Man on the street: definition and examples

What is Man on the street?

A man-on-the-street video captures a host asking members of the public a single question in an unscripted setting, then compiles the varied responses into a short clip. The appeal comes from the range of candid, unpredictable answers that a scripted format could not produce.

When you'd use it

1. 1When a brand wants unscripted public opinion on a topic related to its category.
2. 2When an event, activation, or pop-up is happening and candid footage would capture the atmosphere.
3. 3When the target audience's real-world opinions are more persuasive than any scripted testimonial.
4. 4When a campaign needs quick, varied clips that can be edited into a fast-paced compilation.

Example

A condiment brand used a man-on-the-street format to ask shoppers at a farmers market to taste two hot sauces blind and describe them. The resulting 60-second video showed seven different respondents, with four describing the competitor's sauce using the same word ('vinegary'), which became the brand's most-referenced organic asset in that quarter's campaign review.

Use cases

1. 1Asking passersby a single question about a category problem and cutting their answers together.
2. 2Filming attendees at a brand event reacting to a product or activation in their own words.
3. 3Gathering a range of quick takes from different people to show that a sentiment is widely held.

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