November’s social trends, served fresh

Your guide to what’s hot on Instagram, what to post next, and a local spotlight you won’t want to miss

October 29, 2025

November’s on the horizon, and your feed’s ready for a refresh. This week’s MRKT has the inside scoop on what’s trending, what to post, and how to make your content (and community) shine all season long.

  • The newest updates and shifts making waves across social media

  • Fresh November post ideas to plan now before things get hectic

  • How brands are using Insta’s broadcast channels to reach their biggest fans

  • Reels inspo featuring the recent trend everyone’s trying

  • Mayor Smiley’s call for creative vendors to join The Rinkubator at Biltmore Park

‼️ What’s New in Social Media

1. Scam Alert, Incoming!

Meta’s working on a new feature that’ll let you know if a message you get on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp is a scam. Think of it as your digital wingmate.

2. Trend Ride, Anyone?

Facebook’s testing a new tool called “Ride the Trend Now” – it highlights what’s hot so creators can hop on trending hashtags and serve up fresh content.

3. Bye, Randoms!

Don’t want to see “People You May Know” anymore? Facebook’s finally letting you turn off those suggestions. Sweet relief.

4. Pages Get a Makeover

Facebook Pages are being split into two camps: Business or Creator. So now it’s easier to show off what you’re really about.

5. More Pics, Please!

Instagram is testing the option to add more than 20 photos in a carousel. That’s right –more pics, more fun, no need to choose your faves.

6. DM Doodles Are Here

You can now draw inside Instagram DMs. Got something to say and sketch? Go for it.

7. Stories, Now AI-Powered

Meta AI is stepping into Stories. You’ll soon be able to tweak and edit your Instagram Stories with a little AI magic, right in the app.

8. Reel Replay FTW

Finally! Instagram’s letting you view your Reels watch history, so you can actually find that one Reel you loved but forgot to save..

🍂 What to Post in November

November is here and she’s bringing the cozy, the chaos, and all the content opportunities. Whether you’re sipping spiced cider or scheduling out Black Friday posts, this month is packed with ways to show up, connect, and keep your brand feeling fresh (even as the leaves start to crunch).

🍁 Seasonal Vibes to Lean Into

November’s full of feel-good themes, from autumn aesthetics to year-end prep. If you’re stuck on what to share, try these easy wins:

  • “November Reset: Prep for the Year’s End” – Talk goals, to-dos, or just a deep breath before December madness.

  • “How to Add Cosy Autumn Vibes to Your Brand” – Think candles, blankets, and local coffeeshop shoutouts.

  • “Black Friday Content Ideas for Social Media Managers” – (Spoiler: it's not just sales posts!)

  • “Seasonal Marketing Checklist for November” – A list-loving dream post.

🧣 Engagement Prompts Your Followers Will Actually Answer

Spark convo with fun, seasonal check-ins that feel like a group chat:

  • What’s one goal you still want to hit in 2025?

  • Cosy season check-in: coffee or hot chocolate?

  • What’s been your biggest win this autumn?

  • How’s your Black Friday prep going so far? (We see you, spreadsheet warriors.)

💬 Plug & Play Captions

Because we love a shortcut. Pop these into your content plan when you’re short on time but want to say something real:

  • Why [] matters more than [] this November

  • 5 lessons I learned from [____] last month

  • The biggest mistake people make with [____] in November

  • How to achieve [] without [] this November

🧠 Real Talk: Relatable Insights

Slow down and connect with your audience on a deeper level. This is your space for reflection and realness:

  • The end-of-year creative slowdown is real

  • Why consistency feels harder in winter

  • Balancing strategy with self-care in November

  • The creative recharge every small biz owner needs

📆 Key November Dates to Keep on Your Radar

Here’s your quick-fire list of must-post moments:

  • November 3: National Sandwich Day - Spotlight your favorite local deli or share a poll: crusts on or off?

    November 4: National Candy Day - Sweeten up your feed with some local confectionery love.

    November 11: Veterans Day - Honor local heroes or spotlight a veteran-owned Rhode Island business.

    November 13: World Kindness Day - Perfect for feel-good stories or small acts of community love.

    November 17: National Hiking Day – Showcase one of Rhode Island’s scenic trails or share your team’s favorite outdoor spots.

    November 26: National Cake Day - Let local bakeries shine or share your ultimate cake flavor debate.

    November 27: Thanksgiving - Gratitude posts, family traditions, and community spotlights all fit here.

    November 28: Black Friday - Show off your deals, behind-the-scenes prep, or even your post-sale snack spread.

    November 29: Small Business Saturday - Celebrate Rhode Island makers, shops, and entrepreneurs.

💡 Reels Inspo: The “What do you do all day?” Trend

This month’s trending audio asks the question everyone’s secretly wondering: “What do you do as a [insert your job here] all day?”

