These May 2020 media trends range from in-game music concerts to interactive true crime podcasts.
Earlier this month, Fortnite Astronomical hosted an interactive concert experience for players featuring hip hop star Travis Scott who premiered a knew song to those tuned in. With over 12 million players participating, this marketing move speaks to Gen-Z's appreciation for engaging virtual experiences and also targets a broader audience seeking new modes of entertainment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing efforts.
Another notable example from the gaming world includes Animal Crossing: New Horizons' recent in-game fashion pop-up by designer Sandy Liang. The pop-up will be hosted through a virtual clothing event spotlighting Liang’s Spring/Summer 2020 and Fall/Winter 2020 collections, with clothes satisfying players' desire for customization. Players will also receive a discount code during the virtual event that can be applied to real clothing purchases.
Top 40 Media Trends in May
From In-Game Music Concerts to Interactive True Crime Podcasts:
Jana Pijak — Jun 3, 2020 — Pop Culture
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40
Quarantine Fashion Photoshoots
Bella Hadid's Vogue Italia Shoot Was Captured Via FaceTime
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39
VR-Based Co-Watching Platforms
Bigscreen TV & Bigscreen Cinema Brings People Together in VR
38
Digital Hangout Platforms
Kosmi's Platform is an All-in-One Digital Socializing Experience
37
Eye-Tracking Film Experiences
The Angry River is a Revolutionary Take on Interactive Storytelling
36
Face-to-Face Social Media Networks
The HouseParty App Boasts Calls, Texts, Games, & Screen-Sharing
35
Virtual Music Festivals
Music Lives is a Three-Day Virtual Event on Oculus Venues
34
Virtual Cinema Clubs
Häagen-Dazs & Secret Cinema Created Secret Sofa for At-Home Entertainment
33
Video Game Fashion Pop-Ups
Sandy Liang's Animal Crossing Pop-up Lets Guests Download Looks
32
Sitcom-Themed Pool Floats
The Friends Door Pool Float is Inspired by Monica's Door from 'Friends'
31
Sci-Fi Popsicle Molds
The Star Wars Pop Mold Lets You Create Edible Star Wars Characters
30
Sci-Fi Character Jewelry Pendants
The Dan Life Launches a Baby Yoda Pendant Before Star Wars Day
29
Interactive Mobile Streaming Apps
Ficto Produces Interactive Shows Specifically for Mobile Phones
28
Kid-Friendly Quarantine Content
Sesame Street's Caring for Each Other Initiative Helps Kids Learn
27
Content Co-Watching Features
The Instagram Co-Watching Feature Allows Friends to Browse Together
26
Social Co-Viewing Platforms
Gaze Helps to Create YouTube-Specific Long-Distance Movie Nights
25
Communal Media-Streaming Services
Metastream Allows Users to Watch or Listen to Content Together
24
All-White Magazine Covers
The Vogue Italia April Issue Cover Represents Rebirth
23
Real-Time Video-Sharing Apps
Kast Uses Screen Capture, Voice, Text, and Video Chat Technology
22
Co-Watching Party Plug-Ins
Scener Unites Streaming Service Users with Virtual Movie Nights
21
AI Podcast Recommendations
Spotcast Shares Personalized Suggestions Based on Listening Habits
20
Interactive True Crime Podcasts
Solve Uses Snapchat and Instagram to Supercharge Its Stories
19
Streaming Content Expansions
Tubi Announced Its Movies and Shows are Now on Rogers Ignite TV
18
Stay-Home Car Commercials
The Jeep Same Day Ad References Groundhog Day
17
Broadway-Specific Streaming Services
Broadway on Demand is a New Streaming Service
16
In-Game Music Performances
Fortnite Astronomical Gathered Players Virtually to See Travis Scott
15
Evidence-Based Interactive Viewing Experiences
CBC All Access' Interrogation is a Non-Linear Show
