The rise of social media has never been more prevalent than during these social distancing times, and the May 2020 social media trends showcase how brands are pivoting their models to accommodate the shifting realities brought forth by COVID-19.
Many of the May 2020 social media trends underscore the importance of staying at home including a new initiative by GoPro. The camera brand launched a social media challenge named #HomePro that asks fans to use its camera equipment to showcase their at-home activities. Fans can use the hashtag on social media for a chance to win a Hero8 Black or Max camera, as well as access to GoPro Pus for five years.
Another brand making use of social media is film company Universal that recently launched hashtag-based watch parties for the early release of 'The Hunt,' 'The Invisible Man,' and 'Emma.' The feature allows fans to connect and interact while watching the same content apart.
Top 70 Social Media Trends in May
From Avatar Video Chat Apps to Social Home Video Challenges:
Grace Mahas — Jun 3, 2020 — Social Media
70
AR-Enabled Magazine Covers
National Geographic Created Its First Augmented Reality Cover
69
Empowering Pandemic Emojis
&Walsh Offers Comic Relief with a Set of Custom Designed Emojis
68
Neon Green Virtual Sofas
Crosby Studios Launched a Nike-Branded Augmented Reality Sofa
67
VR-Based Co-Watching Platforms
Bigscreen TV & Bigscreen Cinema Brings People Together in VR
66
Interactive Virus Mapping
Facebook Created an Interactive COVID-19 Map Based on Mass Survey Data
65
Fashion-Forward Custom Gaming Experiences
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Engages Streetwear Fans
64
Digital Hangout Platforms
Kosmi's Platform is an All-in-One Digital Socializing Experience
63
Face-to-Face Social Media Networks
The HouseParty App Boasts Calls, Texts, Games, & Screen-Sharing
62
Virtual Graduation Ceremonies
Natural Light Will Be Hosting a Virtual Ceremony on Facebook Live
61
Social Home Video Challenges
GoPro Launched a Social Media Challenge to Encourage Staying Inside
60
Social Media Cocktail Competitions
The Cocktail Service Created The Drinkstagram Awards
59
App-Based Support Groups
The Lyf App is the World's Largest Virtual Support Group
58
TV-Based Video Chat Platforms
Facebook's Portal TV Enables Users to Chat, Co-Watch & More
57
Avatar Video Chat Apps
The Itsme App Helps Users Make New Snapchat Friends with a Digital Avatar
56
Customizable Social Avatars
Facebook Avatars are Digital Lookalikes That Enhance Communication
55
Virtual Fashion Event Challenges
Vogue and Billy Porter are Launching the #MetGalaChallenge
54
Live Pizza-Making Series
CAULIPOWER & CHILL. is a Weekly 15-Minute Pizza-Making Series
53
Influencer-Focused Mother's Day Campaigns
Shapermint's Mother's Day Campaign Sees Early Success
52
Content Co-Watching Features
The Instagram Co-Watching Feature Allows Friends to Browse Together
51
Social Media Cooking Shows
Stella Artois is Launching an Instagram Cooking Show for Virus Relief
50
Branded Educational Videos
Pebbles is Launching a Social Media Series to Support Creators
49
Virtual Motherhood Communities
Motherhood Maternity is Virtually Bringing Moms-to-Be Together
48
Social Media Virtual Concerts
Fiat Chrysler Launches a Virtual Concert Series on Facebook Live
47
Daily Designed Restaurant Menus
Narda Comedor Uses the Hashtag #ComedorEnCasa to Boast Sales
46
Communal Media-Streaming Services
Metastream Allows Users to Watch or Listen to Content Together
45
Multi-Generation Beauty Campaigns
'Generations of Beauty' Fights Loneliness During the Pandemic
44
Pandemic-Themed ASMR Videos
ASMR Darling Launched an Anxiety-Relieving, COVID-19 Video
43
Virtual Influencer Health Campaigns
The WHO Launched a Prevention Campaign with a Virtual Persona
42
Real-Time Video-Sharing Apps
Kast Uses Screen Capture, Voice, Text, and Video Chat Technology
41
Grocery-Branded Virtual Events
