How Restaurants Are Going Viral with Food Reels and TikToks
In today’s fast-paced digital world, viral food content is reshaping how restaurants get discovered. Platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok are goldmines for reaching new customers, showcasing your best dishes, and building buzz around your brand. At Fresh Take, we know what it takes to create food videos that stop the scroll, drive engagement, and, ultimately, fill your tables. Here’s how restaurants are going viral with short-form content—and how you can, too.
1. Focus on Quick, Attention-Grabbing Hooks
The first 3 seconds are everything. Viral food videos start with a hook that grabs viewers instantly. Whether it’s a cheese pull, the sizzle of a steak, or the pop of a champagne cork, we capture visually irresistible moments that make viewers stop and watch.
Pro Tip:
Start with action. Skip the intros and jump straight to the good stuff—your food, your team, or the energy of your restaurant.
2. Highlight the Process—Not Just the Plate
Viewers love seeing how their favorite dishes are made. Short-form videos that highlight the cooking process—like kneading dough, adding toppings, or plating the final dish—create anticipation and curiosity.
Example:
Show a 15-second journey of a pizza being prepped, baked, and sliced with gooey cheese pulls for maximum impact.
3. Use Trending Sounds and Music
TikTok and Instagram Reels thrive on trending audio. At Fresh Take, we pair your food visuals with the perfect sounds to give them a viral edge.
Quick Tip:
Trending songs or fun voiceovers make your content more discoverable. Tie your visuals to trending audio clips to tap into a wider audience.
4. Add Personality and Fun
What makes your restaurant unique? Viewers love seeing personality in food content. From your staff’s energy to fun behind-the-scenes clips, showcasing the “human” side of your brand makes your videos more relatable—and shareable.
Content Idea:
Film a short, funny skit of a chef reacting to a customer’s “no cilantro” request or a server’s favorite dish recommendations.
5. Leverage Food Trends and Challenges
Food trends spread like wildfire on TikTok and Instagram. Whether it’s a new plating trend, unique flavor combination, or a viral challenge, jumping on the right trend can introduce your restaurant to a massive audience.
Pro Tip:
Stay updated on trending food hashtags like #FoodTok, #CheesePull, or #BrunchGoals to find creative ways to showcase your menu.
6. Keep It Authentic and Visually Appealing
Today’s viewers can spot overly polished content from a mile away. Viral videos feel authentic while still being beautifully shot. At Fresh Take, we strike the balance between real, immersive visuals and professional-quality production that showcases your food’s best features.
Example:
Capture a candid moment of a chef perfecting a garnish or customers digging into their meals with genuine reactions.
7. End With a Call to Action
A viral video is great, but driving real results matters most. Short-form food content should include a call to action:
“Come try this dish for yourself!”
“Tag someone who needs to see this!”
“Reserve your table now!”
Why It Works:
Clear, direct CTAs turn viral moments into real-world customers.
Let Fresh Take Help You Go Viral
At Fresh Take, we specialize in creating scroll-stopping short-form videos that showcase your food, your atmosphere, and your story. Whether it’s for Instagram Reels or TikTok, we know what it takes to craft content that’s fresh, fun, and shareable—helping your restaurant get discovered and stay top-of-mind.
👉 Contact us today to create food videos that get people talking, sharing, and dining with you: Get in Touch.
