Why Every Hotel Should Be on Instagram and TikTok: 20 Key Reasons to Boost Your Hotel’s Marketing
Social media is now a pivotal aspect of modern marketing, with billions of people around the world using platforms to connect, communicate, and share content. Among these platforms, Instagram and TikTok stand out as two of the most popular social media networks today. Instagram has over one billion active users, while TikTok has a staggering 800 million active users.
For hotel owners, these platforms present a unique opportunity to connect with potential guests in a highly engaging and creative manner. In this post, we’ll dive into 20 compelling reasons why every hotel should be on Instagram and TikTok, alongside real-world examples that demonstrate how successful hotels have capitalized on these platforms.
1. Reach a Larger Audience
Instagram and TikTok offer hotels a chance to reach a vast audience. With billions of active users on both platforms, your potential to attract new guests is limitless.
Case Study: The Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, with over 18,000 Instagram followers and 3,000 TikTok followers, showcases how these platforms enable the hotel to broaden its reach and increase bookings.
2. Showcase Your Hotel’s Facilities and Services
Both Instagram and TikTok are visually-driven platforms, ideal for showcasing your hotel’s amenities. Whether it’s your stunning rooms, luxury spa, or gourmet restaurants, these platforms allow you to provide a sneak peek into what guests can expect.
Case Study: The Ritz-Carlton in Bali uses Instagram effectively to show off their luxurious spa and infinity pool, which helps attract high-end travelers seeking relaxation and indulgence.
3. Share Guest Experiences and Testimonials
Social proof is a powerful tool in the hospitality industry. By sharing real-life experiences from your guests, you can build trust and credibility.
Case Study: The W Hotel in New York City shares guest photos and videos, building a sense of community and encouraging future bookings.
4. Promote Hotel Events and Promotions
Instagram and TikTok are perfect for promoting special events, conferences, and limited-time promotions. Creative visuals and engaging content can make your offers stand out and drive bookings.
Case Study: The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills regularly posts about events like their “Suite Life” package, attracting guests who desire luxury experiences.
5. Increase Brand Awareness
Consistency on Instagram and TikTok can significantly boost brand awareness. Share captivating content to create a memorable brand identity that resonates with potential guests.
Case Study: The Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, with over 100,000 Instagram followers, has built a brand identity reflecting its artistic and hip vibe, attracting like-minded guests.
6. Connect with Influencers
Instagram and TikTok are buzzing with influencers and content creators. By partnering with them, you can tap into their established audience, increasing your reach and credibility.
Case Study: The SLS Hotel in Miami Beach worked with influencers like @Arielle and @TheBlondeAbroad to boost their brand visibility and attract a younger, trend-conscious demographic.
7. Show the Human Side of Your Hotel
People love to connect with the faces behind a brand. Instagram and TikTok provide the perfect platform to humanize your hotel by showcasing staff and behind-the-scenes moments.
Case Study: The Mandarin Oriental in New York shares stories about their chefs, managers, and spa directors, building a personal and approachable image that guests can relate to.
8. Highlight Local Attractions and Activities
Tourists love recommendations on what to do in the area. Use Instagram and TikTok to share local hotspots, from restaurants to parks and everything in between.
Case Study: The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco offers insider tips about local attractions like Golden Gate Park, enticing guests to stay longer and explore the area.
9. Increase Engagement and Interaction
Instagram and TikTok offer interactive features like polls, quizzes, and live videos, which can increase engagement. Hotels can use these tools to build a sense of community and encourage guests to participate.
Case Study: Aman Tokyo uses Instagram Stories to create engaging polls and quizzes that prompt users to share their own experiences, enhancing interaction with followers.
10. Highlight Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Many travelers are increasingly concerned with sustainability and ethical practices. Showcasing your hotel’s green initiatives on Instagram and TikTok can attract eco-conscious guests.
Case Study: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge highlights its eco-friendly practices, such as using sustainable materials and supporting local farmers, drawing guests who prioritize sustainability.
11. Leverage User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is one of the most authentic forms of promotion. Sharing guest photos and videos not only provides social proof but also helps build trust with new visitors.
