Social media companies have been under a fair amount of scrutiny in recent weeks, but that hasn't changed their degree of popularity with users, as the April 2018 social media trends show. Whether because of the gamification inherent in the features of social media platforms or because of the more wholesome desire to simply connect with one's friends and family online, social media is as ubiquitous as ever.
It's important to be a responsible user on social media. Various news and new projects make that clear. A digital designer recently started an Instagram account with a model named Shudu, and it's quickly gained followers thanks to alluring and enticing imagery featuring the female. The thing is, Shudu isn't real — it's a completely digital rendering designed by the artists behind the account. Users unfamiliar with that conceit might strive to replicate Shudu's unrealistic, literally unreal beauty ideals. So savvy media consumption is a necessity in the modern social media landscape.
Top 35 Social Media Trends in April
35
Fully Digital Models
Shudu is a Project by Photographer Cameron James-Wilson
34
Influencer-Labeling Apparel
Pizzaslime's Influencer Apparel is for the Self-Aware Self-Promoter
33
The Social Entrepreneur Revolution
We Asked Gary Vaynerchuk What Goes into 'Crushing It!'
32
Realistic Succulent Plant Cakes
Brooklyn Floral Delight Makes Deceptive Cactus-Like Cakes
31
4K Vlogging Cameras
The 'Idolcam' Ensures Smooth Recording of Personal Video Blogs
30
Confrontational Digital Media Signs
Mike Campau's Series 'Anti-Social' is a Look at Social Media
29
Socially Inspired Recipes
Knorr's 'Eat Your Feed' Matches Meals to One's Instagram Posts
28
Uncomfortable Facial Art
The Work of Austin Smith is Confrontational in Its Very Essence
27
Foodie Social Network Apps
The 'Yumme' App Lets Users Share Their Favorite Restaurant Experiences
26
Collaborative Comedic Influencer Palettes
Morphe and Bretman Rock Created a Highlighter Palette
25
Luxury eCommerce Experiences
Gucci's Collection Can be Purchased Through WeChat
24
International Pen Pal Apps
The 'PEN PALS' Social Network You Send Notes to Others Around the World
23
Female-Centric Sneakerhead Blogs
Girl on Kicks Boasts Female-Focused Sneaker News Coverage
22
Creative In-Game Ads
Nike and McDonald's are Advertising Through a Game on the WeChat App
21
Mysterious Single-Malt Whiskies
'The Glenlivet Code' is Paired with Shazam and an AR Experience
20
Social Video Mashup Apps
The 'YuVie' Social Video App Infuses You into Popular Media
19
High Fashion Hotlines
The Balenciaga 2018 Runway Show Featured an Interactive Phone Line Component
18
Kissing Fast Food-Branded Contests
Mcdonald's and WeChat Awarded Couples with Free Macarons
17
Gamified Social Media Apps
The APPICS Platform Rewards Content Creation with Cryptocurrency Tokens
16
Augmented Drawing Apps
Google's 'Just a Line' App Enhances Videos with Dynamic AR Drawings
15
Kid Shoe Design Contests
Puma X Sesame Street Has Challenged Kids with a Social Media Challenge
14
Social Travel Ad Tools
Facebook is Helping Travel Advertisers with Its Trip Consideration Tool
13
Festive Donut Social Competitions
This New Dunkin' Donuts Campaign Prompts Social Engagement
12
Social Media-Powered Website Builders
'Creaclick' Turns Instagram Content into Beautiful Sites
11
In-App Purse Promotions
Dior and Wechat Promoted a New Luxury Purse Through the Social Network
10
Automated Social Marketing Tools
'Gram Growth' Streamlines Instagram Marketing for Fast Growth
9
Creator-Made AR Lenses
Snapchat is Now Allowing All Users the Chance to Have a Featured AR Lens
8
Global Content Social Networks
'Discover Lyfe' Offers Access to International Content
7
Adventurous Event Discovery Apps
The 'Wispy' App Spotlights Content to Encourage Exploration
6
Recycled Photo-Sharing Features
The New Instagram Reshare Feature Lets Users Post Others' Content
5
Cyberbullying Education Platforms
Agree Online Helps Children with Online Conflict Resolution
4
Encoder-Free Live Streaming Features
The New YouTube Webcam Feature Helps Creators Stream Content
3
Social Media Hashtag Updates
Users Can Now Include Clickable Hashtags on Their Instagram Bios
2
Spontaneous Contact-Sharing Apps
The 'SCRATCH' App Seamlessly Lets You Socialize and Share Info
1
Expansive Social Sports Accounts
FIFA's Digital Presence is Expanding to China with Weibo
Related Ideas
Avatar-Based Social Apps
Metadream Launches Bondee, a Next-Generation Social Media App in Asia
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
AI-Generated Ad Platforms
Picsart Develops the New Adpilot Platform to Generate Ads On Demand
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Dedicated Social Media Devices
