The top May 2016 social media ideas include a number of innovative social media campaigns, promising new apps and unique platform partnerships.
MTV recently announced it will revive its highly successful early 2000's series Cribs within its Snapchat Discovery story. Expected to launch in July 2016, the clever move is sure to delight Millennials and create a whole new generation of fans in the process.
In an intriguing partnership that highlights the influence of "cord-cutting," the NFL and Twitter will collaborate to see ten Thursday Night Football games livestreamed for free on the Twitter app and website in the 2016 season. The integrated campaign will also feature pre-game Periscope broadcasts.
Starbucks recently took to Snapchat to remind consumers that its Gold Rewards loyalty program would be changing effective May 1, 2016. The brand purchased a 24-hour sponsored lens that provided user-generated content promoting the program's re-launch.
Top 30 Social Media Ideas in May
From Snapchat Television Revivals to Political Geofilter Ads:
Rebecca Byers — May 28, 2016 — Marketing
30
Ancient VR Cereal Launches
Kellogg’s Ancient Legends Held Tastings Enhanced with Virtual Reality
29
Gold Star Snapchat Lenses
This Starbucks Snapchat Lens Marks the Launch of a New Loyalty System
28
Narrative Experiential Tv Campaigns
This Mr Robot Campaign Sent Fans Hunting for Hidden Cash Drops
27
Branded Plus-Size Instagrams
The Forever 21 Plus Instagram Account Showcases More Bloggers
26
Face Swap Advertisements
These National Geographic Face Swap Photos Encourage Learning
25
Social Media Travel Guides
The Sherpa App Converts Instagram Accounts into Visual Travel Platforms
24
Instagram Analytics Platforms
GetaFollow Helps Instagrammers Build Their Online Following
23
Interconnected Instagram Videos
Jägermeister's 'Insta-Hack' Plays with Videos on Instagram
22
Social Streaming Platforms
The Netflix Party Extension is Made for Long Distance Relationships
21
Content Contest Apps
Social Media Gaming Platform Wyrd Lets Users Vote for Creators' Posts
20
Shoppable Socialite Gaming Apps
The Kim Kardashian Hollywood Game Links to the Spring Web Store
19
Integrated Social Racing Campaigns
This New Nascar Campaign Incorporates Twitter and Snapchat
18
Utility Vehicle Snapchat Campaigns
The Jeep Snapchat Campaign Encourages User-Generated Content
17
Dueling Vigilante Billboards
This Interactive Billboard Ad for Daredevil is Powered by Hashtags
16
Snapchat Television Revivals
The Cribs Snapchat Series Will See the Relaunch of the MTV Hit
15
Livestreaming Video Apps
YouTube Connect Introduces a New Livestreaming Competitor
14
Ephemeral App-Install Campaigns
Cookie Jam is the First to Roll-Out App-Install Ads on Snapchat
13
Integrated March Madness Campaigns
This Allstate Campaign Includes Real-time Tweets and Snapchats
12
Social Live-Streaming Cameras
The Mevo Camera Makes Use of the Facebook Live Feature
11
Video-Based Job Apps
This Job Search App Lets You Record a 30-Second Video For Potential Employers
10
Music-Based Matchmaking Apps
The Tastebuds App Connects Users Based on Their Shared Taste in Music
9
Social Media Video Systems
The Surround 360 by Facebook Captures Video Footage From All Angles
8
Commemorative Social Media Filters
Snapchat's Purple Rain Filter Serves as a Tribute to Prince
7
Anti-Social Network Apps
'Ponder' Provides Users with a Place Safe from Influencer Marketing
6
Cross-Platform Customer Support
The Newegg Facebook Messenger Feature Provides Unique Connection
5
Political Geofilter Ads
The Bernie Sanders Snapchat Geofilter Was a Paid Ad on NYC Primary Day
4
Scannable Friend Requests
Facebook Messenger Introduces Codes Similar to Snapchat
3
Social Media Video Hubs
Facebook Video Takes on YouTube Through Live and Recorded Features
2
Anti-Social Media Plugins
'Focusbook' Curbs Facebook Addiction by Limiting Time Spent on it
1
Social Sports Livestreams
NFL Fans Can Now Livestream Thursday Night Football on Twitter
Related Ideas
Newsstand-Style Pop-Up Series
