The New Rules of PR in the Age of TikTok and Instagram
Let’s face it: PR isn’t what it used to be. The days of just sending out a press release and hoping it lands in tomorrow’s paper are long gone. Today, PR lives and breathes in real-time—on TikTok, Instagram, and every platform where your audience actually hangs out. If you're still thinking about PR the old-school way, you're missing massive opportunities to get your story heard and shared.
So let’s break down what’s changed, why it matters, and how your brand—yes, even a scrappy small business or personal brand—can thrive in this new landscape.
The New Playing Field: It’s Social, It’s Fast, and It’s Personal
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have completely rewritten the rules of engagement. They’ve made it easier than ever for brands to get visibility, but harder to keep it. Attention spans are short, trends move fast, and your audience expects authenticity, not polish.
This means PR is no longer just about media coverage. It’s about:
Owning your narrative in public-facing spaces
Telling your story in a way that resonates in under 30 seconds
Building trust through consistency, relatability, and transparency
Why TikTok and Instagram Matter for PR
These platforms aren’t just for dance challenges and brunch pics. They’re powerful storytelling tools that put YOU in the driver’s seat of your brand narrative. Here’s why they’re a PR powerhouse:
Reach Without the Gatekeepers
No journalist required. A single video or Reel can get you thousands (or millions) of views if it resonates. That’s more than most local press coverage can offer.
Visual Storytelling = Instant Connection
We’re visual creatures. Instagram and TikTok let you show the face and soul of your business. It’s where people fall in love with the person behind the brand.
Trend Hacking = Relevance
Jumping on relevant trends or sounds keeps your brand culturally connected. PR today isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being seen at the right time, in the right context.
How to Rock PR in the Era of TikTok and Insta
🎥 Create Short-Form, Story-Driven Content
Think less "announcement" and more "conversation starter." Show the behind-the-scenes. Tell a personal story. Share a moment that made you proud—or scared. Vulnerability builds connection, which builds trust.
🧠 Repurpose, Don’t Reinvent
That press quote or podcast appearance? Break it into bite-sized content for social. One podcast can become 5 Reels. One article can turn into a carousel. PR and social should work hand-in-hand, not in silos.
At OlaPR, we can help you create amazing media features that you can use to share across all social platforms with our Ripple+ service, or back up your product launch or announcement with our Wave360 premium distribution package… Strategic repurposing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s how you scale your story.
💬 Engage Like a Human, Not a Logo
Comment. DM. Stitch. Share. Tag. Every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce your narrative and show you're listening, not just broadcasting.
📣 Partner with Micro-Creators
Micro-influencers and podcast hosts are the new press. They have niche, loyal audiences—and often higher engagement than major accounts. Services like PodWaves help you land on the right shows and build credibility through high-trust platforms like podcasts.
📈 Track What Actually Moves the Needle
Don't just count likes. Measure what matters: profile visits, saves, shares, DMs, and yes—conversions. PR today is part brand building, part performance marketing.
Final Thoughts: Stop Thinking “Press,” Start Thinking “Presence”
Modern PR is about being present where your audience is—consistently, authentically, and strategically. You don’t need a massive budget or a Rolodex of media contacts. You need a story, a strategy, and a willingness to show up with heart.
At OlaPR, we help brands like yours do just that—across platforms, podcasts, and press.
If you want to be more visible, we’ll help you craft a PR strategy that doesn’t feel like a pitch, but like a conversation your audience wants to be part of.
Ready to rewrite the rules for your brand? Let’s chat.