The May 2016 mobile marketing innovations make the most of social media and apps with creative loyalty programs, campaigns and tools for consumers to begin using in their daily lives.
Some of the best branded mobile apps include ones like the KLIKK app from IKEA, which only allows a user to take a single photo, or Nivea's NOSE app, which serves as an indicator as to when one of its deodorant products should be applied. The sheer novelty of these apps gives consumers enough reason to download and try these apps.
With a slew of new features recently released, Snapchat and Instagram are the top platforms that are being favored lately for mobile marketing. One of the most engaging campaigns comes from Sonic, which turned Instagram into a shop to sell square-shaped shakes for the kickoff of this year's festival season at Coachella.
Top 30 Mobile Marketing Ideas in May
30
Gold Star Snapchat Lenses
This Starbucks Snapchat Lens Marks the Launch of a New Loyalty System
29
Social Media Travel Guides
The Sherpa App Converts Instagram Accounts into Visual Travel Platforms
28
Interconnected Instagram Videos
Jägermeister's 'Insta-Hack' Plays with Videos on Instagram
27
Screenshot Coupon Ads
McDonald's Experiments with a Different Kind of Mobile Marketing
26
Presidential Social Media Filters
These Snapchat Filters are Intended for Millennial Voters
25
Instagram-Shoppable Milkshakes
Sonic Will Serve Square Shakes Sold Through IG at Coachella
24
Immediate Shopping Apps
Project September Allows Shoppers to Click an Image to Buy
23
Content Contest Apps
Social Media Gaming Platform Wyrd Lets Users Vote for Creators' Posts
22
Integrated Social Racing Campaigns
This New Nascar Campaign Incorporates Twitter and Snapchat
21
Utility Vehicle Snapchat Campaigns
The Jeep Snapchat Campaign Encourages User-Generated Content
20
Snapchat Television Revivals
The Cribs Snapchat Series Will See the Relaunch of the MTV Hit
19
Ephemeral App-Install Campaigns
Cookie Jam is the First to Roll-Out App-Install Ads on Snapchat
18
In-App Loyalty Programs
H & M Club Lets Shoppers Collect Rewards Via the Retailer's App
17
Localized Loyalty Apps
The Deal Local App Helps Local Businesses Build Loyalty Among Customers
16
Integrated March Madness Campaigns
This Allstate Campaign Includes Real-time Tweets and Snapchats
15
Restaurant Payment Apps
'JOEY PAY' is a Convenient Way to Settle Transactions at JOEY Restaurants
14
Delayed E-Shopping Payments
FuturePay Gives Consumers the Freedom to Buy Online and Pay Later
13
Sporty Face-Painting Apps
FaceCake's 'In the Paint' Helps Sports Fans Virtually Apply Face Paint
12
One-Shot Photography Apps
IKEA's 'KLIKK' App Only Lets Users Take a Single Photo
11
Kid-Friendly Entertainment Apps
The BBC iPlayer Kids App Provides Suitable Content for Young Ones
10
Playable Force Touch Ads
mNectar Lets Mobile Game Developers Promote with Interactive Campaigns
9
Commemorative Social Media Filters
Snapchat's Purple Rain Filter Serves as a Tribute to Prince
8
Odor Detection Apps
The NOSE App Lets You Know When It's Time to Slap On Some Nivea Deodorant
7
Animated Travel Campaigns
Eurostar is Using Creative Instagram Posts to Drive Engagement
6
Political Geofilter Ads
The Bernie Sanders Snapchat Geofilter Was a Paid Ad on NYC Primary Day
5
Fan-Rewarding Baseball Apps
The New Somerset Patriots App Rewards Fans For Social Media Activity
4
Interactive Museum Apps
The New Broad Museum App Uses Location Technology to Enhance Engagement
3
Burglary Awareness Apps
The 'GrabMe' App Reminds Homeowners to Use Social Media Safely
2
Photographic Pharmacy Apps
Jean Coutu Lets Patients Send Prescriptions to Their Doctor Via Photo
1
Social Sports Livestreams
NFL Fans Can Now Livestream Thursday Night Football on Twitter
Related Ideas
