Hauls

About

A haul refers to a YouTube video in which a vlogger shows of a collection of items from a recent shopping trip or special occasion.

Origin

One of the earliest hauls uploaded to YouTube was uploaded by YouTuber Blair Fowler (juicystar07)^[3] on April 9th, 2008. The video was a haul featuring MAC cosmetics, and as of April 2014 it has gained over 310,000 views.

Spread

On November 2nd, 2008, Yahoo Answers^[1] user Larissa R posed the question “Whats a ‘haul’ on YouTube?” User xFollowYourHeart answered saying:

“A “Haul” on Youtube is referring to when the person purchased many items while they were out shopping at stores and show what they bought and sometimes do a small review of the item."

The first entry for haul on Urban Dictionary^[2] was submitted on August 7th, 2009, by user raven L who defined it as:

“a vlog titled “Makeup Haul” or “(Store Name) Haul” is a video showing a shopping spree in that given area, showing products or clothing that will usually be featured in future How To, or tutorial videos."

On February 26th, 2010, Marketplace^[4] published an articled titled “The new YouTube sensation: Hauls,” which featured several commentators, including consumer culture writer Rob Walker, weighing in on the popularity of hauls.

On December 14th, 2011, humor YouTube channel Slacktory^[7] uploaded a haul video supercut. As of April 2014, the video has gained over 27,000 views.

In 2013 the phenomena was covered by several sites. On December 3rd, 2013, Buzzfeed^[8] published an article titled “YouTube Shopper Haul Videos Have More Combined Views Than ‘Gangnam Style’.” The article focused on the boom in haul videos following Black Friday sales. On March 14th, 2013, NPR^[9] published an article titled “Showing Off Shopping Sprees, Fashion ‘Haulers’ Cash In Online.” The article focused on retailers partnering with haul creators on YouTube to promote their products.

Parodies

On November 19th, 2011, YouTuber sawyerhartman^[5] uploaded a video titled “JUICYSPOOF07 – MACHAUL ! (A beauty guru parody),” (below, left) which specifically parodies original haul creator juicystar07. As of April 2014, the video has gained over 690,000 views. On December 26th, 2006, YouTuber lohanthony^[6] uploaded a video titled “CVSHAUL (PARODY),” which pokes fun at hauls by featuring basic drugstore purchases. As of April 2014, the video has gained over 380,000 views.