7 Reasons Restaurants Should Be Posting UGC-style Social Content
Nowadays, people book tables for the vibe as much as the menu. And unlike static, highly-polished marketing images on social media, UGC (or user-generated content) content sells the entire experience of a restaurant visit in an organic and authentic way, most natural to the social platforms.
Here are 7 reasons why restaurants should posting UGC or creator-style content over highly-polished marketing images:
It’s more relatable and authentic. People trust other people more than brands. When potential customers see real diners enjoying the food, the ambiance, and the overall vibe of a restaurant, it feels genuine and personal — like a recommendation from a friend, not an ad.
It performs better on social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritize content that feels organic and native to the feed. Polished, overly produced marketing images often get scrolled past, while candid, creator-style videos and photos grab attention and spark engagement.
It builds social proof. Seeing happy customers tagging the restaurant and sharing their experience acts as validation. It signals to potential guests that this is a spot people are excited about and willing to talk about publicly.
It captures the full experience. UGC and creator content don’t just showcase the food — they show the energy of the space, the cocktails being poured, the laughter at the table, and those little details that make people want to visit. It transports viewers into the experience.
It keeps content fresh and diverse. Relying only on branded marketing photos makes a feed feel static and one-dimensional. Incorporating UGC or creator content brings variety, spontaneity, and a human touch to the brand’s online presence.
It encourages community engagement. Featuring customers’ posts makes people feel seen and valued, which strengthens brand loyalty and encourages others to share their own content in hopes of being featured.
It’s cost-effective. Leveraging content from happy diners and creators often costs less than constant professional photoshoots, while delivering more engaging, higher-performing content.
Here are a couple examples of UGC-style pieces of content for a general restaurant overview video:
Otto Restaurant in Marrakech, Morocco
Glenrosa Restaurant in Tempe, Arizona
Filthy Animal in Tempe, Arizona
If you’re the owner, manager, or marketer for a restaurant, bar, or cafe and are looking for a creator to film some UGC-style content for your social pages, I’d love to get in touch! Feel free to check out my portfolio, see my offered services, or reach out here about working together.
