What Is an African Birthday Video? How It Works, Step by Step

You've probably seen one on TikTok or Instagram: a group of performers somewhere in Africa holds up a board with someone's name, shouts out a birthday message and starts dancing. Here's what these videos are, how they're made and how you can order one.

1. What you get in an African birthday video

Here's what's included when you order from our crew at African Crew Greetings:

• A handwritten board with the name and your message
• A shout-out: the crew calls out your message on camera
• An optional photo that the crew holds up in the video
• Dancing, to a song we pick or your own song via a YouTube link
• About 40-60 seconds of video, depending on the song
• Delivery by email in 1-2 days, Priority within 24 hours

See our crews

2. How it works, step by step

1. Pick your crew. We have 7 crews, each with its own look, from a live band to our women's crew.
2. Write your message. Add the board text, the shout-out, a photo and, if you like, your own song.
3. We film it live. Real people from our crew record your video, just for your order.
4. Get your video by email in 1-2 days and share it however you like.

3. Who films the videos?

There isn't just one group. Dance crews in several African countries film personalized greetings, each with its own style. Our crew is based in Nigeria. Every video you order from us is filmed live by real people, and every crew member is paid for every video we film. More about how we work.

4. When to give an African birthday video

• Birthdays, especially milestone birthdays like 18, 21, 30, 40 or 50
• Anniversaries and love messages
• Retirements and farewells at the office
• Bachelor and bachelorette parties
• Get well soon and "stay strong" messages
• Long-distance birthdays, because there's nothing to ship

5. Tips for the best reaction

• Keep the board text short (2 to 6 words) and put the longer message in the shout-out.
• Add a funny photo. Seeing their own picture held up is half the fun.
• Watch it together. Play it at the party, at dinner or during a video call.

Need inspiration? Here are 50 funny birthday messages for a video shout-out.

FAQ

Are African birthday videos real?

Ours are. Every video is filmed live by real people from our crew, with the name and message from your order.

How long does it take to get the video?

By email in 1-2 days. With Priority delivery, within 24 hours.

Can the message be in another language?

Yes. English or any other language, performed word for word.

Can I choose the song?

Yes. Send a YouTube link and the exact second the song should start, or let the crew pick.