What is a social wall and why does it work at events?

Not every social wall works the same way. There are three main types, each with a different use case.

Hashtag wall: Guests post on Instagram, LinkedIn or X with a fixed hashtag, for example #ANNIVERSARY2026 or #KICKOFF_NAME. The platform collects every post with that hashtag and shows them on screen. This is the most common type at corporate events. It works well for crowds you'd expect to be active on social media already. Downside: you depend on guests being willing to post.

Upload wall: Guests upload photos via a QR code or a shared platform (such as an event app or a dedicated upload page). No social media account needed. This type works better for events where you can't be sure guests are active on social, or where you want more control over the content. Think of a family day or an employee event with a mixed age range.

Moderated wall: A moderated wall combines hashtag or upload with a live moderation feature: you or a colleague approves posts before they appear on screen. This type is recommended for events with a public face, for events with clients or external guests, or simply when you'd rather not see unwanted posts on the main screen. Most social wall platforms have this feature built in by default.

For corporate events we recommend: always use a moderated wall. Not because you expect negative content, but because it keeps control over what ends up on the screen. At a kick-off with 300 employees you don't want a test post from someone checking that it works to be the first message on the screen.

The market for social wall software is wide. The most-used platforms at corporate events in the Netherlands are Walls.io, Tint and Social Wall Pro. All solid choices: the difference is in the detail.

Walls.io is the most popular platform for corporate events in Europe. The dashboard is intuitive, the moderation feature is fast, and the platform supports every major social media channel plus direct uploads. The subscription is €39 per month, with a day pass for €15. For a one-off event, the day pass is the most cost-efficient choice.

Tint is more powerful and more bespoke-focused. It offers more layouts and more integration options, including for large-scale production or events with a strong brand component. The price is higher than Walls.io, but the extra features justify it for bigger productions.

Social Wall Pro is a simpler, cheaper alternative that works fine for smaller events. It has fewer features, but the core functionality (collecting hashtags, moderating, displaying) is all there.

The technical requirements: make sure the venue has a reliable Wi-Fi connection for the moderator's laptop, and that the screen or projector has an HDMI port. Most platforms run via a browser, no special software installation needed. Allow 30 minutes of setup for a moderator who doesn't know the platform.

A social wall only works if it isn't decoration. If the wall is on but nobody sees it or looks at it, it's a waste of the cost. The wall has to be an active part of the programme.

Announcement on arrival: Turn the wall on as the first guests come in. Have the host or chair explicitly announce the hashtag: "Take your best photo of tonight and post it with #NAME. We'll see you back on the screen." Give people the feeling they're contributing to something collective.

The social peak after the programme high: People post most right after an emotionally or visually striking moment: after a surprise, an award, a spectacular act or a group photo. Schedule the wall actively for the moment the posting peak is expected. Have a moderator on standby to approve immediately, so the delay between post and display is minimal.

Contributions from the organisation itself: Have the organisation post too: from behind the scenes, from the build-up, from the first guests arriving. Those posts fill the wall in the first minutes and give others a reason to follow. Prep two or three posts in advance that you publish at the right moment.

The close: Round off the evening with a special mention of the guests who shared the most content — not as a contest but as recognition. "Look at the screen for a moment: these were your moments tonight." That sense of collective ownership is exactly what a social wall can add to the closing of an event.

The cost of a social wall at a corporate event is low compared with most other event elements. For a single-day event, expect €15 to €50 for the software licence, plus the cost of the screen or projector (€150 to €400 in hire, depending on the venue) and the moderator's time (2 to 3 hours, setup included).

In total, a full social wall runs €200 to €600 for an event of 50 to 300 people. For larger events or events with multiple screens the cost rises, but the ratio stays favourable.

Is it worth it? That depends on three factors. The first question: are your guests active on social media? For an event with 200 employees aged 25 to 45, the answer is yes. For drinks with retired business contacts, less so. The second question: is there an external PR angle? If you want the event to be visible outside the room (on LinkedIn, on Instagram), a social wall is a direct multiplier. The third question: is there someone to take moderation on the day itself? Without a moderator, the wall runs on low. With an active moderator, it makes the difference.

As a rule of thumb: at events of 75 people or more with a mixed group under 50, a social wall is almost always worth it. The €300 investment has a bigger effect on the experience and the online visibility than most other extras of comparable budget. More on organising corporate events →

We weigh social walls as a standard consideration for events where online visibility or guest engagement is a goal. Not because the tech is impressive, but because it works when used well.

What we do: we choose the software based on the audience and event type, handle the technical setup on site, train a moderator (or moderate ourselves), announce the wall in the run sheet at the right moment and make sure there's content at the start so the wall doesn't begin empty.

What we'd tell you: a good hashtag is short, distinctive and printed on every invitation and screen in the room. Don't use a hashtag that's already widely used, or outsiders will fill your wall. A company name + year, or a specific event search term, works best.

We use social walls at kick-offs, staff parties, anniversary events, product launches and client appreciation days. On average, at events with an actively driven wall, we see 40 to 80 guest posts on the night itself. Organic reach that wouldn't have existed otherwise. That's brand visibility you can't buy.

Want to know whether a social wall fits your event? Also read our piece on booking entertainment for events, because a social wall works best when it sits well with the programme around it.

A social wall that works isn't a tech trick. It's a strategic choice that strengthens your programme and increases your visibility beyond the room.

We're happy to think along on whether and how a social wall fits your event. Call us on 085 401 40 14 or email hello@live-impact.nl.

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