Create Engaging Menu Videos

Turn your dishes into scroll-stopping content with our simple video guide

Three Simple Steps to Perfect Menu Videos

Everything you need to create professional-quality videos for your digital menu

Your Complete Video Creation Guide

Follow these proven techniques to showcase your dishes in their best light

Lighting Essentials

Proper lighting is the foundation of great food videos. Natural daylight provides the most appetizing look, making colors pop and textures shine.

Understanding how to position your shots relative to light sources will dramatically improve your video quality.

  • Position yourself next to windows, not in front of them
  • Avoid overhead spotlights that create shadows
  • Use LED lights for consistent results
  • Best times to shoot: 10am-3pm for natural light

Composition Tips

The way you frame your dishes can make the difference between an average video and one that makes viewers hungry instantly. Professional composition techniques are simple to learn but make your content look polished and professional.

  • Leave space at bottom for dish names
  • Keep dishes centered in frame
  • Use smooth side-to-side panning
  • Shoot from slightly above for best angles

Timing Your Shots

Timing is crucial when shooting food videos. Each dish has a perfect moment for filming - whether it's capturing steam rising from a hot dish or the perfect cheese pull. Understanding these moments will help you create more engaging content.

  • Capture hot dishes while steaming
  • Film cheese pulls while melted
  • Show ice cream before it melts
  • Record garnishes being added
  • Optimal video length: 5-10 seconds

Creating the Final Video

Post-production doesn't need to be complicated. With the right tools and techniques, you can quickly edit and export professional-looking videos.

We've simplified the editing process to help you create scroll-stopping content without spending hours on editing.

  • Don't zoom in/out during shots
  • Avoid shaky movements
  • Clean your phone camera regularly
  • Export in MP4 format

FAQ

Commonly Asked Questions

What phone do I need to create good videos?
Any modern smartphone released in the last 2-3 years will work perfectly for creating professional-looking food videos. For iPhone users, we recommend iPhone 11 or newer models as they offer excellent low-light performance and stabilization. Android users should look for phones with at least a 12MP main camera and 4K video capability. The key is not having the latest phone, but understanding how to use your device's features effectively.
Do I need professional lighting?
Professional lighting equipment isn't necessary for creating great food videos. Natural window light is often the best and most flattering light source for food photography and video. However, if you regularly shoot during evening hours or in dimly lit spaces, we recommend investing in a basic LED light panel (around $30-50). These affordable lights can dramatically improve your video quality and ensure consistency across all your content. We can provide specific recommendations based on your restaurant's setup.
How long should each video be?
The ideal video length is 5-10 seconds per dish, and there's solid data behind this recommendation. Our analysis shows that viewer engagement drops significantly after 10 seconds, while videos under 5 seconds don't give viewers enough time to appreciate the details. Within this sweet spot, you can showcase multiple angles of the dish, any special preparations, and standout features while maintaining viewer interest. Remember, it's better to leave viewers wanting more than to lose their attention with lengthy clips.
Can I edit videos on my phone?
Modern smartphones are powerful enough to handle all your video editing needs. We recommend free apps like CapCut or Canva, which offer professional-level features in an intuitive interface. These apps allow you to trim clips, adjust brightness and contrast, add smooth transitions, and export in high quality - all from your phone. There's no need to transfer footage to a computer or learn complex editing software. Most restaurants in our network complete their editing in just a few minutes per video using these mobile apps.
What's the best time to shoot?
The optimal shooting time is between 10 AM and 3 PM when natural light is most abundant and evenly distributed. During these hours, the sun provides bright, diffused light that makes food look fresh and appealing. However, we understand that restaurant schedules don't always align with ideal lighting conditions. For evening or early morning shoots, we recommend using LED lighting to replicate natural daylight. The key is consistency - try to shoot all your videos under similar lighting conditions to maintain a professional look across your menu.
How do I ensure my videos match my restaurant's brand?
Your videos should reflect your restaurant's unique identity and style. Consider your restaurant's atmosphere, plating style, and target audience when filming. For fine dining, use slower, more deliberate movements and elegant compositions. For casual dining, embrace more dynamic shots that highlight the fun and accessibility of your dishes. Maintain consistent backgrounds, angles, and lighting across all videos to create a cohesive brand experience. Remember, these videos are an extension of your restaurant's personality and should align with how you want customers to perceive your establishment.
Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Stop Losing Orders to Slow Menus

Transform your menu experience today with real-time updates, AI assistance, and engaging video content. Your digital menu is ready. Just hit “Start Trial.”