A Complete Guide on How to Make an Event Recap Video

Remember that old saying: ‘pics or it didn’t happen’? Well, in the age of shared video content,  a recap event video is proof that it definitely happened. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the moments that stood out, show people what they’ve missed and weave all the little details into a story worth watching (and sharing). Think of it as your event’s second spotlight – one that lives on long after the last guest has gone out the door. 
 

Before you hit record, it’s worth taking a step back and exploring the why and how of recap videos, figuring out what gear you’ll need and catching up on the latest editing tips. Whether you're just trying to shed some light on a great event, boost its reach or attract future attendees – we’ve put together a guide to help you to create content that’s both thoughtful and engaging. So let’s dive right in!

What is an event recap video? 

An event recap video is essentially a highlight reel that showcases the most important moments of an event and captures its essence. It typically runs between 1 to 3 minutes – but the length can very much vary depending on where it’s shared.
 

Social media generally calls for shorter, more fast-paced versions, but longer videos are also acceptable and can be more detailed when sent directly (e.g. via email to attendees) or hosted on platforms like YouTube where viewers are more open to or even expect in-depth content.

Regardless of their length, event recap videos are usually packed with energy: shots of speakers, performers, audience reactions, laughter, excitement, applause – and those small, special moments that make the event feel unique and alive. 
 

There are a few things that make these videos stand out, such as: 
 

• They are time-sensitive – they are usually created and shared shortly after the event to keep the momentum going while the experience is still fresh in people’s minds
• They are emotion-driven – most videos aim to evoke a feeling, whether that’s excitement, inspiration or even nostalgia, and build a story around it using key moments in the event
• They rely on unscripted footage – event recaps tend to have a more authentic, spontaneous feel to them because they use real-time, candid footage captured during the event 
   

Photo by Kyle Loftus on Unsplash

Why create an event recap video?

A better question might be, why not? Event recap videos do more than just document what happened – they extend the life of the event, keeping the buzz alive for days or even weeks after it ended. This makes it an incredibly powerful tool. 
 

That being said, let’s have a look at some of the reasons why creating a recap video is always worth it: 

Showcasing event success

The beauty of this type of video is that it can show the impact of your event in just a few frames. For organizers, it can serve as a visual trophy – something to show off everything that went right, whether that’s buzzing conversations, emotional moments or packed rooms. 
 

For the audience, it’s a chance to relive the experience, jog their memory, and even get excited for what’s coming next. And for those who missed it, it’s the perfect teaser that will push them to take part in future events. 

Boosting event reach and engagement

Whether you’re showcasing a product launch, heartfelt team gathering, or a milestone celebration, recap videos can help extend the event’s reach well beyond its closing remarks. By sharing your recap video on social media or in follow-up email, you’re doing more than keeping the energy of the event alive, you’re also sparking meaningful conversations  and inviting even those who missed it to feel part of something special.

Increasing brand awareness and conversions

One of the biggest perks of a great recap video is spreading the word about your event. When done right, a well-edited and thoughtfully structured video can build credibility, boost your brand awareness, and inspire people to take an interest in your business. 
 

  Photo by Product School on Unsplash

Planning your event recap video

An event recap video doesn’t magically come together in post-production – on the contrary, it should start a while before the event kicks off. Planning ahead and having a clear vision for your video matters far more than you can imagine. 

Of course, not everything will go exactly as planned (it is a live event, after all), but if you diligently map out your priorities beforehand, you won’t miss out on any major moments and your video will come out looking neat and powerful. 

Define clear objectives for the video

What is the goal of your recap video? Is it for marketing purposes, as a way to give a shout out to the sponsors, create excitement for future events and increase brand awareness? Do you plan to share this video internally, as a way to showcase and celebrate company culture, wins, and milestones? Is your video meant for attendees only or the general public?
 

These are some of the questions that will make it way for you to define clear objectives for your video. Having honest answers will guide every part of your process, from deciding what to film to how you edit.

Identify key moments to capture during the event

Take your time to spot the moments you must not miss – the absolute highlights. These may include crowd reactions, memorable speeches or interactions. To have a better idea when to expect certain segments, ask the event organizer for a detailed schedule and even itinerary, and plan your shooting schedule around the most time-sensitive moments. 

You might  also create a shot list – a mental or physical list of shots you want to cover, such as wide crowd shots, close-ups of attendees, behind-the-scenes sneak peaks or even branding visuals. And don’t worry  – some key moments will only reveal themselves in the moment, but it’s important to have a set of pre-decided moments to get you started. 

Determine the video length and format

Before pressing “record”, take a moment to think about where your recap video will be shared.  The platform you choose will end up playing a big role in shaping everything, from your video’s length to its format and overall editing style. 
 

No matter where you’re planning to share it, keep this in mind: attention spans are short. Your recap video isn’t meant to replay the entire event from start to finish – its purpose is to tease, spark interest, and leave viewers thinking “I wish I was there.”

Plan interviews and testimonials

At the heart of every event, even the most grand-scale, business-oriented ones, are the people who show up. So make sure you leave enough room for their thoughts and feelings in your recap video. Plan interviews with key guests, record their testimonials, insights and favorite moments and maybe even pair their words with some thoughtful B-roll, like laughter during a breakout session or a standing ovation.
 

Don’t go overboard with the questions, and instead keep it small and simple: “What brought you here today?”, or “How would you describe this event in one word?”. 

Capturing the best moments at your event

To create a memorable event montage, you need a game plan to help you capture the best moments of the event. Here’s how to make it count: 

Focus on event highlights and milestones

Your event might feel packed with interesting moments, but remember – not everything needs your attention. Only the biggest and/or most meaningful moments should make the cut. Whether that’s a keynote speech, a surprise guest, a standing ovation or an emotional reunion, prioritize moments that people will remember (and want to relieve).

