How to Use Stop-Motion Video to Showcase CPG Food and Beverage Products
Stop-motion is hands-down my favorite trick for making products look absolutely irresistible. There’s just something about seeing chocolate ooze, coffee beans shimmy, or a sauce jar pop open that transforms a product into a story. I’ve found that stop-motion video is one of the best ways to let a brand’s personality shine.
I’ve had a blast bringing brands to life with stop-motion. For Jade Leaf, I made their powdered matcha kit spring to life and unbox itself. With SmoothSail Sake, the can rolled in, spun around, and cracked open like it was ready to join the party. Drinks, snacks, and sauces—stop-motion gives them a personality you just can’t capture in a still photo.
The Big Why: What Makes Stop-Motion So Irresistible?
Here’s the truth—Stop-motion is one of those tricks that really makes people stop scrolling. It’s playful, a bit surprising, and sparks curiosity. In my shoots, adding that bit of motion is a total game-changer. Suddenly, your product comes alive—no models or big-budget setups required.
Here’s why I always suggest it when a client wants their brand to stand out:
Storytelling in Seconds: You have about three seconds to grab attention online. Stop-motion does this instantly and keeps people watching your content.
Highlighting Product Features: Whether it’s the creamy texture of nut butter, the fizz in sparkling water, or the perfect sprinkle of sea salt, you can show off those details frame by frame.
Versatile Across Platforms: From Instagram Reels to website banners, stop-motion videography works everywhere—even in your email marketing campaigns.
And if you want to dive deeper into the technical side of stop-motion animation, this Beginner’s Guide to Stop-Motion is a great resource.
Behind the Scenes: My Stop-Motion Playbook
Whenever I start a stop-motion project, I always start by sketching out a quick storyboard. I map out every move—maybe a cookie slides into frame or a bottle cap spins open. For me, it’s never just about snapping a pretty picture. It’s about building a mini story that your audience can actually feel.
Take SkinnyDipped, for example. The peanut butter cup didn’t just sit pretty—they danced their way, then revealed their cups and munched its way to crumbs. It was a blast to shoot, and it showed off the texture, flavor, and playful vibe in a way a regular photo just can’t.
Here’s how I usually make the magic happen:
Concept & Storyboard: Map out the creative vision and brand goals.
Shoot in Sequence: Capture hundreds of stills, each with small, intentional movements.
Edit the images: Perfect the colors, clean up distractions, and make each frame match seamlessly.
Put it all together: Stitch the frames into a smooth, captivating product video that makes people stop scrolling.
Quick Wins: Tips for Stop-Motion That Pops
If you’re a marketing or creative director and you’re thinking, 'Sean, I need this for my brand ASAP,' here’s what I always tell my clients:
Keep It Simple: Too many moving parts can be overwhelming. Let your product be the star.
Think in Actions, Not Just Images: A slow coffee pour or sauce drizzle can steal the scene.
Choose Props with Purpose: Props should match your brand’s style, not compete for attention.
Work with Specialists: Stop-motion is a mix of photography, animation, and creativity. When it’s done right, it looks seamless. When it’s not, you’ll notice.
Let’s Make Your Product Move (Literally)
Your food or beverage product deserves more than a quick scroll-by—it deserves a moment. Stop-motion is how we make that happen. At MisaHungry Media, we don’t just create videos; we create mini experiences that make people smile, crave, and click “buy.”
Check out my product photography services at MisaHungry Media, and let’s make your next food shoot the one people can’t stop talking about.
