Why Are People Bringing Cameras To Chipotle? The 'Chipotle Camera Rule' And 'Phone Method' Explained

There's an alleged "Chipotle hack" spreading on TikTok. All you need to do is bring a camera (or phone), hit record and film the Chipotle employee assembling your burrito or bowl. And voila! Big portions await you, apparently.

The so-called "Chipotle camera hack" or "Chipotle phone method" relies on an alleged rule that was implemented at Chipotle locations. Managers purportedly told their staff that if someone came in filming, extra-large scoops had to be given.

In turn, memes with cameras at Chipotle are spreading online and many are curious about what they mean. Plus, is the "Chipotle camera rule" real? Does the method work? Can you hack the fast food system? Let's explain.

What Is The 'Chipotle Camera Rule' And Is It Real?

Chipotle allegedly issued a nationwide rule that if someone came into the restaurant filming they had to be given generous portions to look good for the company's brand. This is according to a comment section from a viral TikTok that was posted last month.

The commentators alleged that they were Chipotle employees and, although unconfirmed, they said the so-called "camera rule" was totally real. No official documents have leaked from Chipotle's headquarters that show the top-down order as of early June 2024.

Regardless, TikTokers are latching onto the concept, especially because of the new "phone method" that some think works.

@snazzycarlos Matching the energy 😂 #comedy #viral #foryou ♬ Laughing – Gianluca Marino

@chipotle

i’m working late, cuz i’m Chipotle

♬ original sound – Chipotle

Who Discovered The 'Chipotle Camera Hack' And 'Phone Method?'

Before the "camera rule" rumor even spread, TikToker @aliyahrosee22 posted a video in mid-May in which she claimed that recording your order's assembly gave you a "respectable amount" of portions at Chipotle.

It's unclear where she got the idea because she's currently the first discovered user to post about the "method." Her video didn't even receive a massive amount of views, but soon after its upload others went viral for showcasing the same Chipotle hack.

@aliyahrosee22 @Chipotle now this is a respectable amount #chipotle #chipotlebowl #fyp #good #eats ♬ original sound – Honeylee 🍯

Does The 'Chipotle Camera Hack' And 'Phone Method' Work?

Ultimately, it is up for debate. Some people who've tried the method have reported great success. Others have been nonplussed.

Given that Chipotle has joined the discourse with a recent TikTok video, maybe they're onto us.

@bigbackehab i shouldve walked out 😭😭😭😭 #fyp #chipotle ♬ original sound – lacetedi

What Do The 'Chipotle Camera' Memes Mean?

Memes are spreading fast as more people hear about the alleged Chipotle hack. So far, many of the memes are video skits in which people are taking increasingly elaborate camera equipment to their local Chipotle, hoping to get the biggest bowl ever. Some Chipotles even look like a paparazzi onslaught (we think satirically, but are not totally sure).

@snazzycarlos Matching the energy 😂 #comedy #viral #foryou ♬ Laughing – Gianluca Marino

@lawrencefinesso THE CHIPOTLE HACK REALLY WORK!! full video youtube:lawrencefinesso #lawrencefinesso #chipotle #foodtiktok ♬ original sound – LawrenceFinesso

The media buzz and the strange optics surrounding this phenomenon has earned jokes on Twitter / X and elsewhere. Like, everyone loves Chipotle. The chain really has a chokehold on America's youth. Mix that with the cringe emitted by influencer culture in general and you're sure to get some palpable parodies of this viral fast food hack.




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For the full history of the "Chipotle camera rule," be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.