PDF vs Video Preview on TPT: Which One Should You Use?

I’ve been seeing this question come up a lot lately, and it’s a good one: Should you use a PDF preview or a video preview on your TPT listings?

Before we even get into that, let’s quickly make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to TPT previews.

What is a TPT preview (and why it matters)

A preview is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a way for a buyer to see what they’re getting before they click “Add to Cart.”

Every single listing in your store should have a preview. That includes individual resources and bundles. It’s one of the easiest ways to help a buyer understand your product and feel confident purchasing it.

And just to be clear, a preview is not slapping the word “PREVIEW” across a few pages and calling it done. If that’s something you’ve been doing (or seeing others do), I wrote a full breakdown on why that actually hurts your product listings and what to do instead here: [link to blog].

A strong preview is intentional. It’s designed to show off the product clearly, walk the buyer through what’s included, and answer the questions they’re already thinking before they ask them. When it’s done well, it doesn’t just show the product. It helps sell it.

Do you need a PDF preview or a video preview?

If you’re trying to decide between the two, here’s the simplest answer:

You should always have a PDF preview at minimum.

PDF previews are the foundation. They give buyers a clear, scrollable look at your resource and allow them to see exactly what they’re getting. Yes, they take time to create, especially when you’re building them well. But once they’re done, they continue working for you every time someone views your product.

As more buyers land on your listing, a strong PDF preview helps turn those views into actual sales.

When a video preview makes more sense

There are certain situations where a video preview can actually be more helpful than a PDF. This usually happens when your product involves a process or something that’s easier to understand when it’s shown from start to finish.

For example, video previews work really well for resources like crafts or cut-and-paste activities where students are physically building something. They’re also helpful for projects that involve multiple steps or pieces that come together in a final product.

Another strong use case is something like a mystery picture or digital pixel art. In those cases, a video can show how the activity works without fully giving away the answer, which helps maintain the integrity of the activity.

In these situations, a video gives clarity in a way that a static PDF sometimes can’t.

The real answer: you don’t have to choose

This isn’t really an either-or situation.

A PDF preview gives buyers a detailed look at the resource. A video preview shows how the resource works in action. When used together, they complement each other and give buyers a fuller understanding of what they’re purchasing.

That said, if you’re just getting started or trying to prioritize your time, focus on creating a strong PDF preview first. That will have the biggest impact across your store.

Final thoughts

Previews are one of the most important parts of your product listing. They help buyers understand your resource, build trust in your work, and feel confident clicking “Add to Cart.”

Whether you choose to use a PDF preview, a video preview, or both, the goal is the same: clearly show what the buyer is getting and make the decision to purchase easy.