Discount Retailer Mobile Apps
Family Dollar Debuted a New Mobile Shopping App for Customers
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Sticker-Creating Social Tools
Instagram Releases a New Sticker Creation Feature for Creators
Shoe Retailer AI Apps
SuperStep Partnered with 'IMSHOP' to Create a Convenient Mobile App
Gamified Shopping Apps
Yaysay Combines AI-Powered Personalization & Gamification
AI-Enhanced Grocery Apps
Instacart Unveiled a Suite of AI Features Coming to its Mobile App
Mixed-Reality Makeup Apps
e.l.f. Cosmetics Launches a New Shopping App for the Apple Vision Pro
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Monetizable Mobile Gaming Apps
'Playbite' Enables Players to Win Gift Cards and Prizes
Mobile Plan Breakup Campaigns
Sky Mobile's Breakup Consultant Helps to Free People from Bad Plans
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Food Truck Billboards
McDonald's Transformed Billboards into Digital Food Truck Displays
Consolidated Automotive Apps
The 'Fisker' App Caters to Every Aspect Of the Customer Experience
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
AI Beauty Shopping Apps
Trendio's Video Shopping App Shares Personally Curated Content
Daily Motivation Apps
'Motivation' is an Empowering App Helping People Make the Most of Their Days
Online Fashion Apps
'MUSINSA' Launched a New E-Commerce Fashion App in Singapore
Motivating Journaling Apps
MindUp Encourages Users to Maintain a Daily Mindfulness Habit
Running Partner Messaging Apps
Find Your Next Running Partner Through Strava Messaging
Product-Integrated Filters
NYX and Snapchat Launched the 'Beauty Bestie' Shopping FIlter
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Shoppable Hybrid Apps
Lemon8 is a New Social Media App Combining Aspects of Instagram & Pinterest
QSR Gen Z Campaigns
Chipotle Targets Gen Z with Wellness Snapchat Lens and Menu Items
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
AI-Powered DIY Home Apps
Praxis Introduces New Features to Its Praxis Plus App
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Democratic Digital Artwork Apps
The 'ArtzMe' App Makes Art Accessible to Everyone
Automated eCommerce Marketing Tools
Klaviyo Simplifies the Campaign Creation and Reachout Process
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Early-Access Shopping Apps
The J.Crew App Provides Users Access to Sales 48 Hours in Advance
Raw Thought Organization Apps
The 'Memosa' App Turns Ideas and Rambling into Organized Text
Mobile 3D Scanning Apps
Epic Games and Capturing Reality Debut the RealityScan iOS App
Elevated Health Rewards Apps
MassMutual Debuts a Rewards-Focused Wellness App Called LivingWell
Mobile Cannabis Marketplaces
Fire & Flower's Spark Marketplace App Simplifies Orders
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Digital Wallet Loyalty Solutions
Loopy Loyalty Adds Loyalty Cards in Apple and Google Wallet
Cannabis Marketplace Apps
Jane Technologies Launches Its First iOS Shopping App
Advertising E-Commerce Tools
Tokens Launches the Valor E-Commerce Platform for QR Code Advertising
Swipable Curated Ad Inspiration
Swipify Lets Users Swipe Through the Latest Ad Campaigns
Interactive AR Experiences
The Sendit App Engaged Gen Alpha on Valentine's Day
AI-Powered Beauty Apps
Charlotte Tilbury Unveils its First Mobile Beauty App with AI Deep Learning
Omnichannel Grocery Technologies
Instacart Launches the New Omnichannel Solutions for Grocers
TikTok-Inspired Music Features
Spotify Showcased a Redesigned Homepage for its Mobile App
Social Content Creator Platforms
The 'Marble' Social Media Manager Platform Offers Insights
On-Demand Mobile Ice Cream Stores
Mars Teamed Up with Store-Hailing Service Conjure
Beauty-Focused Shopping Apps
