Social media is a powerful tool, and with half the world on it for half the day, its impact cannot be overlooked. The May 2021 social media trends underscore how these platforms have shaped both business and consumer behavior trends.
Notably, brands appeal to younger consumers (who are typically not their target demographic) through up-in-coming influencers. For example, Simmons, the mattress manufacturer, marketer, and supplier, recently tapped into TikTok stars Charli and Dixie D'Amelio to create a custom-designed, special edition mattress. The campaign points out that "beds are the new offices for our generation," especially in light of the ongoing pandemic and shift to smaller, handheld technology.
To kick off the Gen Z-targeted mattress, the brand launched the #SimmonsDreamRoom contest, where participants have the chance to give their room a fresh new look with the help of the social media stars.
Top 45 Social Media Trends in May
From Augmented Reality Monuments to Promotional Science Videos:
Grace Mahas — May 29, 2021 — Social Media
44
Viral Flowy Fitness Shorts
The Iconic Keiki Kona Shorts are Now Available for Pre-Order
43
Sustainable Branded Graphic Tees
FUTUREVVORLD Challenges Streetwear Brands to Go Sustainable
42
Kid-Friendly Influencer Kits
The Studio_Creator 2 Video Maker Kit Has a Ring Light & Green Screen
41
Celebrity-Backed Floral Fragrances
The Jeff Leatham Collection's Perfume Bottles are also Vases
40
Gen Z Edition Mattresses
Simmons Created a Special Edition Mattress with Charli & Dixie D'Amelio
39
Influencer-Brand Collaboration Apps
'Hey Influencers' Matches Brands and Content Creators
38
Portable Window Swapping Projectors
The APEMAN HD Projector Displays Different Window Landscapes
37
Super-Chic Versatile Sunglasses
The Sophisticated Willows Sunglasses Boast Chain Arms
36
Social Media Animal Campaigns
TikTok is Celebrating #AnimalMonth With Canadian Creators
35
Hair-Supporting Shower Heads
Nosame Shower Head Filters Water to Protect Hair and Skin
34
Efficient Meal Prepping Kits
The Prep Deck Meal Prep Kit Helps You Easily Prep Meals in One Sapce
33
Celebratory Sushi Specials
Krispy Rice Offers the Limited-Edition Birthday Box for its Anniversary
32
Viral Vegan Blueberry Cookies
Justine Eats Recently Created a TikTok-Famous Cookie Recipe
31
Post-Pandemic Reunion Contests
Busch Beer is Giving Five Families $10,000 to Make Up for Lost Time
30
Waste-Reducing Clothing Repair Campaigns
Fixing Fashion Helps Consumers Repair their Wardrobes
29
Self-Service AI Chatbots
Verint IVA Chatbots Offer Businesses User-Friendly Automation
28
Social Media Community Features
Facebook Neighborhoods Helps Users Connect with Locals
27
Augmented Reality Monuments
LACMA and Snapchat Brought Five Monuments to Life Virtually
26
Youthful Mascara Challenges
Avon's #LiftLockPop TikTok Challenge Speaks to Gen Z
25
Social Media Pasta Recipes
Anna Rothfuss Recently Showcased Her 'Honeycomb Pasta' on TikTok
24
Gen Z Voter Campaigns
Snapchat's Speech to Street Encourages Young People to Vote
23
Plant-Based Dating App Collaborations
Tinder Debuts New Plant-Based Passion for Earth Day
22
Promotional Science Videos
Bombay Sapphire is Marketing Its Ready-to-Drink Cocktail with Bill Nye
21
Viral Berry Cereal Recipes
TikTok User Gained Notable Attention from his 'Nature's Cereal'
20
Spicy Snack Battles
Cheetos & Doritos Fans are Weighing in on the Flamin' Hot Faceoff
19
Profile-Less Virtual Speed-Dating
Facebook Launches 'Sparked' App That Hosts 4-Minute Video Dates
18
Virtual Concert NFT Upgrades
LA Rapper Murs Offers New Kind of Virtual Concert Experience
17
Social Commerce Partnerships
The Shopify Pinterest Channel Brings More Attention to Businesses
16
Baked Feta Pasta Dessert Recipes
delish Debuts a Viral Strawberry Cheesecake Bake on TikTok
15
Identity-Based Inclusive Streaming Platforms
Peer2Peer Connects Marginalized Groups Online
14
Social Media Talent Contests
TikTok Gamers Got Talent is a New Content Series Starting May 9th
