Thanksgiving isn't just about family dinners and gratitude posts—it's one of the most emotionally resonant times of the year. Consumers are in a giving mindset, and brands that tap into this spirit with authentic content often see a surge in engagement and sales.
Recent data shows that over 70% of Instagram users say they discover new brands during the holidays, and posts tied to seasonal themes see up to 40% higher engagement rates compared to average months. That makes Thanksgiving the perfect moment to showcase your brand’s personality and creativity.
1. Story-Driven Carousel Ads
Tell a Thanksgiving story using carousel ads. For instance, walk your audience through the journey of a product—from its creation to how it fits into a holiday celebration. Visual storytelling helps build emotional connections and encourages users to swipe through each image.
Tip: Use warm, earthy tones and cozy imagery to evoke the feeling of togetherness. Include a strong call to action on the final slide to prompt users to visit your site or participate in a holiday promotion.
2. User-Generated Gratitude Posts
Encourage followers to share what they’re thankful for using a branded hashtag. Feature their responses in your ad creatives or stories. This approach drives authenticity and community engagement—two powerful factors during the holiday season.
According to industry reports, ads that incorporate user-generated content can increase click-through rates by up to 50% and reduce cost-per-click significantly.
3. Thanksgiving Giveaway Campaigns
Everyone loves a seasonal giveaway. Offer a limited-time Thanksgiving bundle or discount in exchange for engagement—like tagging friends or sharing your post. Make the reward meaningful but aligned with your brand identity.
Pro tip: Run the giveaway for a short period (48–72 hours) to create urgency. Announce winners in your Stories to build transparency and excitement.
4. Behind-the-Scenes Holiday Prep
Show what goes on behind the scenes at your company during Thanksgiving week. Whether it’s decorating your office or volunteering as a team, these moments humanize your brand and make your audience feel more connected.
Posts that showcase authenticity and company culture can increase engagement rates by up to 28%, according to social media engagement studies.
5. Thanksgiving-Themed Reels
Short-form video continues to dominate engagement metrics. Create fun, fast-paced Reels featuring recipes, holiday hacks, or gratitude messages from your team. Use trending Thanksgiving hashtags to reach a wider audience.
42% of Gen Z say they plan to buy holiday gifts directly through social media, compared with 20 % of all shoppers
Reels generate 22% more engagement on average compared to traditional video posts, making them a must for your Thanksgiving campaign.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is all about connection—and that same spirit should guide your Instagram ad strategy. Focus on authenticity, gratitude, and storytelling. The right creative approach can turn casual scrollers into loyal followers and customers.
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