Holiday Trends You Can Jump On Without Losing Your Brand Voice

The holiday season isn’t only about flashing deals and festive filters. It’s a golden opportunity to lean into online trends strategically, so your brand gains visibility and stays true to its voice. Whether you’re posting on TikTok or Instagram Reels, here are the trends worth watching for late-year marketing, plus how to adapt them in an authentic way.

1. Trend: “Countdown & Anticipation” Moments

   
   

What’s happening: From advent calendars to daily reveals, social content around “opening something each day” is on the rise. For example: the hashtag #AdventCalendar saw large increases in engagement as users shared daily unboxings and surprises.

How your brand can lean in:

• If your brand is service-based: Do a “12 Days of Insights” series. Each day, share a micro tip, client story, or behind-the-scenes moment, building anticipation.

• If you sell products: Create a mini “holiday reveal” clip where you shift the lighting, change the packaging, or show something new each day.

• Key: Keep your tone consistent. Use your brand’s usual language and visual style. Don’t adopt a drastically new voice just because the trend is flashy.

2. Trend: DIY / Tutorials with a Seasonal Spin

   
   

What’s happening: Users love content that teaches, whether it’s how to wrap a gift, decorate your space, or make a themed treat. The holiday research shows DIY + tutorial remains a top format.

How your brand can lean in:

• Choose a skill or service you already offer and give it a holiday twist. 

• Film easily: a short vertical video, show tool-tips, make it practical.

• Ensure your brand voice (helpful, professional, approachable) stays front and center. You’re still the expert, just seasonal!

3. Trend: Storytelling & Real-Life Moments Instead of Pure Polishing

   
   

What’s happening: Audiences are leaning into authenticity—stories that capture real moments, little wins, behind-the-scenes, sometimes imperfect moments. Research shows user-generated content (UGC) and creator personalization are big in the holiday shopping season.

How your brand can lean in:

• Share a “holiday behind-the-scenes” clip.

• Tell a story.

• Keep your visuals aligned with your brand palette and tone. Don’t go wild with completely new aesthetics unless you intend to shift your brand feel.

4. Trend: Loopable, Snackable Video Formats & Novel Audio

   
   

What’s happening: Short-form content (TikTok & Reels) rewards loopable edits, catchy music, and formats that lend themselves to repetition. For example, trending TikTok sounds or templates can boost reach.

How your brand can lean in:

• Pick a trending sound (make sure it aligns with your brand vibe)—use it for a holiday version of something you already do.

• Use repeatable visuals: e.g., show “before campaign / after campaign” in two quick clips with a trending audio.

• Add your branding subtly: your logo, your color filter, a consistent caption style. Don’t deviate into a tone that feels off-brand or gimmicky.

5. Trend: Purpose-Driven & Community-First Messaging

   
   

What’s happening: Consumers expect brands to show more than just products or services. Especially during the holidays, they want meaning, connection, and values. Studies show high trust in creator voices and meaningful content in the holiday window.

How your brand can lean in:

• Use a campaign or video to spotlight your brand’s purpose. Maybe you donate a portion of the proceeds, or your team does volunteering. Share it in a way that’s genuine, not forced.

• Encourage your audience to participate: “Tell us one way you’re giving back this holiday & we’ll highlight one response next week.”

• Maintain your brand voice: If your brand is professional and strategic, the messaging should still feel thoughtful, grounded, and reflect your expertise.

Final Takeaways

• Pick 1-2 of these trends and make them your focus. Don’t try to chase everything.

• Adapt, don’t adopt: Match the trend, but maintain your brand’s voice, visual style, and value proposition.

• Plan ahead: Batch the content, prep the visuals, schedule where possible (because the holiday season moves fast!).

• Track what works: Use your analytics to note which formats resonated, so you can carry those learnings into January and beyond.

Want to build a content strategy that leans into trends without losing your brand voice? Let’s work together! We’ll map the content calendar, design the videos, and keep your voice consistent all season long. Book a holiday strategy session with Media Á La Carte today.