Why Nobody Watches Your Event Recap — And How to Fix It

Here at Pure Horizon Media, we’ve seen this story play out over and over again.

A business or nonprofit in the Bay Area puts on an incredible event. The room was full, the energy was high, the food was great, and everyone had a fantastic time. A few days later, the recap video goes up on social media… and almost no one watches.

A few likes, maybe a handful of comments and then it fades away.

We know how frustrating that feels, especially when you’ve invested so much time and budget into the event itself. But the good news? If nobody’s watching your event recaps now, it’s not because your event wasn’t worth capturing, it's because of how the video was planned, made, and shared.

And that’s something you can fix.

Let’s talk about why most event recaps fall flat and what you can do to make sure your next one gets seen, shared, and remembered.

Why Your Event Recap Actually Matters

Before we get into what’s going wrong, let’s talk about why it’s so important to get this right.

In a place like the Bay Area where the competition for attention is fierce and audiences expect high-quality media your recap video is more than just a nice-to-have. It’s your chance to:

• Show your audience what you stand for
• Give attendees something to share and relive
• Prove value to sponsors, donors, and stakeholders
• Build momentum for your next event
• Create reusable content for your website, ads, and social media
  

Your event is one day. Your recap is what keeps it alive.

Why Nobody Watches Your Recap

So, why aren’t your videos hitting the mark? Over the years, we’ve identified a few big reasons.

It’s Too Long

We know you want to include everything: all the speakers, all the activities, all the sponsors. But the reality is: people don’t watch long videos anymore, especially on social media.

A three-minute highlight reel might feel reasonable to you, but to someone scrolling through Instagram or LinkedIn, it feels like forever. Even people who were there won’t sit through the whole thing.

These days, shorter is better, more on that in a bit.

It Feels Generic

We see this a lot: a random collection of clips set to some upbeat music. Technically fine… but emotionally empty.

If your recap doesn’t tell a story, it won’t resonate. People watch for the vibe, the meaning, the why. If it just feels like a generic slideshow, they’ll scroll past.

Knowing your goals upfront helps us deliver exactly what you need.

It’s the Wrong Format for the Platform

This is another common pitfall posting a horizontal YouTube-style video to Instagram Stories, or sharing a vertical TikTok clip on LinkedIn.

Every platform has its own sweet spot in terms of dimensions, pacing, and tone. If your video isn’t optimized for where you’re posting it, it’s no surprise it underperforms.

It Doesn’t Match the Energy of the Event

Your video should feel like the event. If your fundraiser was elegant and inspiring, a fast-cut, high-energy edit might feel out of place. If your launch party was lively and fun, a slow, cinematic recap might fall flat.

Too often, videos are edited without any thought for the vibe of the event and viewers can feel the disconnect.

How to Fix It: Recaps People Actually Watch

The good news? Fixing all of this is very doable especially if you plan ahead and work with a team that knows how to tell your story.

Here are our best tips for creating recaps your audience actually wants to watch and share.

Plan Before the Event

One of the biggest mistakes we see is waiting until after the event to figure out the recap.

When you bring your media team in early, we can help you:

• Define your audience and platforms
• Decide on the vibe and pacing
• Identify must-have shots and moments
• Plan interviews, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes
  

This makes a huge difference in how purposeful and polished the final product feels.

Keep It Short and Punchy

For social media, shorter is better. For Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, aim for a tight 30–60 second highlight reel. This is enough time to show the energy, feature key moments, and leave people wanting more.

If you need a longer cut for internal use or YouTube, that’s fine but lead with the short version for public sharing.

Tell a Story

Even a one-minute recap can tell a story.



Here are a few simple structures we like:

• Before → During → After
• Problem → Event → Outcome
• Welcome → Highlights → Thank You
  

We also recommend including at least one or two soundbites from speakers, organizers, or attendees to add authenticity and emotion.

Match the Energy

Your recap should reflect what the event actually felt like.

For example:

• Corporate launch party: fast cuts, energetic music, bold graphics.
• Black-tie gala: elegant visuals, slower pacing, warm tones.
• Nonprofit fundraiser: heartfelt testimonials, emotional moments, inspirational music.
  

At Pure Horizon Media, we spend time with our clients before the event to really understand the tone they want to convey.

Format It for Every Platform

You don’t need a dozen separate videos, but you do need to think about where you’re posting.

We always deliver multiple formats so you can share on:

• Instagram Reels and Stories (vertical)
• LinkedIn (square or horizontal)
• Facebook (square)
• YouTube (horizontal)
• Your website (high-res horizontal)
  

We’ll even help you craft captions and choose thumbnails to get more clicks.

Work With a Local Team

Here in the Bay Area, venues can have their own quirks tricky lighting, limited space, challenging acoustics. We know what to expect at San Francisco ballrooms, Silicon Valley conference centers, and even outdoor vineyard events.

That local knowledge helps us capture the best shots and avoid rookie mistakes and it also means we know what kind of content resonates with Bay Area audiences.

You don’t need a dozen separate videos, but you do need to think about where you’re posting.

We always deliver multiple formats so you can share on:

What Happens When You Get It Right

When you take the time to plan a purposeful, engaging recap video, here’s what happens:

• Attendees share the video and relive the experience
• Non-attendees see what they missed and want to come next time
• Sponsors feel seen and valued
• You have polished content for months to come
• Your brand stands out in a competitive market
  

We’ve seen clients double their sponsorships, sell out next year’s tickets, and even land media coverage all thanks to a well-done recap.

Your Event Deserves to Be Seen

You’ve already put in the hard work to make your event a success, don't let it fade away with a forgettable recap.

At Pure Horizon Media, we help Bay Area businesses, nonprofits, and planners create event recaps that are meaningful, shareable, and memorable. We don’t just record what happened, we tell your story in a way that keeps working for you long after the last guest leaves.

If you’re planning an event, let’s talk. The earlier you bring us in, the better your recap will be.

Get in touch with Pure Horizon Media today and let’s make sure your event gets the attention it deserves.