‘A phone with a good camera is all you need to tell a compelling story’

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Before even deciding where to eat, nearly 68% of prospective diners check a restaurant’s social media before visiting.  

And while places like TikTok and Instagram are great for seeing real-time updates, having a strong social media presence is also about building a solid first impression. According to Electro IQ, 78% of people believe restaurants with a strong social media presence are more likely to succeed.

Amer Tadayon is the founder and CEO of Lucihub, a video-production platform that simplifies the video creation process. Here, the Las Vegas-based entrepreneur shares with us his insights on why restaurants should make room for a camera in their kitchen. -Julien Perry

What's the easiest way for restaurants to utilize their phones to create engaging social media content?

These days, a smartphone with a good camera is all you need to tell a compelling visual story. A basic understanding of your phone’s camera settings goes a long way. Using a gimbal can help you capture steady shots, and if you're recording audio, a quality lavalier mic will make a big difference. Learn a few simple camera moves like pans and tilts, and you’ll instantly boost the production value of your videos. There are plenty of free resources online to get you started. 

What's your advice for someone who thinks videos are just a trend and nothing they really need to engage in for their restaurant?

YouTube is the second most-visited site in the world, and 82% of all consumer internet traffic is video. Video clearly isn’t a trend; it’s the dominant way people consume content today. And for restaurants, the benefits are even greater. Let’s start with content: From food prep and plating to mixology and behind-the-scenes moments, restaurant videos are inherently captivating. Food-related content consistently ranks among the top three categories on YouTube, and stories like restaurant walk-throughs, recipes and “what I ate” clips regularly go viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. On social media, video content generates two to three times more engagement than static images. Today, video isn’t just a trend; it’s how we live, shop and discover.

What’s the best way to get started? 

Like with anything, getting started is the hardest part. So start by focusing on consistently creating content, whatever that cadence may be. These days it’s not necessarily about quality, it’s about story and connection. And video captures all of it.

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