14
Virtual Co-Viewing Rooms
Watch2Gether Helps People Chat, Shop & Enjoy Audio & Video Content
13
Intentionally Uninteresting Podcasts
Ts&Zzz is a Podcast for Sleep That Reads Terms and Conditions
12
Kid-Friendly Social Distancing Tips
Cartoon Network Launched the CNCheckIn Initiative for COVID-19
11
Social Distancing Music Videos
Phenom by Thao & the Get Down Stay Down Was Made with Zoom
10
Flexible Co-Viewing Features
The Philo Co-Viewing Feature Will Allow Users to Watch Video Together
9
Interactive Content Streaming Protocols
Instant Interactive Develops GREG to Enhance Entertainment
8
Group Streaming Apps
TwoSeven Helps Groups Virtually Enjoy Streaming Subscription Service Content
7
VR Theater Platforms
Broadway VR Offers Fully Immersive Theatrical Experiences
6
Free Educational Documentary Streaming
Netflix Made Several Documentaries Free on YouTube
5
Interactive Sci-Fi Thriller Movies
Wales Interactive Released the Complex for PS4 on March 31st
4
Free Premium Streaming Promotions
HBO is Offering 500 Hours of Shows & Movies for Free Streaming
3
Chose-Your-Own-Adventure Heist Movies
YouTube's 'A Heist with Markiplier' Has 31 Possible Endings
2
Awareness-Raising Interactive Short Film
Royston Tan Directed an Educational Film About Drug Use
1
Mobile-First Streaming Services
Quibi is Exclusively Mobile & Shares Quality Snackable Content
Related Ideas
Phone-Free Festivals
This Never Happened is a Music Event Series and Festival Concept
High-Fashion Video Game Consoles
The Balenciaga Snake Game Marks the Lunar New Year
In-Game Digital Sneakers
Nike and Fortnite Launched Four Digital Sneakers
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
In-Game Metaverse Shops
Psycho Bunny Launched Limited-Time UGC for Summer Splash on Roblox
Virtual Modeling Metaverses
Heidi Klum's Modelverse on Roblox Supports Creative Self-Expression
Promotional Game-Themed Collabs
Microsoft Partnered with Several CPG Brands to Offer Xbox Rewards
In-Game Billboard Advertising
Gameloft Enables Partners to Advertise Natively in its Games
Digitally-Collectible Footwear Items
Epic Games is Now Selling 'Kicks' in Fortnite
Metaverse-Launched Luxury Fashion Collections
The Coach Spring 2024 Capsule is in the Metaverse
Streaming Series Games
Netflix Stories Invites Viewers to Participate in Their Own Adventures
Youth Metaverse Advertising Initiatives
Roblox Announced an Advertising Partnership with PubMatic
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Platforming Survival Game Events
Fall Guys is Coming to Fortnite for its 4th Anniversary
Mainstream Metaverse Experiences
The Sandbox's 'Alpha Season 4' Offered Brand Engagement
Gamified Beauty Pop-Ups
The Players' Lounge Pop-Up by NARS Spotlights Complexion Products
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Year-End Live Music Shows
Spotify Wrapped Live 2023 Shares Performances from Top Global Artists
Metaverse Music Festivals
A First-of-Its-Kind Kids Relief Music Festival is Taking Place on Roblox
Physical Metaverse Merchandise Stores
Roblox will Sell Physical Goods with Shopify
Digital Streetwear Collaborations
The Fabricant x Highsnobiety Dropped During Paris Fashion Week
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
Immersive Entertainment Venues
Netflix Houses Feature Eateries, Experiential Activities & More
Virtual Gas-Themed Worlds
Shell Teams Up with Fortnite Creative to Launch a New Gas-Themed Game
Family-Friendly Dance Games
The Just Dance 2025 Edition Features Pop Hits by Ariana Grande
Social Media App Campaigns
Snapchat Promotes Creators in a Bold Campaign Amid TikTok Uncertainty
Text Prompt AI-Generated Playlists
Spotify is Working on New Generated Personalized Soundtracks
