October is dotted with autumnal festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, fun celebrations like Oktoberfest and Halloween, and sports events World Beach Games. It sure makes for a busy time for content marketers.

Every stellar campaign starts with an idea, and this month comes with a range of events, many with themes that make for brilliant thought-starters. So delve in!

1. International Day of Older Persons – 1 October

This day brings to light issues faced by the elderly, including common illnesses faced by them, neglect and abuse.

Theme for 2019- The journey to age equality

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: X ways to repay your parents in their old age

Infographic idea: People who did not let old age stop them from chasing their dreams

Video idea: Older people have a sense of humour too- just ask them!

Podcast idea: Why ‘learning from your elders’ is the best thing you can do

Brand campaigns that worked:

LifeHunters, a media company, sat down with three centenarians and asked them the secret to their longevity and their most valuable life lessons. Discover their responses in this equal parts lighthearted and wistful video:

2. International Day of Non-Violence/Gandhi Jayanti – 2 October

This day is observed on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a proponent of non-violence all his life.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: X ways Gandhi’s principles influenced the making of our constitution

Infographic idea: Do these things the next time you feel like you’re losing your temper

Video idea: How the salt march became a protest that changed history

Podcast idea: Turning the other cheek: What does it mean in this day and age?

Brand campaigns that worked:

Hindustan Unilever released an ad where they showed actors walking the streets of Mumbai dressed as Mahatma Gandhi. Watch the video to see how they led the change they wanted to see in people:

3. World Teacher’s Day – 5 October

This day aims to focus on appreciating, assessing and improving the educators of the world. Theme for 2019- Young teachers: The future of the profession

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: X things you can do to say ‘thank you’ to the people who have impacted your life

Infographic idea: Who is teacher’s day celebrated in honour of across the world?

Video idea: How to develop a positive outlook and learn from your mistakes

Podcast idea: Are teachers earning better today?

Brand campaigns that worked:

This short film by Linc pens celebrates the people we learn from outside the school environment by exploring the story of a boy who looks back on his life and remembers key points where someone taught him something. Even though none of them are his teacher, he seems to reflect and understand how their actions impacted him.

4. World Habitat Day – 7 October

This day is dedicated to observing the state of the towns and cities we live in and contemplate how we can better our environment and upkeep the basic right to shelter for all.

Theme for 2019 – Frontier technologies as an innovative tool to transform waste to wealth

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Types of indigenous housing around the world

Infographic idea: How to create temporary shelters

Video idea: How a house built in a cyclone-prone are is different from the rest

Podcast idea: Affordable housing: Reality or myth?

Brand campaigns that worked:

This campaign by Habitat For Humanity of greater Los Angeles shows kids from a school illustrate and explain why everyone deserves a home in this heartwarming video:

5. World Architecture Day – 7 October

The day is celebrated to show appreciation towards architects who have planned and developed the world’s cities and recognise iconic structures.

Theme for 2019 – Architecture: Housing for all

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Modern architectural wonders of the world every design enthusiast must visit

Infographic idea: X architectural terms you must know before you go house-hunting

Video idea: Design Trends: Architecture styles that are making a comeback

Podcast idea: Can I become an Architect if I’m good at drawing?

Brand campaigns that worked:

This campaign by 30×40 Design Workshop shows a vlog-like video where an architect takes the viewers through a day in his life. This video is for aspiring architects and architecture students.

6. World Post Day – 9 October

The day is celebrated to show how postal services affect our daily lives.

Content marketing ideas:

Article idea: The evolution of the Indian postal system

Infographic idea: The best places to send postcards from

Video idea: What do these rare stamps cost today?

Podcast idea: How writing letters can enhance relationships

7. World Sight Day – 10 October

The day seeks to bring awareness to blindness and other forms of vision impairment.

Theme for 2019 – Vision First

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Vision defects that develop with age and their signs

Infographic idea: How can you become an eye donor?

Video idea: How does eye surgery work?

Podcast idea: What does it feel like to gain eyesight after being blind?

Brand campaigns that worked:

ITC, in collaboration with Ogilvy India, decided to develop braille-enabled packs for Savlon based on the thought that ‘if you get hurt easily, you must also be able to get help easily’. Several newspapers that carried announcements for this initiative were also in braille.

8. World Mental Health Day – 10 October

This day raises awareness of several mental health issues and destigmatises the myths surrounding them. This year, the focus is on suicide prevention.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: X helplines you can call if you’re feeling depressed or going through a difficult period

Infographic idea: Avenues you can seek help from if you’re suffering from a mental illness

Video idea: A look at how far mental health awareness has come over the years

Podcast idea: The link between physical and mental illnesses

Brand campaigns that worked:

This interesting video by the Football Association of the UK have athletes talk about the ups and downs in mental health through an analogy most people can relate to- the game of football. It also features an appearance by Prince William, who is the President of the FA.