Uber Eats x ALDI Celebrated Their Partnership with 'The Daily Feed'
Location-Based Social Media Features
Instagram Map Connects Friends Who are Nearby One Another
Content Creator Development Programs
Sunwing Vacations Debuts Canada's Next Top Creators
Dating Profile Billboards
Simply Spiked BOLD Moves Tackles Dating App Fatigue
Gen-Z-Focused AR Campaigns
American Eagle Launched an AE Jeans Try-on Haul Lens
Gen Z Storytelling Campaigns
Coach is Running the 'Explore Your Story' Campaign for Spring 2026
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Cross-Network Playoff Promotions
NHL and Multiple Broadcasters Launch a Playoff Marketing Campaign
Group Chat Meetups
Heineken's Group Chat Bar Experience Unites People in Person
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
In-App Mental Health Features
Snapchat Launches 'Here For You' Canada for Young Users
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
Fashion-Inspired Food Marketing
Magnum Blends Beauty, Music and Luxury Culture into Its Brand
Gamified Holiday Promotions
Starbucks for Life Merrython Blends Gameplay with Prize Giveaways
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
AI-Matched Creator Partnerships
YouTube Creator Partnerships Links Brands & Creators with Gemini
Fashion-Forward Cultural Infrastructure Initiatives
THE FASH APP Debuts Founding Benefactor Circle
Night QSR Campaigns
The Mcdonald’s Night Posters Turn Post-Party Cravings into Glowing Urban Art
Playful Gen-Z Dating Campaigns
Tinder's 'Crush Feelings' Captures the Essence of Modern Dating
Gen Z-Themed Soda Campaigns
Pepsi Relation-Sips Showcase Small Gestures This Valentine's Day
Dedicated Social Event Apps
TikTok Pro Events is Arriving Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Interactive AR Avocado Scans
Chipotle Launches its 'AvoLotto Lens' on Snapchat
Fashion-Inspired Coffee Events
Starbucks Partnered with NYFW2026 and Hosted a Coffeehouse Rave
Social AI Video Lenses
Snapchat Brings Photo-To-Video AI to Lens Studio
Limited-Edition Chocolate Launches
Hershey’s Debuts Winter Games Tie-In On TikTok Shop
Branded Apparel Vodka Campaigns
Smirnoff Partners with Aleali May for We Do Game Days
Creator Community-Focused Platforms
Gap Inc. Has Introduced a New Centralized Program
Gen Z Holiday Campaigns
SNIPES Launches 'Wrapped in Heat' Featuring Marlon Wayans
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Cheeky Sports-Inspired Diaper Campaigns
Huggies Aligns Family Planning with a Major Sports Event
Real-Food Entrée Giveaways
The Chipotle Realest 30 Will Share a Text-to-Claim Code on Game Day
Limited-Edition QSR Rewards Ranges
The Latest Wendy’s Rewards Drops are for Members Only
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Experiential Student Activations
Just Eat's Hey U Up Campaign Coincides with Freshers’ Week
IRL Dating App Events
Tinder Events Helps Daters Connect in Low-Pressure, In-Person Groups
GenAI Fashion Lenses
Gucci is the First Luxury House to Launch a Sponsored AI Lens on Snapchat
Connection-Centered Bag Campaigns
Kate Spade's Spark Something Beautiful Stars Gen Z Icons
Reality-Themed Dating Campaigns
Tinder Launches a YouTube Reality Show to Appeal to Gen Z
Interactive Treat Campaigns
DQ Canada Launches its Loyalty-Based 'Falling Treats' Campaign
QSR In-App Football Games
Wendy’s and FOX Big Noon Launch the 'Tendy Toss' In-App Game
Shoppable AR Villages
The Snapchat Winter Village Has Three Immersive Luxury Brand Boutiques
Gen Z-Targeted Wine Campaigns
The I heart kinda Summer Campaign is Launching Soon
Social Media Follower-Celebrating Initiatives
Streets of Toronto Marks 600k Instagram Followers
Analog-Themed Camera Campaigns
Polaroid Launched 'The Camera for an Analog Life'
World Cup Payment Campaigns
Visa Launched Its Tap In FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign
GenAI Social Media Lenses
The Imagine Lens Lets Snapchat Users Type to Bring Ideas to Life
Music Scene-Informed Luxury Campaigns