Capture audience reactions and interactions

At the heart of any event are the people taking part in it. Candid, unscripted moments can add a lot of depth and emotion to the final edit, so keep an eye out for applause, laughter, gasps, even a few happy tears. Make sure to capture as many authentic moments throughout the crowd and look for genuine expressions like smiling faces, curious glances, or that unmistakable “wow” look. 

Essential gear for event recap videos

When it comes to epic event recaps, gear matters as much as the moments you capture. Whether you’re working solo or with a small team, the right equipment will help you get top-quality footage that will make other people see the event for all its beauty – as if they were right there with you.

Cameras: choosing the right equipment

Your camera is the backbone of your video setup, so you need to pick wisely. When it comes to event recaps, you need a camera that’s not just reliable, but ready to handle anything the day throws at you: low light, fast motion, surprise confetti cannons, candid reactions and more.

Here are a few of your best options: 
 

• DSLRs and mirrorless cameras: With their interchangeable lenses, manual controls and high-resolution video recording (usually 4K), these cameras are some of the most popular choices among event photographers and videographers. 
   
• Camcorders: Camcorders are also a great option. Their built-in zoom lenses, reliable autofocus, and ergonomic builds guarantee many hours of quality footage without worrying that your arms will go numb. 
   
• Smartphones: Make no mistake – it’s not 2005 anymore, and smartphones now have very powerful video recording capabilities. They might not offer the same level of control as a dedicated camera, but they can be an excellent backup option or for capturing B-roll footage. 
   
• Action cameras: For a more unique perspective, you can try to integrate an action camera (such as GoPro) into your production setup. They’re small, versatile and durable, and their wide-angle lenses make them great crowd POVs, time lapses and other unconventional shots.  
   

Bonus tip: If you're covering a larger event, consider carrying multiple cameras to help you capture a wide variety of moments (and avoid any kind of low battery incidents). 

Photo by Miguel Picq on Unsplash

Lenses and filters: framing your shots

The lenses and filters you choose for your event recap footage can dramatically impact and improve the quality of the final edit. If you can, try grabbing multiple lenses so you can adapt to any kind of shot. Here’s a quick rundown of the lens types you could use: 
 

• Wide-angle lens – for crowd shots, overall atmosphere 
• Telephoto lens – a great zoom range makes it easy to isolate subjects from a distance
• Prime lens – perfect for low-light situations and blurry backgrounds 
• Macro lens – not essential but could be key for capturing minute details, such as food or decorations 

Filters can help manage lighting conditions, and here’s a quick overview of the impact of each one:
 

• Neutral Density (ND) filters – reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing you to create a shallow depth of field or cinematic look
• Polarizing filters – minimize glare and reflections
• Diffusion filters – can soften the image and create a more dreamy, cinematic look

Audio: capturing crystal-clear sound 

Nothing ruins a great video faster than muffled, crackly audio. To make sure the final edit sounds as good as it looks, relying on your camera’s microphone might not be enough. For events, external microphones are your safest bet, as it followers:
 

• Lavalier mics for speakers
• Shotgun mics for ambient sound
• Handheld mics for interviews
• Wireless mics for filming for a distance

Lighting: creating the right mood

Event lighting can be wildly unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for a wide variety of situations. 
 

Here’s what can help:
 

• Portable LED panels or ring lights to fill in shadows and brighten dark corners
• Natural light whenever soft, flattering results

The important thing to remember is that lighting is just not technical, it’s also emotional, so you can use it to highlight key people or moments and set the right mood of your event video.

Editing your event recap video: post-production tips

If you’re thoughtful and intentional about what you capture, then the magic doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. In the editing stage, you can take the raw footage and turn it into a meaningful story worth watching (again and again). 
 

With the right cuts, music, captions – this is where it comes together, step by step. 
 

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Review and organize your footage 

Start by taking a step back and reviewing all the footage you captured. Take your time to pick out the best moments, mark important highlights and organize your clips into folders for different categories (e.g. audience reactions, interviews etc). This helps you build a clearer narrative in your head before doing any cuts. 

Select the best clips for maximum impact 

Like I mentioned before, not everything needs your attention. Keep only those moments that drive the story forward – key soundbites, emotional reactions, etc – and discard all the rest. This is where Flixier comes in handy, allowing you to quickly access the tool via your browser, make your video cuts and carry on with editing without having to even sign up for an account. 

Add music, voiceovers and effects

Watch your event recap video come alive with the right music and effects. Pick one (or multiple) track(s) from Flixier’s massive stock library that match your event’s energy or, if you’re feeling adventurous, create a layered soundtrack for maximum impact. 
 

Create a voiceover from text using Flixier’s text to speech AI feature, or integrate little soundbites to add context and flow. Bind everything together with creative transitions. 

Optimize your video for different platforms

Depending on where your video goes live, you should shape it to match the style, length, and format of that platform. Here are a few quick tips to guide you:
 

• Creating an Instagram Reel or TikTok? Keep your video vertical and under a minute. Use Flixier’s quick resizer for flawless framing. Prioritize the most engaging moments right from the start, and add on-screen captions.
   
• Publishing on YouTube or LinkedIn? Go horizontal with more breathing room, and feel free to extend your video’s length. For more clarity, try adding some on-screen text such as key points or quotes from speakers. Don’t forget to add an engaging thumbnail if you’re posting on YouTube. 
   
• Use hooks or intros specific to each platform to boost engagement right from the start, and start meaningful conversations. 

Conclusion

The beauty of a recap video is not to retell the event moment by moment, but to capture its spark and keep it alive for days, weeks or even years after the cameras stop rolling and the crowd heads home. With the right game plan, tools and a little creative flair, you can make a memorable highlight reel worth watching and sharing.