What is a Prank Video?

Have you ever seen a prank video that made you laugh very hard? From harmless schoolyard gags to elaborate social media spectacles, pranks have been making people laugh for a long time. Today, with TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms, prank videos have evolved into one of the most sought-after forms of online entertainment. With a mix of humor, surprise, and creativity, they offer a lot to the audience, but the best and most addictive thing about them is that we get to see genuine human reactions.

These videos work because they capture raw emotions, like laughter, confusion, and shock, often in a normal, everyday setting. But, how do we define a prank video?

Definition

A prank video is a recorded clip in which one or more people set up a playful, surprising, and sometimes very absurd situation designed to elicit a genuine reaction from unsuspecting participants. The purpose is to record real feelings of amusement, shock, laughter, and even hate.

What are the Visual Characteristics of a Prank Video?

Unexpected Reveal:

All the funny stuff in prank videos is usually saved for the end, building anticipation and making the payoff more satisfying. Some creators layer multiple smaller reveals before the main punchline to keep viewers hooked.

Candid Reactions:

Just think of a shocked person with eyes wide open, or someone bursting into uncontrollable laughter. The authenticity of the reaction is the centerpiece of any prank video. Genuineness can turn a simple prank into a viral hit.

Relatable Settings:

Pranks often happen in everyday, mundane places, like a park, on the sidewalk, or in an office. This makes it easy for viewers to imagine themselves in the same situation. This relatability makes the video funnier and more shareable.

Casual Filming Style:

Many prank videos are shot using hand-held smartphone cameras, GoPros, or small hidden cameras to avoid detection. The recording is never perfect, but that's what makes it so authentic and charming to watch.

Common Types of Prank Videos

There are countless variations of prank videos. Let's see some of the most common types of them.

Classic Practical Jokes

Think about things like fake spills, whoopee cushions, switching sugar with salt, and so on. This is universally understood humor that works in almost any setting. In the popular show, The Big Bang Theory, every time Sheldon Cooper says "Bazinga," that's a practical joke.

Scare Pranks

These pranks are very funny unless you are the person being pranked. With sudden sounds, unexpected movements, costumes, and elaborate plots, the only thing you need to worry about is not going overboard and scaring someone too much. Keep it safe.

Hidden Camera Pranks

The prankster sets the stage, hides the camera, and moves away from the scene. In these types of pranks, the camera does all the work. They often work best when the prankster's presence isn't obvious at all, keeping the focus on those funny reactions.

Public Stunt Pranks

These types of pranks are very elaborate, large-scale, and often theatrical performances staged in public areas. Think of flash mobs or fake celebrity appearances. Usually involving a lot of coordinated actions, this type of practical joke is reserved for seasoned pranksters.

Iconic Prank Channels and Prank Video Ideas

Harmless Prank Video Ideas

If you want to come up with your own prank but are short on ideas, the list below features some lighthearted ideas that everyone will appreciate (even the person being pranked).

Replace a coworker's computer wallpaper with a screenshot of their desktop to "freeze" their screen.
"Switching Labels" (Food Edition): Swap the labels on two safe, non-messy food items in the fridge or pantry, such as putting a "ketchup" label on a bottle of mustard (or vice versa).
Replace a friend's usual snack (e.g., their favorite chips, candy) with a very similar but slightly different version, such as swapping regular Oreos with "Mint Oreos" (if they hate mint).
Pretend to trip and spill or break something only to reveal that you're carrying something that is unspillable or unbreakable. For this type of prank, you will need some props, which you can find in toy stores or dedicated prankster shops.
Place a fake "Out of Order" sign on a working elevator or door. You can combine this with a hidden camera to capture your neighbour's reactions when they realize that they need to take the stairs. After, make sure to tell them that it was a joke.

Tips for Success

Always prank someone you know well---avoid strangers, as it might make them uncomfortable.
Keep it short and sweet---social media videos thrive on quick, punchy moments.
End on a positive note (laugh together, explain it's a joke) to ensure no one feels upset.

How to Create Your Own Prank Video?

Here are the steps to create your own prank video.

Step 1

Gather Your Equipment and Choose a Location
You need a device that can capture high-quality videos. In terms of audio, you only need to hear some sounds. If the words are unclear, you can add subtitles later. Use a tripod to get stable videos. Prepare some props to add more fun to videos. Take care of your safety when making prank videos.

Step 2

Plan Your Prank from Start to Finish
The planning phase takes the longest. Here, you need to decide on the concept of your prank and, if necessary, write a script for the main lines and also prepare for some responses. Think about some possible reactions, good and bad, and plan how you'll handle them. Avoid anything that could cause injury, lasting embarrassment, or emotional harm.

Step 3

Prepare for Filming
Position your recording device in a hidden area, but make sure that it captures the action clearly. Test how the scene looks with a mock recording, and make sure to always have a backup plan in case your original approach doesn't work. When all this is set up, you can record your prank. Naturally, you'll end up with hours of footage that you will need to trim down to a few short clips.

Step 4

Edit Your Footage
You need an easy, fast, and powerful video editing tool that can help you make a viral video, and there is no better option than Wondershare Filmora. It comes with the best creative toolset that will help you realize your pranking vision.

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