Alright, Instagram’s got the serious potential for putting your restaurant on the map.
I mean, we’re talking over 2 billion monthly users, a crazy 523 million food hashtags, and a whopping 63% of customers checking out social media before they choose where to dine. So yeah, I’m all in!
I’ve already tackled Instagram marketing for restaurants, but now it’s time to zoom in on Reels – those super popular videos.
In this post, I’ll show you how to use restaurant reels to shake things up on your account, complete with some real-life examples. Let’s jump into it!
Why You Should Use Instagram Reels For Your Restaurant?
First things first, let’s talk about why Instagram Reels are the bomb when it comes to engagement and reach. Just peep these numbers for proof:
- Reels have the highest reach rate on Instagram with 30.81%.
- Reels are the most engaging content type on Instagram with a 1.23% engagement rate.
- Reels also have a 2x higher average impression rate compared to other post types.
Source: Socialinsider
My Personal Observation
The data isn’t just impressive; it’s solid. I keep tabs on several popular restaurant accounts like Fresh&Cousa, Chotsalad, Chilis, and others on Instagram.
What caught my eye is how they’re prioritizing reels, with over half of their posts dedicated to them. Let’s take a look at a few examples:
- Lilia restaurant: 154k followers, 224 reels out of 2,333 posts.
- Crumblcookies: 4.5M followers, 786 reels out of 2,178 posts.
- Fresh&Cousa: 18.9k followers, 217 reels out of 960 posts.
- A&W restaurants: 57.5k followers, 112 reels out of 272 posts.
- Taim restaurant: 22.1k followers, 220 reels out of 1,816 posts.
- Chilis: 447k followers, 523 reels out of 2,005 posts.
- Cena Vegan: 71.9k followers, 241 reels out of 845 posts.
- Monty’s Good Burger: 214k followers, 237 reels out of 1,061 posts.
- White Castle restaurant: 105k followers, 554 reels out of 1,961 posts.
So, here’s why you should put Reels in your restaurant marketing strategies:
- The high reach rate of Reels means you can get your restaurant in front of new potential customers who might not have been following you before. This is gold for new restaurants or those in competitive areas.
- As mentioned earlier, Reels are more engaging than static photos, leading to more likes, comments, and shares. This buzz can translate into real-world traffic, with people excited to try the dishes they saw on your Reels.
Suggested post: How to get followers from Instagram Reels
Struggling to Create Engaging Restaurant Reels? We Can Help!
Creating high-quality reels takes time and expertise. But don’t let that hold you back! Our content creation service helps restaurants craft delicious video content that will have customers stopping their scroll and craving your food. Let’s discuss your restaurant’s reel strategy.
Best Restaurant Reels Ideas for Instagram
You’re totally sold on using Instagram reels, aren’t you? Well, let’s jazz things up with some awesome ideas to draw people to your account:
#1. “Behind the scenes” dish creation
This idea is very effective. Showcase how a dish is being prepared or how the chef is adding the final touches to a masterpiece. You can use upbeat music and quick cuts to keep it dynamic.
#2. Chef’s recipe hacks
Try sharing quick and easy recipe tutorials for popular menu items, giving followers a sneak peek into your culinary secrets.
#3. Customer testimonials
User-generated content is the most effective one as it builds trust. So, feature satisfied customers sharing their favorite dishes or dining experiences at your restaurant.
#4. Create menu highlights
Nothing grabs attention like high-quality, mouthwatering videos of yummy dishes.
Create short, visually appealing clips highlighting your most mouthwatering menu items, enticing followers to come in and try them.
#5. Collaborate with others
This reel idea guarantees double reach. Whether you own a cozy or bustling restaurant, you can partner with local (micro) or macro food bloggers and influencers with a following that aligns with your target audience.
For instance, you can have them film a Reel at your restaurant, featuring their favorite dishes and the overall dining experience.
#6. Celebrate achievements
Did you win a local “Best Of” award? Did your chef get recognized in a culinary magazine? This is a great opportunity to celebrate!
Then, film a celebratory Reel showcasing the achievement. Include staff popping champagne bottles (safely!), photos of the award/recognition, and clips of happy customers enjoying your food.
#7. Unveil your new location
Your new location deserves to be celebrated, doesn’t it? Roll up your sleeves and film a montage showcasing your new restaurant’s exciting features.
Include close-up shots of the inviting ambiance, delicious dishes being plated, and your happy staff getting ready to welcome guests.
#8. Introduce your new dish
Got a new star in the house? Time to introduce it to your followers! Try this one:
Start your Reel with a close-up shot of the mouthwatering new dish, expertly plated and garnished. Or highlight any unique ingredients or cooking techniques used.
Check out how Crumbl Cookies is flaunting their delicious new cookie!
#9. Promote a special offer
By showcasing discounted or limited-time items, Reels entice viewers to try something new or order more food than usual. This helps increase your restaurant revenue.
Don’t forget to make it visually appealing! For example, use text overlays or voiceovers to clearly communicate the discount or special pricing.
Or, show close-up shots of the food or drinks included in the offer, emphasizing their deliciousness.
#10. Run giveaways
Giveaways are a fantastic way to boost engagement on your restaurant’s Instagram Reels.
They incentivize viewers to share your Reel with their friends, expanding your reach and attracting new potential customers.
