These May 2020 media trends range from in-game music concerts to interactive true crime podcasts.
Earlier this month, Fortnite Astronomical hosted an interactive concert experience for players featuring hip hop star Travis Scott who premiered a knew song to those tuned in. With over 12 million players participating, this marketing move speaks to Gen-Z's appreciation for engaging virtual experiences and also targets a broader audience seeking new modes of entertainment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing efforts.
Another notable example from the gaming world includes Animal Crossing: New Horizons' recent in-game fashion pop-up by designer Sandy Liang. The pop-up will be hosted through a virtual clothing event spotlighting Liang’s Spring/Summer 2020 and Fall/Winter 2020 collections, with clothes satisfying players' desire for customization. Players will also receive a discount code during the virtual event that can be applied to real clothing purchases.
Top 40 Media Trends in May
From In-Game Music Concerts to Interactive True Crime Podcasts:
Jana Pijak — Jun 3, 2020 — Pop Culture
40
Quarantine Fashion Photoshoots
Bella Hadid's Vogue Italia Shoot Was Captured Via FaceTime
39
VR-Based Co-Watching Platforms
Bigscreen TV & Bigscreen Cinema Brings People Together in VR
38
Digital Hangout Platforms
Kosmi's Platform is an All-in-One Digital Socializing Experience
37
Eye-Tracking Film Experiences
The Angry River is a Revolutionary Take on Interactive Storytelling
36
Face-to-Face Social Media Networks
The HouseParty App Boasts Calls, Texts, Games, & Screen-Sharing
35
Virtual Music Festivals
Music Lives is a Three-Day Virtual Event on Oculus Venues
34
Virtual Cinema Clubs
Häagen-Dazs & Secret Cinema Created Secret Sofa for At-Home Entertainment
33
Video Game Fashion Pop-Ups
Sandy Liang's Animal Crossing Pop-up Lets Guests Download Looks
32
Sitcom-Themed Pool Floats
The Friends Door Pool Float is Inspired by Monica's Door from 'Friends'
31
Sci-Fi Popsicle Molds
The Star Wars Pop Mold Lets You Create Edible Star Wars Characters
30
Sci-Fi Character Jewelry Pendants
The Dan Life Launches a Baby Yoda Pendant Before Star Wars Day
29
Interactive Mobile Streaming Apps
Ficto Produces Interactive Shows Specifically for Mobile Phones
28
Kid-Friendly Quarantine Content
Sesame Street's Caring for Each Other Initiative Helps Kids Learn
27
Content Co-Watching Features
The Instagram Co-Watching Feature Allows Friends to Browse Together
26
Social Co-Viewing Platforms
Gaze Helps to Create YouTube-Specific Long-Distance Movie Nights
25
Communal Media-Streaming Services
Metastream Allows Users to Watch or Listen to Content Together
24
All-White Magazine Covers
The Vogue Italia April Issue Cover Represents Rebirth
23
Real-Time Video-Sharing Apps
Kast Uses Screen Capture, Voice, Text, and Video Chat Technology
22
Co-Watching Party Plug-Ins
Scener Unites Streaming Service Users with Virtual Movie Nights
21
AI Podcast Recommendations
Spotcast Shares Personalized Suggestions Based on Listening Habits
20
Interactive True Crime Podcasts
Solve Uses Snapchat and Instagram to Supercharge Its Stories
19
Streaming Content Expansions
Tubi Announced Its Movies and Shows are Now on Rogers Ignite TV
18
Stay-Home Car Commercials
The Jeep Same Day Ad References Groundhog Day
17
Broadway-Specific Streaming Services
Broadway on Demand is a New Streaming Service
16
In-Game Music Performances
Fortnite Astronomical Gathered Players Virtually to See Travis Scott
15
Evidence-Based Interactive Viewing Experiences
CBC All Access' Interrogation is a Non-Linear Show
14
Virtual Co-Viewing Rooms
Watch2Gether Helps People Chat, Shop & Enjoy Audio & Video Content
13
Intentionally Uninteresting Podcasts
Ts&Zzz is a Podcast for Sleep That Reads Terms and Conditions
12
Kid-Friendly Social Distancing Tips
Cartoon Network Launched the CNCheckIn Initiative for COVID-19
11
Social Distancing Music Videos
Phenom by Thao & the Get Down Stay Down Was Made with Zoom
10
Flexible Co-Viewing Features
The Philo Co-Viewing Feature Will Allow Users to Watch Video Together
9
Interactive Content Streaming Protocols
Instant Interactive Develops GREG to Enhance Entertainment
8
