How to Shoot a Vertical Food Video

Vertical video gives you height instead of width — and that completely changes the way you build your shots.

First, remember that your center frame is king. The viewer's eyes naturally land right in the middle, especially on phones. So, place your key actions — the drizzle, filling, or final reveal — right in the center.

Second, keep your framing tight and follow the motion closely. Viewers scroll quickly, so large empty spaces above or below your hands can make your content feel slow or unintentional. It's especially critical in the first 3 seconds — when viewers decide whether to watch or keep scrolling.

Vertical framing leaves no room for unnecessary details — every inch of the frame should serve a purpose. That's why simplicity often works best.

A clever trick is to use negative space intentionally: a clean countertop or a textured background can highlight your ingredients without adding clutter. It is particularly effective in overhead shots, where too many details can compete for attention.

One more thing: vertical videos are unforgiving with lighting. Because your frame is narrow, shadows and hotspots become more noticeable. Aim for soft, consistent lighting and a clean background. Before hitting the record button, take a few moments to adjust your light source. Find the angle that makes your shot stand out.

If you want your vertical food videos to stand out, think vertical from the start — center your action, light it well, and keep the viewer hooked from the very first frame.

I'm using the same gear I use for my horizontal shoots: the Sony FX30 camera, the SmallRig AD-01 tripod, and the CB120B light with a 90 cm softbox.

The camera is mounted vertically on the tripod using the screw-in mounts from the cage attached to it. If you don't have a camera cage, don't worry — you can still mount your camera vertically using a ball head and tilt it upright.

A quick tip: you don't need to film every second. If a prep step is repetitive — such as removing pits from dates — only capture it from a couple of angles, then move on. You'll only use a few seconds in your final video anyway, so shoot smart.

During filming, try sneaking in a few thumb-stopper shots — like a slow-motion drizzle or a chocolate pull — these little visual payoffs grab attention and hook the audience. Even if you don't plan to use all of them, having these dynamic shots as a backup can significantly boost the impact of your video. When it comes to vertical content, these little moments make all the difference.

Let's go filming!

First, I start with a close, top-down shot of the Medjool dates. I gently split them open, remove the pits, and highlight their sticky texture. I juggle between angles to capture this step — it's very satisfying and makes a strong visual hook.

Next, I use a small spoon to fill each date with creamy peanut butter. I position the camera at spoon level to capture both the motion and the texture. I repeat this filling step from multiple angles to have more flexibility when editing the video.

For some dates, I add whole or chopped almonds (or any preferred nuts) and capture close-ups or macro shots to bring out those appealing textures.

Now it's time to chill the dates for a few minutes — just enough to firm them up before coating. Depending on your kitchen, you have two filming options: move the dates out of frame — implying they're heading to the freezer — or shoot an extra clip showing the tray being placed in the freezer (if your space allows it). Both approaches work great!

While the dates chill, I melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or a microwave. This step allows me to film B-roll close-ups of the chocolate melting, swirling, and turning glossy.

Pro tip: capture this from multiple angles, not just overhead. If you only film overhead, your lens might fog up due to steam. Changing angles protects your gear and gives you options — even this basic step can become a visual hero at the beginning of your video.

Once the dates are ready, I film the dipping process. Here's where the vertical format truly shines. I use a tight 45-degree angle to clearly show each date entering the chocolate and coming out glossy and smooth. I also try a straight-on angle, close to the action, and even a macro shot if it adds value to the visuals. It depends on your recipe — shoot with purpose, thinking about what your audience would like to see.

A quick tip: I film a few dips in real-time, then redo the action in slow motion. It creates an engaging, visually satisfying moment — perfect for capturing the viewer's attention. Think beyond basic demonstration; aim for content that truly stands out.

For finishing touches, I sprinkle crushed pistachios or chopped peanuts on top. Another beautiful option is a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate, which provides contrast and visual detail that pops on camera.

Finally, I shoot the whole tray, then move to close-ups from different angles. One focused shot with a date in the foreground, a clean cut to show the inside layers — the possibilities here are endless.

Even if only a few of these hero shots make your final cut, they're crucial. These visuals can make all the difference, helping your video go viral in no time.

Now you know how I film vertical food videos, too! It's a clean, simple, and scroll-stopping method — using just a light, a tripod, and a bit of intention.

Vertical isn't just a crop — it's a whole format. Shoot for it, frame for it, and pace your recipe in a way that respects the vertical experience.

Next, I'll show you how I edit everything — from raw clips to the final video.

Thanks for watching! See you next time!