Supermarket Chain Kroger Debuted Weekly Stay-At-Home Online Events
40
Virtual Wine Tastings
Walsh Family Wine is Hosting a Virtual Series Called DRINKWELL on Facebook
39
Virtual Prom Parties
#HousepartyProm Gives Teens a Chance to Celebrate with Friends Safely
38
Multimedia-Compatible Social Platforms
Pinterest Added New Software Tools to Empower Creatives
37
Bespoke Relaxing Video Soundscapes
Old Pulteney Launched the 'From Couch to Coast' to Help Relax
36
Hotel Social Distancing Ads
Hotels.com is Offering to Pay for Your Next Food Delivery at Home
35
Travel-Inspired T-Shirt Giveaways
Contiki and Teemill Joined Forces to Combat Fast Fashion
34
At-Home Cocktail Inspirations
Edinburgh Gin is Helping Turn Cupboard Ingredients into Cocktails
33
Pig-Themed ASMR Channels
ASMR Suna is a YouTube Channel That Features Adorable Piglets
32
Video-Chat Podcasting Tools
Anchor Lets Users Easily Turn Their Video-Calls Into Podcasts
31
Interactive True Crime Podcasts
Solve Uses Snapchat and Instagram to Supercharge Its Stories
30
Friendly Recommendation Apps
The 'Friendspire' App Helps Users Get Input from Friends on Topics
29
Branded Live Workout Videos
Michelob Ultra is Streaming Workouts to Help Support Trainers
28
Monetized Social Live Streams
Facebook Has a New Streaming Feature Where Users Pay for Access
27
Self-Care Live Chat Series
Netflix and Instagram Partner for the 'Wanna Talk About It?' Series
26
Social Media-Silencing Initiatives
Facebook Quiet Mode Stops Notifications and More
25
Hashtag-Based Watch Parties
Universal Celebrates the Early Releases of Three New Movies
24
Virtual Co-Viewing Rooms
Watch2Gether Helps People Chat, Shop & Enjoy Audio & Video Content
23
Intentionally Uninteresting Podcasts
Ts&Zzz is a Podcast for Sleep That Reads Terms and Conditions
22
Podcast Hangout Platforms
Virtual Podcast Hangouts By Podyssey Connect Fans Over Video Chat
21
Social Media Gaming Apps
Facebook is Launching a Dedicated Gaming App for Mobile Streaming
20
Virtual Draft Charitable Campaigns
Bud Light Asks NFL Draft Viewers to Boo the NFL Commissioner
19
Social Event Organization Apps
The 'Husfest' Social Event Platform Streamlines Planning
18
Live-Streamed Haunted House Tours
Weird Homes Tour Lived-Streamed the Hodge Planchette Collection
17
LGBTQ+-Friendly Live Stream Quizzes
The Big Pub Quiz! Show is Available Live Every Thursday at 7pm
16
Grocery-Branded Isolation Activites
Marianaos Debuted Virtual Events to Keep Customers Entertained
15
Stress-Relieving ASMR Channels
Gibi ASMR is a YouTube Channel That Focuses on Role-play and Makeup
14
Accessible Virtual Hangouts
Facebook's Messenger Rooms are Open to Non-Facebook Users
13
AI Interview Feedback Tools
LinkedIn Created AI Tools for Users to Get Feedback on Soft Skills
12
ASMR Celebrity Documentaries
ASMR Singer Alaina Castillo Debuted a New Spotify Documentary
11
Desktop-Compatible Direct Messages
Instagram Makes Direct Messages Available for Desktop Users
10
AR Currency Scanning Filters
The New Snapchat Filter Encourages Users to Donate to COVID-19 Relief
9
Anti-Disruption Social Media Features
Facebook Created a New Quiet Mode for Mobile Users
8
Smartwatch Social Media Apps
The Facebook Keep in Touch Apple Watch App Streamlines Communication
7
Dedicated Messenger App Releases
Facebook Launched a Desktop App Due to Increased Traffic
6
Social Media-Integrated Browsers
The Latest Opera Desktop Browser Boasts Instagram as a Built-In
5
Historical Series-Themed ASMR Videos
The 'Outlander' TV Network Debuted a Series of ASMR Videos
4
Virus-Related Social Media Chatbots
Facebook and the WHO Created a Chatbot for the Messenger App
3
Organized Team Messaging Apps
The Leverice Team Messenger App Prioritizes Important Information
2
Social Media Virus Surveys
Facebook and Carnegie Mellon Created a Survey to Track COVID-19
1
Test Site-Displaying Navigation Apps
Apple Maps Will Now Show COVID-19 Testing Locations
