From newly implemented mental wellness departments to branded avatars, this list of May 2018 social media trends outline the different ways in which social networks can enhance the consumers' lives and foster a sense of connectivity.
As previously mentioned, Instagram has announced the launch of its mental wellbeing department -- a section of the company that will devote its time to promoting a sense of community, while negating some of the feelings of isolation and bullying that some users report feeling. Meanwhile, Vice's 'Like What You Hate' campaign is broadening the minds of social media users by balancing social media feeds with content that challenges a user's personal beliefs.
Brands are leveraging Snapchat to promote products, as companies like Hollister created a Bitmoji clothing line, while BMW launched an AR experience through the platform.
Top 40 Social Media Trends in May
40
Social Media-Inspired Marketing Techniques
Three Creatives Collaborated on an adidas Ad Campaign
39
Experiential Beauty Activations
Rihanna and Sephora Tailored the Summer Body Launch to Millennials
38
Interactive Selfie Exhibitions
Bangkok's 'Museum of Me' Turns Gallery-Goers into Works of Art
37
Design-Focused App Accounts
An Official Instagram Design Account is Showcasing Creative Works
36
Interactive Crunchy Chocolate Pop-Ups
Guests of the M&M Pop-up Voted on the Brand's Next Flavor
35
Age-Inclusive Beauty Campaigns
The KKW Beauty Campaign Stars Kris Jenner and M.J. Shannon
34
Kaleidoscopic Social Media Branding
Ruslan Khasanov Creates Fluid and Colorful Images for MAC
33
Relaunched Inclusive Minimalist Apparel
American Apparel's Back To Basics Campaign Marks a Revival
32
Gen Z Beauty Brands
'My Mood' is a Youthful New Brand from the Founder of Nails Inc
31
Tech-Savvy Elderly Influencers
Baddie Winkle is a Social Media Influencer and Famous Model
30
Social Media-Friendly Coffee Houses
.Jpg Cafe Offers an Escape from the Bustling City
29
Entrepreneurial Social Networks
The 'Leapcrowd' Platform Helps Entrepreneurs Connect
28
Authentic Beauty Campaigns
CVS' Unretouched 'Beauty in Real Life' Sets New Beauty Standards
27
Deceiving Environmental Campaigns
The World Wildlife Fund launched #TooLaterGram
26
Anti-Junk Food Marketing Campaigns
Jamie Oliver's #AdEnough Campaign Opposed Ads Aimed at Kids
25
Feed-Balancing Social Campaigns
Vice is Asking People to 'Like What You Hate' on Facebook
24
Social Media Queueing Campaigns
Nike Created a Virtual #AirMaxLine for Sneakerheads on Instagram
23
Palm-Sized Photo Printers
Canon's IVY Mini Photo Printer Creates Small Prints and Stickers
22
Branded Avatar Outfits
Hollister Created a Spring Collection of Bitmoji Outfits for Snapchat Users
21
Environmentally Friendly Billboard Ads
This Kit Kat Billboard Ad Shut Off for Earth Hour
20
Promotional AR Pets
Three's 'Puggerfly' Mascot is the First-Ever Augmented Reality Snapchat Pet
19
Extensive Restaurant Loyalty Programs
TGI Friday's Offers Specific Rewards with a New Point System
18
Social Media Car Experiences
BMW's AR Experience is Available Through Snapchat
17
Color-In Mobile Posters
BBH LA Created Customizable Posters for Instagram for Teens to Share
16
Record-Breaking Livestreams
The elrubiusOMG Livestream Brought in 1.1 Million Viewers on YouTube
15
Video-Based Group Therapy Platforms
The Campfire Platform Helps Users Build a Caring Social Group
14
Healthcare Professional Social Apps
The Figure 1 App Helps Users Stay Up to Date on Current Cases
13
Crowdsourced Photography Apps
This App Offers Tips On Local Photography Sites, Transit & Weather
12
AR Movie Lenses
The Jumanji DVD Uses Snapchat Lenses to Immerse Viewers in a Jungle Enviroment
11
Happiness-Focused Social Media Departments
Instagram is Launching a 'Wellbeing Team' Department
10
Russian Bot Social Filters
This Snapchat April Fools Filter Mocked Recent Facebook News
9
Social Media-Savvy Escalators
In an Attempt to Humanize Technology, KONE's Escalator Has Twitter
8
Gamified AR Lenses
Snapchat 'Snappables' Can Be Altered by Touch, Motion and Expression
7
Hashtag-Based Ordering Services
The DUSSE100 Hashtag Helps Drinkers Reserve a D’ussé VSOP Bottle
6
Social Media Egg Hunts
Cadbury Set Up an Interactive Easter Egg Hunt on Facebook 360
5
Social Media-Inspired Capsules
ADER Error's 'A Mobile Space' Range is Its Latest Resort Collection
4
Updated Social Media Glasses
'Spectacles V2' Improve Upon Snapchat's First Recording Glasses
3
Social Podcast App Features
The Anchor Cohost Feature Connects Users for New Projects
2
Expansive Group Chats