This thoughtful video by Star TV Network explores some of the common things that people with mental health issues often hear- which might be detrimental to their health. The video ends with a call to ‘support, not ridicule’:

It’s time we address the bias that surrounds mental health. Choose to support, not ridicule. #TalkItThrough #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/MSQS5uyilL

— Star TV Network (@starindia) October 10, 2018

8. International Day of the Girl Child – 11 October

This day is observed by the UN to highlight and address the needs and challenges faced by girls. It aims to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

Theme for 2019 — GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: A list of government schemes for the girl child in India

Infographic idea: Know your rights: Laws that protect girls and their rights

Video idea: How to empower your daughter?

Podcast idea: Why educating girls is crucial for a country’s development

Brand campaign that worked:

Dove brings forth some of the many issues preteen girls go through and urges them to celebrate body-positivity with this video. The brand worked with psychologists, researchers and NGOs to develop educational programmes that discussed appearance, relationships, media & celebrities, and bullying:

9. International Day for Disaster Reduction – 13 October

This day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing the impact of disasters by building a more responsive global community.

Content marketing ideas:

Article idea: How do natural disasters affect the environment?

Infographic idea: Disasters that took place in the last decade and their effects

Video idea: The role of technology in disaster management and prevention

Podcast idea: Steps you can take now to prepare for a disaster

Brand campaign that worked:

In 2012, UNDP Lebanon launched the ‘Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Capacities in Lebanon’ project and broadcasted a short animation video at the cinemas across Lebanon during the month of October to create awareness:

10. World Food Day – 16 October

The day honours the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Tips to reduce your foodprint

Infographic idea: The cycle of hunger and poverty

Video idea: Government initiatives to eradicate hunger

Podcast idea: Trends in the fortification of food

Brand campaign that worked:

Peppy music, multi-ethnicity, and shots of behind-the-scene activities made the #WatchHungerStop campaign by Michael Kors in collaboration with World Food Program a success. It also involved the release of limited-edition 100 Series watches featuring the engraved message ‘1 watch = 100 meals’ on the casing to push promotions while also contributing to a cause:

11. International Day for Eradication of Poverty – 17 October

This day observed by the United Nations promotes awareness and the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: How does poverty affect a country’s economy?

Infographic idea: Poverty alleviation programmes in India

Video idea: Facts about poverty

Podcast idea: What is slum tourism?

Brand campaign that worked:

Non-profit venture capital fund Acumen debuted it #SeePeople campaign with a series of portraits of people living on less than $5 a day and tells their story by showing how the projects it’s funded are helping:

12. World Development Information Day – 24 October

This day was established by the General Assembly to draw the attention of the world to the problems caused by development and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: International organisations that address world issues

Infographic idea: World development problems that require international co-operation

Video idea: How businesses can use low-impact development to reduce carbon footprint

Podcast idea: Achievements of the UN General Assembly

13. United Nations Day – 24 October

UN Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter and its entry into force in 1945.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Role of United Nations in today’s context

Infographic idea: Different bodies of the UN

Video idea: UN: What does it take to work for the UN?

Podcast idea: Global issues resolve by the UN

14. World Day for Audio Visual Heritage – 27 October

On this day UNESCO raises awareness on the need to preserve and safeguard important audio-visual materials such as films, TV programmes, and radio for future generations. It promotes the conservation of heritage and ensures accessibility to the public now, and for future generations.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: In black & white: How films were made before

Infographic idea: Important government audio visual documents you didn’t know about

Video idea: History of sound recording

Podcast idea: Efforts taken by the government to protect our heritage

Brand campaign that worked:

EUD initiated a campaign and motivated people to save old audio-visual documents made for and by deaf persons to safeguard the precious heritage of the community.

15. Other Content Marketing Opportunities

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This month is dedicated to increase awareness of about breast cancer and encourage people to go for early detection and treatment.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Foods that help prevent breast cancer

Infographic idea: Ribbons of cancer awareness

Video idea: How to check for breast lumps

Podcast idea: How can we make OB/GYN appointments less daunting for women?

Brand campaigns that worked:

Mercedes Benz released a thoughtful crossover between car safety and breast cancer awareness when they posted a photo of a test dummy performing its own breast cancer examination.

International Walk to School Month

In October of every year, millions of children from various countries around the world participate in ‘Safe Kids Walk’. This event aims to raise community and global awareness about walking safety and promote healthy behaviour.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Health benefits of letting your kids walk to school

Infographic idea: How kids travel to school in different countries

Video idea: Tips to be a conscious pedestrian

Podcast idea: Walking exercises that improve balance and agility

Brand campaign that worked:

Safe Kids created an interactive video that addresses the dangers of texting while walking and promote safe practices:

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

It’s a collaborative effort between the government and the industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.