The Conceptual Twitter 3D Gadget Features Mechanical Buttons
Social Account-Joined Sneaker Models
Hartcopy Joins adidas on a Collaborative HW Army Sneaker
Unfiltered Dating Apps
The 'RAW' Dating App Shows a Person's Authentic Self
Algorithm-Free Social Media Apps
'RTRO' Connects Users in a More Positive Online Environment
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Anti-Filter Beauty Campaigns
Dove is Inviting Social Media Users to Fight Digital Distortion
AI Social Media Managers
Friz is an All-in-One Tool for DTC Brands on Social
Sticker-Creating Social Tools
Instagram Releases a New Sticker Creation Feature for Creators
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
AI-Powered Beauty Filters
The TikTok Bold Glamour Beauty Filter Uses Machine-Learning
Digital Streetwear Collaborations
The Fabricant x Highsnobiety Dropped During Paris Fashion Week
NFC-Enabled Face Stickers
Shu Uemura's Limited-Edition Stickers Create Digital Content
Mental Health-Protective Films
Dove's Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film Protects Teen's Mental Health
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Verified Social Media Accounts
Meta Verified Launches in Canada to Help Creators Build Community
Decentralized Social Media Platforms
Meta Launched Threads, a Decentralized Alternative to Twitter
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Gen Alpha Social Media Apps
'SendIt' is Designed for Youth to Socialize through Games and Chatting
Digital Wellness Inniaitives
Pinterest Focuses on the Digital Well-being of Gen Z
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Realistic Chat-Based Avatars
Whatsapp Partners with Tems for the 'Say More With Avatars' Campaign
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
AI-Powered Digital Marketing Support
Boostrbot Transforms Likes Into Leads
Text-Based Social Medias
'Artifact' is an Upcoming Article-Focused Social Media Service
Brand-Led Global Studies
The LEGO Group Conducted a Study That May Inform Market Decisions
Relaunched NSFW Digital Publications
Playboy Magazine is Launching in a New Digital Space
Product-Integrated Filters
NYX and Snapchat Launched the 'Beauty Bestie' Shopping FIlter
Shoppable Hybrid Apps
Lemon8 is a New Social Media App Combining Aspects of Instagram & Pinterest
Unfiltered Beauty Campaigns
#NoFilterJustMilani Champions Beauty Online and in Real Life
Interactive Phygital Hoodies
Beyond's Phygital Fashion Capsule Can Be Tried on with AR
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Syringe-Based Billboards
Dove's Injectable Billboard Addresses Toxic Beauty Standards
Technology News Summaries
TechTok Helps Readers Stay On Top of News in Five Minutes
Personalized AI Emojis
Emojifyer AI Turns Your Selfies Into Emojis
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Digital Avatar Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics & Snapchat Debuted the First Bitmoji Beauty Drop
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Luxury Avatar Outfits
Valentino Created Digital Fashion Looks for Meta Avatars
Instagram Hashtags Generators
TwoOrbits' Tool Uses AI and Machine Learning to Help Creators
Digital Fashion Designer Incubators
The SYKY Collective Represents the Future of Luxury Fashion
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Rewarding Gen-Z Learning Apps
Kadama Aims to Make Learning More Accessible and Fun Online
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
AI-Generated Selfies
DreamBooth Creates Realistic Images Based on a Set of Photos
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Swipable Curated Ad Inspiration
Swipify Lets Users Swipe Through the Latest Ad Campaigns
AI Social Media Management
From Discovery to Post Scheduling – Storefries Does it All
Innovative Avatar-Creation Apps
Idoru Helps Users Express Themselves Using Hyper-Realistic Avatars
Body Positivity Campaigns
Body Proud's #noBODYlikeyou Removes the Pressure to Look a Certain Way
TikTok-Inspired Music Features
Spotify Showcased a Redesigned Homepage for its Mobile App
Meme-Like Social Platforms
Social Platform Spill Launches its Beta with a ‘Meme-Forward’ Aesthetic
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Minimalist Social Media Platforms
Bluesky is a Simple, Minimalist Social Media Platform
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
Publicly Available Social Medias
'Bluesky' is Now Open to All Users Without Invitation
Authenticated Product Review Apps
This App Matchers Shoppers With Brands Looking For Reviews
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kyndr is a Community-Based Social Media Platform
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
AI Social Media Tools
Axoon Will Post Personalized Content to Your Socials