The 'Trendio' Live Shopping App Offers Access to Beauty Content
Mobile Messenger Updates
Google Added Two New Features to its Messages Texting Application
Rewarding App-Based Games
Pick n Pay Introduces the New 'Smart Hopper' Game for Shoppers
Audio People Discovery Apps
The 'November' App Offers Users Five Audio Interviews Each Day
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
Strikingly Colorful Smartphones
Motorola’s Edge 30 Neo Lineup Features Pantone Swatches
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Jewelry Rewards Initiatives
Mejuri Launches a New App and Loyalty Program Called Mejuri+
Communication App Shopping Experiences
WhatsApp Flows Allow for In-App Booking and Shopping
Customized Convenience Retailer Apps
Family Express is Introducing a Personalized App Experience
Social Media-Like Study Apps
SHARPEN Aims to Be Just as Engaging and Convenient as Social Media
Social City Exploration Apps
The 'Geometrik' App Connects Citizens and Businesses Together
Cannabis Delivery Service Apps
Lantern Launches iOS App in Time for the Holidays
Digital CPG Catalogues
Haven's Kitchen Uses QR Codes to Advertise its Product Portfolio
Digital Loyalty Customer Cards
Passkit Makes Loyalty Cards for Apple and Google Wallet
Healthy Relationship-Focused Apps
The Official App Helps One Maintain Healthy Romantic Relations
Engaging Political Update Apps
The 'GovSide' App Encourages Citizens to Get Involved
Car-Identifying Apps
Scout Helps Enthusiasts Identify a Vehicle
Rejuvenated Fuel Loyalty Apps
The 'Gulf Pay' Program Offers Savings to New & Returning Customers
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Authenticated Product Review Apps
This App Matchers Shoppers With Brands Looking For Reviews
Rewarding Dance Apps
Desperados Dance Club Brings the Uplifting Benefits of Movement to Gen Z
Social Media AI Chatbots
Instagram Plans to Incorporate its Own AI Chatbots in the App
QSR-Backed SMS Marketing
McDonald's Launches a SMS Marketing Campaign Using a New Phone Number
Employee Task Applications
Home Depot Launches a Mobile App to Prioritize Employee Tasks
Visual Payment Apps
Vizme Turns the Experience of Sending or Spending Money Into Stories
SMS Commerce Services
klaviyo Allows Customers and Brands to Sell or Buy Products via SMS
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Personality-Focused Dating Apps
The Bokay App Expands Its Services Across Canada
Smartphone Distraction-Curbing Apps
The 'Lemio' App Combats Against Smartphone Addiction
Distraction-Free Flip Phones
Consumer Cellular Unveils its 'Shot on Flip Phone' Campaign
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
AR Voter Campaigns
Snapchat & the Dutch Ministry Engaged and Inspired Gen Z Voters
Home Decor Mobile Apps
Pottery Barn Officially Launches its Mobile App and New Design
Guest Experience Hotel Apps
OpenKey Launches a Brand-New Guest Experience App for Hotels
Mobile Streaming App Stories
Twitch is Rolling Out a Daily 'Story' Feature on its Mobile App
AR-Enabled Google Tools
Google Launches a Slew of New Features for Search, Shopping, and Maps
iOS-Influenced Travel Apps
Uber’s Redesigned App Uses the Latest iPhone Features on iOS 16
Pocket Concierge Apps
The Scene Matches Users to Restaurants, Bars, Clubs & Cafes
Bacon Holiday Ads
Oscar Mayer Partners with Mint Mobile for 'A Side of Bacon' Holiday Campaign
Customized Membership Cards
Amaze Technologies Offers Digital Wallet Loyalty Solutions for Brands
Delightful Recurring Payment Apps
The 'm0nthly' App Offers Mindful Money Management
Authenticated News Apps
Digital Trust Network 'Click' Challenges the Threat of Misinformation
Location-Based QSR Technology
Chipotle is Integrating Location-Based Technology Into its App
Lifestyle Sales Expansions
