Unboxing consists of opening the box of a new product, showing what’s inside and the packaging experience in a (usually) video. This type of content became a trend because it helps consumers make decisions about online purchases.

If you run a business and want to increase sales, it pays to understand how it works. First you’ll discover what the term means and its impact on online shopping. At the end, we’ll leave you practical tips, whether for your business or to record your own unboxing.

Unboxing: What it is, translation, and examples (for brands and shoppers)

Unboxing—what is it?

Unboxing is the act of opening a newly purchased product and showing, step by step, the contents of the box. It’s widely shared on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram because it lets you see the packaging, accessories, and first look at the product.

In 2023 alone, videos with “unboxing” in the title surpassed 25 billion views on YouTube.

You’re probably thinking or asking yourself: isn’t it the same as a review or a haul?

No. They’re different formats that shouldn’t be mixed:

• Unboxing: opening the box and showing what’s included.

• Review: evaluating the product after testing it (pros and cons).

• Haul: showing several purchases in a single video without going in depth on each.

Understanding this difference avoids confusion and helps you find the right kind of content.

Unboxing: meaning and Spanish translation

In social media and marketing, “unboxing” is commonly used as is—especially when talking about videos or the experience of opening a product.

But what exactly does it mean?

Unboxing translation: literally “desempaquetar” or “abrir la caja” in Spanish. Even so, the English word is widely used online because it’s already associated with this type of content.

Other popular names in ecommerce, tech, beauty, and fashion include: “video unboxing,” “unboxing experience,” or “packaging unboxing.” But if the context is more formal, alternatives like “desempaquetado” or “apertura del paquete” are often used.

Why does unboxing influence online purchases?

It’s simple: it shows you what arrives and how it arrives. And that typically impacts the buyer’s perception in several ways:

Trust and reduced uncertainty

If someone wants to, for example, buy on Mercado Libre, they first check what others say, right?

Even if they can’t touch the product, the unboxing experience lets them see the packaging, accessories, and presentation. That first impression reduces the usual doubts of a distance purchase and gives more clarity about what to expect when the package arrives at the door.

Also, if the user is between two options (e.g., eBay Mexico or Mercado Libre), it gives quick context before buying.

This translates into shoppers moving more confidently toward the purchase.

Social proof and UGC

Unboxing also works as social proof because it isn’t the brand saying it—the consumer is showing it. And when user-generated content (UGC) is shared by customers or creators, it feels more authentic than an ad.

Anticipation, emotion, and perceived quality

The unboxing experience also has an emotional component. Generally, when someone sees a product with nice packaging and an attractive presentation, they tend to associate it with quality, which strengthens your personal brand.

In addition, packaging unboxing helps tell a story and sets you apart—especially in ecommerce.

Therefore, you could say unboxing acts as a bridge between the screen and reality. Not only because it reduces doubts, but also because it adds social proof and boosts perceived quality.

With that in mind, the next step is seeing how to do a good unboxing without complicating things or overspending.

How to do a good unboxing

Buying safely online is one of the user's priorities. So, if you want to create an unboxing on social media or for marketing purposes, make sure they can trust what they see.

Here’s the essential to achieve it:

• Packaging and protection: use enough filler, seal well, and avoid crushed boxes or products that rattle around after packing.

• Order when opening: place the most important items on top (product + key accessories) so it’s clear in seconds.

• Simple “wow moment”: add a small touch (short note, sticker, or coupon) that is immediately visible and doesn’t get in the way.

• Branding without overdoing it: keep colors and messages consistent. The less text you add, the cleaner it will look visually.

• What’s in the box list: brief contents (product, cables, manual, warranty) to avoid doubts.

• First-steps instruction: add 1–2 pointers (charge, activate, install) to avoid immediate frustration.

• Incentive to share: suggest a hashtag and a short line like “Tag us if you share.”

In the end, these simple details elevate the perception of the product and your brand from the very first moment.

How to record an unboxing video

Whether you’re a creator or a shopper, the idea is to record a clear, easy-to-follow unboxing video that makes sense without much explanation.

These tips can help:

• Light, angle, and audio. Record near a window or with soft front lighting and use a stable shot (tripod or fixed support). Also make sure your voice is clean, without background noise.

• What to show (simple order). Start with the package sealed and the condition it arrived in. Then open and show contents → accessories → details (labels, finishes, size). End with a quick recap of what’s included and your first impression.

• Length. It depends on the platform, but get straight to the essentials if it’s a short video. If it’s long, you can pause on details and explain each part better.

The important thing is not to repeat shots and to keep the pace. That way, the unboxing video looks more professional and is easier to understand—even for someone unfamiliar with the product.

Unboxing Days Mercado Libre: what it is and why it exists

Unboxing Days is an event similar to Buen Fin, but focused on Mercado Libre. It typically centers on time-limited discounts and promotions across various platform categories.

The idea is to leverage the interest unboxing generates to drive online purchases and move inventory with a recognizable campaign.

What does it usually include?

It depends on the edition. For example, Unboxing Days 2025 brought together offers in categories like tech, fashion, home, and video games.

The most common finds are:

• Direct discounts on participating products.

• Coupons (some may be tied to specific products/categories).

• Promos tied to services, such as benefits around Meli+ (e.g., subscription discounts during the event).

• Bank promotions activated with certain payment methods or cards (varies by current conditions).

Why does Unboxing Days exist?

First, because it’s a way to compete with other ecommerce deals; second, to add momentum to an idea that already works on social.

Moreover, today’s shopper even compares apps to buy online for less. So an event like this concentrates opportunities into a few days and makes purchase decisions easier.

Conclusion

Unboxing evolved from a trend into a quick way to confirm whether a product is worth it before buying. Today it works like a visual guide: it shows what’s included, how it’s presented, and how carefully it’s delivered.

For the shopper, that brings clarity and confidence; for brands, it’s a chance to stand out with simple packaging details.

This kind of content proves useful when comparing options—especially for international orders. Even so, you should check user reviews on the web and research the site thoroughly.

If you’re considering ordering from abroad, a good way to pay is DolarCard, DolarApp’s Mastercard for foreign-currency transactions. 

DolarCard operates with USDc, EURc, and pesos, making it ideal for buying in the U.S. and receiving in Mexico. Plus, from the app you can buy and sell currencies at a fair exchange rate with no extra fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unboxing—what is it in Spanish?

Unboxing is the moment when you open the box of a newly purchased product and show its contents. It’s used on social networks and marketplaces because it shows the experience of receiving it—from packaging to accessories.

What’s the translation of unboxing?

The most direct translation of unboxing is “desempaquetado” or “abrir la caja.” But the most recognized name among brands and creators for this type of content is the English term: unboxing.

Is unboxing the same as a review?

No. Unboxing focuses on opening the package and showing what’s included. A review consists of testing the product and evaluating its performance, with pros, cons, and conclusions.

Why do brands do unboxing?

Because they present their products in a more realistic way for the consumer. This minimizes doubts, communicates quality, generates easily shareable content, and can motivate customer reviews or posts.

What are Mercado Libre’s Unboxing Days?

Unboxing Days is a Mercado Libre initiative offering discounts and promotions on products across various categories for a limited time. Each edition changes, but it usually includes direct discounts, coupons, and benefits.

How do you make a “pro” unboxing on a low budget?

The key is to find a spot with natural light near a window, rest your phone on a stable surface, and record in silence. Also, follow a clear sequence: sealed package, opening, contents and details, plus a wrap-up where you say what’s included.

Sources:

YouTube views.

User-generated content (UGC)

Unboxing Days 2025