Group Streaming Apps
TwoSeven Helps Groups Virtually Enjoy Streaming Subscription Service Content
7
VR Theater Platforms
Broadway VR Offers Fully Immersive Theatrical Experiences
6
Free Educational Documentary Streaming
Netflix Made Several Documentaries Free on YouTube
5
Interactive Sci-Fi Thriller Movies
Wales Interactive Released the Complex for PS4 on March 31st
4
Free Premium Streaming Promotions
HBO is Offering 500 Hours of Shows & Movies for Free Streaming
3
Chose-Your-Own-Adventure Heist Movies
YouTube's 'A Heist with Markiplier' Has 31 Possible Endings
2
Awareness-Raising Interactive Short Film
Royston Tan Directed an Educational Film About Drug Use
1
Mobile-First Streaming Services
Quibi is Exclusively Mobile & Shares Quality Snackable Content
Related Ideas
Virtual Fashion Contests
Bratz and ZEPETO Launch a Four-Week Avatar Styling Challenge
Interactive Fashion Horror Games
The Room by Gentle Monster Reimagines Brand Storytelling
Summer Soda Brand Campaigns
Sprite 'Turns Up the Refreshment' With its Immersive Campaign
Immersive Fashion Pop-Ups
SHEIN Launches Multi-Category Toronto Shopping Experience This Spring
Next-Gen K-Beauty Pop-Ups
MUSKAT Hosted a Five Day Immersive Experience in L.A.
Adventure Cartoon Game Collabs
Epic Games is Partnering with Adventure Time on Fortnite Event
Gen Z Storytelling Campaigns
Coach is Running the 'Explore Your Story' Campaign for Spring 2026
Game-Themed Beauty Kits
Charlotte Tilbury x Genshin Impact Shares Exclusive In-Game Rewards
Gen Z Advertising Initiatives
Tubi Targets Younger Viewers with Ad Innovations at IAB NewFronts
High-Profile Live Performance Marketing
Rokid Delighted Folks with a High-Profile Marketing Event
Metaverse-Powered Watch Campaigns
Casio's G-SHOCK Watch Line Partners with The Sandbox
Pop Star Game Collaborations
Sabrina Carpenter Joins Fortnite's Latest Festival Event
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
Gamified Beauty Pop-Ups
The Players' Lounge Pop-Up by NARS Spotlights Complexion Products
Candy-Branded Video Game Partnerships
The Mentos Fizzookas Rocket Debuted on Fortnite Creative
Digital Avatar Makeup
Roblox Expands into Digital Avatar Makeup with Customizable Cosmetics
Co-Branded Metaverse Games
Epic Games and Disney Launch 'Disneyland Game Rush' in Fortnite
Festival-Ready Celebrity DJ Activations
Absolut Vodka Welcomes Paris Hilton at the House of Cosmo
K-Pop Battle Royale Crossover
PUBG Stages a G-Dragon Crossover with Exclusive In-Game and Events
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Viral Satisfying ASMR Toys
MGA Entertainment's Slime Life Turns Digital Trends into Physical Play
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Music-Inspired Audiobook Campaigns
Spotify Launches its Bold 'Read Like You Listen' for the Summer
Gaming Skins Updates
The New Balenciaga Fit Skins Now Offer LEGO Style Variants for Dual-Mode Play
Playful Tech Accessory Events
CASETiFY Hosted an Event for Takashi Murakami’s FLOWERS Bloom
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Gamer-Targeted Donor Campaigns
Virtual Donors Turns In-Game Deaths into Real Registrations
AI-Generated Fashion Week Content
Miami Fashion Week Willl Make Use of AI-Generated Content
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Focus-Enhancing Lo-Fi Games
Mooncube Games Has Officially Become Part of the Lofi Girl Ecosystem
In-Car Gaming Collaborations
AirConsole x Audi Partner for Car Gaming, and Includes Pictionary
Digitized Music Group Experiences
Toca Boca Partners with KATSEYE for a Unique Digital Experience
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Beautifying Pre-Concert Pop-Ups
Tequila Rose's Break in Case of Glam-ergency Refreshed Music Fans
Influencer-Driven Fashion Events
Pacsun Collaborated with Prominent Gen-Z Creators
Restaurant Pop-Star Collaborations
McDonald's Partnered with BTS For the Second Time on New Meal
AI Video Insights
Sora Creators Curates Trending AI-Generated Videos from Twitter in Real-Time
Fashion Gaming App Collabs
Drest x Jimmy Choo Let Gamers Style Paris-Themed Wardrobe Icons
Chinese Band-Supported Beauty Brands
Maybelline New York Partners with Teens in Times (TNT)
Personalized Gaming Experiences