The Snapchat Group Chat and Mention Feature Bring New Life to the App
1
Privacy-Ensuring Extensions
Mozilla's 'Facebook Container' Keeps Facebook Data Private
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
Uplifting Gen Z Fashion
Boohoo & Pantone Created a Collection for Mental Health Awareness Month
Socially Motivating Companion Robots
The Conceptual 'Mori' Companion Robot Supports Mental Health
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Algorithm-Free Social Media Apps
'RTRO' Connects Users in a More Positive Online Environment
Anti-Filter Beauty Campaigns
Dove is Inviting Social Media Users to Fight Digital Distortion
Celeb-Inspired AI Chatbots
The Meta AI Personas are Based on Cultural Icons & Influencers
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
Experiential Mental Well-Being Events
Batiste's Refresh & Reflect Events Connect & Uplift Students
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
Empathetic AI-Powered Journal Apps
The 'empaithy' App Supports Mental Health Exploration
AI-Powered Beauty Filters
The TikTok Bold Glamour Beauty Filter Uses Machine-Learning
Mental Health-Protective Films
Dove's Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film Protects Teen's Mental Health
Mental Health Mirrors
The Baracoda BMind Smart Mirror Helps Users Manage Stress
Visualized Social Streaming Features
Spotify and Snapchat are Launching the Share Track Lens
Esports Mental Health Apparel
Team Vitality Debuts the KARE Merch Capsule to Support Mental Health
Digital Growth Initiatives
KPMG Announced a Metaverse Program to Help Employees Grow
Smile-Reflecting Toothpaste Campaigns
Colgate & Oglivy Create the #FreeYourSmile campaign
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
Serotonin-Boosting Billboards
Soglar's Billboard Uplifts on the Most Depressing Day of the Year
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Online Mental Health Communities
'Side by Side' Offers Online Anonymous Connections for Health
Haircare Influencer Ads
Wella Professionals' 'Wella Extra' Campaign Recognizes Real Hair Stylists
Scannable Snack Charity Campaigns
This Pringles Movember Campaign Updates the Brand's Mascot
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
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
Text-Based Social Medias
'Artifact' is an Upcoming Article-Focused Social Media Service
Motivating Journaling Apps
MindUp Encourages Users to Maintain a Daily Mindfulness Habit
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
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
Influencer-Focused AI Updates
CreatorIQ Utilizes AI To Help Marketers Track Creator Conversations
Unfiltered Beauty Campaigns
#NoFilterJustMilani Champions Beauty Online and in Real Life
QSR Gen Z Campaigns
Chipotle Targets Gen Z with Wellness Snapchat Lens and Menu Items
Interactive Phygital Hoodies
Beyond's Phygital Fashion Capsule Can Be Tried on with AR
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Hyper-Personalized Wellness Apps
28 Seeks to Empower Women on Their Wellness Journey
Digital Avatar Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics & Snapchat Debuted the First Bitmoji Beauty Drop
Luxury Avatar Outfits
Valentino Created Digital Fashion Looks for Meta Avatars
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Music-Inspired Avatar Campaigns
Bang & Olufsen Launches the See Yourself in Sound Ad
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
Peer-Connected Support Platforms
'Togetherall' Offers a Safe Online Community for Mutual Support
CGI Beauty Avatars
A New Maybelline Mascara is Being Launched by the Brand's First Avatar
Gen Z Mental Health Platforms
Batiste's Cause Marketing Platform Supports Gen Z Mental Health
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Connection-Focused Health Apps
'Circles' Safely Connects People Struggling with Mental Health
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
Mindful Mental Health Ads
Alo Moves 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month Campaign Just Launched
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Spa-Like AR Filters
Garnier's Vitaverse Immerses Beauty Lovers in a Serene Spa Setting
Engaging Youth-Focused Platforms
V&A Introduces the Mused Website for Gen Z Digital Natives
AI Mental Health Apps
Deepen is an AI-Powered Pocket Therapist
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
ChatGPT-Powered Social Services
Snapchat is Expanding its My AI Service to All of its Users
