I want to start by sharing a little story. A few months ago, I stumbled on an Instagram Reel of a boutique hotel's rooftop infinity pool at sunset. It was just a 15-second clip – golden light reflecting on the water, a guest clinking their glass, and a panoramic city view. That tiny video told a whole story about the hotel's vibe and hospitality in a way no brochure ever could. I was so captivated I actually bookmarked the place for a future trip. That's when it really hit me: in the hospitality world, storytelling is everything, and Instagram Reels are quickly becoming one of the best ways to tell those stories.

As someone who geeks out on social media (I'm not a hotel or restaurant owner myself, but I love seeing how these things work), I've noticed how much Instagram Reels have taken off. And it's not just a hunch – the numbers are kind of mind-blowing. By 2025, over 2 billion people are engaging with Reels each month, and something like 200 billion Reels get viewed every single day. Let that sink in for a moment. It means travelers and potential customers are out there scrolling through short videos constantly. Instagram has clearly made Reels the feature to watch (literally and figuratively), even giving Reels more reach and engagement than regular photo posts or standard videos – on average Reels get about 22% more interaction than typical video posts.

From what I've seen, Instagram Reels aren't just another shiny social media toy – they're particularly useful for hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, and event spaces. Why? Because this industry is all about the experience. Guests don't just buy a bed or a cup of coffee; they buy the atmosphere, the service, the story behind your brand.

I read recently that travelers these days often use Instagram Reels as inspiration for their next trip and as a way to interact with hotel brands. It makes sense – a quick Reel can show the vibe of your lobby or the presentation of your signature dish much better than a static photo. Video gives people a more genuine feel of what it's like to walk through your doors. A short clip of guests laughing over brunch in your café, or a bride seeing your event venue's garden for the first time, can spark an emotional connection.

And don't worry if you're not a social media expert – I certainly wasn't when I first dabbled in making video content. The good news is that Instagram designed Reels to be pretty accessible. With a smartphone and a bit of creativity, anyone can make a 15-30 second mini-film showcasing their space. Plus, Instagram is pushing Reels hard, so the algorithm tends to reward you with more exposure when you post them. It's basically free marketing fuel for your brand.

So how exactly can a hotel or a restaurant tell a story in just 30 seconds? The key is to focus on moments and themes that define your guest experience.

The beauty of these short videos is that they don't have to cover everything at once. Each Reel can be a chapter of your story. One day you're posting the morning coffee routine at your hotel's café, the next day it's a snapshot of the Friday night jazz event in the lobby. Over time, your followers start to get a vivid picture of what your brand is all about – welcoming, fun, elegant, quirky, whatever it may be.

And consistency helps. I've noticed that brands that post Reels regularly – say a couple times a week – stay on people's radar more. It might feel repetitive to you, but new viewers are discovering you all the time. If you keep sharing those authentic little stories, you'll gradually build an audience that feels connected to your hospitality brand.

Now, you might be thinking, "This sounds great in theory, but how do I actually make my Reels stand out?"
I had the same question when I started experimenting. Here are some super practical tips – the same ones I share with my friends and colleagues:

At this point, you might be nodding along but also feeling like, "This sounds like a lot of work… I already have a business to run!" Believe me, I get it. Consistently creating great content takes time and energy, especially when you've got guests to attend to or events to plan. That's where hiring a freelancer who specializes in social media videos can be a game-changer.

Bringing in an expert allows you to focus on what you do best (running your hospitality business) while they work their creative magic showcasing it. A skilled social media freelancer can:

I've seen small boutique hotels and family-run restaurants punch way above their weight on Instagram by collaborating with creative freelancers. It's like having a part-time marketing whiz on your team, without the overhead of a full-time hire.

In fact, I recently read a comprehensive review of a Fiverr gig called "I will create engaging Instagram reels for your brand", run by a freelancer named Elif. She specializes in exactly this kind of content creation. What stood out to me was how she takes the time to understand a brand's style and story before crafting the Reels.

At the end of the day, the heart of hospitality marketing is sharing what makes your place special. Instagram Reels are just a medium – a very popular and effective one – to convey that. Whether you're giving potential guests a glimpse of the sunrise view from your hotel balcony or showing the love that goes into Grandma's secret recipe at your café, you're building a connection.

So go ahead and give Reels a shot. Start small, learn as you go, and don't hesitate to get a bit of expert help if you need it. I'm excited for you to tell your hospitality story to the world, one short and sweet video at a time.