From newly implemented mental wellness departments to branded avatars, this list of May 2018 social media trends outline the different ways in which social networks can enhance the consumers' lives and foster a sense of connectivity.
As previously mentioned, Instagram has announced the launch of its mental wellbeing department -- a section of the company that will devote its time to promoting a sense of community, while negating some of the feelings of isolation and bullying that some users report feeling. Meanwhile, Vice's 'Like What You Hate' campaign is broadening the minds of social media users by balancing social media feeds with content that challenges a user's personal beliefs.
Brands are leveraging Snapchat to promote products, as companies like Hollister created a Bitmoji clothing line, while BMW launched an AR experience through the platform.
Top 40 Social Media Trends in May
40
Social Media-Inspired Marketing Techniques
Three Creatives Collaborated on an adidas Ad Campaign
39
Experiential Beauty Activations
Rihanna and Sephora Tailored the Summer Body Launch to Millennials
38
Interactive Selfie Exhibitions
Bangkok's 'Museum of Me' Turns Gallery-Goers into Works of Art
37
Design-Focused App Accounts
An Official Instagram Design Account is Showcasing Creative Works
36
Interactive Crunchy Chocolate Pop-Ups
Guests of the M&M Pop-up Voted on the Brand's Next Flavor
35
Age-Inclusive Beauty Campaigns
The KKW Beauty Campaign Stars Kris Jenner and M.J. Shannon
34
Kaleidoscopic Social Media Branding
Ruslan Khasanov Creates Fluid and Colorful Images for MAC
33
Relaunched Inclusive Minimalist Apparel
American Apparel's Back To Basics Campaign Marks a Revival
32
Gen Z Beauty Brands
'My Mood' is a Youthful New Brand from the Founder of Nails Inc
31
Tech-Savvy Elderly Influencers
Baddie Winkle is a Social Media Influencer and Famous Model
30
Social Media-Friendly Coffee Houses
.Jpg Cafe Offers an Escape from the Bustling City
29
Entrepreneurial Social Networks
The 'Leapcrowd' Platform Helps Entrepreneurs Connect
28
Authentic Beauty Campaigns
CVS' Unretouched 'Beauty in Real Life' Sets New Beauty Standards
27
Deceiving Environmental Campaigns
The World Wildlife Fund launched #TooLaterGram
26
Anti-Junk Food Marketing Campaigns
Jamie Oliver's #AdEnough Campaign Opposed Ads Aimed at Kids
25
Feed-Balancing Social Campaigns
Vice is Asking People to 'Like What You Hate' on Facebook
24
Social Media Queueing Campaigns
Nike Created a Virtual #AirMaxLine for Sneakerheads on Instagram
23
Palm-Sized Photo Printers
Canon's IVY Mini Photo Printer Creates Small Prints and Stickers
22
Branded Avatar Outfits
Hollister Created a Spring Collection of Bitmoji Outfits for Snapchat Users
21
Environmentally Friendly Billboard Ads
This Kit Kat Billboard Ad Shut Off for Earth Hour
20
Promotional AR Pets
Three's 'Puggerfly' Mascot is the First-Ever Augmented Reality Snapchat Pet
19
Extensive Restaurant Loyalty Programs
TGI Friday's Offers Specific Rewards with a New Point System
18
Social Media Car Experiences
BMW's AR Experience is Available Through Snapchat
17
Color-In Mobile Posters
BBH LA Created Customizable Posters for Instagram for Teens to Share
16
Record-Breaking Livestreams
The elrubiusOMG Livestream Brought in 1.1 Million Viewers on YouTube
15
Video-Based Group Therapy Platforms
The Campfire Platform Helps Users Build a Caring Social Group
14
Healthcare Professional Social Apps
The Figure 1 App Helps Users Stay Up to Date on Current Cases
13
Crowdsourced Photography Apps
This App Offers Tips On Local Photography Sites, Transit & Weather
12
AR Movie Lenses
The Jumanji DVD Uses Snapchat Lenses to Immerse Viewers in a Jungle Enviroment
11
Happiness-Focused Social Media Departments
Instagram is Launching a 'Wellbeing Team' Department
10
Russian Bot Social Filters
This Snapchat April Fools Filter Mocked Recent Facebook News
9
Social Media-Savvy Escalators
In an Attempt to Humanize Technology, KONE's Escalator Has Twitter
8
Gamified AR Lenses
Snapchat 'Snappables' Can Be Altered by Touch, Motion and Expression
7
Hashtag-Based Ordering Services
The DUSSE100 Hashtag Helps Drinkers Reserve a D’ussé VSOP Bottle
6
Social Media Egg Hunts
Cadbury Set Up an Interactive Easter Egg Hunt on Facebook 360
5
Social Media-Inspired Capsules
ADER Error's 'A Mobile Space' Range is Its Latest Resort Collection
4
Updated Social Media Glasses
'Spectacles V2' Improve Upon Snapchat's First Recording Glasses
3
Social Podcast App Features
The Anchor Cohost Feature Connects Users for New Projects
2
Expansive Group Chats
The Snapchat Group Chat and Mention Feature Bring New Life to the App
1
Privacy-Ensuring Extensions
Mozilla's 'Facebook Container' Keeps Facebook Data Private
Related Ideas
AI-Powered Social Personality Quizzes