AI-Indicating Content Labels
Meta is Preparing to Roll out Labels Depicting Content Made with AI
Social Media Forecasting Tools
WGSN TikTok Analytics Harness Data, Insights and More
Social Media AI Chatbots
Instagram Plans to Incorporate its Own AI Chatbots in the App
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
Celebrity Social Feeds
BeReal Introduces the Celeb-Exclusive 'RealPeople' Feed on its App
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Parental Social App Controls
Meta Debuts a Series of New Features Across its Social Media Apps
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
BeReal is Looking for "The Realest Person on Earth"
Meme-Based Dating Sites
Schmooze Helps Singles Find Love Through Memes and Jokes
Digital Social Sharing Spaces
The Shilo App Invites Users to Share and Curate What They Love
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
AR Voter Campaigns
Snapchat & the Dutch Ministry Engaged and Inspired Gen Z Voters
Empowering Visual Content Campaigns
Getty Images and Hiki Launches #AutisticOutLoud
Limited Political Social Medias
Meta's 'Threads' Allows Users to Limit Political Content Shown
MENA-Focused Influencer Platforms
Mitgo Group Debuts the Takefluence Platform for Content Creators
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
AI-Powered Avatar Generators
AI Magic Avatar Helps Users Create Their Digital Twin
Social Media-Limiting Apps
Elqi Intervenes with Meditation to Limit Social Media Time
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Animated-Photo AI-Fueled Chat Apps
EmbodyMe Unveils its New Xpression Chat Platform
Authenticated News Apps
Digital Trust Network 'Click' Challenges the Threat of Misinformation
Automated Social Media Posting
PosterGPT Uses AI to Post the Latest News Stories to Your Feed
Social Sun Care Challenges
Cosrx's #LayerYourSPF Campaign Reached Milestone Views on TikTok
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
Social Media Star Brands
Toddy Smith Introduces His GothicMochas Clothing Brand
Modern Digitized Bookshelves
September is a Digital Bookshelf Where You Can Display Achievements
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Creator Content Hubs
TikTok Launches a New World Hub to Help Brands Connect with Audiences
Outdoor Activity Challenges
L.L.Bean is Inviting People Outside for Mental Health Awareness Month
Secondary Social Media Features
Instagram is Rolling out the Flipside Feature On User Profiles
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Short-Form Fashion Competitions
#TikTokFashion Challenges Users to Create and Share Their Design
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Social Telegrammed Messaging Features
Instagram's Broadcast Channels Will Soon Launch Globally
Social Posting Platform Features
Threads Launches the New Send on Instagram Feature
Music-Focused Social Media
Musicboard is a Place for Music Lovers to Unite
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Social Media Silencing Features
Instagram Quiet Mode Helps Users Take a Scheduled Break
Mental Health Branding Initiatives
L.L.Bean Digitally Detoxed for Mental Health Awareness Month
Private Influencer Social Groups
CNDO Offers Private Social Rooms for Influencers and Their Fans
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
Influencer-Focused Ad Platforms
Pearpop Helps Brands Find Creators to Sponsor in an Easier Way
Secondary Social Profile Features
Instagram Previews a New Flipside Feature for Private Posting
Year-Long Professional Content Calendars
Content Squeezy Provides Social media Ideas
Lighthearted Meme Apps
Goodday is a Meme App Designed to Inspire Happiness
Interactive Challenge Platforms
Join and Witness Online Challenges in One Place, at Tigbar
Social Media-Connected Links
Instagram Expands its Amount of Links on User Profiles
Privacy-Enhancing Social Features
Pinterest Launches the New Safety Features for Young Users
Paid Verification Social Services
Meta is Preparing to Launch Meta Verified Subscription
Randomly Generated Social Feeds
Roul8 is a Social Media Platform Filled with Surprise
Social Posting Musical Features
Instagram Allow Users to Add Music to Photo Carousels
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Notification-Silencing App Features
Instagram Debuts 'Quiet Mode' to Encourage Users to Disconnect
Creative Collaboration Clubs
Dazed Has Launched a New Social Media App Called Dazed Club
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Broadcast-Like Social Channels
Meta is Launching New Broadcast Channels to Instagram and More
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space
Personalized Content Discovery Tools
Bread Allows Users To Discover Social Content and Save it