Roblox Introduced 'Roblox Moments' for Capturing In-Game Content
Immersive Gaming Lands
Minecraft World Brings the Game to Life in a Theme Park
Music Scene-Informed Luxury Campaigns
Burberry Taps Twiggy for Spring 2026 Advertising Campaign
Festival Beauty Activations
Medicube Brings Skincare Tech and Experiences to Coachella
Interdimensional Gaming Experiences
Alienware x Twitch Transform Grand Central Terminal
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Dynamic Scent-Inspired Fashion Presentations
Startup Fashion Week 2026 Concluded Its Program
Immersive Summer Pop-Ups
Guildford Town Centre Will Present the 'Spring Fling' Pop-Up Experience
Co-Branded Game Tournaments
Fortnite Announced the 'Stranger Things Cup' with Netflix
Game-Inspired Y2K Collaborations
FlyQuest Taps Von Dutch to Prove that League Isn't Dead
In-Game Pop-Star Events
Doja Cat is Coming to Fortnite with a New Skin and Launch Bundle
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Interactive Fashion Games
Gucci La Famiglia Mystery Unfolds Turns the Collection into a Game
Digital Pet Collector Games
Find Tamagotchi Introduces Nostalgic IP to Gen Zalpha on Roblox
Live Gardening-Focused Virtual Events
Great American Media Partners with Gardenuity
Digital Well-Being Updates
Tiktok Adds Mindfulness Tools and User Controls Over Ai Content
Feedless Social Platforms
Bond Eliminates Feeds to Focus on Real-Life Experiences
Social Media Meditation Features
The TikTok Meditation Feature Helps Users Take a Break
Immersive Anime Events
The 'ANIME TOKYO NIGHT' Projection will Bring Anime Series to Life
Social Music Streaming Integrations
TikTok and Apple Music Add Full Song Playback
Cultural Newsletter Subscriptions
American Eagle Launches Gen Z-Focused 'Off The Cuff' Publication
Music-Forward Dating App Events
New Dating App Cerca Brings Friends-First Energy to IRL Mixers
Gaming-Inspired Apparel
Uniqlo Celebrates Honor of Kings’ 10th Anniversary with Graphic Tee Drop
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
K-Pop-Themed Game Events
BABYMONSTER Joins the PUBG Mobile Universe with a New Collaboration
Personal Listening Experiences
Spotify Showcases its Consumer-First Approach at Elevate Festival
Third-Party Publisher-Focused Presentations
Nintendo's Direct on July 31st will Focus on Partners
Impactful Gaming Experiences
Humanity Games Combines Retro Gameplay With Real-World Lessons
Roblox Popularity Trackers
Rotrends Shows What’s Popular on Roblox and Why
Smart TV Party Games
Jackbox Games is Coming to Smart TVs Through a New Update
Mom-Focused Mobile Game Events
Avia Debuts a First-Of-Its-Kind Mom's Week in Solitaire Clash
Live Trading Crypto Streams
Binance enables real-time trades during livestream sessions
GenAI Makeup Marketing
MAC Cosmetics is Tapping into the Power of Adobe Firefly Services
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
Immersive Music Campaigns
Spotify x Gorillaz Fan Experience Promotes the Mountain Across London
Gaming Fandom Activations
LEGO® Code Break Arrives in San Diego with a Larger-Than-Life Vault
Media-Backed Creator Platforms
BET Launches a Creator Studio with ‘The Jason Lee Show’
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Gaming Trivia Apps
Retro Game Trivia Offers Daily Retro Gaming Quizzes And Fun Facts
K-pop-Endorsed Game Cosmetics
Ovewatch 2 Partners with K-pop Girl Group LE SSERAFIM
Music Discovery Platforms
Tune Tracker Helps Users Discover Music And Explore Playlists
Streaming Service Brainteaser Games
Netflix Puzzled Will Feature Show-Themed Puzzles
AI-Powered Custom Timelines
X Introduced Its Grok-Powered Custom Timelines Platform
Streaming Moments Surge
Spotify’s Wrapped 2025 Engages Users with Personalized Year-in-Review
Social-Focused Childrens Games
Dragon Snacks Games' 'Solar Punk' Will Act as a Social Hub
Immersive Virtual Reality Concerts
IMMERSION VR Concert Film Brings Fans Virtually on Stage
Inclusive Football Content Partnerships
NFL and The GIST are Engaging Millennial & Gen Z Women
Music Insight Overlays
Music AI Bubble Adds Real-Time Song Insights Across Music Apps
Digital Pet Video Games
Tamagotchi Plaza is Arriving on the Nintendo Switch
Audio Experience-Integrated Beverage Packaging
