5 Social Media Trends Every Restaurant Should Be Following in 2025

Introduction

The social media landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead is critical for restaurants to thrive. In 2025, occasional menu photos or basic promotions won’t cut it—you need strategies that captivate your audience and set you apart from the competition.

Social media is essential for attracting new customers, building loyalty, and driving revenue. These five game-changing social media trends will help your restaurant stay relevant, engage your audience, and grow your business. Let’s dive in!

1. Short-Form Video is King

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominate the social media scene—and for good reason. Short-form videos capture attention quickly, drive engagement, and let your restaurant showcase its personality in creative ways.

Why It Works:

Snackable content grabs attention in seconds, and 66% of consumers say they prefer video over other types of content when learning about new products or services.

Examples for Restaurants:

• Behind-the-scenes prep videos: Show how your chefs create mouthwatering dishes.
• Tutorials: Step-by-step guides to making signature dishes or cocktails.
• Time-lapse videos: Capture the energy of a busy night at your restaurant.

Actionable Tip:

Keep videos under 15 seconds, use trending audio to boost visibility, and add captions for accessibility. Quick, engaging videos can turn casual scrollers into loyal customers.

2. Authentic Storytelling Through UGC

User-generated content (UGC) is a goldmine for restaurants. When customers share their experiences online, it builds trust and authenticity, making your brand more relatable and appealing.

What It Is:

UGC includes photos, videos, or reviews created by your customers about your restaurant.

Examples of UGC:

• Diners posting photos of meals on Instagram Stories.
• Positive reviews turned into eye-catching social media posts.

Why It’s Powerful:

92% of people trust recommendations from individuals—even if they don’t know them—over brand advertisements.

How to Encourage UGC:

• Create a branded hashtag and promote it in your restaurant.
• Run a contest like, “Tag us for a chance to win a free meal!”
• Repost and credit UGC to show your appreciation.

3. Hyper-Local Targeting and Ads

Meeting your customers where they are—literally—is essential in 2025. Geo-targeted ads and local campaigns are great for driving foot traffic and filling tables.

Why It Matters:

Hyper-local ads reach diners in your immediate area, making promotions relevant and actionable.

Platforms:

Instagram and Facebook allow precise location targeting, letting you tailor ads for nearby audiences.

Examples of Local Campaigns:

• “Craving pizza tonight? We’re just around the corner!”
• Weekday lunch specials for nearby offices.

How to Get Started:

Use localized hashtags, geotags in posts, and create location-specific promotions to connect with your community.

4. Interactive Content Drives Engagement

Boost visibility and foster meaningful connections with interactive content.

Why It’s Effective:

Interactive features encourage followers to engage, increasing your visibility in algorithms and strengthening relationships with your audience.

Types of Interactive Content:

• Instagram polls: “What should our next special be?”
• Q&A sessions: Host a live chat with your chef.
• Voting contests: Let followers choose new menu items.

Pro Tip:

Use interactive features regularly to create a two-way conversation with your audience. The more they interact, the more invested they become in your brand.

5. Sustainability and Values-Driven Content

Today’s consumers care about more than just food—they want to support brands that align with their values.

Consumer Shift:

More customers prioritize ethical and sustainable practices when choosing where to dine.

How to Showcase Your Values:

• Highlight locally sourced ingredients in your posts.
• Share stories about reducing waste or using eco-friendly packaging.
• Feature partnerships with local farmers or charities.

Example Post Ideas:

• “Meet our farmer: Fresh, local ingredients for your plate.”
• “This week, we donated meals to our community—thank you for supporting us!”

Actionable Tips to Start Implementing These Trends

Feeling overwhelmed? Start small and build from there.

Here’s How to Get Started:

• Pick One Trend: Focus on a single trend and execute it well before moving to the next.
• Use Free Tools: Canva for graphics, CapCut for video editing, and Hootsuite for scheduling.
• Monitor Analytics: Track engagement metrics like likes, shares, and views to see what works.
• Experiment and Iterate: Test different post formats and refine your strategy.
• Collaborate: Partner with local influencers or vendors to expand your reach authentically.

By starting with manageable steps, you can implement these trends effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

Conclusion

These five trends—short-form video, UGC, hyper-local targeting, interactive content, and sustainability—are essential for building a standout social media presence in 2025. Embracing these strategies will help you attract new customers, engage your audience, and grow your brand like never before.

Ready to Take Your Social Media to the Next Level?

Save time and let the experts at Brand To Table handle it for you. We’ll create a custom social media strategy tailored to your restaurant’s needs.

📞 Contact us today at 201-693-7903 or BrandToTable.com and let’s bring your brand to the table!