A common question I get asked when a business is thinking of creating video testimonials or case studies is:
“How much time does my client need to film the testimonial?”
It’s a fair concern. Your clients are busy, and the last thing you want is to ask for something that feels like a burden.
So let’s answer this clearly and honestly.
How much time does a customer really need to spend to film a testimonial or case study?
The short answer:
👉 About 1 hour — sometimes less.
Now let’s break that down properly.
First, What’s the Difference Between a Testimonial and a Case Study?
Understanding this helps set expectations for time, and effort from your customer; and outcomes for you.
Video Testimonials
Testimonials are the simplest and quickest form of social proof.
They are usually:
- 30–60 seconds long
- Focused on results, experience, and recommendation
- Simple, direct, and emotionally authentic
Your customer shares:
- What they received from you
- How it made them feel
- Why they’d recommend your business
👉 Example: Whitehorse Plumbing Testimonial for SheCounts
Video Case Studies
Case studies are deeper credibility builders for your business.
They tell your client’s story:
- The problem your client faced
- Why it mattered to their business to solve it
- How they found YOUR solution
- The outcome or transformation they achieved
It is important to note that case studies focus more on your client than on you — but that’s exactly why they work so well.
When a client explains how your product or service helped them succeed, your business is naturally elevated to the position of the trusted solution. AND, they take your potential clients on an emotional journey with a happy ending.
👉 Example: Cardinia Shire Council for Thomas Dureyea
Case Testimonials (The Middle Ground)
Case testimonials sit between testimonials and case studies.
They are:
- Problem-specific
- 45 seconds to 3 minutes
- Focused on one clear challenge and outcome
Despite sounding detailed, these can be incredibly concise.
A Real-World Example (Why This Works)
Here’s a quick personal example.
When I started Fantestimonial, I wanted to look like a legitimate business — not just someone with a mobile phone.
I needed:
- A proper local business number
- The ability to take calls from my mobile anywhere
Aussie Broadband set me up with a VOIP solution that gave me an 03 number while still working on my phone.
I was initially hesitant because I’d heard VOIP could be unreliable. And sure enough, when I first attempted to setup on my phone and computer, it failed.
But their team patiently walked me through it, step by step. Within a day, everything worked perfectly.
Now I use a local number on my mobile as if it’s a regular mobile phone — and I’d absolutely use Aussie Broadband again as my business grows.
That entire story?
👉 Less than one minute of video.
Clear problem. Clear solution. Genuine recommendation.
So, How Much Time Does a Client Actually Need?
Preparation Time (10–30 minutes)
Before filming, it helps to:
- Understand the client’s story from their perspective
- Clarify the objective and focus of the video
- Let them know what kind of questions they’ll be asked
They key thing is to ensure that your client understands how they are helping you, and in way also helping themselves. Because in every Case Study or Testimonial, there are 2 businesses being highlighted.
This “session” can be:
- A 10–15 minute call, or
- A short email exchange
Including a little thinking time on their end, preparation usually totals around 30 minutes.
Recording Time (30–60 minutes)
I will highlight this on the onset, that I use the term “Recording” instead of “Filming”, because at Fantestimonial, we can record the video on-location or online using a video call. Regardless of which method is employed:
- Most interviews take 30–45 minutes
- Realistically, your client only needs to be available for about 1 hour; once we include minor adjustments for lighting, sound, or even finding a better background in the case of online recordings, which might take 10 to 15 minutes.
- The film crew for on-location shoot (usually only 1 or 2 people) will need 30 minutes to set up the interview location prior to filming, and it doesn’t require your client to be there until we are ready.
That’s it. (See it’s not as tenuous as most people think)
What About B-Roll?
Wait… What is B-Roll?
You know when you watch some interview stories and as the interviewee is telling his story, we see footage of the interviewee doing things or performing tasks relevant to what he is saying? Or more general footage that is relevant to what is being spoken about in the story?
That’s B-Roll. A-Roll is the main interview.
For case studies and case testimonials, it’s often helpful to capture:
- The client’s workspace in action
- Them using your product or service in a real-world context
These shots elevate the professionalism of the video and enhances context and visual interest in the storytelling.
It is important to note that your client does not always need to be present. It is ideal for them to be, but it is not mission critical.
Filming B-roll usually takes 1–2 hours, handled mostly by the video team.
If filming isn’t practical:
- Existing good quality photos that are relevant or graphics (some people call them cartoons) can be used instead
- This works especially well for online interviews
How Long Do Simple Testimonials Take?
Simple testimonials can be recorded in 10–15 minutes.
However, this is where experience matters.
Short testimonials need a skilled interviewer. Someone who can, not just ask a preset number of questions, but also:
- Think on their feet and ask smart follow-up questions
- Shape the story through the questions for the intended audience
Without that direction, testimonials often become generic, like many reviews on Google Reviews:
“Great service. Highly recommend.”
That’s not persuasion, it’s motherhood statements that benefit no one.
The Bottom Line
In reality, filming testimonials and case studies is far less disruptive than most businesses expect.
General rule of thumb:
- Your client spends about 1 hour
- You gain one of the most powerful trust-building marketing assets available
With the right video team guiding the process, it’s easy, respectful of your client’s time, and incredibly effective.
If you’ve been holding back because you’re worried about inconveniencing your clients — you can let that concern go.
The return far outweighs the time investment on your part, and can actually build more trust between you and your customer who is giving you the testimonial as well.
Frequently Asked Questions about how much time someone needs to record a testimonial
How much time does my client need to spend filming a video testimonial?
Most testimonials take only 10–15 minutes to record, guided by an experienced interviewer. However, if we want to expand the testimonial into a longer more effective trust and credibility building video, it will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How long does it take to film a video case study?
The interview usually takes 30–45 minutes. Including preparation, clients typically need about one hour. It will be good if there is a 10 to 15 minute session with the client to understand their perspective of the story, and let them know what is expected, and what the questions are. They can then take their time to prepare to answer the questions.
Is filming disruptive or uncomfortable for clients?
No. A good, professional testimonial interviewer always sets the clients at ease even before the camera rolls. There is also no pressure to get the answers “right” the first time. It is usually a casual affair.
Most importantly, your client’s time is respected as we’ll film at their convenience, and within the time frame they have allocated.
Can testimonials be filmed online?
Yes. At Fantestimonial, we can certainly interview your client using a video call.
Do clients need to be present for B-roll filming?
Ideally yes, but it is not mission critical if they are not available. So the answer is no, but yes will be good.
At Fantestimonial, we do offer a full, do-it-for-you service where we’ll take over all the contacting and arrangements of the filming so that you don’t have to.
We’ll always treat your clients as you would, and respect both theirs and your time and resources to create the video.
If you want to know more about how we do it, book in a time for a chat with us. There are no-obligations, just a chat.
