Video Testimonials vs. Written Reviews: Which Increases Your Online Reputation?
How frequently do you read reviews to evaluate something’s validity, and have you ever been convinced to purchase something by a genuine review?
Reviews are an effective tool for companies trying to increase their customer base. Testimonials and reviews are two common types of social proof that can help attract and retain new consumers. You can choose which option is ideal for you by being aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
In this blog, we’ll compare both video testimonials and written reviews, pointing out their advantages and disadvantages, along with their main differences.
Why Are Reviews Crucial for Business Success?
Video testimonials and written evaluations are excellent ways to demonstrate to potential customers that your company is trustworthy. Reviews provide a clear image of your company’s capabilities, expertise, and customer service practices.
Positive reviews can help you generate more leads, which is why managing your online reputation (ORM) is crucial for any organization. When properly managed, reviews and testimonials can be powerful marketing tools that increase visibility, establish trust, and help in the growth of a company.
Understanding Video Testimonials and Written Reviews:
While both written reviews and video testimonials can demonstrate your company’s credibility, they differ in format and how users interact with them.
A video testimonial shows real customers talking about their experiences, typically in an interview or storytelling format.
Contrarily, written reviews are text-based and frequently appear on social media, eCommerce websites, and review platforms.
Benefits of Video Testimonials
Although testimonial videos are a relatively new format in comparison to written reviews, they quickly became known as a valuable tool for companies trying to showcase their services and establish stronger connections with their target audience.
1. Better Engagement
A video shows the person behind the success story, making it easier to connect emotionally. This is something text alone can’t do.
2. More Convincing
It’s hard to fake honesty on video. The way someone speaks, their facial expressions, and body language help build trust in a way that words just can’t.
3. Helps People Remember More
Videos let customers explain their experiences in detail, talk about challenges, and show how they used your product or service step by step.
The combination of sound and visuals helps people remember the message better.
4. Easily Shared
Videos are easy to share on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, helping you reach a bigger audience. If the video connects with people, it can even go viral.
5. Shows Quality and Variety
Well-made video testimonials show the quality of your product or service. Remote video testimonials also let you gather real stories from customers in different places, showing a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
Benefits of Written Reviews
Before video testimonials became popular, written reviews were one of the most trusted ways to show social proof. They’re simple to create, collect, and display, which is why they’re still commonly featured on business websites today.
1. Easy for Customers to Share:
Unlike videos, which require special lighting, equipment, or practice, written reviews are ideal for people who prefer a straightforward method of sharing their thoughts or who feel uncomfortable on camera.
2. Less Time and Less Cost
Written testimonials don’t require video equipment, editing tools, or hiring videographers, so gathering and managing written feedback is quicker and requires fewer resources from your team.
3. Quick to Read
Several written testimonials are readily readable by potential clients, who can use them to evaluate your overall online reputation. The main ideas are easy to grasp, even for people with limited time, which may motivate them to act.
4. Easy to Access
Through the use of screen readers, those with visual impairments can read written testimonies. Additionally, they are multilingual, so your business may reach a broader audience in a variety of groups.
Difference Between Video Testimonials and Written Reviews
| Aspect | Video Testimonials | Written Reviews |
| Who Gives Them? | Shared by happy customers who agree to talk about their experience | Given by all types of customers—happy or unhappy |
| Tone | Usually positive, focusing on how the product or service helped | It can be positive, negative, or a mix of both |
| Purpose | Helps promote a business by showing real success stories | Gives honest opinions to help others decide if the product is good |
| Format | Videos where customers speak about their experience | Written feedback, star ratings, or photos |
| Where You See Them | Found on websites, landing pages, ads, and marketing materials | Seen on product pages, social media, and review websites |
| Control Over Content | Businesses can edit and choose which videos to show | Customers post freely; businesses can only reply |
| Emotional Impact | Stronger connection through facial expressions and voice | Less emotional because it’s just words |
| Trust Factor | It feels more real because people can see and hear the customer | It can sometimes feel less real since anyone can write a review |
| SEO Benefits | It helps keep visitors engaged but doesn’t directly improve search rankings | Boosts website ranking since reviews include keywords |
| Easy to Share | Great for sharing on YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn | Simple to post on social media, forums, and blogs |
| How Often You Get Them | Not very often since making videos takes effort | It is more common, as customers can easily write a review anytime |
| Cost & Effort | It needs a camera, editing, and sometimes professional help | Quick and free—just type and post |
| How They’re Collected | Businesses ask happy customers to make a video | Customers write reviews on their own or after a small prompt |
How to Choose the Right Testimonial Format
What’s Your Goal?
- If you want to establish trust quickly, use short quotes or star ratings.
- Video testimonials or detailed stories work best to connect emotionally.
Who’s Your Audience?
- Younger people often like videos, while older ones may prefer written reviews.
- Think about where they spend time—on websites, social media, or review sites—and choose a format that fits.
What’s Your Budget?
- Small budget: Use written reviews or customer-recorded videos.
- Medium budget: Get short, professionally edited video testimonials.
- Larger budget: Invest in high-quality video production with detailed case studies.
Why Video Testimonials Work Better Than Written Reviews?
Video testimonials create a stronger connection with people because they show real emotions, expressions, and voices. This makes the message feel more genuine and relatable compared to written reviews.
Studies show that testimonials can increase conversions by 67%. Videos make an even bigger impact by bringing customer stories to life, helping to build trust and confidence in your brand.
Both written and video testimonials build brand credibility, but they vary in format, presentation, and overall effectiveness.
Effective Methods for Collecting Reviews and Testimonials
Giving Rewards to Encourage Reviews
To encourage consumers to provide reviews, consider offering incentives such as a discount on their next purchase or cash-back coupons. Knowing they will receive something in return can motivate them to write a review or testimonial.
Providing Great Customer Service
Giving excellent customer service can encourage customers to share their good experiences. Personalizing the customer’s experience makes them leave reviews or testimonials. This means replying quickly, solving problems well, and doing extra things to make sure customers are happy.
Asking for Reviews Automatically
Using automated messages makes it easier to collect customer feedback. Sending a quick follow-up email or message after a purchase or service can remind customers to share their thoughts.
This helps you ask for reviews on time and regularly, making it more likely to get useful feedback.
Keeping Reviews Real and Honest
It’s important to show reviews and testimonials just as they are, without any changes. People trust genuine feedback and can easily tell if something has been edited. Being open and honest helps make sure reviews truly reflect what customers have experienced.
Make the Most of Online Reviews with Harvee Designs
Reviews, whether written or in video form, help to build trust and credibility. Since customers are more careful about the brands they choose, showing real feedback is more important than ever.
Let’s work together! If you want to increase sales and improve your online reputation, reach out to our team today.
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