As the holiday season approaches, marketers are on the lookout for platforms that offer engaging ways to connect with audiences. TikTok has emerged as a key player, as shown in TikTok for Business’ Holiday Playbook. The platform is now a go-to social hub for discovery, inspiration, and action, offering brands unmatched opportunities to connect with consumers at every stage of their holiday shopping journey.
Why TikTok for the Holidays?
TikTok is a haven for holiday planners and gift-givers. With content spanning the entire season—from Halloween to New Year’s—businesses gain access to a highly engaged audience. Over 59% of TikTok users prefer the platform for holiday inspiration over traditional media.
TikTok’s 2022 holiday data shows that users are planning and purchasing earlier than ever, with a 190% increase in #holidayshopping content from pre-Halloween to early November.
Key Takeaways:
- Early Planning: 68% of TikTok users start their holiday shopping weeks before the big days.
- Increased Self-Gifting: 87% of users buy gifts for themselves, significantly more than on traditional platforms.
- Holiday Hashtags: Make sure to leverage trending hashtags like #BlackFriday, #CyberMonday, #Christmas, and #HolidayGifting to amplify your campaign reach.
How to Create a Stand-Out TikTok Campaign
- Target Key Stages of Holiday Shopping: The holiday season can be divided into three critical periods: pre-holiday, peak holiday, and post-holiday. TikTok enables brands to connect with audiences throughout this journey, from inspiration during pre-holiday (July-September) to impulse buying in peak season (October-December), and even post-holiday self-care (January).
- Leverage TikTok Trends: TikTok users are more likely to discover new products and purchase them immediately compared to other platforms. Some trends to keep in mind include fashion and beauty inspiration (+60%), travel content (+30%), and home décor ideas (+30%).
- Build the Perfect TikTok Ad: Successful TikTok ads follow a straightforward structure:
- A killer hook (first 3-5 seconds)
- Showcase unique selling points (10-20 seconds)
- Clear call-to-action (final 3-5 seconds) Stick to TikTok’s vertical video format (9:16) and use native features like sounds, text overlays, and trending filters to engage audiences.
- Get Ready for Q5: Don’t overlook the power of Q5, the post-holiday period between Christmas and mid-January when users continue shopping. Many brands see success by prospecting and retargeting shoppers who are most likely to make purchases tied to personal goals like healthier lifestyles and career changes.
Don’t Forget About Q5
Q5—the period from Christmas to mid-January—offers huge potential for post-holiday shopping. Brands can retarget shoppers with products tied to New Year’s goals, such as health and career growth, making it a crucial time for sustained engagement.
Creative Inspiration and Tools
TikTok offers various creative tools to make your ads shine. CapCut, an all-in-one video editor, allows marketers to create TikTok-ready content efficiently, even if they lack video production experience. Additionally, the TikTok Creative Center provides inspiration and insights to help brands build effective campaigns.
For businesses looking for simpler solutions, TikTok now offers Image Ads, which require less production effort while still driving meaningful engagement. These ads allow you to showcase multiple products, tell a story, and promote special offers.
Final Thoughts
TikTok offers a unique and powerful way to reach holiday shoppers through creative and trend-driven content. By focusing on early planning, self-gifting, and the peak holiday season, your brand can unlock TikTok’s full potential for holiday success.
Ready to supercharge your holiday marketing on TikTok? Avenue Z can help craft high-performing campaigns that drive results. Contact us for tailored strategies to boost your ROI this season.