Theme for 2019 – OWN IT. SECURE IT. PROTECT IT.

Listicle idea: Tips to follow to become a #CyberSmart netizen

Infographic idea: How to protect your data from cyberattacks

Video idea: A guide for employees to be #CyberSafe at their workplace

Podcast idea: Quotes from top leaders on why businesses need to handle their user data responsibly

16. Sports & Events

World Artistic Gymnastics Championships – 4 – 13 October

World Beach Games – 10 – 15 October

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Fantastic sporting events to look forward to

Infographic idea: Countries that have dominated international sporting events

Video idea: The most unbelievable moments in sporting history

Podcast idea: How much should governments invest in sports?

17. Festivals & Fun Days

International Coffee Day – 1 October

World Vegetarian Day – 1 October

Durga Puja – 4 October

World Smile Day – 4 October

World Animal Day – 4 October

Oktoberfest – 21 September – 6 October

Dussehra – 8 October

Valmiki Jayanti – 13 October

Boss’ Day – 13 October

Karva Chauth – 17 October

World Pasta Day – 25 October

Diwali – 27 October

Bhai Dhuj – 29 October

World Savings Day – 30 October

Halloween – 31 October

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: 10 unique ways to decorate your home for Diwali

Infographic idea: Types of coffee and their benefits

Video idea: 5 pasta recipes to make during family get togethers

Podcast idea: The best countries in the world to celebrate Octoberfest

Brand campaigns that worked:

HP India created the #GoLocal campaign in support of local artisans & street vendors with this powerful video that goes straight to the heart:

Canon India celebrated the festival of lights with its #SpreadTheFestivity campaign in a collaborative effort with RepIndia, digital partners of Canon India.

18. Movie Releases

The Good Maharaja – 1 Oct.

War – 2 Oct.

Housefull 4 – 2 Oct.

Joker – 4 Oct.

Hira Mandi – 4 Oct.

Shoot the piano player – 9 Oct.

The Sky Is Pink – 11 Oct.

Gemini Man – 11 Oct.

The Addams Family – 11 Oct.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil – 18 Oct.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: The most profitable movie remakes

Infographic idea: Steps to build a successful career as an animator

Video idea: CGI: What is it and how does it work?

Podcast idea: How far will you go to prepare for a role?

19. Celebrity Birthdays

Theresa May – 1 Oct.

Zach Galifianakis – 1 Oct.

Noah Schnapp – 2 Oct.

Gwen Stefani – 2 Oct.

Tommy Lee – 3 Oct.

Soha Ali Khan – 4 Oct.

Dakota Johnson – 4 Oct.

Kate Winslet – 5 Oct.

Jesse Eisenberg – 5 Oct.

Vladimir Putin – 7 Oct.

Bruno Mars – 8 Oct.

John Lennon – 9 Oct.

K. Narayan – 10 Oct.

Marie Kondo – 10 Oct.

Amitabh Bachchan – 11 Oct.

Nivin Pauly – 11 Oct.

Luke Perry – 11 Oct.

Hugh Jackman – 12 Oct.

Margaret Thatcher – 13 Oct.

Gautam Gambhir – 14 Oct.

Mira Nair – 15 Oct.

Abdul Kalam – 15 Oct.

Hema Malini – 16 Oct.

Prithviraj – 16 Oct.

Eminem – 17 Oct.

Freida Pinto – 18 Oct.

Zac Efron – 18 Oct.

Om Puri – 18 Oct.

Jyothika – 18 Oct.

Sunny Deol – 19 Oct.

Virender Sehwag – 20 Oct.

Kamala Harris – 20 Oct.

Viggo Mortensen – 20 Oct.

Kim Kardashian – 21 Oct.

Parineeti Chopra – 22 Oct.

21 Savage – 22 Oct.

Ryan Reynolds – 23 Oct.

Emilia Clarke – 23 Oct.

Prabhas Raju – 23 Oct.

PewDiePie – 24 Oct.

Katy Perry – 25 Oct.

Theodore Roosevelt – 27 Oct.

Aditi Rao Hydari – 28 Oct.

Indra Nooyi – 28 Oct.

Julia Roberts – 28 Oct.

Bill Gates – 28 Oct.

Homi J. Bhabha – 30 Oct.

Ivanka Trump – 30 Oct.

Emiliano Sala – 31 Oct.

Content marketing ideas:

Listicle idea: Career opportunities in the music industry

Infographic idea: Guide to achieve social media stardom

Video idea: Unforgettable on-screen characters of Julia Roberts

Podcast idea: How to pursue a career in acting or modelling in India