From bustling coffee shops in Ouseburn to independent retailers in Jesmond, Newcastle’s businesses and creators are getting smarter — and more strategic — with their social media presence. While platforms constantly shift, some clear patterns are emerging across the city.
Whether you’re building a brand, running a local business or just starting out as a content creator, here’s what’s actually working on social media in Newcastle right now.
Local Pride Is Driving Engagement
One of the biggest social media strengths in Newcastle is its sense of identity. Businesses that lean into Geordie culture are seeing strong engagement because their content feels real, relatable and rooted in place.
You’ll find creators celebrating everything from Greggs to the Tyne Bridge. Local slang in captions, nods to match days and shout-outs to North East landmarks all create a strong sense of belonging — and people respond to it.
Things that are working especially well
- Behind-the-scenes content from Newcastle-based events
- Celebrations of Toon pride, especially around football season
- Highlighting local artists, musicians and community heroes
- Humour that reflects the North East’s unique tone of voice
Short-Form Video Is Still Winning
Like everywhere else, Newcastle’s audiences are loving short-form video. Instagram Reels and TikToks showcasing life in the city, whether that’s foodie content, local walks or relatable lifestyle clips, tend to perform best.
But what stands out in the North East is authenticity. Content filmed on a phone, without a polished finish, often outperforms overly stylised posts. The vibe is honest and real — and that’s what builds trust.
Consistency Over Perfection
Posting regularly (not constantly) is proving more important than perfection. Businesses and creators in Newcastle are growing faster when they commit to a schedule — even if it means posting just two or three times a week.
Being consistent helps build momentum and keeps your brand visible in your followers’ feeds, which is essential with today’s unpredictable algorithms.
Collaborations Are Boosting Visibility
From local foodie accounts teaming up with restaurants to fitness influencers collaborating with gymwear brands, Newcastle’s social media scene is increasingly collaborative.
These partnerships help audiences discover new accounts and also create more interesting, layered content. When you join forces with someone who shares your values or target market, everyone benefits.
Examples of strong collabs
- A Newcastle café working with a local food blogger for a launch
- A tattoo studio partnering with a lifestyle influencer
- A vintage shop doing a shoot with a North East photographer
Social Proof That Actually Works
You’ve probably noticed that some accounts seem to take off quickly. Often, it’s a mix of great content and early traction. Many creators and brands in Newcastle are using a smart approach to social proof to boost their growth — including the occasional purchase of followers, likes or views from trusted sources.
When done carefully, and only from providers who don’t ask for your password, this tactic can help your posts gain momentum in a crowded feed. It’s not about faking success; it’s about giving quality content the lift it sometimes needs to be seen.
Pair likes from real users with authentic testimonials, user-generated content and engagement in your DMs, and you’ve got a strategy that balances visibility with authenticity.
Geotags and Hashtags That Hit the Mark
Local discovery is alive and well. Businesses and creators who consistently tag Newcastle-based locations and use regional hashtags are more likely to get noticed by nearby followers — and potential customers.
Some effective local hashtags
- #NewcastleEats
- #GeordieLife
- #NorthEastUK
- #ToonStyle
- #NewcastleBusiness
Using a mix of niche and broad hashtags, especially ones with location relevance, is proving far more effective than going generic.
Carousel Posts and Storytelling
While video still rules the algorithm, carousel posts on Instagram are performing well too. Creators and businesses in Newcastle are using them to share mini stories, tutorials, before-and-afters or even local guides.
A fitness trainer might use them to break down a workout plan, while a boutique could use them to show off a new collection with pricing details included.
It’s content that encourages users to swipe, spend time on the post and come back later — all signals that boost your reach.
Offline Ties Make Online Stronger
The North East has a tight-knit business community. Those who show up at events, collaborate in person and support other local brands are also the ones who tend to grow faster online.
By sharing your involvement in local events, markets or networking groups, you give followers a reason to see your brand as active and trusted in the community.
Photos and videos from real-life moments go a long way towards building trust — and they tend to outperform graphics or stock imagery.
Content That Speaks in a Real Voice
Perhaps more than anything, what’s working in Newcastle right now is content that sounds like it came from a real person. People are getting tired of overly curated, perfectly filtered posts. They want something that feels genuine, even if it’s a bit messy.
Whether you’re writing captions or chatting on Stories, using natural language, local references and a bit of humour goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
Newcastle’s social media scene is thriving because it’s personal, passionate and proudly local. Businesses and creators who show up consistently, embrace their identity and create content that feels human are seeing real results — from higher engagement to more sales.
You don’t need to chase every trend. The trick is to find what feels right for your brand, share it with confidence and stay connected to your audience both online and in real life.
That’s what’s working in Newcastle right now — and it’s only just getting started.
