Social Media Trends for Holiday 2025: What Small Businesses Need to Know

As we head into the 2025 holiday season, the social media landscape is rapidly evolving, and for small businesses, that presents both challenges and incredible opportunities. With customers browsing earlier, platforms shifting how content is surfaced, and authenticity winning out over polish, now is the time to rethink your holiday strategy.

Short-form video remains king, but the tone is shifting. Instagram Reels, TikTok clips, and Facebook Reels are still dominating feeds, but overly polished ads are wearing thin. What’s resonating now? Bite-sized storytelling, behind-the-scenes footage, and content that feels real. Videos in the 20–60 second range with a clear hook are getting the most traction. At the same time, creators and customers are driving the conversation. More brands are using user-generated content and working with micro-influencers to deliver authentic messages that convert.

AI is also changing the game, not by replacing your voice, but by making content creation faster and smarter. Whether it’s generating caption variations, auto-editing videos, or analyzing post performance, AI can help you scale what’s working this season.

Holiday 2025 also brings a strong emphasis on immersive and interactive content. Think: shoppable Reels, AR filters, live shopping demos, and interactive stickers. These aren’t just flashy, they’re converting. And while TikTok remains a discovery powerhouse for trends and products, don’t underestimate Instagram Shopping tools or the power of Facebook Groups and community.

Across all platforms, success this holiday season comes down to four things: being early, being real, being useful, and being present. And that’s where your content calendar and campaign checklist come in.

Ready to make the most of your social media this holiday?

Holiday Social Checklist.

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 Download our Holiday Social Checklist to get started—and if you’re looking for expert help bringing your content to life, we’re here to support your small business every step of the way. From planning to posting, Urban Stitch is here to support Main Street businesses who want to grow without burning out.

Let’s chat! Reach out to book a free consult or explore how we can tailor your social to fit your goals and your budget.