Throwback Thursday?

Oh, you mean #TBT!

Only the perfect chance for your business to tell its story. Unlike trends that come and go, #TBT taps into something everyone loves—nostalgia.

But don’t waste it on just any old photo—use #TBT to build real connections with your followers and give them a reason to keep coming back.

In this article, we’ll show you 7 ways to leverage #TBT on social media to make the most of this timeless trend.

What Is Throwback Thursday?

Throwback Thursday, or #TBT, is a popular hashtag used across social media platforms to take a trip down memory lane.

As the name suggests, it’s all about “throwing back” to moments from the past. While you’ll mostly see it on Instagram and Twitter, #TBT posts can show up anywhere—blogs, Facebook, YouTube, and beyond.

What kind of content fits a #TBT post?

Almost anything with a bit of nostalgia! Think old photos, classic videos, audio clips, or even a simple text post sharing a memorable story.

From a fun blast from the past to a “before” in a transformation story, #TBT is a versatile way to share moments that shaped your brand or add a personal touch.

Let’s look at an example of #TBT from Koss Headphones.

How Did #TBT Start?

The origins of #TBT, or Throwback Thursday, date back further than you might think. While it became widely popular on Instagram, its roots can be traced to 2006.

Some sources point to Saxton Moore, an animator, who used the phrase on his blog to describe his recreation of vintage cartoon characters (Know Your Meme). Others credit Matt Halfhill, who featured "Throwback Thursday" on his sneaker blog that same year (Vox).

However, it wasn’t until 2011, when Instagram enabled hashtag functionality, that #TBT really began to take off.

The hashtag gained even more traction in 2012 when celebrities, like the Kardashians, started using it to share nostalgic moments with their massive audiences.

And just like that, #TBT became a go-to for social media users looking to share a bit of the past. Today, it’s one of the most enduring trends, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Why should you use #TBT?

Throwback Thursday (#TBT) isn't just a fun trend— it's a powerful tool for your brand. Whether you’re sharing old memories or showing your growth over time, TBT offers a unique way to connect with your audience on a personal level.

It Builds Connections Through Nostalgia

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, and TBT taps into it perfectly. By sharing a bit of your brand's history — whether it’s a throwback to your first office, your initial product launch, or a moment of early success — you allow your audience to feel connected to your journey.

These posts can make your brand feel more human, relatable, and grounded in real experiences.

It Boosts Engagement and Fosters Community

People love a peek behind the curtain, and TBT posts offer just that. Sharing past moments invites your audience to engage, whether it's by reflecting on their own experiences or commenting on how far your brand has come.

You can even encourage them to share their own throwbacks by including prompts like “What’s your first memory of our brand?” or “Tag a friend you met back in the day!”

It Expands Your Reach

Using #TBT can increase your post’s visibility. When you share something nostalgic, it often resonates not only with your existing audience but also with new followers who come across your post through hashtags or the Explore page.

The more engagement your post gets, the more likely it is to be seen by others. This can help your brand reach fresh eyes and attract new followers to your community.

It Gives You Regular Content Ideas

We all know that sometimes finding fresh content can be a challenge, but #TBT gives you an easy, weekly content idea. Throwback posts are an ideal way to fill in gaps in your content calendar without scrambling for something new.

Plus, it’s a great way to stay consistent and engage your followers every Thursday, without worrying about reinventing the wheel.

Bonus: If you are looking to optimize your overall social media strategy check out our Social Media Marketing Strategy Template to take your content creation and audience engagement to the next level.

It Lets You Have Some Fun

Let’s face it: business can be serious, but it doesn't always have to be. Throwback Thursday allows you to let loose and have fun with your audience.

Whether it’s posting a funny, nostalgic picture or highlighting a quirky moment in your brand’s history, TBT is a great way to show your audience your brand’s lighter side.

This playful approach can help foster a deeper bond with your followers and keep your social media presence fresh and engaging.

How to Leverage TBT for Brand Growth

1. Tell your Brand’s Journey Through Milestones

Got a milestone to celebrate?

Whether it’s an anniversary, a big product launch, or a memorable event, why not mark it with a Throwback Thursday post?

It’s a great way to remind your audience how far you’ve come. Think back to key moments—like the opening of your first office or the release of your first product—and share the story behind them.

For example, check out Embraer's #ThrowbackThursday post, where they shared the first flight of their E-Freighter! with a nostalgic #TBT post.

You can even use old items like posters or photos to highlight your brand’s journey. Milestone posts like these not only celebrate your legacy but also help create a deeper connection with your audience.

2. Show Product Transformations

Throwback Thursday is the perfect opportunity to show off how far you’ve come by sharing your original products.

Whether it's the first version of your product or an early prototype, a nostalgic #TBT post can highlight your brand's journey.