At Home Launches Upgrades to Same-Day Delivery and a New Mobile App
Playful Dating Experiment Campaigns
Kraft's Swipe Right for Mayo Campaign Social Experiment
Photo Editing Mobile Expansions
Capture One Launches its Platform on Mobile Devices
Home Decor Apps
Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen Launch Mobile Apps for E-Commerce Sales
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
User-Prompting Dating App Features
The Hinge Dating App is Rolling Out New Prompts for Daters
Mobile Esports Partnerships
Tribe Gaming Partners with Samsung Mobile for Multiple Activations
Digital-First Denim Brands
True Religion Will Become a Digital-First Brand with its New Mobile App
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
Dating App-Themed Store Experiences
Tinder Opens Up a SwipeMart Store Location in Tokyo
Custom-Made Loyalty Apps
The TXB Loyalty App Turns Points into Cash for Use on Anything in Store
Crafting Retailer Loyalty Apps
The Hobbycraft Club App Offers Exclusive Discounts and More
Breakfast Rewards Apps
Effin Egg Launches the New Loyalty App for Consumers
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Money-Saving Grocery Apps
Schnuck Markets and Upside Launch a Co-Branded App for Rewards
Connective Foodie Apps
Letslicious is a Foodie Social Media App Connecting Likeminded People
Mobile Esports Events
Tribe Gaming Partners with Samsung for a Mobile Gaming Event in Las Vegas
Curated Newsreading Apps
The 'Samsung News' App Offers Access to Diverse News Media Sources
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Digital Wellness-Promoting Apps
AARP Now is a Convenient Membership App for AARP Cardholders
Updated Restaurant App Rewards
California Pizza Kitchen Updated its Mobile App with Perks
Comprehensive Business Loyalty Solutions
BusinessQR Helps Brands Build Customer Loyalty
Music Content Campaign Tools
Spotify Presents the Showcase Tool for Artists to Promote
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Revamped Grocery Loyalty Apps
Tesco Unveils the New and Improved Digital Clubcard and Grocery App
Mobile Convenience Apps
Kum & Go Unveils its New Mobile Shopping Platform and Rewards Program
Social Sticker-Making Features
WhatsApp Launches a New In-App Custom Sticker Maker
Subtle Marketing Pop-Ups
FOMO Nudge Encourages Users to Buy with Subtle Pop-Ups
QSR Loyalty Apps
Zaxby's Announced the "Zax Rewardz' Program with an All-New Structure
Gamer Organization Apps
Skich Debuts New Features for its Tinder-Style Game Recommendation App
Web-Based Image Messaging Apps
Snapchat Opens Its Newly Launched Web App to All Its Users
Versatile Marketing Toolkits
Looper Insights Releases a Digital Marketing Insights Tool
QSR Rewards Interfaces
California Pizza Kitchen Launches an Updated Mobile App and Perks
Phone-Based User-Targeted Campaigns
PlugSMS Helps Users Launch Campaigns From Their Phones
In-App Social Post Schedulers
Instagram Launches Its In-App Scheduling Tool for Professional Users
Android-Compatible Esports Apps
ONE Esports Debuts a Mobile App for Southeast Asian Consumers
New Year Sandwich Promotions
This Urban Eat On-Pack Promo Offers Hundreds of Prizes Up for Grabs
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
Digital Commercial Payment Apps
Mastercard Unveils the Mobile Virtual Card App for Businesses
Seamless Sports Betting Apps
theScore Bet Debuts New Commercial Spots as part of Fall Campaign
Comprehensive Restaurant Overview Apps
Toast Debuts a Digital App to Manage Restaurant Operations
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Gas Retailer Rewards Programs
Gas N Wash Unveils its Updated Mobile App and Rewards Program
Trailer-Making Life Apps
Moments Helps Users Live in the Moment and Relive the Event the Next Day