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
Historical Series-Themed ASMR Videos
The 'Outlander' TV Network Debuted a Series of ASMR Videos
5
Social Media-Integrated Browsers
The Latest Opera Desktop Browser Boasts Instagram as a Built-In
4
Virus-Related Social Media Chatbots
Facebook and the WHO Created a Chatbot for the Messenger App
3
Social Media Virus Surveys
Facebook and Carnegie Mellon Created a Survey to Track COVID-19
2
Organized Team Messaging Apps
The Leverice Team Messenger App Prioritizes Important Information
1
Test Site-Displaying Navigation Apps
Apple Maps Will Now Show COVID-19 Testing Locations
Related Ideas
Horror-Themed Phone Campaigns
Samsung's Join the Flip Side Takes Cues from 90s Horror Movies
Virtual Video Call Makeup
Microsoft Teams Video Calls Now Offer Maybelline Virtual Makeup
AR Runway Experiences
Vogue & Snap Created Custom Augmented Reality Experiences for Vogue World
Avatar-Based Social Apps
Metadream Launches Bondee, a Next-Generation Social Media App in Asia
Telegram-Style Video Messages
WhatsApp is Launching Instant Video Messaging Features
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Authenticity-Focused Social Medias
Instagram is Testing 'IG Candid' Inspired by BeReal
Dedicated Social Media Devices
The Conceptual Twitter 3D Gadget Features Mechanical Buttons
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
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
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
Social Media Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
Architecture-Inspired QSR Ads
This New McDonald’s Campaign Encourages Eating at Home
Connected Gamer Campaigns
Heineken's Just Another Night Out Shatters Anti-Social Stereotypes
Mental Health-Protective Films
Dove's Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film Protects Teen's Mental Health
Visualized Social Streaming Features
Spotify and Snapchat are Launching the Share Track Lens
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Short-Form Soap Operas
Unilever and TikTok Created a Content Series to Target #CleanTok
Fashionable Phygital Coats
Private Policy AW23 Took to the Metaverse
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Hair Brand-Backed AR Lens
TRESemmé and Snapchat Collaborate to Create an AR Lens
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Branded Dating Experiments
Whirlpool's Care Profiles Had Daters Share Photos of Doing Chores
Metaverse Beauty Looks
L’Oréal Revealed Its First Virtual Beauty Styles for Web3
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
AI Beauty Shopping Apps
Trendio's Video Shopping App Shares Personally Curated Content
Realistic Chat-Based Avatars
Whatsapp Partners with Tems for the 'Say More With Avatars' Campaign
Video-Style Chat App Features
WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Enables Quick Communication
Text-Based Social Medias
'Artifact' is an Upcoming Article-Focused Social Media Service
Running Partner Messaging Apps
Find Your Next Running Partner Through Strava Messaging
Shoppable Hybrid Apps
Lemon8 is a New Social Media App Combining Aspects of Instagram & Pinterest
QSR Gen Z Campaigns
Chipotle Targets Gen Z with Wellness Snapchat Lens and Menu Items
One-Way Chat Feature Updates
WhatsApp Launches its New Channels Feature Social Update
Pop Culture-Inspired Rentals
Airbnb Unveils the New 'Icons' Experiences for Short-Term Guests
Social Media Candy Campaigns
The Starburst 'Ask the Universe' Campaign Engages Gen Z on TikTok
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
AI-Powered DIY Home Apps
Praxis Introduces New Features to Its Praxis Plus App
Empowering Fashion Films
Victoria's Secret World Tour Reimagines the Iconic Show as a Feature Film
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
Revolutionary Video Creation Apps
Zoomerang Allows Creators to Monetize Their Creativity
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Tom Ford Allows Consumers to Seamlessly Shop Its Spring 2024 RTW
Virtual Appliance Showrooms
Samsung's Shoppable Instagram Profiles Replace Department Stores
CGI Beauty Avatars
A New Maybelline Mascara is Being Launched by the Brand's First Avatar
Gen Z-Targeting TikTok Tools
American Express & TikTok Launch the '#ShopSmall Accelerator' Program
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
Social Media-Inspired eCommerce Features
Amazon Inspire Features Content and Lets Users Shop Looks
Virtual Car Meetups
7-Eleven is Inviting Fans to Meet Virtually in Fortnite
Gen Z Sports Apps
Stadium Live is Aiming to Entice Gen Z Consumers with Immersive Experiences
Immersive Digital Experiences
Kraft and Nexus Studios Join on the Immersive Mayoverse
TikTok-Inspired Music Features
Spotify Showcased a Redesigned Homepage for its Mobile App
Social Content Creator Platforms
The 'Marble' Social Media Manager Platform Offers Insights
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
Beauty-Focused Shopping Apps
