How to make your restaurant go viral on TikTok? See 5 strategies to follow right now!
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In today’s digital landscape, TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform for restaurants aiming to enhance their marketing strategies and reach a broader audience. With over a billion active users worldwide, TikTok offers a unique opportunity for eateries to showcase their culinary creations, ambiance, and behind-the-scenes operations in engaging, bite-sized videos.
This article delves into how restaurants are leveraging TikTok to go viral and provides actionable steps for you to do the same.
The rise of TikTok in restaurant marketing
TikTok’s rapid growth has transformed it from a niche app for lip-syncing videos to a mainstream social media giant influencing various industries, including the food and beverage sector.
Restaurants have recognized the platform’s potential to connect with younger demographics, particularly Generation Z and Millennials, who are known for valuing authentic and visually appealing content. By creating short, engaging videos, restaurants can showcase their brand personality, menu items, and unique dining experiences, fostering a loyal online community.
Read more: Social media marketing guide & tips for restaurants
Benefits of TikTok marketing for restaurants
Embracing TikTok as part of your restaurant’s marketing strategy can yield several advantages:
1. Increased brand visibility
Viral TikTok videos can significantly boost your restaurant’s visibility, attracting both local patrons and tourists. Unlike traditional advertising, TikTok allows organic reach, meaning a single engaging video can expose your brand to millions without a hefty marketing budget.
2. Authentic customer engagement
The platform encourages genuine interactions, allowing restaurants to build trust and rapport with their audience. Users often leave comments, duet videos, and share their experiences, which helps build a strong community around your brand.
Responding to comments and engaging with customers through challenges or Q&A sessions fosters even deeper connections.
3. Cost-effective promotion
Creating content on TikTok is relatively inexpensive, making it accessible for restaurants with varying marketing budgets. A smartphone and a little creativity are all you need to produce engaging videos. Compared to paid digital ads, organic TikTok content can generate significant reach without ongoing ad spend.
Read more: The potential for a 2025 food shortage and its impact on food businesses
4. Trend participation
Engaging with current TikTok trends can position your restaurant as contemporary and in touch with popular culture. Trends change frequently, and participating in viral challenges, using trending sounds, or leveraging popular hashtags can increase your content’s chances of appearing on the For You Page (FYP), TikTok’s main discovery feed.
5. Drive more foot traffic and online orders
Many restaurants report a direct correlation between TikTok success and an increase in customer visits. When users see an appealing dish or a unique dining experience on their feed, they are more likely to seek out the restaurant. TikTok also allows you to include links to online ordering platforms, making it easy for viewers to convert from spectators to paying customers.
Read more: Engaging local diners: A guide to restaurant geomarketing
6. Opportunity for user-generated content (UGC)
Encouraging customers to share their own TikTok videos featuring your restaurant can amplify your marketing efforts. User-generated content serves as free advertising and provides authentic endorsements for your brand. You can incentivize UGC by running contests or offering discounts for customers who post about their experience.
7. Leverage influencer marketing
Collaborating with TikTok influencers, especially local food bloggers or lifestyle creators, can bring credibility and a wider audience to your restaurant. Influencers already have a loyal following public, and their endorsement can create a ripple effect that brings in new customers who trust their recommendations.
8. Enhanced storytelling opportunities
TikTok’s short-video format allows restaurants to tell compelling stories about their brand, food, staff, and culture. Whether it’s the journey of sourcing ingredients, the inspiration behind a signature dish, or a day in the life of a chef, storytelling makes your restaurant more relatable and memorable.
9. Real-time feedback and insights
Unlike traditional marketing, TikTok provides real-time engagement metrics that help restaurants understand what content resonates with their audience. Monitoring likes, comments, and shares allows businesses to refine their content strategy and focus on what works best.
10. Boosts SEO and online presence
TikTok content can enhance your restaurant’s search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Many users search for restaurants based on viral TikTok recommendations. Additionally, TikTok videos often appear in Google search results, further increasing brand exposure and credibility.
Strategies for creating viral TikTok content
To harness the power of TikTok effectively, consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Showcase signature dishes
Highlighting your restaurant’s standout menu items with mouth-watering visuals can entice viewers to visit. For instance, a 15-second video demonstrating the preparation of a popular dish can captivate potential customers.
2. Provide behind-the-scenes glimpses
Offering a peek into daily operations humanizes your brand and fosters a sense of community. This could include staff introductions, ingredient sourcing journeys, or recipe testing sessions.
3. Collaborate with influencers
Partnering with local food influencers can amplify your reach and lend credibility to your restaurant. Influencers can create content featuring your dishes, potentially leading to increased foot traffic.
4. Engage in TikTok challenges
Participating in or creating your own challenges can boost engagement and attract new followers. Encourage customers to join in and share their experiences, creating a sense of community and virality.
5. Share customer testimonials
Featuring satisfied customers enjoying their meals can build trust and encourage others to visit. User-generated content serves as authentic endorsements of your offerings.
Case studies: Restaurants that went viral on TikTok
Examining successful examples can provide valuable insights:
1. Easy Street Burgers
In October 2023, Los Angeles-based Easy Street Burgers experienced a surge in business after TikTok reviewer Keith Lee praised their burgers. This endorsement led to large crowds and a significant revenue increase, demonstrating the impact of influencer marketing.
2. Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery
Manhattan’s Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery gained viral attention in early 2022 for their Suprême croissant. The unique pastry attracted long lines and increased sales, showcasing how innovative menu items can capture TikTok audiences.
Leveraging TikTok as a marketing tool can propel your restaurant into the digital spotlight, attracting new patrons and fostering a vibrant online community. By creating authentic, engaging content and staying attuned to platform trends, your restaurant can harness the power of virality to achieve sustained success.
Make your restaurant a success with CloudKitchens!
At CloudKitchens, we understand the importance of adapting to digital trends in the food industry. Our innovative kitchen solutions are designed to support restaurants in expanding their reach and optimizing operations. Whether you’re looking to capitalize on viral marketing or streamline your delivery services, CloudKitchens provides the infrastructure and expertise to help your restaurant thrive in the digital age.
Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? Learn more about how CloudKitchens can support your growth!
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.
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