TikTok tips for 2025: How hospitality brands can rule social video

Video content is now a cornerstone of engagement on social media. In a sector where the experience is everything, bringing an offer to life with reels and video allows hospitality businesses to engage an audience that can be missed by other marketing methods.

 

Engagement is crucial in a crowded market. Videos encourage interaction through likes, shares, and comments, fostering a sense of community around a brand.

 

It’s not as simple as filming a chef prepare a dish or a doorman welcome a guest, but there are ways you can make sure your efforts hit the sweet spot.

 

We will be exploring how to make those efforts work in the Social Media Summit on 21 November, which will also include how to utilise AI technology and master paid advertising to transform your social media campaigns.

 

Register for the social media summit

 

How to create a marketing video for social media

 

1. Optimise your videos for search with keywords

 

More people than ever are searching social video for answers and info, make sure your videos are optimised around your keywords

 

2. Tell a story for those with no prior knowledge of your brand

 

Videos have to work out of context, as most people who see them don’t follow you or know about you. Don’t go into tons of detail but do try and give the videos a sense of place

 

3. Batch shoot videos to streamline production

 

Batch shoot your videos to create a series each week. Put time aside to brainstorm ideas with team members and engage them in the process. Creativity can come from any department and position so give your teams the space to surprise you.

 

4. Prioritise providing informative content over entertainment

 

Don’t worry about entertaining people. Informative content does really well, often better. Be honest and keep the content as ‘real’ as possible. People want to see activities that might seem everyday to you, but are a real insight to them.

 

5. Experiment with different topics, styles and formats

 

Experiment with topics, styles and formats. No-one can tell you what works, you’ll find that yourself. The advantage of analytics means you’ll soon see what areas to focus on.

 

6. Start your videos strong to keep people watching

 

Put your most engaging content at the beginning. You need a strong start. Keep people watching for just five seconds and you’ve cracked it.

 

7. Interact with other accounts to increase visibility

 

Take time to engage with others in your area, whether that’s fellow hoteliers, restaurants or chefs. They will return your interest and add to your credibility. It’s an easy way to show up and get seen.

 

8. Encourage engagement to maximise your video’s impact

 

Views are important, likes and comment more so, but saves, shares and sends are the true indicator of success. Videos that drive these actions go viral.