My Insta Personality Playfully Analyzes Instagram Profiles
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 Mental Health Startups
SereniMind Users Engage in Mood-Based Activities Based on Their Needs
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
Mental-Health Awareness QSR Packaging
McDonald's Alters Its Happy Meal Boxes for Mental Health
Gen Z AI Campaigns
Lenovo Launches a New Campaign Called 'Meet Your Digital Self'
Socially Motivating Companion Robots
The Conceptual 'Mori' Companion Robot Supports Mental Health
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Fridge-Decorating Social Trends
Bed Bath & Beyond Participated in 'Fridgescaping' Trend
Empathetic AI-Powered Journal Apps
The 'empaithy' App Supports Mental Health Exploration
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Complimentary Movement-Focused Workouts
Lululemon Commemorated World Mental Health Day
Fashion AI Platforms
AI Fashion Concierege App 'Aesthetic' Creates a Tailored Shopping Experience
AI Social Media Managers
Friz is an All-in-One Tool for DTC Brands on Social
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Nature-Reconnecting Outdoor Campaigns
Mammut Encouraged People to Reconnect with Nature
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
AI Social media Management
Social360 Offers a Streamlined Solution to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Mental Health Mirrors
The Baracoda BMind Smart Mirror Helps Users Manage Stress
Therapeutic Nature-Inspired Campaigns
Craghoppers Introduces Its Autumn/winter 2024 Campaign
Social Media Analytics Tool
Track and Improve Social Media Growth with Hivehubai’s Analytics Tools
Visualized Social Streaming Features
Spotify and Snapchat are Launching the Share Track Lens
Esports Mental Health Apparel
Team Vitality Debuts the KARE Merch Capsule to Support Mental Health
AI Mental Health Companions
MYND Provides Personalized Guidance, Meditations & Support
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
Mental Health Snack Initiatives
Pringles Relaunched a QR Design for Exclusive Movember Tubes
Online Mental Health Communities
'Side by Side' Offers Online Anonymous Connections for Health
Tennis Champion Beauty Campaigns
Naomi Osaka Advocates for Maybelline's 'Brave Together Program'
Social Media-Inspired Merch Ranges
The X Merch Collection Includes Two Styles
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Mental Health Status Tools
Mentavi Health Has Introduced the Mental Wellness Snapshot
Motivating Journaling Apps
MindUp Encourages Users to Maintain a Daily Mindfulness Habit
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
Online Mental Health Services
Talkspace Enters a Partnership with Amazon Health Services
Product-Integrated Filters
NYX and Snapchat Launched the 'Beauty Bestie' Shopping Filter
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Authenticity-Promoting Social Media Apps
The Viberse App Emphasizes Authenticity and Spontaneity
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Phone Breakup Newsletters
The Guardian's 'Reclaim Your Brain' Newsletter Helps Reduce Screen Time
Digital Avatar Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics & Snapchat Debuted the First Bitmoji Beauty Drop
Anti-Doomscrolling Robots
NABS & Amplify Created the DoomScroller for World Mental Health Day
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Peer-Connected Support Platforms
'Togetherall' Offers a Safe Online Community for Mutual Support
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
Mental Health-Supporting Campaigns
'The Last Photo' is a Suicide Prevention Initiative
Workplace Mental Health Platforms
Viatris Expanded its Elevate Program with 'Unmind'
Influencer-Focused Social Platforms
Later Launches an AI-Powered Social Listening Tool
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Instagram Hashtags Generators
TwoOrbits' Tool Uses AI and Machine Learning to Help Creators
Neuroscientist-Backed Brain Health Series
Masterclass Launched a New Series Titled Brain Health
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Connection-Focused Health Apps
'Circles' Safely Connects People Struggling with Mental Health
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
AI Mental Health Apps
Deepen is an AI-Powered Pocket Therapist
Mental Health Postcard Platforms
BTS Partners with UNICEF to Launch a New Mental Health Initiative
Stress Relief Communities
Feel So Joy Offers Space For Users Can Connect with Like-Minded People
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
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
AI Meditation Guides
Vital is an AI Mindset Guide that Offers Personalized Wellness Strategies
Gen Z-Supporting Benefit Policies