Just remember to clearly label it as a throwback to avoid confusing your audience!

For example, Murchie's Tea & Coffee shared a fun #TBT post showing off their old product tins from the year 2000.

3. Share Fun Facts and History

Want to mix in a little fun with your Throwback Thursday posts? It’s a great chance to share interesting facts or pieces of history that connect to your brand! Keep it light, engaging, and relevant to what your audience cares about.

For instance, you could share the story behind a milestone or a quirky fact about how your brand started. It doesn’t need to be a long, dry history lesson—just a brief, fun tidbit that adds value and shows how far you’ve come.

For example, Heinz Ketchup shared a fun fact about the first drive-in opening in New Jersey in 1933, highlighting how drive-ins became an American classic, much like their ketchup.

4. Share Old Ad Campaigns

How did your brand advertise its products in the past? Throwback Thursday is the perfect time to revisit old ad campaigns and brochures.

It's a great way to show how your brand's messaging and style have evolved over time, while also giving your followers a dose of nostalgia.

For example, Tiffany & Co. shared a #TBT post featuring an ad from 1968, showcasing their accessories “for the man on the go.”

Posts like these allow your audience to connect with the history of your brand and appreciate its legacy.

5. Share Past Locations/Offices

Throwback Thursday isn’t just for products; it’s also a great time to share photos of your past locations and offices.

Revisiting these places can evoke a sense of nostalgia, whether it’s the office where your brand began or a spot that holds a special place in your brand's history.

For example, the Bank of Canada used #TBT to share a nostalgic look at their early office space from 1935.

This is a fantastic way to show the evolution of your brand and its physical presence over time.

6. Employee Spotlights

Employee Spotlights on Throwback Thursday are a great way to showcase the diverse journeys of your team members. By sharing photos and personal stories from the past, you provide your audience with a behind-the-scenes look at the people who helped shape your brand.

This creates a deeper connection with your audience by highlighting the unique contributions of each individual and humanizing your brand’s story. It's an engaging way to celebrate your team’s impact and share their milestones with your followers.

For example, Mayhem shared a #TBT post highlighting Ivan, an Analysis Engineer, with a link to his employee spotlight blog. The post showcases Ivan’s role at Mayhem, creating a fun and personal connection with their audience.

It's an engaging way to celebrate team members and their impact on the company.

7. Host TBT Contests

Hosting Throwback Thursday contests is a great way to engage your audience by inviting them to share their own nostalgic memories.

This not only sparks a lively conversation but also strengthens connections within your community.

Encouraging personal throwback posts boosts brand visibility as participants spread their stories across networks, helping to foster a sense of shared history.

For example, Johnsonville used Throwback Thursday to engage its audience with a fun contest. They invited fans to join the Johnsonville Summerville stage for a brat-calling contest, inspired by the famous Charlie Murphy commercial.

This playful throwback not only brought nostalgia but also encouraged audience participation.

Tips on Maximizing TBT Impact

1. Consistency is Key

To fully capitalize on Throwback Thursday, establishing a consistent posting rhythm is essential.

This regularity not only keeps your brand top-of-mind but also fosters an ongoing narrative that draws your audience into your brand's evolving story.

Pro Tip: Use a social media post scheduler to plan and automate your posts, ensuring you're consistently engaging your audience every week without missing a beat.

2. Align with Brand Values

Creating Throwback Thursday content that reflects your brand’s unique identity and mission is vital for authenticity. Every post should be a testament to your brand's ethos, reinforcing what makes your brand distinctive.

By curating content that highlights your core principles, you ensure that each #TBT moment tells a story that resonates deeply with your audience, enhancing the alignment between your brand narrative and audience expectations.

3. Use Hashtags Strategically

Maximizing reach involves a thoughtful approach to hashtag use, targeting both broad and niche audiences. Incorporate a mix of popular and specific hashtags to tap into wider conversations and engage specialized communities.

This strategy improves your content's visibility on social platforms, allowing you to capture the interest of users who are naturally inclined toward the themes your brand explores.

Pro Tip: Use an AI hashtag generator to discover trending and relevant hashtags that will boost your content's discoverability and expand your audience.

4. Engage with Your Audience

Inviting audience participation is crucial for increasing engagement with your Throwback Thursday posts. Encourage followers to share their perspectives or similar experiences.

This interactive approach not only strengthens community bonds but also increases your brand's relatability.

Leverage Throwback Thursday for your Social Media Success

Now that you know the ins and outs of Throwback Thursday, it's time to put this strategy into action!

Start by sharing your brand's old products or fun historical moments to tap into that nostalgic connection with your audience. As you get more advanced, explore other creative angles to keep your content fresh and engaging.

And if you're looking to take your content creation to the next level, log in or sign up for vidyo.ai and discover how our platform can make your brand shine.

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