Case Study: Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada leverages UGC by showcasing stunning photos shared by guests, effectively demonstrating the hotel’s appeal through real experiences.
12. Foster Brand Loyalty
Engage with your audience consistently to build brand loyalty. Personalize content to make guests feel valued, which can encourage repeat visits and foster long-term relationships.
Case Study: Wynn Las Vegas keeps their followers engaged with personalized content, showcasing luxurious facilities and maintaining a strong emotional connection with past guests.
13. Stay Competitive in the Market
In today’s digital world, hotels without a social media presence are at risk of falling behind. Instagram and TikTok are essential for staying competitive and maintaining relevance in a crowded market.
Case Study: Marriott Marquis Houston consistently posts high-quality content on Instagram, staying relevant and competitive in the fast-paced hospitality market.
14. Showcase Unique Hotel Features
Instagram and TikTok are visual-first platforms that allow hotels to showcase their unique features, whether it’s an iconic pool or a historic building. Creative content can make your hotel stand out from the competition.
Case Study: The Ace Hotel Palm Springs uses Instagram to highlight its Mid-century Modern design, attracting guests who seek unique, retro-chic experiences.
15. Build Strategic Partnerships
Social media isn’t just for attracting guests; it’s also a great way to build partnerships with other local businesses. Team up with nearby restaurants, bars, and tour companies to offer a more comprehensive guest experience.
Case Study: The Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong partners with luxury brands and restaurants, using Instagram to promote these collaborations and attract guests looking for a complete luxury experience.
16. Monitor and Respond to Feedback
Real-time feedback is invaluable. Use Instagram and TikTok to monitor what guests are saying and respond promptly to any concerns. This shows your commitment to exceptional customer service.
Case Study: Andaz London Liverpool Street uses Instagram to engage with guests, addressing their concerns immediately, which contributes to a more positive brand image.
17. Showcase Culinary Experiences
Food is an essential part of the guest experience. Use Instagram and TikTok to showcase your hotel’s culinary offerings, from signature cocktails to gourmet dishes, attracting foodies and culinary enthusiasts.
Case Study: Ritz-Carlton Montreal shares stunning photos and videos of their renowned Maison Boulud restaurant, drawing in guests who are eager to indulge in a memorable culinary adventure.
18. Offer Virtual Tours
Virtual tours are a great way to showcase your hotel’s rooms and facilities, especially for guests who can’t visit in person. Instagram and TikTok make it easy to provide a virtual experience.
Case Study: Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills uses Instagram to offer virtual tours of their luxurious rooms, allowing potential guests to explore the hotel from anywhere in the world.
19. Share Behind-the-Scenes Content
People love seeing what goes on behind the scenes. Sharing glimpses of day-to-day operations or staff behind the scenes can humanize your hotel and build deeper connections with guests.
Case Study: St. Regis Bali Resort shares behind-the-scenes content about their staff, from interviews to sustainability efforts, creating a more authentic connection with their audience.
20. Increase Direct Bookings
Instagram and TikTok can also help boost direct bookings. By offering exclusive promotions and a seamless booking experience, hotels can reduce reliance on third-party booking sites and increase their revenue.
Case Study: Four Seasons Resort Maui uses Instagram to promote special offers and make booking easy, encouraging followers to book directly and bypass third-party platforms.
Conclusion
Instagram and TikTok are more than just social media platforms; they are powerful tools for growing your hotel’s brand, attracting new guests, and increasing revenue. Whether you’re showcasing your facilities or leveraging user-generated content, these platforms offer a wealth of opportunities.
If you’re not already using Instagram and TikTok to their full potential, now is the time to start. For help with building a winning social media strategy for your hotel, reach out to Ikonik Digital at [email protected]. We can help you create engaging content, connect with your audience, and increase bookings today!
Glenford Scott is the Founder & Director of Ikonik Digital, a performance-driven marketing agency helping brands scale with strategy, storytelling, and smart execution.
With years of experience driving results across industries, from hospitality to education — Glenford specializes in turning clicks into customers and ideas into revenue.