Related Ideas
Virtual Fashion Contests
Bratz and ZEPETO Launch a Four-Week Avatar Styling Challenge
Location-Based Social Media Features
Instagram Map Connects Friends Who are Nearby One Another
Connection Platform Experiences
Facebook Debuts at Stagecoach to Target Younger Audiences
Group-Centric Social Media Platforms
Chatter Social Has Unveiled Its Version 2 Platform
Gen Z Advertising Initiatives
Tubi Targets Younger Viewers with Ad Innovations at IAB NewFronts
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Show-Inspired Marketplace Campaigns
Facebook Marketplace x Netflix Launch a Bridgerton Experience
Group Chat Meetups
Heineken's Group Chat Bar Experience Unites People in Person
High-Profile Live Performance Marketing
Rokid Delighted Folks with a High-Profile Marketing Event
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Beauty Hack-Inspired Campaigns
Vaseline Launched 'Vaseline World' Based on Social Media Content
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Community-Driven Shopping Experiences
A TikTok Shop Pop-Up is Coming to Westfield Stratford
Real-Life Mood-Board Transformations
Pinterest Launches the 'Bring My Pinterest to Life' Series
Drone Home Touring Tools
Zillow Unveils a New Tool That Makes Property Buying Seamless
Limited-Edition Chocolate Launches
Hershey’s Debuts Winter Games Tie-In On TikTok Shop
Social AI Video Lenses
Snapchat Brings Photo-To-Video AI to Lens Studio
Creator Community-Focused Platforms
Gap Inc. Has Introduced a New Centralized Program
Live Social Shopping Expansions
QVC® Announces New Brands That Will Join Its Roster in 2026
Expressive Hair Campaigns
Wavytalk's Main Character Hair Campaign Makes Everyday Styles Memorable
Beer Brand Nature Campaigns
Corona Launched Its Living Is Calling With a Tripadvisor Partnership
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Social-First Local Shopping Schemes
Shop Local by Tiktok Shop Makes Homegrown Goods Accessible
Friendly Fandom Campaigns
Heineken Kicked Off Fans Have More Friends with a Fun Social Experiment
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Customer-Starring Billboards
Bobbie's Campaign Spotlights Moms as "the OG Influencers"
Reality-Themed Dating Campaigns
Tinder Launches a YouTube Reality Show to Appeal to Gen Z
Home-Centric Beauty Campaigns
Sally Beauty Debuts the Holiday Beauty at Home Campaign
Personalized Digital Dating Rooms
Dating.com Introduced Customizable Virtual Spaces for Singles
All-In-One Mobile Platforms
TPT Global Tech Has Unveiled VüMe Live, the First Super App in the US
AI Video Insights
Sora Creators Curates Trending AI-Generated Videos from Twitter in Real-Time
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
Analog-Themed Camera Campaigns
Polaroid Launched 'The Camera for an Analog Life'
AI-Assisted Marketing Tools
YouCam AI Pro Offers AI Business Avatar & AI Product Staging Tools
Digital Fan Engagement Platforms
Fambase's Platform is an Alternative to Traditional Social Media
brand-focused social media shopping
TikTok Shop & Free Soul Launch the First 2026 Super Brand Day
Anti-Digital Social Campaigns
Heineken Partners with Joe Jonas for 'Socials Off Socials'
24/7 Live Shopping Streams
QVC is Launching an Always-On Shopping Experience with TikTok Shop
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Creator-First Home Improvement Platforms
The Home Depot Creator Portal Activates DIY Influencers
Brand-Influencer Collaboration Tools
Squad Debuts a New Sponsor Button on Famous Birthdays
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Social Commerce Integrations
Ulta Beauty Launches a Creator-Driven TikTok Shop
Livestreamed Travel Campaigns
IShowSpeed and Expedia are Engaging and Inspiring Gen Z Travelers
Behavior-Based Smart Homes
Google Home automations adapt to routines, moods, and behaviors
Cinematic Dance-Driven Campaigns
DoorDash's 'Your Door to More' Campaign Highlights its Offerings
