Flat Lay
Best for: Travel, school, tech, what's in my bag
The hook
- Do
- Open on everything laid out neatly, shot from directly above.
- On screen
- Everything I packed for 7 days
The first 3 seconds
- 0.0sEverything laid out neatly from above. Your hand places the last item.
- 0.5sCaption: “Everything I packed for 7 days”.
- 1.5sThe viewer starts scanning each item.
- 3.0sThey're curious about the details and want the walkthrough.
Why it works
An organised layout is satisfying, and viewers start scanning each item right away.
What you need
- All the items, clean and ready
- A plain floor, bed or table
- A way to film straight down: a stand, a chair, or a friend holding the phone
Step by step
Plan
- Lay out every item with even spacing, in neat rows or a grid.
- Decide the order you'll go through them, and save one surprise item for the end.
Film
- Hold the phone flat above the items. Turn on the camera grid and check it's not tilted.
- Use bright, even light without strong shadows.
- Film your hand placing the last item. That movement starts the video.
Edit
- Open on the full layout with the hand movement, then zoom or cut to each item.
- Label each item with text, plus a price if it matters.
Use it in your niche
- SchoolEverything in your school bag: “What's in my bag, exam week edition”
- TechYour whole setup laid out: “Everything I use to make videos”
- TravelA week's packing for a carry-on: “7 days, one small bag”
Pro tips
- A plain background in one colour makes the items stand out.
- Group items by colour or type. Tidy layouts get saved more.
Avoid
- Filming at an angle. A flat lay only looks satisfying from straight above.
- Too many tiny items. If it's over 20, split it into two videos.