The 'Trendio' Live Shopping App Offers Access to Beauty Content
Teen Positivity Apps
'Gas' is a Positivity-Focused Social Media Platform for Teens
Audio People Discovery Apps
The 'November' App Offers Users Five Audio Interviews Each Day
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Customizable Content Effects
Google Introduces New Editing Features to the Photos App
Instagram Hashtags Generators
TwoOrbits' Tool Uses AI and Machine Learning to Help Creators
3D VR Video Calls
Canon's Kokomo Platform Allows Uses to Chat Face-to-Face in the Metaverse
Social Media-Like Study Apps
SHARPEN Aims to Be Just as Engaging and Convenient as Social Media
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Cinco de Mayo Campaigns
Cuervo with Haley Lu Richardson on a Celebratory Campaign
Image-Sharing Social Applications
Lapse is a New Image-Sharing App Loved by Gen Z Consumers
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Social Media Forecasting Tools
WGSN TikTok Analytics Harness Data, Insights and More
Viral Home Improvement Jingles
The Home Depot Teamed up With Music Influencer Joe Porter
Horizontal Video Applications
TikTok is Testing a Landscape Full-Screen Video Mode for Creators
Virtual Game Tourism Campaigns
Cape Town Launches a Virtual Game for a New Tourism Campaign
Social Media AI Chatbots
Instagram Plans to Incorporate its Own AI Chatbots in the App
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Retail Social Platforms
Walmart is Taking Social Media Seriously with 'Walmart Creator'
App-Navigating Indoor Safety Cameras
Google Adds its Indoor Nest Cameras Online on the Home App
Celebrity Social Feeds
BeReal Introduces the Celeb-Exclusive 'RealPeople' Feed on its App
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
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"
Immersive Movie Experiences
Canon Shared a Unique Experience of Knock at the Cabin CES 2023
Portable Action Cameras
GoPro Releases the New Hero 12 Black with an Extended Battery Life
Digital Social Sharing Spaces
The Shilo App Invites Users to Share and Curate What They Love
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Multi-Service Streaming Apps
YouTube Adds New Streaming Services Onto the Platform’s Application
AR Voter Campaigns
Snapchat & the Dutch Ministry Engaged and Inspired Gen Z Voters
Mobile Streaming App Stories
Twitch is Rolling Out a Daily 'Story' Feature on its Mobile App
Video-Enabled Dating Apps
The 'Candid' Dating App Lets Users Show Their Personality with Video
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Social Video Algorithm Transparency
TikTok Explains the Reason Behind Users' For You Pages
Playful Dating Experiment Campaigns
Kraft's Swipe Right for Mayo Campaign Social Experiment
Social Sun Care Challenges
Cosrx's #LayerYourSPF Campaign Reached Milestone Views on TikTok
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
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
Avatar-Supporting Social Features
Whatsapp Introduces Meta's Bitmoji-Style Avatars to its Platform
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
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Short-Form Fashion Competitions
#TikTokFashion Challenges Users to Create and Share Their Design
Social Telegrammed Messaging Features
Instagram's Broadcast Channels Will Soon Launch Globally
Media-Based Music Expansions
DistroKid Users Now Have Access to TikTok Music for Promotion
Cartoon Avatar Digital Meetings
The New Zoom Avatars Add a Playful Personalization to Meetings
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Social Sticker Features
Instagram Unveils the New Sticker Features for Stories and Other Content
Social Media Silencing Features
Instagram Quiet Mode Helps Users Take a Scheduled Break
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
Mental Health Branding Initiatives
L.L.Bean Digitally Detoxed for Mental Health Awareness Month
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
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Social Media-Connected Links
Instagram Expands its Amount of Links on User Profiles
Social Video Editing Features
Meta Rolls Out Editing Tools for its Reels To Facebook Users
Social Movie-Ranking Platforms
MOTY Let's Users Rank and Record Their Favorite Films
In-App Social Post Schedulers
Instagram Launches Its In-App Scheduling Tool for Professional Users
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Video-Based Hiring Platforms
The 'GoClip' Social Hiring Platform Lets User Upload Videos
Notification-Silencing App Features
Instagram Debuts 'Quiet Mode' to Encourage Users to Disconnect
Personalized Film Apps
Movie Me Helps Individuals Discover New Movies
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Trailer-Making Life Apps
Moments Helps Users Live in the Moment and Relive the Event the Next Day
Broadcast-Like Social Channels
Meta is Launching New Broadcast Channels to Instagram and More