Burberry Taps Twiggy for Spring 2026 Advertising Campaign
brand-focused social media shopping
TikTok Shop & Free Soul Launch the First 2026 Super Brand Day
Humorous Opinionated Platform Spots
Reddit Introduced its 'People are the Best' Campaign
Social Media Subscription Services
The Instagram Plus Subscription Offers Users Exclusive Features
Sensorial Soda Campaigns
Sprite's 'Hurts Real Good With Sprite' Targets Gen Z
Revamped Beverage Marketing Platforms
Sprite Launches the It’s That Fresh Marketing Platform
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Musician-Led Beverage Campaigns
poppi Tapped Charli xcx and Rachel Sennott for the Super Bowl
Early Allergen Exposure Ads
The Square Baby Super Bowl Spot Promotes a Science-Backed Message
Livestreamed Travel Campaigns
IShowSpeed and Expedia are Engaging and Inspiring Gen Z Travelers
Athlete-Backed Beverage Campaigns
PepsiCo and NFL Players Debut 'Tailgate Crashers'
Redefining Screen-Free Cameras
Camp Snap Arrives at Target as a Mindful Disconnection
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Social-First Gameshows
This Year's Walkers' Do Us a Flavour Campaign Was Reimagined for TikTok
Coordinated Convenience-Focused Promotional Campaigns
7-Eleven Runs Promotions for Two Events
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Local Social Media Feeds
TikTok’s Local Feed Uses Precise Location Opt-In, Excludes Minors
Feedless Social Platforms
Bond Eliminates Feeds to Focus on Real-Life Experiences
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
Millennial Nostalgia Banking Campaigns
Allt Bank Playfully Jabs at Millennials' Financial Habits
In-Person-Only Social Apps
Friendster relaunch limits connections to people met in real life
Extravagant Qsr Menu Reveals
Taco Bell Debuts 2026 Menu Roadmap with Live Más LIVE
Location-Based Social App Features
Snapchat Home Safe Lets Users Automatically Alert Friends
Social Listening Parties
Spotify's Wrapped Party Unites Users for Shared Experiences
Video Podcast Expansion
Netflix and iHeartMedia Bring Video Podcasts to the Streaming Platform
Highly Anticipated Coffee Pop-Ups
NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler Presents the BIGFACE Coffee Pop-Up
Activity Gear Billboards
Ocean Spray's Reclaim Happy Hour Activation Got Australians Up & Moving
Frozen Yogurt Anniversary Campaigns
TCBY The Original Social Network Campaign Celebrates 45 Years
Creativity-Celebrating Social Media Awards
The Instagram Rings Award Honors Exemplary Creators
Streaming Moments Surge
Spotify’s Wrapped 2025 Engages Users with Personalized Year-in-Review
Reimagined Creative Campaigns
Marc Jacobs Dropped its '26 Summer Campaign and New Visual Identity
Inclusive Football Content Partnerships
NFL and The GIST are Engaging Millennial & Gen Z Women
Youth-Led Holiday Campaigns
Where are You Going? Showcases a Global Portrait of Young Creators
Sports Lifestyle Retail
Nordstrom Blends World Cup Fashion with Immersive Pop-Ups
Customized Restaurant Campaign Platforms
OpenTable Has Launched OpenTable Media
Immersive Grid Campaigns
Madonna Confessions II Campaign Transforms Grindr into a Global Rollout
Content Creator Partnership Programs
The Target Creator Programs Build on the #TargetRun Legacy
Limited-Edition Beer Campaigns
San Miguel launches a Limited-Edition Beer Campaign for Summer
Self-Expression Retail Campaigns
Tillys Marked Ten Months of Its Discover Your Style Campaign
Localized Retail Media Platforms
Snappy Shopper Launches Connect, a Retail Media Network
Anti-Screen Summer Social Events
Eventbrite Presents 'The Offline Summer' Initiative
Social Travel Booking Platforms
TikTok GO Turns Creator Travel Videos Into Bookable Trips
In-Person Creativity Cafe Campaigns
The Made in Starbucks Campaign Spotlights Customer Creativity
Athlete-Branded Outdoor Appliances
Ninja Launched a New Campaign For Upgraded Backyard Cooking
Covetable Membership Campaigns
Gold Days of Grubhub+ is Kicking Off with "Gold Digging Season"
AI-Powered Custom Timelines