TapTunes, Inc. Has Introduced Virtual Wax
Music Sharing Games
What Song Lets Friends Share Songs And Stories Together Instantly
Gamer Mealtime Campaigns
Telia's Dinner Assassin Helps to Get Teens to the Dinner Table
Personal Concert Archive Apps
Indie Developer Hidde van der Ploeg Launches His Gigs App on IOS
Interactive Party Games
Scano Games Lets Friends Play Real-Time Multiplayer Games On Their Phones
Pop Culture Wedding Collections
A Dynamic Duo Inspired The Engagement Era Collection by The Knot
Soundtrack-Integrated Print Media
Radioposter Merged Audio Storytelling with Physical Books &Zines
Artistic Gaming Controllers
CRKD Debuts the Daft Punk NEO S 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Controller
Charitable Developer Games Showcases
Humble Bundle is Hosting its 2025 Games Showcase
Gen Z Media Agencies
Mediahuis Launches the Gen Z-Focused Creative Agency 72andSunny
In-Store Creator Commerce
Mac Cosmetics Turns Retail Employees into Live-Streaming Creators
All-Inclusive Pop Culture Trips
Klook Debuts a Campaign to Highlight ANZ's Top Asian Culture Fans
Creator-Focused Game Launches
Ubisoft Launches a New Lineup of Siege X Co-Streamers
Interactive Live Shows
Cirque du Soleil's Interactive Experience Offers Multi-Device Exploration
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Retailer Music Festival Partnerships
7-Eleven and Live Nation Have Partnered for Festival Season
Dynamic In-Game Integrations
Adrenaline Interactive Unveiled Brand Fusion AI
Media Tracking Tools
Media & Learning Tracker Organizes Books, Courses, And Podcasts
Luxury Gaming Capsules
The Balenciaga x PUBG Collaboration Delivers Couture for Battlegrounds.
Latine-Targeted Streaming Services
Remezcla Más Was Made for Hispanic Gen Z & Millennials
Streaming Series Video Games
The 'Thronglets' Game is Inspired by a Black Mirror Episode
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Data-Driven Concert Discovery
Apple Music Uses Listening Behavior to Surface Ticketmaster Events
Social Media Creator Initiatives
Snapchat Launches its Gen Z-Focused Creator Connect Service
Virtual Idol Concerts
Pokémon feat. Hatsune Miku VOLTAGE Live! Marks Project Voltage’s First Stage
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
Social Media-Inspired Streaming Apps
The Netflix App Feed Will Introduce a TikTok-Like Style
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Real-Time Social Chats
Threads introduces live group chats around major cultural events
Conversational Streaming Apps
Tubi Launches a ChatGPT App for Easier Content Discovery
Real-Time Nightlife Finders
HotSpot Discovers Trending Nightlife Spots With Real-Time Insights
Interactive Knowledge Plays
TriviaBlaze Offers Engaging Quizzes To Test Knowledge in Categories
Personalized Media Creation
TuneStory Creates Custom Songs & Videos For Meaningful, Personal Gifts
Expansive Month-Long Fashion Celebrations
Fashion Art Toronto Marks Its 20th Anniversary
Dairy-Themed Video Games
Fortnite Diner Tycoon is Inside Dairy MAX's Level Unlocked
Streaming Brand Trivia Games
The Roku Roklue Pop Culture Trivia Game Covers Movies and TV
Layered Online Content Reports
YouTube Defines Creative Maximalism as the Key Point After 20 Years
Narrative Retro Revivals
Truxton Extreme Adds Comic Storytelling to a Classic Arcade Game
Music-Driven Coming-Of-Age Games
Beethoven and Dinosaur’s Mixtape Releases This Upcoming May
Parental Streaming Controls
Spotify Expands Audio-Focused Parental Features Across All Accounts
Integrated Streaming Access Updates
Spotify and EA SPORTS Team Up to Power In-Game Audio Streaming
Creator-Backed Esports Tournaments
IShowSpeed Announces a New $100K Fortnite Tournament
Immersive Store Game Launches
Target Launches an In-Store Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Experience
Music-Focused Game Collaborations
Fortnite Teams Up with Daft Punk for a New In-Game Collaboration
Immersive Nighttime Theme Parks
SeaWorld Combines Concerts, Drone Displays and Live Entertainment
Personal Audio News
Hypermedia Play News Delivers Tailored, Instant Audio News Stream
Real-Time Trivia Games
Trivia Duel Turns Real-Time Knowledge Battles Into Competitive Leaderboards