Video Production Agencies: Bloopers in Corporate Videos
It may come as a surprise, but bloopers are no longer just for your favourite TV shows or comedy films. These outtakes, which were once reserved for a lighthearted bonus reel at the end of a movie, have found a new place in corporate video marketing. Today, many brands are embracing bloopers in their video campaigns, hoping to connect with audiences by showing a more human side. But is it always a good idea? While the appeal is clear, knowing when to include bloopers and how to execute them well is just as important. This article dives into the psychology behind bloopers in corporate videos, examples of brands that got it right (and wrong), and how video production agencies can help businesses strike the right balance.
The History of Bloopers in Video Production
Bloopers have been around for decades, mostly as accidental funny moments caught on camera during movie or TV show filming. The original outtakes were often a source of entertainment for fans, showing actors making mistakes or laughing at themselves. Over time, these moments became so popular that they began appearing as bonus content on DVDs or in post-credits scenes in movies.
As video content started to become a major part of advertising and branding, it was only a matter of time before bloopers found their way into corporate video marketing. With the rise of digital content and social media, businesses realised that their audiences craved something more genuine—something that was not overly scripted. This is where the inclusion of bloopers became a game-changer. Brands began using these candid moments to humanise themselves and appear more relatable, particularly in an era when consumers are increasingly skeptical of overly rehearsed marketing.
Video production agencies played a significant role in this evolution by showing brands how to incorporate these outtakes in a way that still aligns with a brand’s identity and message.
The Psychology Behind Intentional Bloopers
So, why do bloopers work? The psychology behind bloopers is rooted in the human preference for authenticity. Overly polished ads, while professionally done, can often feel distant and impersonal. But when brands show their less-than-perfect moments, they invite viewers to see the people behind the company, cultivating a sense of relatability.
- The “Authenticity Over Polish” Trend: Audiences today, especially younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, crave authenticity. They want to see brands as real, imperfect entities instead of faceless corporations. By including bloopers, brands can demonstrate that they, too, make mistakes, just like their customers. It is about dropping the corporate mask and letting a bit of humanity shine through.
- The “Pratfall Effect”: A well-known psychological phenomenon suggests that people tend to like others more when they show minor flaws. When a brand includes bloopers, it might seem like they are being vulnerable, and this vulnerability can actually make the company more trustworthy and likable.
- Humour = Retention: Humour is a powerful tool in video content. Funny moments tend to stick in people’s minds longer than standard, serious content. Including bloopers can make your video memorable in a way that polished, perfect content might not. And who does not remember that accidental moment of laughter or awkwardness in a commercial?
Video production agencies understand these psychological principles and can help brands craft videos that use bloopers to their advantage, ensuring that humour complements the overall message.
Brands That Nailed It: Case Studies
Several companies have embraced the idea of including bloopers in their corporate videos, and many have done so with great success. These examples show how well-executed bloopers can elevate a video campaign:
- Google’s “Year in Search” Bloopers: Google’s annual “Year in Search” videos often include moments where their team stumbles, laughs, or misspeaks. These outtakes soften the emotional tone of their recap videos, making them feel more genuine. By allowing a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes process, Google shows their human side, making their messages more relatable.
- Squarespace’s “Make It Real” Campaign: Squarespace took a different approach by incorporating awkward pauses and humorous bloopers from Keanu Reeves in their campaign. The result? An ad that felt spontaneous, humorous, and far less rehearsed, adding a layer of charm that made the campaign stand out.
- Slack’s “So Yeah, We Tried AI” Video: Slack included intentionally bizarre AI-generated script errors in their marketing, turning what could have been a dry explanation into something fun and engaging. The offbeat humour showcased Slack’s playful side and broke the mold of typical corporate presentations.
- Microsoft’s “Developer Fails” Reel: Microsoft’s campaign featuring coding errors and glitches struck a chord with their developer audience. By showing that even the pros make mistakes, Microsoft made their technical content feel more approachable and relatable.
These examples demonstrate the effective use of bloopers to enhance corporate messaging. Video production agencies can assist in ensuring that these moments align with the overall branding, tone, and objective of the campaign, without taking away from the core message.
When Bloopers Backfire
As with any marketing strategy, bloopers are not always a win. In fact, they can backfire if not executed properly. The key to making bloopers work is balance. When misused, they can harm a brand’s image rather than help it.
- Too Cringe?: If bloopers feel forced, they can become uncomfortable rather than entertaining. A CEO trying too hard to crack a joke may come off as inauthentic, and viewers may not find it funny at all. The best bloopers come naturally, not from trying to make something awkwardly humorous.
- Undermining Serious Messages: If the video is about a serious topic—such as a brand’s response to a crisis or promoting diversity—introducing bloopers might diminish the importance of the message. Some topics require a certain level of professionalism, and bloopers could send the wrong message.
- Trying Too Hard: Trying too hard to be relatable can often backfire. If a brand’s attempts to be humorous or down-to-earth seem forced or out of character, they risk alienating their audience. For example, brands that try to join trending memes or participate in TikTok challenges may seem out of touch if their typical tone is much more serious.
Video production agencies can help navigate these risks by assessing when humour is appropriate and ensuring that bloopers support the core message, not distract from it.
How to Do It Right: Tips for Brands
If your brand is considering using bloopers in its corporate videos, here are some tips to ensure success:
- Keep It Natural: Bloopers should not feel staged. The best ones are unscripted and happen naturally, showcasing the human side of the brand without coming across as manufactured.
- Match Brand Tone: Whether you are a fun tech company or a more formal law firm, the tone of your bloopers should reflect your brand’s personality. A humorous blooper might work for a startup but may feel out of place for a more conservative brand.
- Use Them Strategically: Bloopers are most effective in behind-the-scenes videos, internal team highlights, or casual product demos. They are great for content where the goal is to appear approachable, but they may not be suitable for all types of corporate messaging.
Video production agencies can be instrumental in helping to identify the right moments for bloopers and ensuring that they enhance the overall video strategy, not detract from it.
Conclusion: When Bloopers Work, They Work Well
Bloopers, when done right, can make a brand feel more human and relatable. But like any good joke, timing is everything. If a brand tries too hard to be funny or casual, it can come off as forced, and that risks turning off the audience. Think about when you are watching a TV show or a commercial, and a small, unexpected slip-up happens. It feels refreshing, doesn’t it? It shows the brand is human, and that is why a little imperfection can go a long way. However, when humour is overdone or does not match the brand’s tone, it can easily feel out of place. Video production agencies are skilled at helping brands navigate this balance—ensuring that bloopers complement the message without overshadowing it. Ultimately, it is all about being authentic and knowing when to let a little humour shine through at the right moment.
Ready to ditch the stiff, corporate vibe and show off your brand’s personality? Sound Idea Digital can help you mix in just the right amount of humour without going too far. Let’s make your next video a hit—get in touch now!
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
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