Considering the humble origins of social media, the May 2017 social media trends show just how different contemporary platforms are from their predecessors. In the early days of social media, the majority of activity consisted of text exchanges — if people included any images at all, it would be a single image to make up their profile picture. Today, image-centric platforms dominate the social media landscape, and that shows in the social media trends for the coming month.
Both Facebook and Snapchat are looking for ways to expand beyond even image sharing alone. Snapchat has created an AR video filter in the style of its beloved and massively popular picture filters, and Facebook recently announced a VR hangout space where virtual avatars can meet and converse.
Top 40 Social Media Trends in May
40
Luxurious Crystal Bodysuits
Rihanna Sported Gucci's Unique Runway Ensemble During Coachella
39
Puppy Proposal Photoshoots
The Sebastian Loves Luna Engagement Album Showcases Canine Love
38
Feline Culinary Photoshoots
Maro the Cosplay Chef Cat Combines Authentic Food and Outfits
37
Retro Tie-Dye Nail Art
Creatives are Testing Out New Ways to Bring the Pattern to Their Fingers
36
Feathered Eyebrow Looks
These Beauty Bloggers Have Artfully Transformed Their Eyebrows
35
Tie-Dye Lip Art
Makeup Artists Have Been Revealing Unique Ways to Get the Festival-Ready Look
34
Alien Social Media Models
Gucci's Alien Instagram Campaign is for the Fall/Winter 2017 Line
33
Foodie Fashion Photography
Kelsey Mcclellan's Series Shows Clothing with Matching Food Products
32
Extravagant Food Crown Portraits
Lauren Hom's Images Creatively Feature Different Food Staples
31
Simplistic Silhouette Art
Flavio Salsano Turns Shadows from Everyday Items into Whimsical Drawings
30
Sensitive Content Filters
Blurred Photos on Instagram Will Warn of Possibly Offensive Content
29
Social Travel Networks
'Nomo FOMO' Enables Social Travel Planning by Detailing Trips
28
Emotion-Based Social Networks
The 'Emotely' Social Network Works to Let Users Share Emotions
27
Dreamy Singer-Inspired Social Filters
The Lana Del Rey Filter on Snapchat Features a Flower Crown
26
Customizable Gift-Giving Kits
'Giftkit' Introduces a Modern Way to Shop for Gift Baskets Online
25
Collaborative Social Media Apps
The 'WeClip' Collaboration Platform Involves Everyone
24
Speed-Checking Chatbots
The Infiniti Q60 SpeedBot Instantly Finds Almost Any Car's 0-60 Time
23
Millennial-Focused Health Platforms
'Corevity' is an Online Health Community to Share Stories
22
Dating App-Inspired Portraits
Jiyeon Kim Created Contemporary Renditions of Tinder Pictures
21
A.I.-Powered Restaurant Finders
The Sure Chatbot Uses Instagram to Make Restaurant Recommendations
20
Interactive Social Cinemas
Cinex Lets You Tweet Live on the Big Screen While Watching a Movie
19
Social AR Geolocation Apps
The 'Grifidi' Social Experience App Creates Location-Based Socializing
18
VR Social Networks
Facebook Spaces Lets You Hang Out with Friends Anywhere in the World
17
Happiness-Sharing Bots
Bbc Earth's Chatbot Shares Personalized Videos for "Real Happiness"
16
Quick College Application Videos
ZeeMee Offers High Schoolers an Alternative Application Method
15
Alluring Voice Analyzers
Skyn's Voice Analysis Bot Rates Voices on Sensuality, Mystery and More
14
Augmented Photography Lenses
Snapchat's 'World Lenses' Adapt to Their Surroundings with AR
13
Social Media Fundraising Features
Facebook is Adding a 'Personal Fundraiser' Function
12
Contextless Video Apps
'Yo Stories' Shares Video from Friends Without Additional Details
11
Crowdsourced Decision Networks
The 'WeeAct' Social Network Enables Users to Make Smart Decisions
10
Social Feed Aggregator Sites
The 'MakersFeed' Social Feed Aggregator Organizes Content Beautifully
9
Augmented Reality Table Lamps
Lampix will Change the Way Users Work and Play
8
Crayon Farewell Tours
The Celebrate Dandelion Campaign Encourages Crayola Fans to Say Goodbye
7
Issue Discussion Networking Apps
The 'Blaze' App Enables Social Voting to Gauge Opinions
6
Communal Video-Watching Apps
The Cabana App Lets Users Watch YouTube With Friends Virtually
5
Chinese Video Content Platforms
Alibaba's Tudou Site has Transformed into a Short Content Platform
4
Customer-Created Taglines
Emerald Nuts' New Tagline, "Yes Good," Was Inspired by a Customer Review
3
Data-Saving Social Apps
'Twitter Lite' Offers Optimized Features for Mobile Users
2
Pinboard Theme Park Planners
Walt Disney World Created Specialized Pinterest Trip-Planning Tools
1
Categorical Social Updates
The New Instagram Update Will Allow Users to Sort Their Saved Posts
Related Ideas
Social App-Connected Smartglasses
The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Can Now Post onto Instagram
AI-Powered Digital Avatars
Instagram Now Allows Users to Create Their Own AI Avatars
AI-Powered Dating Profile Pics
Tinder’s Photo Selector Uses AI to Simplify Photo Selection
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
Uplifting Social Media Campaigns
Optimism Your Feed Helps Social Media Users Retrain the Algorithm
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