Chipotle Launches a New Benefits Program for its Gen Z Employees
Accessible Mental Health Trainings
Maybelline Brave Talk is an Empowering Five-Step Online Program
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
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
Social Media Forecasting Tools
WGSN TikTok Analytics Harness Data, Insights and More
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Prescriptive Mental Health Posters
Parkrun Encourages Movement on World Mental Health Day
Teen-Protecting Social Media Features
Meta Expanded its 'Limit' and 'Restrict' Instagram Tools
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Emoji-Based Mood Trackers
MoodTrack Helps Monitor Emotions in a Fun and Accessible Way
Empowering Mental Health Football Ads
adidas Debuts Short Film 'You Got This'
Influencer Management Tools
Ogilvy Offers a Safety and Risk Management Tool for Marketing Brands
Mood-Reflective Sonic Sounds
Instagram Presents Sonic Identity for Reels as a Single Sound
Aesthetic Stock Platforms
Dupe Photos Offers Social Media-Style Imagery for Modern Brands
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Mental Health Chat Bots
Nemo AI is Available to Chat Through Whatsapp
Mental Health-Focused Brand Initiatives
Maybelline New York Partners with WHO Foundation
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Athlete-Backed Mental Health Campaigns
The Love, Your Mind Campaign Aims to Support Mental Health
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
Joy-Inspired Beauty Campaigns
Ulta Beauty Launches the Joy Project, a Ground-Breaking Study
Limited Political Social Medias
Meta's 'Threads' Allows Users to Limit Political Content Shown
Emotional Awareness Apps
Crown Institute Debuts an Emotional Learning App Inspired by Inside Out
Authentic Dating Apps
Menta Social is a Dating App For People Looking for Real Connections
Redirected Movement Campaigns
Asics' 15MinuteWeightLoss Challenges Rapid Weight Loss Content
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Social Media-Limiting Apps
Elqi Intervenes with Meditation to Limit Social Media Time
Mental Wellness Apps
'Pause' Lets You Take a Moment to Regain Control Over Your Emotions
Comforting Mental Health Apps
Lunai Allows Users to Share Their Thoughts in Private
Doodling Mental Health Apps
The 'Scribble Journey' App Encourages Art to Explore Emotions
Company Culture-Enhancing Communication Tools
Motivosity Has Unveiled a New Feature Called Spaces
Brand-Aligned Graphics
Bento Highlights Lets Users Craft Polished, Professional-Looking Graphics
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
Mental Health Messaging Apps
Koala Messenger is a Place to Share When You Don't Feel Your Best
Minimalist Social Media
Othrys Provides Social Media Optimized for Learning and Productivity
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
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
AI-Indicating Content Labels
Meta is Preparing to Roll out Labels Depicting Content Made with AI
Wellness Discovery Platforms
Wellworthy Helps Individuals Navigate the Health and Wellness Market
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
AI Mental Health Apps
Mentalport Makes Improving Upon Mental Health Easy and Fun
Music-Focused Social Media
Musicboard is a Place for Music Lovers to Unite
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
Hotel Wellness Campaigns
Hyatt Hotels Launches 'Wellness at Hyatt' for International Yoga Day
Mobile Device Addiction Campaigns
The Women's Brain Health Initiative Highlights a Growing Concern
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Secondary Social Profile Features
Instagram Previews a New Flipside Feature for Private Posting
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Reflective Peer Support Platforms
HOPE Connects Struggling People to Their Future Selves
Positive Mental Health Strategies
HappierMe: Master Your Mind Helps Users Achieve Long-Term Goals
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
Employee Engagement Tools
Triibe Offers Interactive Newsfeed, Polls, Surveys, and More
Bite-Sized Daily Wellness Actions
BlissList Approaches Holistic Wellness Through Small Steps
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Safety-Oriented Social Tools
Instagram Aims to Protect Vulnerable Teens with its New Safety Update
Elevated Social Media Visuals
SocialScreenshots Creates Stunning Visuals for Online Sharing
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Private Social Media Notes
Minders Offers a Private Space for Reflection and Thoughts
Social Media Visibility Boosting
Instagram hashtags is a Free Service to Enhance Your Instagram
Team-Based Wellness Challenges
Bright Break Enhances the Well-Being of Remote and Hybrid Employees