Filming for Hospitality — The Basics
Creating high-quality video content for restaurants, cafés, and hospitality brands doesn’t require expensive gear. With the latest iPhone cameras, you can shoot effective, engaging footage that works across platforms. The key is knowing how to film for purpose and platform. For social media platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook Stories, always film in portrait (vertical). For longer-form content such as YouTube videos, websites, or promotional showreels, film in landscape (horizontal).
To maintain viewer interest, keep each clip between 2 and 4 seconds long. This keeps up the pace and matches short attention spans common across social media. Avoid long shots or static footage unless there’s a clear purpose. The goal is to create visual energy that reflects the atmosphere of your venue. When editing, place your strongest clips first. Average watch time on social media is only a few seconds, so leading with impact is essential to stop users from scrolling past.
Lighting can make or break your video. Choose soft lighting that clearly shows what you’re filming without washing it out. Avoid that cold, white, hospital-style lighting whenever you can. It tends to make everything look flat and uninviting. Try to remove shadows too, especially the one your phone might cast over the subject. If you can find natural light, use it. A bright window or an outdoor table in the shade is usually better than any artificial setup. If shooting indoors, position lights to softly illuminate food, drinks, or interiors without flattening the depth of the scene.
For editing, try using the free version of CapCut. It lets you trim clips, add music, use templates, and export videos with a watermark. If you want a bit more flexibility or cleaner results, there is a paid version too. CapCut is ideal for fast, low-effort videos when you don't have time for in-depth editing but still want a clean, semi-professional result. For those of you who fancy a little more of a customisable software, I also recommend ‘VN’ which lets you upload your own music and edit the video to match the beat.
Normally, I’d advise people to spend less time watching reels or scrolling TikTok, but in this case, spend a bit of time doing just that! Look at what other restaurants, cafés, or venues are posting. See what’s working. Pay attention to music choices, clip lengths, and trends. This will help shape your own content. One tip that helps a lot: try not to cram everything into one video. If too much is happening on screen at once, your viewers won’t take in any of it.
When you’re happy with your content, upload it and upload it often. Consistency helps boost reach and interactions across most platforms. If you shoot extra content, bank it. Keep a folder on your phone or computer full of clips you can post later. That way, you’ve always got something in your back pocket for rainy days.
