Previews

Previews are early representations of content or functionality released ahead of a final product or event. They inform audiences about what is coming, showcase potential and quality, and elicit feedback or interest. The term is used across media, publishing, software, and consumer products. Historically, previews began in live theatre and cinema with short clips shown before a main feature and evolved into marketing materials such as trailers and teasers. In publishing, advance copies and review primers let critics and readers glimpse forthcoming work before general release.

Film and media previews include trailers, teasers, and preview screenings. Trailers provide longer previews that outline plot and tone, while teasers are shorter clips intended to spark curiosity. Preview screenings are early showings for selected audiences, critics, or industry members and can influence marketing strategy, release timing, and audience expectations.

Software and product previews cover alpha and beta tests, demos, and preview builds. Early access programs expose partially finished features to users for testing and feedback. Demos offer hands-on evaluation without full functionality. The goal is to identify bugs, refine usability, and gauge demand before final release; however, previews carry risks of early exposure, overpromising, or spoiling consumer experiences.

Publishing and other fields also use previews, such as advance reader copies in publishing or live previews in user interfaces that show formatting or content changes before commit. In retail, showroom previews present a first impression of a product. As digital distribution expands, previews can be more interactive and frequent, enabling rapid iteration while shaping expectations and demand.