A lot of us watch or read reviews before buying a new product, especially for the things that can't be judged by just looking at a spec sheet. But what exactly is a review? Creators seem to throw that term around with little to no consideration of its utility.

In this article, we'll help you cut through the jargon and understand what counts as a review video, what it covers, its purpose, and how it's different from a first impressions video.

What Do First Impressions and Reviews Cover?

The first and perhaps most significant difference between a first impressions video and a review is the amount and type of information covered. While the former has a more limited purpose, the latter focuses on creating a bigger picture.

Related: Why You Should Leave Reviews on the Google Play Store

Simply put, a first impressions video is about how the product affects your senses, i.e., how it looks, feels, smells, etc. A review is about how the product works, why it exists, the problems it solves, how it's different from its alternatives, etc.

Why First Impressions and Reviews Are Both Necessary

A big part of branding is making your product seem appealing to the buyer at first sight. That's why a good first impression is crucial. The design, luster, texture, and color can affect how a prospective buyer may perceive the product and make assumptions about its quality.

A review has a simple goal–to check if the product is worth buying or not. It covers how the product helps you in real-world scenarios, including the areas where it outperforms and the ones where it lags behind.

This can involve examining the product's performance, durability, depreciation, operating cost, resell value, and more. It's also often longer than first impressions, due to all that extra information.

One important thing to note here is that if you are planning to buy a product, watching just one review of that product to make a purchase decision is not recommended.

Although tech reviews already tend to be pretty detailed, they are not fully objective as they're made by diverse creators having their own biases. Relying on one tech review leaves you vulnerable to the personal judgement of that one creator.

Related: How to Fast-Forward and Rewind More Than 10 Seconds in the YouTube App

Instead, it's more helpful to watch reviews by multiple creators. This way, you can get a better idea of the things that most creators seem to agree on and find useful—allowing you to make a more accurate buying decision.

How to Tell If You’re Watching a Review or First Impression

You are watching a first impressions video if:

  • The creator talks more about the product's form rather than its function.
  • The video is released as soon as the product is officially announced.
  • The video doesn't help you make an informed buying decision.
  • You feel the creator didn't mention obvious features.
  • The video only includes unboxing of the product; the product is left unused.

You are watching a tech review if:

  • The creator talks about all the necessary features you need to know.
  • The creator compares the product to its alternatives and predecessor.
  • The creator shares their personal experience using the product.
  • The creator highlights the product's USPs and the manufacturer's intent.
  • The video is not sponsored by the manufacturer of the said product.

Know What You're Watching

Not every video made on a product is a review. Unless it covers all the essential details and helps you make a better buying decision, the video you are watching is not a review. That's not to say that other forms of videos are useless, of course.

In fact, a first impressions video can be a great source of info to learn what you can expect from your purchase as soon as you open the box. Regardless, you should be aware of the content you are consuming to not get any wrong ideas and make a bad purchase decision.