By now, you’ve probably seen those viral “wedding recap” reels on TikTok or Instagram – the ones that somehow appear just hours after the ceremony. The ones that make you go: Wait, how did they already post that?! Well, there’s a good chance a wedding content creator was behind it.

A wedding content creator is a service provider who creates primarily video content on their phones. The idea is you have a skilled person who is capturing all of the moments of a wedding, candidly. That is also the person, a couple would put in charge of recreating any trending videos or transitions, lip syncs, etc. They often provide clips in a quick turn around, so the couple can share their wedding “in real time” or within a the few days after, on their social media. Some wedding content creators even offer a wedding day takeover, so they really are posting the wedding day in real time.

We spoke to Falon Mei of Vegas Wedding Content Creator all about this rising, and sometimes controversial, new trend.

How is this different from a photographer or videographer?

The big difference between a wedding content creator and a professional photographer or videographer is that we create content specifically for social media. Wedding photographers and videographers create wedding media for legacy.

I can’t speak for all wedding content creators, but my thought process in it (especially when couples have hired photography and videography) is to look for what is happening outside of the main event. Sure, I’ll capture your first kiss, but I’ve had photographers who completely block the shot, so I got three seconds of it. So can I turn around and catch the reaction of your family and friends instead? What about your officiant running out of the shot? What about your bridal party’s pure admiration of the moment? If I can capture some of the main happenings, without someone walking into my shot, AMAZING! But I think a wedding content creators job is to capture all, not just the big moments. I think that really sets us a part in the wedding media team aspect.

What should couples look for in a content creator?

Please – and I say this with love – make sure they’ve actually worked a real wedding before. Not just styled shoots. Weddings are a different beast entirely – things move fast, emotions run high, and there are no do-overs.

It’s also really important to ask if they’ve worked alongside photographers or videographers before. The wedding media world requires collaboration, and content creators should be adding value, not causing chaos.

I can empathise with some photographer and videographer’s sentiments about wedding content creators being “anyone who has a phone” because working alongside these professionals also requires the wedding content creator to be a professional. I think if couples pick their wedding media (photo, video, content creation) wisely, they will be doing themselves a great service, and their media team will thank them too.

Aren’t content creators distracting or unnecessary?

I’ve seen this discussion on Threads over and over! There’s definitely been controversy around wedding content creators online. Some people think we’re just trying to be cheaper versions of photographers. Others say we’re distracting or pull couples away from their day to make TikToks. Here’s my two cents:

“Content creators are distracting.”

If you have a professional wedding content creator at a wedding, this is never the case. I worked a small wedding and the couple had flown in a wedding photographer I’d never met before. After the ceremony, guests went up to the photographer and said “I didn’t realise you knew people out here, how did you meet the wedding content creator? You guys work so well together,” That’s a compliment I’ll never forget. My goal as wedding content creator is to execute what the couple has requested. This couple asked if I could be a fly on a wall and I was (while staying out of the shots of the photographer).

“Content creators are unnecessary.”

I feel this usually comes from other vendors, not couples. But if you scroll through TikTok, you’ll see brides in tears (the good kind) because their content creator caught moments they would’ve missed – guests laughing, candid hugs, inside jokes, little looks. You can’t be everywhere at once on your wedding day. That’s where we come in. Ultimately, its up to the couple to decide what is and is not necessary for their wedding day. Saying something is unnecessary is very subjective.

“They’re just a cheap alternative to pro photos/videos.”

This one really bugs me. I never market myself as a replacement for a photographer or videographer – and I wish other content creators wouldn’t either. That narrative makes it harder for us to collaborate as a team, and it’s misleading for couples. We are not a one-to-one substitute. We’re something else entirely. I choose to educate my couples on the differences rather than say we are “in place of”. We’re not a replacement for either media. Please stop saying this. Please stop using this as a marketing phrase. And couples, please do not buy into wedding content creators who say this. It’s not right.

“They’re going to make TikToks all day and take you away from the moment.”

I’ve literally done TikToks that took 30 seconds so I’m going to hold your hand when I say this… if this is your concern, you’ve either never made a TikTok before or you’ve never been directed on how to do a TikTok by a professional.

One of my recent brides sent me her ideas in advance and prepped her wedding party that we were going to film this. We filmed the first part in the morning, in robes, and it took around five minutes. We then finished the transition in two quick takes before she walked down the aisle.

It’s about preparation and knowing how to work quickly. I also set the expectations for the couple that it may not look or line up perfectly, and as long as they’re okay with this, we can make it happen.

How to get the most out of your content creator

Let your guests know we’ll be there. That way, people aren’t confused when someone’s walking around filming them on an iPhone.

Point out the important people to us. If there’s someone special you really want captured – your nan, your childhood best friend – let us know in advance or send a photo!

Share your trend ideas beforehand. Please don’t send me TikToks on the morning of your wedding and ask to recreate them on the fly!

Introduce us to your other vendors. A quick hello to the photographer and planner makes collaboration so much smoother.

Tag us when you post. It’s so lovely to see our work out in the wild – it means a lot.

Don’t assume content can be shared with other vendors. Some creators charge for usage rights. Just ask – we won’t bite.

Wedding content creators are still a relatively new addition to the industry, but the value we offer is real. We’re not trying to compete – we’re trying to complement.