It’s the perfect chance to show off a behind-the-scenes peek at your daily grind — with a dash of humour and personality, of course. Use on-screen text to say “What do you do as a [your role or business] all day?” and then film quick clips or playful text bubbles showing the answer. For an extra fun twist, film someone running in a circle while the text circles around them

Source: Instagram

💡 Ideas for Different Small Biz Sectors:

  • Cafes & Bakeries: “What do you do as a barista all day?” Show the coffee art, the early morning hustle, and the endless pastry temptations.

  • Retail Shops: “What do you do as a boutique owner all day?” Feature unpacking new arrivals, styling displays, and greeting customers with a smile.

  • Real Estate Agents: “What do you do as a realtor all day?” Snap quick moments from showings, open houses, and coffee-fueled paperwork sessions.

  • Fitness Studios: “What do you do as a fitness coach all day?” Show warm-ups, class prep, post-sweat selfies, and high-fives with clients.

  • Artists & Makers: “What do you do as a local artist all day?” Show sketching, creating, packaging, and dropping off work at local shops or markets.

  • Restaurants: “What do you do as a chef all day?” Capture prep time, plating magic, staff laughs, and that golden-hour dinner rush.

  • Nonprofits & Community Groups: “What do you do as a community organiser all day?” Highlight the meetings, events, and heartwarming local moments.

Keep it fast-paced, playful, and real. Followers love seeing the human side behind local businesses. Add some upbeat music, use captions, and don’t stress about perfection. Authentic wins every time.

See an example here:

⚡ How Brands Are Using Instagram’s Broadcast Channels

Instagram’s broadcast channels are giving brands a new way to connect with their biggest fans, and it’s catching on fast. Think of it like a one-way group chat where the brand shares updates, polls, and sneak peeks, and followers get the inside scoop.

In a recent article by Katie Hicks at MarketingBrew.com, big names like Shake Shack, Tony’s Chocolonely, and 818 Spirits shared how they’re using the feature to build stronger relationships with their communities.

💬 What They’re Doing

  • Shake Shack uses its channel to poll followers on new menu items and even invites fans to test recipes at their Innovation Kitchen.

  • Tony’s Chocolonely asked its audience to help rename a chocolate bar after learning the current name was confusing in the US market.

  • 818 Spirits created a space to drop exclusive info on product launches, merch, and events, all in one spot.

🎁 Why It Works

It’s less crowded than your main feed, which means more eyes on what matters. These brands are using channels to drop first-look content, offer giveaways, and get real-time feedback from people who actually want to hear from them.

🧠 How Rhode Island Brands Can Try It

Local businesses could absolutely jump on this. A few ideas to get you started:

  • Poll your followers on your next seasonal product

  • Share behind-the-scenes looks at your team or space

  • Give early access to events, launches, or promotions

  • Use it as your VIP list for giveaways or flash sales

The best part? It’s low-lift, high-impact. You’re reaching the people who care most about what you do.

Ready to start your own broadcast channel? Your superfans are just a tap away.

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🏙️ Calling All Local Makers and Shakers: The Rinkubator Wants You!

Providence is turning up the holiday cheer this winter with a brand-new opportunity for local vendors, artists, and small businesses to shine. Mayor Brett Smiley and the City of Providence just announced the launch of the “Rinkubator”, a festive vendor space at Biltmore Park, right beside the beloved Providence Rink.

From November through mid-January, this cosy kiosk will be buzzing with winter fun, welcoming more than 40,000 visitors to Downtown Providence each season. Think twinkling lights, hot drinks, and plenty of local love.

The City is looking for local vendors to sell everything from warm beverages and cocktails to art, snacks, and handmade goods. Vendors get access to a fully equipped setup at no cost, so that means tents, tables, chairs, and permitting are all covered. All you need is a great idea, proof of insurance, and a passion for spreading holiday joy.

“Our new Rinkubator program supports our efforts to make Downtown Providence more vibrant and engaging throughout all seasons. By providing creative opportunities for small businesses and artists to showcase their work, we are strengthening our local economy and enriching the experience for everyone in Providence.”

- Mayor Brett Smiley.

Key Details

  • Vendor season: November through mid-January during Providence Rink hours (11am-10pm daily, weather permitting)

  • Application deadline for priority consideration: Friday, November 7 (rolling applications accepted after)

  • Open house: Thursday, November 6, 3-6pm at the Biltmore Kiosk to meet the Rink Team and explore the space

Ready to bring your winter market idea to life? Learn more or apply now at theprovidencerink.com/biltmore-park-kiosk or email [email protected] for details.

That’s a wrap on your pre-November game plan! Now go make some scroll-stopping magic. We’ll be back with more trends, inspo, and local buzz to keep your content (and creativity) thriving all season long.