13
Emotional Connection Dating Apps
Couply Helps Couples Future-Proof Their Relationships
12
Social Media Vaccine Fact Boxes
Twitter is Adding a COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Box to Timelines
11
Anti-Abuse App Features
Instagram Introduced New Messaging Tools that Use AI to Filter Abusive DMs
10
Branded Mayo Ambassadors
Kraft Mayo is Looking to Fill a 'Mayodorsement' Contract worth $10,000
9
Social Media Crispy Smashed Potatoes
MeatLikeMike's Crispy Smashed Roasted Potatoes Are Viral
8
Female-Supporting Social Campaigns
the TogetHER Video Series Marks Women's History Month
7
Exclusive Football Chatrooms
The NFL and Clubhouse are Promoting the 2021 Draft with Discussions
6
Vaccination Awareness Campaigns
YouTube is Launching a Series of Vaccination PSAs around the Globe
5
Branded Pretzel Giveaways
Snyder's of Hanover is Giving Away 1,000 Pretzel Crave Kits
4
Expressive Virtual Reality Avatars
Oculus Updated its Avatar Editor with Loads of Custom Options
3
In-App Podcast Players
Facebook Creates New In-App Podcast Player with Subscription Options
2
Premium Podcast Subscription Services
Apple Announces a Monetized Overhaul to its Podcast App
1
Exportable Social Media Posts
Facebook Now Offers and Export Posts and Notes Option
Related Ideas
Model-Approved Footwear Campaigns
Gigi Hadid x Havaianas Lead The Flip-Flop Comeback
Gen X Beauty Campaigns
Bluemercury's Up Next Campaign Celebrates Women 40+
Summer Soda Brand Campaigns
Sprite 'Turns Up the Refreshment' With its Immersive Campaign
Creator-Led Beauty Retail
rhode Expands Across Sephora Europe After Strong Viral Demand
Group-Centric Social Media Platforms
Chatter Social Has Unveiled Its Version 2 Platform
Gen-Z-Focused AR Campaigns
American Eagle Launched an AE Jeans Try-on Haul Lens
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
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
Gen Z-Led Swimwear Campaigns
Pacsun Taps Gen Z Influencers for Spring/Summer 2026 Swimwear Capsule
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
Social-First Direct Selling Series
Mary Kay Miss Conceptions Reshapes Gen Z & Millennial Mindsets
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Influencer-Driven Consumer Insight Tools
Brilli™ is a New Tool That Disrupts Food Research
Real-Life Mood-Board Transformations
Pinterest Launches the 'Bring My Pinterest to Life' Series
Digital Twin Models
H&M is Working with Models & Agencies to Replicate Virtual Likenesses
Creator-Led Style Collabs
MAC Cosmetics and Depop are Reintroducing Gen Z Shoppers to Lipstick
Campaign-Quality GenAI Models
Pixelz Digital Twins are Created with Real Models and Their Agency
AI-Matched Creator Partnerships
YouTube Creator Partnerships Links Brands & Creators with Gemini
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Playful Gen-Z Dating Campaigns
Tinder's 'Crush Feelings' Captures the Essence of Modern Dating
Limited-Edition Chocolate Launches
Hershey’s Debuts Winter Games Tie-In On TikTok Shop
Dynamic Basketball-Informed Marketing Campaigns
March Madness' New Campaign Features NCAA Athletes
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
Rural Running Vacations
Airbnb and Strava are Motivating Gen Z to Book Run-Cations
Sun-Soaked Youthful Fashion Campaign
PACSUN Shoots Its Spring 2026 Capsule in Sun-Soaked Locations
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Gen-Z-Targeted Language Platform Campaigns
Duolingo Introduces its Character-Driven 'Duolingo Ads'
Varsity Influencer Teams
UNC Turns Student-Athletes Into Social Media Monetization Experts
Customer-Starring Billboards
Bobbie's Campaign Spotlights Moms as "the OG Influencers"
Connection-Centered Bag Campaigns
Kate Spade's Spark Something Beautiful Stars Gen Z Icons
Reality-Themed Dating Campaigns
Tinder Launches a YouTube Reality Show to Appeal to Gen Z
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
Influencer-Driven Fashion Events
