Because if a photo is worth a thousand words… what’s a video worth?
Video marketing for hostels? YES PLEASE! Visual content is processed 60,000 times faster than text. That’s why we say a photo is worth a thousand words. But if that’s true, what about video? With movement, sound, and storytelling all wrapped up in one, video takes things to the next level.
And the 7 Waves Hostel in Portugal knew exactly how to use that to their advantage. They created a video that doesn’t just show their hostel—it makes you feel it. And trust me, after watching it, you’ll be ready to book a trip.
Let’s break it down.
📖 Table of Contents
- Why Video is a Game-Changer (Especially for Millennials)
- The 7 Waves Hostel Video – What Makes It Work?
- Behind the Scenes with Gustavo Korontai
- Key Takeaways
- Three Things You Can Do Right Now
🎬 Why Video is a Game-Changer (Especially for Millennials)
We can’t ignore it anymore—video is where it’s at. It’s the content format that stops people mid-scroll, pulls them in, and makes them pay attention. There are multiple hotels very good at doing this. Check out for example The Local or Tenuta di Murlo.
And when your audience is millennials or Gen Z travelers, this is even more important. They spend hours (and hours… and hours) on social media, absorbing content and looking for inspiration. And guess what? Video wins.
According to Animoto, 80% of millennials find video helpful when researching a purchase—including when they’re picking a hostel. And then there’s this:
Facebook generates 8 billion video views per day. And videos? They get 135% more organic reach than photos.
So yeah, if you’re not using video yet… it’s time to start.
📹 The 7 Waves Hostel Video – What Makes It Work?
So, what makes the 7 Waves Hostel video stand out? Here’s why it works so well:
🌊 It captures the experience, not just the place. It’s not just a property tour—it’s a vibe. Surfing, chilling, socializing… you instantly get what this hostel is all about.
🎶 The right music and visuals set the mood. With the combination of dreamy slow-motion shots, warm color overlays, and just the right soundtrack, the video transports you straight to Portugal.
👫 They use the right people. The video doesn’t feel staged. The people in it feel real, like the kind of travelers you’d actually meet there.
Instead of just saying, “Hey, we’re a great hostel”, the video makes you feel it. And that’s the magic.
🎥 Behind the Scenes with Gustavo Korontai
“I believe people inspire people. We all want to witness somebody’s experience and project ourselves living it.” – Gustavo Korontai
I got to chat with Gustavo Korontai, the mastermind behind this video. His approach? Keep it natural.
“We tried to get as close to the people staying at the hostel as we could,” Gustavo told me. “We wanted to show what they liked: surf, chill, party, and the good weather. We shot spontaneously, didn’t plan too much.”
Sounds risky, right? But with the right environment, it works. “The people there were very cool and vibrant. It’s easy to work when you have these ingredients.” And when it comes to hostels, that kind of energy is often built-in.
🔑 Key Takeaways About Video Marketing for Hostels
- Keep it short. Most people decide within 30-60 seconds whether they’ll watch till the end.
- Use visuals that engage your audience. What do your guests already love about your hostel? Check Instagram and see what they’re posting.
- Capture the vibe. People don’t just want to see your hostel—they want to feel what it’s like to stay there.
✅ Three Things You Can Do Right Now
1️⃣ Check your Instagram. What kind of moments are your guests already sharing? Use that as inspiration for your next video.
2️⃣ Shoot a mini highlight reel. You don’t need a big production—just grab your phone and capture the best parts of your hostel.
3️⃣ Focus on storytelling. Instead of just showing off rooms and facilities, show the experience. The people. The energy. The little moments that make your place special.
Wondering how to make your hospitality brand unforgettable? See how The Local dominates Instagram with engaging hotel marketing and how Tenuta di Murlo creates dreamy, immersive branding that captivates travelers!
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