AI Food Photography Apps
MenuSnap Helps Restaurants Capture, Edit & Optimize Images
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
AI-Enhanced Dating Apps
Tinder is Adding AI Photo Selection to Improve User Swipe Rates
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
Romantic Dating App Experiences
The Bumble 'Success Stories' Campaign Includes a Las Vegas Contest
AI Social media Management
Social360 Offers a Streamlined Solution to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Visualized Social Streaming Features
Spotify and Snapchat are Launching the Share Track Lens
Social Video Reaction Apps
The 'Seen' App Lets Users Capture Footage of Themselves Viewing Content
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Authenticity-Promoting Social Media Apps
The Viberse App Emphasizes Authenticity and Spontaneity
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Social Media Analytics Tool
Track and Improve Social Media Growth with Hivehubai’s Analytics Tools
Gen Alpha Social Media Apps
'SendIt' is Designed for Youth to Socialize through Games and Chatting
Luxury Handbag Social Integrations
Prada and Miu Miu Add New Options to Snap's Bitmoji Wardrobe
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
Video-Style Chat App Features
WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Enables Quick Communication
Simplified Content Creation
FastContent Generates Daily Social Media Posts with Just One Click
Photo-Based Travel Sharing
Mano is a Community Travel App That Lets You Pin Polaroid-Style Moments
Running Partner Messaging Apps
Find Your Next Running Partner Through Strava Messaging
Social Media Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
Custom Inspirational Quotes
Muse Combines Quotes with Creative Themes for Social Media
Product-Integrated Filters
NYX and Snapchat Launched the 'Beauty Bestie' Shopping Filter
Social Sports Applications
EA is Launching the EA Sports Social App on Web and Mobile
Fandom-Friendly Campaigns
WhatsApp & Netflix Unite for a Squid Game Fandom Celebration
Invite-Only Social Medias
'Lapse' is a New Invite-Only Social Media Service for Photo Sharing
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Digital Avatar Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics & Snapchat Debuted the First Bitmoji Beauty Drop
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
In-App Recommendation Features
Bumble Boasts the 'Recommend to a Friend' Feature
Interactive Influencer Features
YouTube's New 'Hype' Feature Allows Viewers to Share in Success
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Swipable Curated Ad Inspiration
Swipify Lets Users Swipe Through the Latest Ad Campaigns
Interactive AR Experiences
The Sendit App Engaged Gen Alpha on Valentine's Day
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Bold Dating Campaigns
Tinder's It Starts with a Swipe is Released to Coincide with 'Dating Sunday'
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Best-Friend Social Media Features
NoteIt Allows Users to Pick 5 'BFFs' for Special Features
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Social Dating App Features
Tinder Now Supports Collaborative Matchmaking with Friends and Family
Personality-Focused Dating Apps
The Bokay App Expands Its Services Across Canada
Social Media Impact Studies
Instagram Allows COS to Conduct Mental Health Research
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
In-App Face Swaps
SwapMyFace Lets Users Insert Their Own Faces into Any Picture from the Web
Image-Sharing Social Applications
Lapse is a New Image-Sharing App Loved by Gen Z Consumers
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Engaging Political Update Apps
The 'GovSide' App Encourages Citizens to Get Involved
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Resourceful Digital Platform Events
Meta will Host an Immersive Instagram Family Pop-Up in NYC
Photo-Collecting QR Codes
GuestSnap Uses a QR Code to Collect Guest Photos at Events
Film Industry Networking Apps
The 'BeScene' App Takes a Swiping Approach to Networking
Relationship Management Apps
With LoveSpace, Couples Can Share Updates, Feelings, and Calendars
Social Sharing Platform
Keepin' Invites Users to Capture and Share Curated Daily Moments
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Teen-Protecting Social Media Features
Meta Expanded its 'Limit' and 'Restrict' Instagram Tools
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
Detail-Providing Dating App Features
Tinder Share My Date Shares Info with Curious Friends
Sunset-Sharing Apps
Sunshare is a Tool for Sharing Sunset Photography Around the Globe
Enhanced Video Chat Platforms
WhatsApp is Elevating its Video-Call Functions with Screen-Shares
Generative AI Historical Art
Google Presents the Art Selfie 2 Feature Fusing Art and Selfies
Aesthetic Stock Platforms
Dupe Photos Offers Social Media-Style Imagery for Modern Brands
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
BeReal is Looking for "The Realest Person on Earth"
Meme-Based Dating Sites
Schmooze Helps Singles Find Love Through Memes and Jokes