X Introduced Its Grok-Powered Custom Timelines Platform
On-Demand Content Creation Apps
Social Agent Connects Users to Certified Content Creators
Branded App Takeovers
TikTok Introduces Logo Takeover Ads That Dominate the App’s Opening Screen
Post-Game Breakfast Campaigns
McDonald's Flipped Its Ads Sideways for Super Bowl Recovery
Soccer-Themed Entertainment Events
Sky Zone Turns Global Soccer Excitement into Active Play
Social-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
Accessible Video Podcasts
Spotify Eases Partner Program Requirements For Video Creators
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Branded Content Partnerships
LG Electronics and Fantasy Life Renew and Expand Their Partnership
Parental Social Media Alerts
This Instagram Alert Will Let Parents Know of Troubling Teen Searches
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Nostalgic Beauty Campaigns
Dove's #UnseenBeauty Initiative Challenges Y2K Beauty Standards
Social Food Delivery Apps
The 'Zesty' App from DoorDash Helps Users Find New Restaurants
Ad-Friendly Vertical Video Feeds
Instacart Debuts the Immersive Feed Feature on Its Platform
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Social-to-Outdoor Campaigns
Tribesigns Extends TikTok's Super Wish Campaign to Times Square
Niche Club Apps
Phictly Connects Fans of Books, Movies & Shows in Small, Engaged Groups
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
Social Media-Inspired Streaming Apps
The Netflix App Feed Will Introduce a TikTok-Like Style
VIP Membership Collaborations
iQIYI Partners with Snaplii to Strengthen Its Offerings
Local Story Creators
Word oh Mouth Lets Users Share Experiences And Support Local Businesses
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
Real-Time Social Chats
Threads introduces live group chats around major cultural events
Small Business-Honoring Events
Fairfax City Economic Development Brings Back Small Business Month
Custom Social Platforms
Nightlight Offers Inclusive And Highly Custom Social Media Experiences
In-Store Retail Media Networks
Raley's Expands Shopper Advertising Through Grocery TV
Conversational AI Advertising
Snapchat Introduces AI-Powered Chat-Based Brand Interactions
Local Restaurant Activations
Pepsi Hosts Community Events to Drive Restaurant Discovery
Consumer Brand Launches
Labor Smart Announced Culturally-Driven Product Collaborations
Texting Coffee Campaigns
The Costa Coffee Hypeline Connects with Gen Z
Event-Based Social Networking Applications
The Plus 1 App is Expanding into Florida
Real-Time Video Matching
Call Me Maybe Connects Singles Through Fast, Fun 15-Minute Video Chats
Audience Insight Hubs
Bluesky Analytics Helps Track Engagement and Schedule Posts Across Platforms
Teen Content Filters
Instagram Expands Age-Rated Experiences with Stricter Parental Controls
Sports Community Platforms
Sports Social Connects Athletes And Gamers Through Local Events
Sports Highlights Platforms
Snack Sports Delivers Curated Highlights Without Social Media Pressure
Family Restaurant App Redesigns
TGI Fridays Overhauls Its Digital Guest Interface
Fantasy Sports Apps
bet365 Launched Its Free-to-Play Fantasy Sports App Ahead of World Cup 2026
Community Fashion Events
Free People Hosts a Charitable Summer Gathering with Film and Activities
Mapped Loyalty Badges
Snap Map Place Loyalty Celebrates Frequent Visitors
Retail Media Leadership Communities
RETHINK Retail Launches Executive Media in Retail Community
Engagement Timing Insights
DontPostYet Uses Live Analytics To Optimize Social Media Posting Times
Media Intelligence Tools
Media Watcher Tracks Global News And Social Buzz In Real Time
Social Entertainment Apps
BuzzWheel Turns Group Gatherings Into Interactive Challenge Experiences
Social Diary Platforms
Truuze Social Networking App Blends Personal Journaling With Social Sharing
Social Sharing Tools
Social Plus Expands Your Reach With Shared Posts Across Platforms
Phone Software Updates
Google Launches March Pixel Drop With New Pixel And Android Features