Promotion of Intangible Heritage on Social Media

Abstract This paper explores the role of social media platforms in promoting and preserving intangible heritage, a key element of local, regional, and national identity. Platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok enhance the visibility and appreciation of traditions, customs, and artistic expressions while encouraging their transmission to future generations. Through engaging and interactive content, we can capture the attention of young audiences and stimulate interest in local traditions and practices. The paper distinguishes between “intangible heritage,” which includes a wide range of community practices and traditions, and “intangible cultural heritage,” which refers explicitly to UNESCO-recognized heritage of universal value. In the digital age, adapting heritage promotion strategies to social media is crucial for engaging younger audiences. Given the cultural significance of intangible heritage and its growing role in promoting tourism, examining how it is conveyed through social networks is essential. This paper presents an exploratory case study of the Museum of Canvases and Stories in Mândra, Romania, focusing on using platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote intangible heritage, highlighting key strategies such as increasing visibility through multimedia content, stimulating participation with online contests and workshops, and preserving practices in digital formats. The case study aims to (i) identify the intangible heritage elements highlighted on social media and (ii) analyze the methods used by the museum to promote these elements across its social media channels employing a quantitative and thematic content analysis. The conclusion emphasizes that effectively leveraging social media is essential for preserving and transmitting intangible heritage and offers recommendations for maximizing its outreach and impact.