An event highlight video does something photos cannot. It brings back the sound of the room, the buzz of the crowd and the feeling of being there. For organisers it is also one of the most useful marketing tools you can have: it sells next year’s tickets, wins sponsors and shows the world what your event is really like.
I film events across Liverpool, from conferences to fight nights. Here is how long an event highlight video should be, what to include and how to get the most from it.
The short version
- Aim for 60 to 120 seconds for the main highlights film.
- Cut 15 to 30 second vertical versions for social.
- Mix wide shots, close details, reactions and a few short soundbites.
- Use the event’s real sound, not just music.
- Plan it with the running order so the key moments are covered.
How long should it be?
For most events, 60 to 120 seconds is the sweet spot. Long enough to tell the story of the day, short enough that people watch to the end. Multi day conferences or festivals can stretch to three minutes. Anything longer is better as separate films, such as a keynote film or speaker interviews. My guide on business video length covers each platform.
What to include
Establishing shots
The venue, the branding, the room filling up. Sets the scene in seconds.
Big moments
Keynotes, the main act, winners on stage, the headline bout.
Reactions
Laughing, cheering, nodding along. Faces sell the atmosphere.
Soundbites
A few short lines from speakers or guests: why they came, what they loved.
Sound makes the film
Music helps with pace, but the best highlights films mix in the real sound of the event: applause, a line from the stage, a big laugh, the crowd roaring. It is what makes the film feel like being there. I record clean audio from the stage where possible, plus the room.
Plan it with the running order
The key to a great highlights film is knowing when the big moments happen. Send the running order, tell me who the key speakers or acts are, and flag anything special. Short soundbites are best grabbed at quiet moments: during arrivals, at the break or at the end.
Where to use it
- Your event website and ticket page, especially for next year’s early bird.
- Sponsorship proposals, to show partners what they are buying into.
- LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, with vertical cuts.
- Email to attendees as a thank you, with next year’s date.
Photos and video together
Booking photo and video from the same person or team keeps things simple on the day and makes sure the two match. I explain how in getting reels, photos and a film from one event. For timing, see same day event photos.
Questions organisers ask
How long should an event highlight video be?
Around 60 to 120 seconds for most events, with 15 to 30 second vertical versions for social media. Multi day events can stretch to around three minutes.
What should be in an event highlight video?
Establishing shots of the venue, the big moments, audience reactions, a few short soundbites and the real sound of the event mixed with music.
How long does an event highlight video take to edit?
It depends on the event and the edit, and the timing is agreed before the day. Short social clips can often be delivered sooner.
Can one person film and photograph an event?
For smaller events, yes. For larger events with lots happening at once, separate photo and video coverage makes sure nothing is missed.
More event guides: awards ceremony photography, Christmas party photography and briefing your photographer.
Want next year’s event to sell itself?
Let’s film this one properly
Event highlight films and social clips across Liverpool, planned around your running order.