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Gen Z-Supporting Benefit Policies
Chipotle Launches a New Benefits Program for its Gen Z Employees
AI Meditation Guides
Vital is an AI Mindset Guide that Offers Personalized Wellness Strategies
Mental Health Dating Features
Bumble Introduces New Features for Mental Health Awareness Month
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Instagram Hashtags Generators
TwoOrbits' Tool Uses AI and Machine Learning to Help Creators
Mental Health Postcard Platforms
BTS Partners with UNICEF to Launch a New Mental Health Initiative
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Self-Therapy Apps
MINDLiNG is a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
Virtual AI Offices
MetaWork Lets Employees Collaborate Via Digital Avatars
Social Media AI Chatbots
Instagram Plans to Incorporate its Own AI Chatbots in the App
Social Media Forecasting Tools
WGSN TikTok Analytics Harness Data, Insights and More
Authentic Dating Apps
Menta Social is a Dating App For People Looking for Real Connections
Peer-to-Peer Conversation Campaigns
JOYBA's Real Tea, Real Talk Supports Mental Health in Youth
Celebrity Social Feeds
BeReal Introduces the Celeb-Exclusive 'RealPeople' Feed on its App
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"
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Mental Health Chat Bots
Nemo AI is Available to Chat Through Whatsapp
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
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
Joy-Inspired Beauty Campaigns
Ulta Beauty Launches the Joy Project, a Ground-Breaking Study
Emotional Awareness Apps
Crown Institute Debuts an Emotional Learning App Inspired by Inside Out
Limited Political Social Medias
Meta's 'Threads' Allows Users to Limit Political Content Shown
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Social Media-Limiting Apps
Elqi Intervenes with Meditation to Limit Social Media Time
Comforting Mental Health Apps
Lunai Allows Users to Share Their Thoughts in Private
Social Sun Care Challenges
Cosrx's #LayerYourSPF Campaign Reached Milestone Views on TikTok
Video Conferencing Avatar Features
Meta is Presenting a New Cartoon Avatar Feature
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
AI-Indicating Content Labels
Meta is Preparing to Roll out Labels Depicting Content Made with AI
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Social Telegrammed Messaging Features
Instagram's Broadcast Channels Will Soon Launch Globally
Social Posting Platform Features
Threads Launches the New Send on Instagram Feature
AI Mental Health Apps
Mentalport Makes Improving Upon Mental Health Easy and Fun
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 Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
AI-Generated Image Backgrounds
Snapchat Launches the AI-Powered 'Dreams' Feature
Social Sticker Features
Instagram Unveils the New Sticker Features for Stories and Other Content
Mental Health Branding Initiatives
L.L.Bean Digitally Detoxed for Mental Health Awareness Month
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Social Media Expansive Features
Twitter Blue Adds New Perk Features Through Uploads
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
App-Facilitated VR Integrations
WhatsApp's New Update Includes VR Integration with Meta Headsets
Influencer-Focused Ad Platforms
Pearpop Helps Brands Find Creators to Sponsor in an Easier Way
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Secondary Social Profile Features
Instagram Previews a New Flipside Feature for Private Posting
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
Categorized Podcast Genres
Apple's Podcasts App Launches a New Organized Update Feature
Reflective Peer Support Platforms
HOPE Connects Struggling People to Their Future Selves
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
AI-Backed Media Editors
Canva Debuts Multiple AI Tools for Advanced Image and Video Editing
Paid Verification Social Services
Meta is Preparing to Launch Meta Verified Subscription
Employee Engagement Tools
Triibe Offers Interactive Newsfeed, Polls, Surveys, and More
Esports Wellness Courses
Entain Foundation U.S. Introduces a New Esports Mental Wellness Campaign
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Safe Mental Health Spaces
Suniel Shetty Launches a Mental Health App with 24/7 Access to Therapy
Private Social Media Notes
Minders Offers a Private Space for Reflection and Thoughts
Broadcast-Like Social Channels
Meta is Launching New Broadcast Channels to Instagram and More