8 Trending Ways to Promote Your Restaurant on TikTok

There is no doubt that TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years. From fashion to food, the app has now become a global hub for education, exploration, and entertainment.

It is the world's fastest-growing social network, with over one billion users, 1,700 million of whom are active monthly. According to recent reports, TikTok has the highest average engagement rate of any social platform, making it addictive for users.

But what kind of content works for restaurants on TikTok?

We are here to help you get started on TikTok or boost your restaurant's presence on the app.

TikTok is a social media app focused on short-form videos. It enables users to create, upload, and share the most diverse content. From culinary experiences to classic dancing videos, this includes it all. Creators have access to a wide range of effects, filters, audio songs, and other tools.

TikTok's prowess as an entertainment platform helps it stand out among other social platforms. Because of the algorithm it uses for its users, it is both enticing and easy to watch. Based on previous activity, the app uses artificial intelligence to provide personalized recommendations for each user's “For You" Page.

So, what do viral dances and memeable sounds have to do with restaurants?

Restaurants are adopting TikTok into their social media marketing campaigns for a variety of reasons, including:

Attracting new customers: One in every two millennials and two out of every five TikTok users have visited a restaurant after viewing it on the social media platform, proving that views can be converted into dollars.

Meeting audiences where they are: With one billion monthly active TikTok users who are constantly ingesting new content, the platform for social media is a force to be reckoned with.

Having fun with branding and marketing: TikTok is still a platform ripe for experimentation, and it is less “polished" than platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Use the eight strategies below to promote your restaurant on the most engaging platform and draw the opportunity and growth that TikTok offers.

When you're first starting out with TikTok marketing, deciding what to post can be difficult. We've got you covered with these restaurant specific TikTok ideas:

1. Share Recipes & Food in the Making

Share behind-the-scenes videos of your restaurant's cooking and recipes. Use jump cuts to piece together videos of your chefs putting together meals step-by-step.

Food is ideal for creating drool-worthy content. We've seen #food and #foodies photos and videos taken off on Instagram, and it's doing the same on TikTok.

3. Prove that you're keeping up with trends   

If you didn't already know, TikTok is well-known for its ability to spread trends like wildfire. These trends are usually sparked by music, the latest song or sound that go viral on the app, and hashtags.

When users share a life hack, viewers begin to recreate the video, adding their own spin. Ike's Sandwiches did this when they posted their Tortilla Hack Video. The restaurant also featured a TikTok video that has gone viral.

4. Host a live event   

Once your TikTok account gets 1,000 followers, you can go live and interact with users in real-time.   

With this feature, you can set up short cooking classes or virtual happy hours to teach users how to make one of your famous cocktails or dishes. You can also attract the attention of home chefs by teaching basic cooking skills in your live streams.     

TikTok users spend an average of 95 minutes every day on the platform! When users spend this much time on the app, broadcasting live videos is ideal for attracting their attention and engaging them with your page.  

5. Introduce Menu Items   

TikTok is a great way to share a close-up of your restaurant's new or best-selling dishes. It's like a taste test for your fans, offering them a preview glimpse at what they can try for themselves.   

Check out our restaurant menu guide to find out what should be on it. 

6. Collaborate with TikTok Influencers   

Partnering with TikTok influencers can be a great way to promote your restaurant, and Chipotle is leading the way with its latest launch. Chipotle has added fajita quesadillas to its menu in response to popular TikTok videos.  

4. Run a promo to boost your mailing list  

Use TikTok's power to turn viewers into email subscribers. Make a video about a special offer, but ask users to sign up for your email list to receive it. You'll need a compelling incentive, such as:  

1. A promo code 
2. Half-off appetizers  
3. Free dessert  
4. Early access to a limited-edition dish  
5. Invite to a grand opening celebration  

An email list is one of the only marketing channels you own completely; it is unaffected by search engine rankings or social media algorithms.   

Once you've compiled a list, you can start promoting your restaurant directly to customers.  

8. Show a full-course meal

Feature a TikTok video of a multi-course meal at your restaurant to give diners a taste of what it's like to eat there. Include anything from beverages to appetizers and desserts; you can even recommend cocktail and food combos. A lunch tour is especially effective if you provide tasting menus or experiential dining. Keep viewers interested by switching courses quickly.  

Use popular noises

To obtain more views, create your videos around the latest trending sounds, as Chipotle did with the corn song. On your Discover tab or at the TikTok Creative Center, you can find the hottest new sounds. 

Keep up with TikTok trends; national food holidays are a perfect fit for restaurants. When you've found one that works, create a video with a fun twist that showcases your unique brand personality or style.   

Use the right hashtags

Respond to every comment and DM to increase your engagement rate.   

While logged in to your restaurant account, comment on other TikTok posts. If you're funny or intelligent, it can bring people back to your page.  

Make a TikTok for your restaurant to drive up engagement and get more clients. At first, it may seem like a lot of effort, but once you start making a few videos, you'll be hooked!   

With TikTok, you can not only increase your restaurant's visibility but also create a fear-of-missing-out effect that encourages people to try your delicious food.  

Keep up with the latest trends by  staying connected with us.