Digital Well-Being Updates
Tiktok Adds Mindfulness Tools and User Controls Over Ai Content
Social Media Meditation Features
The TikTok Meditation Feature Helps Users Take a Break
Redefining Screen-Free Cameras
Camp Snap Arrives at Target as a Mindful Disconnection
Social Media Entertainment Apps
The Instagram Reels Fire TV App Turns Content into Entertainment
Social Media Backup Platforms
SocialSafe™ Serves Content Creators and Fans
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
Empowering Fashion Campaigns
Coach's Spring 2025 Campaign Celebrates Personal Time Management
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 Video Chat Apps
Vone Enables Instant Random Video Chat With Global Real People
Mom-Focused Mobile Game Events
Avia Debuts a First-Of-Its-Kind Mom's Week in Solitaire Clash
Emotional Mothers Day Ads
Apple's Mother’s Day Campaign Showcases Spatial Video's Emotional Power
Location-Based Social App Features
Snapchat Home Safe Lets Users Automatically Alert Friends
Virtual Watch Parties
Together Watch Enables Synchronized Streaming And Chat With Friends Online
Community-Powered Social Media Competitions
Palmstreet Has Introduced the Palmie's Choice Awards
Communal Social Video Features
Instagram Blend Create Communal Reel Playlists with Friends
Shoppable Reel Features
Meta Expands Reels with Product Tagging on Instagram and Facebook
Creativity-Celebrating Social Media Awards
The Instagram Rings Award Honors Exemplary Creators
Social Shopping Integrations
The MONAT Tiktok Shop Strengthens the Direct Sales Business Model
Creator-Boosting Platform Features
The YouTube Hype Feature Boosts Smaller Creators in Explore
Streaming Moments Surge
Spotify’s Wrapped 2025 Engages Users with Personalized Year-in-Review
Peer-Powered Gifting Initiatives
indu and SoPost Encourage Customers to Share Samples with Friends
Social Engagement Platforms
Sociable AI Predicts Viral Posts And Generates Brand Aligned Comments
Youth-Led Holiday Campaigns
Where are You Going? Showcases a Global Portrait of Young Creators
AI-Powered Custom Timelines
X Introduced Its Grok-Powered Custom Timelines Platform
Customized Restaurant Campaign Platforms
OpenTable Has Launched OpenTable Media
AR Virtual Space Hangouts
Meta Hyperscape Capture Now Supports Communal Hangouts Anywhere
AI-Created Video Feeds
Meta Introduces Vibes as a Social Platform Driven by AI-Generated Posts
Tech-Enhanced Content Platforms
Perfect Corp's YouCam App Suite Taps AI, AR & Agentic Innovation
Social Media Reducers
UnplugHero Helps Gamify Social Media Reduction and Build Healthy Habits
Unified Social Management
Social Champ Simplifies Multi-Platform Posting & Analytics For Agencies
Social Media Hubs
Unified Socials Centralizes Management Across Multiple Platforms
Athlete-Branded Outdoor Appliances
Ninja Launched a New Campaign For Upgraded Backyard Cooking
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
Emerging Market Insights
Rising Trends Helps Discover Hidden Markets And Business Opportunities
Social Video Beauty Brands
Time Inc. Unveils 'The Pretty' Social Video-Based Beauty Brand
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
Social-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
Hobby-Based Socialization Apps
The Hobbimate App Connects Users Based on Mutual Interests
Rideshare St. Patrick's Day Campaign
Uber and Mother Launched an Irish Exit Safe Ride Campaign
Social-First Hosting Campaigns
Out Host with Hisense Responds to the Rise of Home Viewing Parties
Collaborative Digital Cooking Series
Pinterest x Taste of Home Partner for a Video Series
In-Store Creator Commerce
Mac Cosmetics Turns Retail Employees into Live-Streaming Creators
Focused Fashion Feeds
Clone Helps You Stay Updated with Fashion Trends Sustainably
Parental Social Media Alerts
This Instagram Alert Will Let Parents Know of Troubling Teen Searches
