. Way. I just don't understand how some of these girls are getting millions of views when there's nothing appealing or interesting about them, no offense to them- they do seem very sweet.
I wouldn't watch one of these. I have considered making one myself, after a particularly successful trip to the thrift store. I love showing off my cheap but beautiful finds.
And Jill, you bring up some interesting points. I've tried doing a few videos for this blog and decided photos were the way to go, mostly because I personally don't bother to load/watch 99% of the videos I see out there on other websites. I think if I were writing for a teen audience, videos would be a hit, but for people our age, photos are just easier and more effective. Of course, a year from now, bandwidths may be faster across the board and I may be all video all the time- who knows? ;)
Marsha- PHOTOS. Photos have worked really well for me, because as you know, I've had that same need to show off my finds!! And they're easily accessible to anyone.
I got a good deal on Pampers today...off to go video it. Anyone want to watch? :)
I understand the need to share a really great deal; my husband doesn't get excited enough when I get a good deal on clothes, or, in my reality on groceries or diapers which I buy more often. Can't see taking the time to video it to share with strangers though...
No, haven't watched one & NO, would not make one......(I'm sure a thief enjoys checking them out.....scary that people would post that kind of stuff online)
This is from one of my Facebook commenters- She called it "the anti haul video post":
http://zenhabits.net/simplify-love-your-stuff/