Everything Restaurants and Hotels Need to Know to Create Social Media Videos that Bring New Customers in

By Liza Mae Dumo | September 18, 2023

It’s clear that social media content packs a punch, especially in the food and hospitality industries. Those snappy, bite-sized videos you see on platforms like Instagram and TikTok are changing the way we decide where to eat or stay.

These quick videos are having a big impact on our choices. What makes them so effective is that they feel real and authentic, often shot on regular smartphones. We trust them more than slick, professional videos.

But this trend isn’t limited to just restaurants and hotels. It applies to almost any kind of business these days. The catch is, you need to produce a lot of content for social media. You can’t get away with making one video a year anymore. You might even need to make a video every day, which can be a big time and money drain.

Hiring professionals or building an in-house team for video production can be expensive. It’s even pricier in places like Singapore, where social media agencies charge a premium. And if you need high-quality video production, you’ll be shelling out even more.

Creating Content quickly & cost-efficiently: Master the Art of Shooting Videos on Mobile

So, here’s the double challenge: making cost-effective videos and keeping up with the ever-changing trends. As a business owner or restaurant owner, you don’t want to spend hours every day on Instagram and TikTok just to stay in the loop.

To tackle these challenges, here are some straightforward tips:

Pick the Right Phone: iPhones are recommended because they have good camera lenses and are easy to use. They’re great for shooting videos.

Use the Main Lens: Stick to the main camera lens (usually labelled as 1x) on your phone. The other lenses aren’t as good in low light and can make your videos look too sharp, making editing harder.

Forget About Cinematic Mode: Cinematic mode can be cool if you know how to use it, but it’s easy to mess up, especially if you’re new to video making.

Make Sure You Have Enough Storage: Running out of space on your phone can be a real headache. So, make sure your phone has plenty of storage to handle all your videos.

Shoot in 4K: When you’re shooting with your iPhone, set it to 4K resolution. This gives you more freedom to edit and be creative with your videos.

In a nutshell, short videos made on regular phones are changing the way businesses connect with their customers on social media. To thrive in this digital world, you need to get on board with these trends and find cost-effective ways to make engaging videos. By following these simple tips, you can harness the power of social media without breaking the bank.

How to Get the Best Composition For your Social Media Videos

When it comes to creating engaging social media videos, understanding composition is crucial. Composition is all about what you include in the frame, and it plays a pivotal role in filmmaking. In the realm of F&B and hospitality content, there are three primary types of shots that can make your videos more captivating.

Point of View (POV) Shot: This is the most common type of shot, as it replicates the angle at which humans naturally see things. It provides a genuine and relatable perspective for viewers. When showcasing hospitality experiences, the POV shot allows you to immerse your audience in the human experience, making them feel like they’re right there with you.

Low Angle Shot: The low-angle shot is a visually appealing choice. By positioning the camera lower, especially when there’s some depth and space behind the subject, you can create a cinematic look. Notice how the lights in the background produce a beautiful bokeh effect in the example. This effect adds a touch of cinematic elegance to your videos, which can be used for artistic flair during the editing process.

Top Shot: For food-related content, the top shot is a game-changer. To achieve this shot, use a tripod and position your phone facing downward. This angle works exceptionally well for capturing dishes being plated or coming together. By recording the same scene from these three different angles, you can enhance your video’s visual dynamics during the editing phase. It may take a bit more time, but the results are worth it. The visual appeal of your video will be significantly enhanced, leading to increased engagement and a more aesthetically pleasing final product.

Incorporating these composition techniques into your social media videos can elevate your content and make it more appealing to your audience. Remember, storytelling through visuals is a powerful tool in the world of social media, and getting creative with your shots can help you stand out and connect with viewers on a deeper level.

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Mix Different Shot Types for a More Engaging Result

Another thing is mastering the art of shot types. While cinema boasts around 15 different shot types, social media content thrives on simplicity, focusing on three fundamental ones: the wide shot, the midshot, and the close-up.

Wide Shot: Just as the name suggests, the wide shot is used to establish the space and provide viewers with a sense of the surroundings. It mimics the human field of vision, making it ideal for portraying the entirety of a subject with a bit of its environment. Imagine it as if your phone were in landscape mode, capturing everything your eyes would naturally see.

Midshot: The midshot zooms in a bit more on your subject, whether it’s a delicious dish or a talented chef. It offers a closer view of the subject with minimal space around it, creating a more intimate and focused perspective.

Close-up: An extreme close-up brings your subject front and center, emphasising intricate details. It’s all about capturing the subject in great detail, leaving little room for anything else in the frame.

One golden rule to remember when shooting content for social media is to keep your subject right in the center of the frame. However, there’s a crucial tip for ensuring flexibility in post-production. Always shoot with a bit more space around the subject than you initially think you need. This extra space is essential because if you shoot too tightly, it becomes impossible to zoom out during editing. Shooting in 4K allows for flexibility, as you can zoom in without sacrificing video quality. So, it’s better to err on the side of caution and provide a little extra room in your shots, ensuring that your editor can make precise adjustments during the post-production process without losing the shot.

How to use Lighting to get Professional Shots

When it comes to creating captivating videos, one of the most significant challenges to overcome is understanding how to harness light effectively. Whether you’re shooting food or people, mastering light is essential to achieving professional and authentic results. In the realm of lighting, there are two primary types: natural and artificial, each with its own merits and considerations.

Natural Light: Whenever possible, opt for natural light. Most restaurants, bars, or hotels have access to natural light sources. Natural light is prized for its soft and diffused qualities, particularly on cloudy days. Unlike artificial lighting, natural light doesn’t cast harsh shadows. When it enters through a window and bounces off various surfaces, it becomes dispersed, resulting in gentle and natural illumination. This soft and even light is ideal for creating a sense of authenticity in your videos.

Artificial Light: While artificial lighting can be useful, the goal is often to simulate natural light as closely as possible. The reason for this is to maintain the authenticity of the shot. When viewers sense that elaborate lighting setups have been used, it can detract from the genuine feel of the content.

To illustrate the impact of lighting, let’s consider two examples:

Harsh Lighting Example: In the right image of this example, you’ll notice stark shadows beneath the fruit and plate, along with pronounced highlights from a bright light source. These harsh lighting conditions create an artificial and somewhat unappealing effect, making it evident that artificial lights were used.

Soft Lighting Example: In contrast, the left image demonstrates soft, gentle shadows and no harsh highlights or reflections. This effect gives the impression of natural light, even though a large diffuser and controlled artificial lighting were employed.

The choice of lighting can significantly impact the emotional response of your audience, especially in the realm of social media where engagement is key. When viewers perceive a video as authentic and natural, it tends to resonate better, fostering a deeper connection. In a landscape where you’re competing for attention with thousands of others and an algorithm that favours engagement, the authenticity conveyed through lighting choices can make all the difference.

Creating captivating social media videos may require some practice, but armed with the right techniques and tools, you’ll find yourself producing outstanding content effortlessly. Ready to take your social media game to the next level? Explore our exclusive inspiration and editing service tailored specifically for restaurants and F&B businesses. Learn more and kickstart your journey towards social media success.

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