Introduction – Same Pint, Different Glass
Gary Vee says it often: “Content is important. But context is king.”
For pubs, this means the same pint, quiz, or disco night can’t be posted the same way everywhere. TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook each have their own “language.” If you don’t speak it, you get ignored.
This article shows how to apply Gary’s “context over content” rule to pub marketing in 2025.
Why Context Matters More Than Content
- TikTok clips under 15 seconds perform 2× better than longer ones (Statista, 2024).
- Instagram reels with trending audio get 50% higher reach than static posts (Meta, 2024).
- Facebook posts with text + event links drive 4× more RSVPs than photo-only posts (CGA, 2024).
The platform decides what works. The content is secondary.
TikTok – Raw, Fast, Funny
Gary calls TikTok the “underpriced attention” of today. For pubs:
- Use trending sounds with pint-pouring or crowd clips.
- Show raw behind-the-scenes (bartender bloopers, staff dances).
- Keep it short: 7–15 seconds max.
📌 Example: Post a clip of karaoke with trending audio → Tag location → Watch locals share it.
Instagram – Vibes & Visuals
Instagram is your digital pub menu. It’s where customers check your vibe before visiting.
- Polished reels of food, cocktails, and atmosphere.
- Stories for quick polls (“Pizza or curry?”).
- Highlights for menus, events, and regular nights.
📌 Example: Post a reel of cocktails being shaken to trending audio, then run a story poll asking which should be next week’s special.
Facebook – Community & Conversion
Facebook is still king for events and older demographics.
- Event pages for quizzes, discos, or live music.
- Long posts telling the story of the night.
- Albums with customer photos.
📌 Example: Post an event recap with 10 photos → Tag customers → Watch them share with their friends = free reach.
The Flow: One Event, Three Contexts
Gary’s pyramid meets context:
Friday Band Night →
- TikTok: 10-second crowd clip with trending sound.
- Instagram: Polished reel of the band, plus stories with polls.
- Facebook: Full event recap album + thank-you post.
Same content, three languages.
Case Study – The Pub That Got It Wrong (and Right)
One pub copied the same event poster across TikTok, Insta, and Facebook. Result? Zero traction.
Next week, they tailored:
- TikTok: Behind-the-scenes pint pour.
- Instagram: Cocktail highlight reel.
- Facebook: Storytelling recap post.
Engagement tripled. Attendance up 25%.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Copy-pasting the same post everywhere.
- Ignoring TikTok because it feels “young.”
- Forgetting older demographics still live on Facebook.
Want a coach that explains how to adapt your posts by platform?
👉 Try The Gary Vee Pub Marketing GPT — free, practical, and built for pubs.
This is one piece of the Gary Vee system. For the full framework →
👉 Gary Vee Social Media Marketing for Pubs: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
And if you want to automate the grind →
👉 Check out SmartPubTools
Conclusion – Speak the Language, Win the Crowd
Gary’s principle is simple: content without context is ignored.
For pubs, that means TikTok for fun, Insta for vibe, Facebook for events. One event can fuel all three — but only if you adapt the message.