Social Media Strategies During and After Your Virtual Event

Riddhik Kochhar -

Hosting a virtual event doesn’t end when you go live, nor does it stop once the last speaker logs off. In fact, social media plays a crucial role during the event to drive engagement, and after the event to keep the conversation going. A well-executed social strategy ensures your event isn’t just a one-time broadcast, but becomes a digital community that lives on.

Here’s how to maximize your social media impact during and after your virtual event.

Social Media During the Virtual Event

The live window of your virtual event is the perfect opportunity to boost participation, spark conversation, and keep your audience tuned in.

1. Identify Live Streaming Opportunities

Live streaming adds energy and reach to your virtual event. Platforms like YouTube Live, LinkedIn Live, or Facebook Live allow you to broadcast key moments beyond your registered audience.

Consider live streaming:

  • Keynote sessions to expand visibility to non-registrants.
  • Behind-the-scenes snippets with moderators or tech teams.
  • Quick interviews with speakers or attendees.

This approach makes your event feel dynamic and accessible while giving latecomers a chance to engage in real time.

2. Promote Your Hashtag in Real Time

Your event hashtag isn’t just for promotion. It should serve as the central hub of conversation. During the event, encourage attendees to use it when posting takeaways, screenshots, or reactions.

Display the hashtag clearly:

  • On the event platform’s main screen or waiting room banner.
  • In slide decks and speaker introductions.
  • In the chat or Q&A prompts.

Remind moderators and speakers to reference it out loud, making it a natural part of the experience. A strong hashtag presence can turn passive viewers into active participants.

3. Create and Share Real-Time Video Content

Audiences love immediacy. Use social platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Twitter (X) to post quick, engaging video clips while the event is happening. These can include:

  • Highlights from keynote sessions.
  • Short attendee shout-outs.
  • Quick recaps between sessions.

You can also curate attendee-generated content by reposting videos, screenshots, or stories that use your hashtag. Featuring these posts not only validates your attendees but also builds momentum, showing that your event community is thriving.

Social Media After the Virtual Event

When the virtual curtain falls, your social media efforts shouldn’t stop. The days and weeks following are your chance to extend the event’s value, foster community, and create evergreen content.

1. Share Post-Event Videos

Video is one of the most powerful ways to keep your event alive after it ends. Create and share:

  • Highlight reels showcasing the best sessions and moments.
  • Speaker soundbites with impactful quotes.
  • Behind-the-scenes clips for a human touch.

Encourage attendees to post their own recap videos, rewarding those who share with event swag, free resources, or early-bird access to your next virtual event.

2. Collect and Share Testimonials

Social proof is invaluable for your brand. Use tools like Google Forms, Typeform, or in-platform polls to capture attendee feedback. Ask questions like:

  • “What was your favorite session?”
  • “What did you learn that you can apply immediately?”
  • “How would you describe this event in one word?”

These open-ended responses can be turned into powerful testimonials for your website, newsletters, or social posts. Sharing them publicly also validates attendees’ experiences, making them feel valued.

3. Feature Attendee Content on Your Channels

Don’t let great content from your attendees go unnoticed. Track event-related posts across platforms by monitoring your hashtag. Collect standout tweets, Instagram captions, or LinkedIn updates and re-share them.

Tagging the original attendees adds a layer of recognition, encourages them to stay engaged, and builds long-term brand loyalty. Even if your next virtual event is months away, this keeps your online community active and connected.

Turning One Event Into Ongoing Engagement

Your social media plan should treat virtual events as part of a bigger storytelling arc, instead of one-off moments. By activating engagement during the event and nurturing connections afterward, you extend your event’s reach, strengthen relationships with attendees, and create a foundation for your next gathering.

In other words, the event may end, but the digital buzz you’ve created should continue to grow.