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Social Networking Hubs
Internet Social Café Lets Users Explore Cafés and Build Online Connections
Nostalgic Beauty Campaigns
Dove's #UnseenBeauty Initiative Challenges Y2K Beauty Standards
Peer Support Wellness Apps
Kuky Gains Momentum as a Peer Support App in the Mental Wellness Space
Social Food Delivery Apps
The 'Zesty' App from DoorDash Helps Users Find New Restaurants
Group Chat Insights
Discover WhatsApp Group Trends And Stats With ZapZipped’s Yearly Recaps
Creator Monetization Integrations
TikTok Adds Cameo Video Requests In-App
Freeride Brand Partnerships
GoPro Will Be Front Row and Center at the 2025 Freeride World Tour
Startup Discovery Hubs
Launching.today Showcases New Projects from Entrepreneurs and Builders
Social Media Creator Initiatives
Snapchat Launches its Gen Z-Focused Creator Connect Service
Ramadan-Focused Tech Campaigns
Hisense Delivers 'Innovation That Brings Us Together This Ramadan'
Social Media Growth Tools
PulseUp.top Simplifies Social Media Management & Business Opportunities
Social Media Organizers
Gem Turns TikTok and Instagram Bookmarks Into Searchable Lists
Friend-Finding Virtual Hangouts
Strangely Matches Similar Personalities for Live Video Chats
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Local Story Creators
Word oh Mouth Lets Users Share Experiences And Support Local Businesses
Social Media-Inspired Streaming Apps
The Netflix App Feed Will Introduce a TikTok-Like Style
Real-Time Nightlife Finders
HotSpot Discovers Trending Nightlife Spots With Real-Time Insights
Real-Time Sharing Apps
MomentsHub Lets You Discover And Share Nearby Experiences Instantly
Celebrity-Supported Smart Glasses Campaigns
Ray-Ban and Meta Tap Doja Cat and Teyana Taylor
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
Unified Profile Previews
PreviewMyProfile Shows Cross-Platform Social Profiles Before You Publish
Real-Time Social Chats
Threads introduces live group chats around major cultural events
Layered Online Content Reports
YouTube Defines Creative Maximalism as the Key Point After 20 Years
Real-Time Video Matching
Call Me Maybe Connects Singles Through Fast, Fun 15-Minute Video Chats
Paired-Down Social Media Platforms
Month Friend Boasts a New Experience in the Hyper-Digital World
Screen Time Management
DeepFocus Helps Users Control Screen Use and Build Healthier Habits
Group Video Gifting
Folksee Makes It Easy To Collect And Gift Personalized Video Reels
Teen Content Filters
Instagram Expands Age-Rated Experiences with Stricter Parental Controls
Influencer Discovery Assistants
SocialiQ 2.0 Automates Influencer Research Right on Social Media
Event-Centric Camping Experiences
Huttopia Hosts World Cup Viewing and Activities at Its Campsites
Digital Focus Tools
Impulse Buddy Introduces Social Accountability For App Usage Control
Engagement Timing Insights
DontPostYet Uses Live Analytics To Optimize Social Media Posting Times
Tech-Enhanced Marketing Tools
Sprout Social Has Introduced Upgrades to Its Customer Care Platform
AI-Powered Animation Tools
Facebook Adds AI-Powered Animation And Restyle Tools
Video Repurposing Tools
Video To Social Converts Videos Into Optimized Content For Social Media
Visual Timelapse Apps
SelfieStory Creates Seamless Timelapse Memories From Daily Photos
Social Content Platforms
Reel Rabbit Automates Content Creation To Grow App Engagement Organically
Ready-to-Buy Customer Tools
7eads Identifies Ready-to-Buy Customers on Social Media
Group Challenge Apps
Challenge Friends Lets Users Complete 30-Day Self-Improvement Challenges
Event Branding Tools
Frame Me Lets Event Managers Share Branded Photos For Viral Marketing
Social Diary Platforms
Truuze Social Networking App Blends Personal Journaling With Social Sharing
Data-Comparing Social Apps
The Mutually App Matches Users Based on Their Digital Footprint
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