
The holiday season isn’t just the most wonderful time of the year – it’s also the busiest for advertisers. Streaming hours surge by 17% during holiday downtime,1 and nearly 60% of viewers say CTV ads help drive their holiday buying decisions.2 Add to that the fact that 36% of consumers get gift ideas from TV, which makes it clear: the months leading up to the winter holidays offer immense opportunities for brands to make an impact.2
With Black Friday and peak shopping season fast approaching, early fall is the prime time to get ahead; advertisers have about a month to build familiarity before consumers start checking out.
Starting Early Matters
Timing is everything, and the holiday clock is already ticking. Google trends spanning the past 3 years show gift-related searches start climbing in October, which means advertisers need to get in front of shoppers now.3 Early exposure builds familiarity – and brand recognition drives conversions – and that matters: 78% of people say they typically buy the same brands over and over again when they’re shopping.4
TV amplifies this advantage. The biggest screen in the house combines sight, sound, and motion to create lasting impressions that drive consideration. With audiences leaning into the holiday spirit, starting early sets the stage for results – before the shopping rush begins.
TV Drives Brand Familiarity
Advertising during the holidays isn’t optional – it’s essential. People are planning, saving, and ready to spend. In fact, research from the VAB shows that new-to-TV brands see up to a 42% lift in website conversions,5 giving advertisers a powerful edge when it matters most.
The holiday season is a golden opportunity to turn seasonal momentum into measurable success. Start early, build familiarity, and let Universal Ads help you deliver campaigns that convert.
Want some free ad credits to get started? Click here and make your holiday campaign shine.