Suggested post: How to do a giveaway on Instagram to gain followers
More Creative Restaurant Instagram Reels
Thankfully, there are a bunch of reel ideas to promote your restaurant. Just think about your target audience, your restaurant’s theme, resources, and your goals, then take your pick! Here are more ideas to get inspired!
#11. Food pairing tips
This is a very good reel idea as it provides valuable info and appeals to different interests.
Offer suggestions on which dishes pair best with your signature cocktails or wines. But try to be simple and clear and don’t overwhelm viewers with too many options.
Also read: Innovative catering marketing ideas
#12. Then vs. now recipe
Another great idea is to film a side-by-side comparison of a classic dish being prepared in its traditional form next to your restaurant’s modern interpretation. This highlights your unique take on familiar flavors.
#13. Blooper’s reel
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Share some funny outtakes from behind the scenes at your restaurant. It’s a great way to humanize your staff and build a lighthearted connection with your audience.
#14. Interactive polls
Want a super engaging idea? Engage your followers by hosting polls or quizzes related to food preferences, restaurant trivia, or upcoming menu additions.
#15. Culture corner
If your restaurant offers a specific cuisine, create a mini travelogue showcasing the region’s culture and the inspiration behind some of your dishes. This adds depth and story to your menu.
#16. Food facts
Share a fun and interesting historical fact about a specific dish or ingredient you use in a visually engaging Reel.
#17. Customer review response
The “Customer Review Response” idea is a creative way to thank a customer for their positive feedback and showcase a specific dish on your restaurant’s Instagram Reel.
How to Make Engaging Restaurant Reels (Do’s & Don’ts)
Making an Instagram reel is one thing, but making it engaging? That’s where the magic happens. Here are some tips to help you out:
Do create high-quality & short reels
Use high-quality cameras or smartphones to capture clear and visually appealing footage, even if it’s shot on your phone.
Also, aim for short and impactful Reels, typically between 15-30 seconds, to hold viewers’ attention.
Also read: Social media marketing for restaurants
Do use a consistent theme
Develop a recognizable visual style or theme for your Reels. This could be a warm and inviting aesthetic, a focus on vibrant colors, or a playful and humorous approach.
Remember, consistency helps viewers build brand recognition and know what to expect from your content.
Do add trending sound & music
Utilize trending music and sound effects on Instagram Reels. These sounds can grab viewers’ attention and make your Reel more discoverable through hashtags associated with the trending audio.
Do match music to Reel tone
The trending music you choose should complement the mood and message of your reel. For example, upbeat music works well for energetic content, while calmer music might suit a behind-the-scenes look.
Do add sound design & voiceovers
Sound effects can enhance your reels. They can also add humor or emphasis, while voiceovers provide clear explanations, especially for food pairing tips or recipe tutorials.
Do use quick cuts & transitions
Keep your Reels fast-paced and visually interesting with quick cuts and smooth transitions. Aim for short snippets to hold viewers’ attention.
Do add text overlays & creative edits
Text overlays help highlight key points or add humor. Explore creative editing tools like KineMaster, CapCut, Adobe Rush, Cutly, Filmora, Canva, or InShot within Instagram Reels to add visual interest.
Do write engaging captions
Write engaging captions that pique viewers’ interest and ask questions to encourage interaction. Pose questions about their favorite menu items or their ideal food pairings.
Do add clear call to actions
End your Reel with a clear call to action. For instance, tell viewers to visit your restaurant, share the Reel, or tag a friend who would love the food.
Do use relevant hashtags
First, search for popular food and restaurant hashtags and those specific to your location. Then, use relevant ones to help people discover your Reels.
Don’t copy trending reels
While inspiration can be helpful, avoid directly copying other restaurant Reels. Find your own unique voice and style to showcase your brand. Remember, Instagram suggests original reels to users.
Don’t forget the vertical format
Instagram reels are best viewed in a vertical format, so avoid using horizontal or square videos that may not display properly or fill the screen on mobile devices.
Don’t overload with text
Sure thing, text can enhance your reels, but overcrowding the screen with too much text or information can piss off both Instagram and the viewers.
Keep captions concise and easy to read, using brief messages or keywords to convey your message effectively.
Don’t neglect variety
Mix up your content to keep your audience engaged. Don’t just post the same type of Reel every time. Offer a variety of content formats, highlighting different aspects of your restaurant.
Don’t ignore analytics
Think of Instagram insights as your trusty GPS, showing you what clicks with your audience and what doesn’t. Check in regularly to tweak your reels strategy and keep things on track.
Don’t Let Your Competitors Steal the Show! Get Help Creating Restaurant Reels Today!
FAQs on Restaurant Reels
Here are a few common questions about the topic:
How can I make a restaurant reel?
To make a restaurant reel, open the Instagram app, tap on the “+” icon, select “Reels,” and start recording or uploading your video. Add music, effects, and text as desired, then share it with your followers.
How often should I post restaurant reels?
It depends on your resources and content creation capacity. However, consistency is key. Aim for at least a few Reels per week, even if it’s just 2-3.
Which one is better for my restaurant, feed or reels?
Both types of content have their perks, each serving different goals. But when it comes to engagement, reach, and impressions, stats favor Reels.
