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
Premium Gaming Subscription Services
PlayStation Plus Expands Access to Recent Blockbuster Titles
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
Next-Gen K-Beauty Pop-Ups
MUSKAT Hosted a Five Day Immersive Experience in L.A.
Gen Z Storytelling Campaigns
Coach is Running the 'Explore Your Story' Campaign for Spring 2026
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
Luxury Eyewear Pop-Ups
Prada Opens an Immersive Eyewear Boutique at The Grove
Mobile-First Microdramas
TikTok and Hoorae Media Launched the Screen Time Series
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
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
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
K-Pop Battle Royale Crossover
PUBG Stages a G-Dragon Crossover with Exclusive In-Game and Events
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
Dedicated Social Event Apps
TikTok Pro Events is Arriving Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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
Experiential Fast Food Collaborations
Popeyes Turned Chicken Tenders Into a Music Venue Experience
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
Festival Beauty Activations
Medicube Brings Skincare Tech and Experiences to Coachella
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
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
Entertainment-Powered Retail Experiences
AT&T Brings Toy Story 5 to Interactive Store Activations
Music Scene-Informed Luxury Campaigns
Burberry Taps Twiggy for Spring 2026 Advertising Campaign
Playable Brand Universes
adidas and Brawl Stars Connect Gaming, Apparel and Live Fan Experiences
Interdimensional Gaming Experiences
Alienware x Twitch Transform Grand Central Terminal
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Co-Branded Game Tournaments
Fortnite Announced the 'Stranger Things Cup' with Netflix
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
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
Screen-Free Interactive Gaming
tonies and Hasbro Turn Classic Board Games Into Audio Adventures
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
Digital Well-Being Updates
Tiktok Adds Mindfulness Tools and User Controls Over Ai Content
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
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Feedless Social Platforms
Bond Eliminates Feeds to Focus on Real-Life Experiences
Personal Listening Experiences
Spotify Showcases its Consumer-First Approach at Elevate Festival
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
Third-Party Publisher-Focused Presentations
Nintendo's Direct on July 31st will Focus on Partners
Retro Multiplayer Revival Games
Nintendo revives Star Fox with online multiplayer for Switch 2
Roblox Popularity Trackers
Rotrends Shows What’s Popular on Roblox and Why
Social Listening Parties
Spotify's Wrapped Party Unites Users for Shared Experiences
Immersive Music Campaigns
Spotify x Gorillaz Fan Experience Promotes the Mountain Across London
Video Podcast Expansion
Netflix and iHeartMedia Bring Video Podcasts to the Streaming Platform
Gaming Fandom Activations
LEGO® Code Break Arrives in San Diego with a Larger-Than-Life Vault
Streaming Service Brainteaser Games
Netflix Puzzled Will Feature Show-Themed Puzzles
Music Discovery Platforms
Tune Tracker Helps Users Discover Music And Explore Playlists
Streaming Moments Surge
Spotify’s Wrapped 2025 Engages Users with Personalized Year-in-Review
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
Audio Experience-Integrated Beverage Packaging
TapTunes, Inc. Has Introduced Virtual Wax
Gaming Trivia Apps
Retro Game Trivia Offers Daily Retro Gaming Quizzes And Fun Facts
Social Travel Booking Platforms
TikTok GO Turns Creator Travel Videos Into Bookable Trips
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
Personalized Telehealth Service Platforms
Enhanced Reports Success of the Inaugural Enhanced Games
Interactive Party Games
Scano Games Lets Friends Play Real-Time Multiplayer Games On Their Phones
Music Recap App Features
Spotify Launches the Your Party of the Years Recap Feature
Soccer-Themed Entertainment Events
Sky Zone Turns Global Soccer Excitement into Active Play
AI-Powered Custom Timelines
X Introduced Its Grok-Powered Custom Timelines Platform
Pop Culture Wedding Collections
A Dynamic Duo Inspired The Engagement Era Collection by The Knot
Shoppable Microdramas
Crocs and SuperOrdinary Turn TikTok Storytelling Into Shopping Experiences
Soundtrack-Integrated Print Media
Radioposter Merged Audio Storytelling with Physical Books &Zines
Live Gardening-Focused Virtual Events
Great American Media Partners with Gardenuity
Artistic Gaming Controllers
CRKD Debuts the Daft Punk NEO S 5-Fret Fortnite Festival Controller
In-Store Creator Commerce
Mac Cosmetics Turns Retail Employees into Live-Streaming Creators
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
Dynamic In-Game Integrations
Adrenaline Interactive Unveiled Brand Fusion AI
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
Immersive K-Culture Expos
K-EXPO USA Combines K-Pop, Food and Lifestyle Experiences
Personal Concert Archive Apps
Indie Developer Hidde van der Ploeg Launches His Gigs App on IOS
Franchise Commerce Marketing
poppi Connects Retail Products with Love Island Experiences
Data-Driven Concert Discovery
Apple Music Uses Listening Behavior to Surface Ticketmaster Events
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Anti-Screen Summer Social Events
Eventbrite Presents 'The Offline Summer' Initiative
Lifestyle Gaming Ecosystems
Nintendo Extends Music Access Beyond Its Consoles
Creator-Led Live Commerce
AliExpress Uses Livestreams to Showcase Verified Brands
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
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Social Media-Inspired Streaming Apps
The Netflix App Feed Will Introduce a TikTok-Like Style
Conversational Streaming Apps
Tubi Launches a ChatGPT App for Easier Content Discovery
Real-Time Social Chats
Threads introduces live group chats around major cultural events
Social-to-Outdoor Campaigns
Tribesigns Extends TikTok's Super Wish Campaign to Times Square
Creator-Inspired Board Games
MrBeast Brings His Viral Challenges and Competition Style Home
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
Condensed Franchise Mobile Gaming
Borderlands Adapted Shooter Gameplay into Short Mobile Missions
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
Streaming-Inspired Toy Lines
Moose Toys Expands Netflix Stories Into Toy Collections
Gaming News Customization Tools
Feed It Games Builds a Custom Gaming News Feed For Your Interests
Interactive Horror Adaptations
Creepshow Brings Anthology Storytelling to PC Gaming
Audio Journalism Platforms
Spotify Converts Long-Form Magazine Articles Into Audio Experiences
Immersive Nighttime Theme Parks
SeaWorld Combines Concerts, Drone Displays and Live Entertainment
Social Entertainment Apps
BuzzWheel Turns Group Gatherings Into Interactive Challenge Experiences
Creator-Backed Esports Tournaments
IShowSpeed Announces a New $100K Fortnite Tournament
In-Game Music Experiences
Toca Boca Integrates Music From Major Artists Into Gameplay
Immersive Store Game Launches
Target Launches an In-Store Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Experience
Media Intelligence Tools
Media Watcher Tracks Global News And Social Buzz In Real Time
Music-Focused Game Collaborations
Fortnite Teams Up with Daft Punk for a New In-Game Collaboration
Media Tracking Tools
Media & Learning Tracker Organizes Books, Courses, And Podcasts
Interactive Cinematic Attractions
Disney Expanded Star Wars Storytelling Across Theme Parks
Immersive Narrative Tourism
EF Ultimate Break Turns Ashridge House Into a Live Murder Mystery Game
Personal Audio News
Hypermedia Play News Delivers Tailored, Instant Audio News Stream
Music-Based Social Networks
Record Club Has Users Share Music with Friends and Family
Real-Time Trivia Games
Trivia Duel Turns Real-Time Knowledge Battles Into Competitive Leaderboards
Interactive Movie Streaming Apps
Treezi Play Lets Users Shape Stories Through Real-Time Choices