Playlist-Enhanced Outfit Recommendations
Stitch Fix and Spotify Collaborate on a Unique Experience
Live Shopping Flagships
Outlandish's Santa Monica Location Supports Live Social Media Shopping
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Interactive Beauty Metaverses
Fenty Beauty's First Campaign on Roblox Has Mazes & Scavenger Hunts
Collaborative Streaming Game Experiences
Netflix and Roblox Partnered for a Digital Theme Park
Hyper-Personalized Playlists
Spotify is Using Advanced AI to Create a Connection Through Playlists
AI Video Insights
Sora Creators Curates Trending AI-Generated Videos from Twitter in Real-Time
Musician Metaverse Collaborations
Lady Gaga Announced Herself as the Next Fortnite Festival Artist
Interactive Video Game-Themed Tours
The Play Nintendo Tour Runs from June 13 to September 2, 2024
Fandom-Friendly Campaigns
WhatsApp & Netflix Unite for a Squid Game Fandom Celebration
Monetizable Mobile Gaming Apps
'Playbite' Enables Players to Win Gift Cards and Prizes
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Gen Z Sustainability Campaigns
PUMA Recruits Gen Z Leaders to Showcase How They Live Sustainably
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
Curated Live Fashion Resale
Poshmark Launches Posh Party LIVE as a New Virtual Shopping Experience
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Live-Streaming Creator Networks
Endpoint Partnered with TikTok to Launch 'Endpoint Live'
Latin Celebrity Game Characters
Fortnite Welcomes Karol G to its Roster of Celebrity Characters
Musician-Inspired Game Characters
Singer Billie Eilish Arrives as the Newest Fortnite Hero
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
Trendy Metaverse Sportswear
adidas Enters the Virtual World Through a Roblox Collaboration
Idol Singer Breakfast Promotions
Mos Burger Offers Dining Experience with Idols via AR
Streaming Service Expansions
Spotify Launched an In-house Creative Agency, Spotify Creative Lab
Web3 Fashion Show Initiatives
Runway Magazine Launches Re-Inventing the Runway
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Horror-Themed Virtual Islands
Fortnite's Island Shares a Peek at Themes from the 'Talk to Me' Film
Scrolling Video-Based Social Medias
Bluesky Launched a New 'Trending Videos' Feature
Immersive VR Musical Experiences
BLACKPINK is Hosting a VR Concert in Meta's Horizon Worlds App
Gamified Tennis Metaverses
Race to Wimbledon is a Fast-Paced Game on Fortnite
Survival Crafting Metaverses
LEGO Fortnite Fosters Creativity and Collaborative Play
AI-Powered Music Remixing Apps
Sprite is Reprising its Limelight Music Platform for Consumers
Fashion Gaming App-Updates
Fashion Gaming App 'Drest' Launches New Update
Streaming Service Installations
Hulu Returns to Comic-Con San Diego with its Animayhem Activation
Game-Backed Crime Podcasts
Clash of Clans Introduces the Hammerless True Crime Podcast
Luxury Avatar Outfits
Valentino Created Digital Fashion Looks for Meta Avatars
Nugget-Inspired Video Games
McDonalds and The Sandbox Create the McNuggets Land Game
Gamified Youth-Focused News Apps
RocaNews Uses Challenges and Quests to Encourage Staying Informed
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Singer-Collaborated Game Campaigns
Nintendo and Raye Join Forces on a Series of Advertisements
Immersive Memory Loss Simulators
Lost in the World Brings Alzheimer's Awareness to Gen Z Gamers
Sports-Inspired Game Collaborations
Fortnite Taps Lionel Messi for its New Character Release
Branded Music Festivals
Procter & Gamble & Live Nation Urban Present ONE Musicfest
Dynamic Mobile Fashion Games
Tommy Hilfiger Unveils a New Mobile Fashion Game Called FashionVerse