Pacsun Collaborated with Prominent Gen-Z Creators
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Influencer-Supported Worldwide Promotional Campaigns
GUESS? Taps Chiara Ferragni for Its Campaign
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
Social Media Managers
Socialaize Automates Scheduling Cross-Posting And Performance Tracking
Chinese Band-Supported Beauty Brands
Maybelline New York Partners with Teens in Times (TNT)
Sensory Retail Experiences
Claire’s Launches ASMR-Inspired Stores for Gen Alpha Shoppers
Unfiltered Sleep Campaigns
The IKEA Sleep Talk Reviews Campaign Uses Real Nighttime Mutterings
Gen Z Soda Campaigns
Enjoy the Moment with a Coca‑Cola Targets a Generation That Wants to Unplug
Music Scene-Informed Luxury Campaigns
Burberry Taps Twiggy for Spring 2026 Advertising Campaign
brand-focused social media shopping
TikTok Shop & Free Soul Launch the First 2026 Super Brand Day
Gen Z-Coded Design Platforms
Canva Chronically Online Gives a Classic Interface More Personality
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
Social Insight Tools
Currents AI Turns Social Media Data Into Actionable Business Insights
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Sensorial Soda Campaigns
Sprite's 'Hurts Real Good With Sprite' Targets Gen Z
Article Product Suggestions
BuzzFeed Teams Up with Shopsense AI to Debut Product Recommendations
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
AI Influencer Platforms
Statusphere Raised $18 Million to Scale Micro-Influencer Marketing
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
College-Focused Social Platforms
TikTok's Campus Verification Feature Mirrors Early Facebook
Social Commerce Integrations
Ulta Beauty Launches a Creator-Driven TikTok Shop
Livestreamed Travel Campaigns
IShowSpeed and Expedia are Engaging and Inspiring Gen Z Travelers
Conversation Insight Analytics
Messages Wrapped Turns Texts to Shareable Year-In-Review Summaries
Gen Z-Targeted Wine Campaigns
The I heart kinda Summer Campaign is Launching Soon
Digital Well-Being Updates
Tiktok Adds Mindfulness Tools and User Controls Over Ai Content
Consumer Insight Engines
Buzzabout Delivers Real-Time Insights From Billions of Conversations
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Creator Economy-Focused Marketplaces
Teespring Marketplace Relaunches Under Parent Company Amaze
Social Content Creators
SmilesFlow Lets You Create Unique, Interactive Content for Sharing
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
Roblox Popularity Trackers
Rotrends Shows What’s Popular on Roblox and Why
Predictive Artificial Intelligence Tools
Creatable AI Analyzes Social Commerce Data
Content Planner Tools
Social Media Content Planner Helps Users Plan And Post On Notion
GenAI Makeup Marketing
MAC Cosmetics is Tapping into the Power of Adobe Firefly Services
AI-Centric Brand Campaigns
Openai Rolls Out ChatGPT’s First Major Brand Campaign
Next Gen Multimedia Platforms
Hello Sunshine Launches Sunnie, a Gen Z Media and Lifestyle Platform
Social Responsibility-Aligned Corporate Marketing
GoodBrand Impact is a Newly Launched Agency
Social Engagement Platforms
Sociable AI Predicts Viral Posts And Generates Brand Aligned Comments
Shoppable Reel Features
Meta Expands Reels with Product Tagging on Instagram and Facebook
Content Creation Tools
AI Social Media Post Generator Creates Platform-Ready Content Fast
Social Shopping Integrations
The MONAT Tiktok Shop Strengthens the Direct Sales Business Model
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
Youth-Led Holiday Campaigns
Where are You Going? Showcases a Global Portrait of Young Creators
Customized Restaurant Campaign Platforms
OpenTable Has Launched OpenTable Media
AI-Created Video Feeds
Meta Introduces Vibes as a Social Platform Driven by AI-Generated Posts
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Localized Retail Media Platforms
Snappy Shopper Launches Connect, a Retail Media Network
Cheeky Recliner-Focused Campaigns