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Social Media-Integrated AI Lenses
Snapchat Launches the New AR Lenses with ChatGPT
Digital Social Sharing Spaces
The Shilo App Invites Users to Share and Curate What They Love
Social Vlogging Apps
Shortake Let's Users Capture a Few Moments Every Day
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Social Media-Based AI Travels
Let’s Trip AI Simplifies the Process of Crafting Memorable Trips
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
AI Dating Profile Optimizers
FirstPic Helps Users Analyze How Successful Their Dating Profile Is
Limited Political Social Medias
Meta's 'Threads' Allows Users to Limit Political Content Shown
Authentic Dating Apps
Menta Social is a Dating App For People Looking for Real Connections
Mobile Streaming App Stories
Twitch is Rolling Out a Daily 'Story' Feature on its Mobile App
Photo-Organizing Apps
Journeys Simplifies the Process of Organizing One's Photos
Animated-Photo AI-Fueled Chat Apps
EmbodyMe Unveils its New Xpression Chat Platform
Authenticated News Apps
Digital Trust Network 'Click' Challenges the Threat of Misinformation
Engaging Customer Conversion Tools
FacePop Humanizes Customer Interactions Through Video
Social Rating Platforms
Rated is a Data-Driven Social Platform for Rating Media and More
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
AI-Powered Profile Tools
Bumble is Using Artificial Intelligence to Help with its User Experience
Video-Friendly Makeup Tools
Rad Camera Applies Virtual Makeup to Enhance Appearance on Video Calls
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Secondary Social Media Features
Instagram is Rolling out the Flipside Feature On User Profiles
Distraction-Free Dating Guides
Hinge Debuted a New Guide to Minimize Distractions While Dating
Time-Lapse Content Apps
Timelapse Provides a Unique Approach to Recording Engaging Content
AI Dating Profile Feedback
Flurry AI Will Provide Insights on Your Dating Profile
Dynamic Interest Social Platforms
Palette Let's People Curate Their Likes However They Please
Short-Form Gaming Video Apps
'FreshCut' is TikTok for Video Games and Gaming News
Music-Focused Social Media
Musicboard is a Place for Music Lovers to Unite
Social Posting Platform Features
Threads Launches the New Send on Instagram Feature
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Social Sticker Features
Instagram Unveils the New Sticker Features for Stories and Other Content
AI-Generated Image Backgrounds
Snapchat Launches the AI-Powered 'Dreams' Feature
Social Sharing Upgrades
Snapchat Introduces an After Dark Feature for Dynamic Sharing
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Viral Content Amplifiers
CapUp Helps Creators Get Their Videos More Views in a Single Tap
Connection-Building Dating Platforms
Happie Aims to Build Meaningful Connections Between Users
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
Social Sticker-Making Features
WhatsApp Launches a New In-App Custom Sticker Maker
Secondary Social Profile Features
Instagram Previews a New Flipside Feature for Private Posting
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Lighthearted Meme Apps
Goodday is a Meme App Designed to Inspire Happiness
Social Media Dating Profiles
LikeLike Scans Your Instagram to Find Romantic Matches
Inclusive Custom Avatar Enhancements
Meta's Quest Avatars Get a Slew of More Inclusive Detail
Privacy-Enhancing Social Features
Pinterest Launches the New Safety Features for Young Users
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
AI Social Media Enhancement
Attract AI Elevates Charm on Social Media with a Few Taps
Real-Time Social Maps
Mapin is a Social Map That Connects the Community Through Content
Safety-Oriented Social Tools
Instagram Aims to Protect Vulnerable Teens with its New Safety Update
Social Posting Musical Features
Instagram Allow Users to Add Music to Photo Carousels
Invite-Only Family Memory Hubs
Kinnect Unveils its New and Enhanced Mobile Application
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Elevated Social Media Visuals
SocialScreenshots Creates Stunning Visuals for Online Sharing
3D Art Communities
Sparlit is the First Social App for Sharing and Interacting with 3D Art
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Updated Social Web Apps
Mastodon's New Update Streamlines Notifications and Posting Capabilities
Creative Collaboration Clubs
Dazed Has Launched a New Social Media App Called Dazed Club
Social-Platform Live Sport Features
Threads is Rolling Out Live Sports Scores with the NBA
TV-Specific Pop Informants
COVER Emerges as the Essential App for TV Show Aficionados
Dynamic Visual Communication Platforms
ConverStory Transforms Speech into Captivating Images
Real-Time Home Screen Sharing
Snapshare Widget Lets Users Share Content Right to Friends' Screens
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Social Media Visibility Boosting
Instagram hashtags is a Free Service to Enhance Your Instagram
Community-Driven Public Maps
Happy Face Local Updates Allows Users to Comment on Neighborhood Maps