The Lovesac Company Changes the Social Image of the Recliner
Unified Social Management
Social Champ Simplifies Multi-Platform Posting & Analytics For Agencies
Social Media Hubs
Unified Socials Centralizes Management Across Multiple Platforms
On-Demand Content Creation Apps
Social Agent Connects Users to Certified Content Creators
Gen Z Dorm Makeovers
Urban Outfitters Launched the Dream Dorm Makeover Contest with HGTV
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-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
Automated Engagement Tools
AI Reply Generator: social24 Customizes Replies Across Social Platforms
Multimodal Social AIs
Meta’s Muse Spark Enables Image and Social Awareness
Social Media Schedulers
SocialLater Automates Social Media Posting Across Multiple Platforms
Startup Listening Tools
SocialSignal AI Tracks and Engages Across X, Reddit, and HN
Creator Monetization Integrations
TikTok Adds Cameo Video Requests In-App
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Social Media Creator Initiatives
Snapchat Launches its Gen Z-Focused Creator Connect Service
Social Copy Optimizers
TweetFast Turns Ideas Into Viral Tweets With AI-Powered Suggestions
Brand Discovery Platforms
SmartCustomer by Sitejabber Helps Customers Find New Favorite Brands
Social Media Growth Tools
PulseUp.top Simplifies Social Media Management & Business Opportunities
Social Media Organizers
Gem Turns TikTok and Instagram Bookmarks Into Searchable Lists
Shoppable Swimsuits
Sports Illustrated Launches Its Shoppable Swimsuits
Social Media-Inspired Streaming Apps
The Netflix App Feed Will Introduce a TikTok-Like Style
Real-Time Sharing Apps
MomentsHub Lets You Discover And Share Nearby Experiences Instantly
Generational Wellness Campaigns
Sports Research Evolved Its Marketing into a Cultural Movement
Personalized Performance-Driven Sleep Systems
BEDGEAR Embraces the Theme 'Sleep Just Got Personal'
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
Automated Influencer Reporting
Squarednow Streamlines Influencer Reporting With Automated Data
AI Marketing Platforms
Coso.ai Automates Branded Social Media Content Creation with AI
Real-Time Social Chats
Threads introduces live group chats around major cultural events
Conversation Tracking Keywords
Bluesky Keywords Helps You Track Mentions And Insights In Real Time
Consumer Brand Launches
Labor Smart Announced Culturally-Driven Product Collaborations
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Texting Coffee Campaigns
The Costa Coffee Hypeline Connects with Gen Z
Agentic Marketing Platforms
Canva Integrates Simtheory and Ortto into Its Platform
Creative Analytics Platforms
Superads Delivers AI Ad Insights Across Major Social Media Channels
Layered Online Content Reports
YouTube Defines Creative Maximalism as the Key Point After 20 Years
Conversational AI Advertising
Snapchat Introduces AI-Powered Chat-Based Brand Interactions
Audience Insight Hubs
Bluesky Analytics Helps Track Engagement and Schedule Posts Across Platforms
Paired-Down Social Media Platforms
Month Friend Boasts a New Experience in the Hyper-Digital World
Youthful News Sources
Supp Delivers Fun, Relatable News Using Gen Z Slang and Humor
Interactive Traveler-Focused Campaigns
Tessan Will Spotlight the 100 Travelers Campaign
Influencer Discovery Assistants
SocialiQ 2.0 Automates Influencer Research Right on Social Media
User-Generated Review Features
TikTok Integrates the New TikTok Shop Review Network
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
Ready-to-Buy Customer Tools
7eads Identifies Ready-to-Buy Customers on Social Media
Dream Sharing Platforms
Share And Discover Dreams With Sync Dreams In Real-Time Connections
Adaptive Notification Systems
YouTube Filters Push Alerts Based on Recent User Engagement
Social Diary Platforms
Truuze Social Networking App Blends Personal Journaling With Social Sharing
Social Sharing Tools
Social Plus Expands Your Reach With Shared Posts Across Platforms