Battle-Map Mobile Game Launches
Call of Duty Announces at the Upcoming Warzone Mobile Game
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Game-Inspired Breathable Footwear
Fortnite and adidas Join on an UltraBOOST Collection
Interactive App-Themed Game Maps
Twitch Unveiled 'The Glitch' Brand Map in Fortnite for Twitchcon
Political Campaign Game Maps
Fortnite Develops Freedom Town for Harris/Walz Campaign
Musical Makeup Metaverses
Maybelline's Makeup Your Mix Campaign Immerses Roblox Users
Immersive Fashion Week Events
Fashion Art Toronto's 1664 Fashion Week Fall 2024 is Comprehensive
Real-Time Trending Spot Features
Roadtrippers Introduces the Trending Spots Feature to Its App
AI-Narrated News Articles
Artifact's Text-to-Speech Feature Reads to Users in Celebrity Voices
Chef-Approved Video Games
Gordon Ramsay Finds His Zen Within the ‘Hay Day’ Ad
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Next-Generation Mall Campaigns
Simon's Meet Me @themall Targets Gen Z Shoppers
In-Game Festival Concerts
Fortnite and Metallica Join on a Special Concert Experience
Magical Game Collaborations
Disney is Investing in Epic Games and Launching Fortnite Content
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
Expanded Game-Streaming Services
Sony Added a Number of Games to its 'PS Plus' Service in June
Social Media Music Festivals
TikTok 'In the Mix' is a First-of-Its-Kind Music Festival
Artist-Inspired Game Events
Lady Gaga Will Make Her Digital Debut in the Fortnite Festival
Chinese Youth Search Reports
Xiaohongshu Has Released Report on Search Habits Among Youth in China
Influencer-Based Gaming Activations
Niantic Taps Google to Recruit Creators for Pokémon GO Fest
Game Console-Branches Streetwear
PlayStation Joins F.C. Real Bristol and SOPH on a Fashion Capsule
Gamer Music Libraries
The Nintendo Music App Shares Fan-Favorite Nintendo Soundtracks
Space-Centric Metaverse Games
Fortnite Debuts the Lunar Horizons Game with Hassell and ESA
In-Arena Content Spaces
TikTok and MLSE Introduced the Creator Zone and a Live Content Series
Gen Z Basketball Campaigns
Rivalry Unites with Basketball Forever for a Gen Z-Focused NBA Campaign
Music-Based Fitness Apps
Feed.fm Highlights the Significant Role Music Plays for Fitness Apps
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Resourceful Digital Platform Events
Meta will Host an Immersive Instagram Family Pop-Up in NYC
Phone-Free Music Festivals
The Over Yondr Festival Requires Guests to Ditch Their Cellphones
Language App Pop-Ups
Duolingo Hosted an Interactive Street Society Event in Soho
Virtual Idol Game Crossovers
Fortnite Festival and Hatsune Miku Bring Vocaloid to Modern Gaming
Real-Time Nightlife Finders
HotSpot Discovers Trending Nightlife Spots With Real-Time Insights
Socialite-Inspired Virtual Worlds
Paris Hilton Joins Roblox for the 'Slivingland' Metaverse
Cloud Gaming Service Updates
Nvidia Added High-Demand Games to its GeForce Now Game Service
Youth Movement Competitions
The PLEZi Absurdly Good Games Encourages Summer Activity
Fighting Game Crossover Events
Battle Royale Game PUBG Announces a Street Fighter 6 Collaboration
Gen Z Advertising Tools
YouTube Launches a New Music Tool to Connect Advertisers with Gen Z
Gen Z Media Agencies
Mediahuis Launches the Gen Z-Focused Creative Agency 72andSunny
Family-Friendly Survival Games
Lego Debuts a New Fortnite Survival Crafting Game
Innovation-Focused Digital Metaverses
Forbes Launches a Digital Presence In The Sandbox Metaverse
In-Game Music Players
UMG and Republic Records Launch the Boombox Music Player on Roblox
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Collaborative Battle Royale Maps
Guild Esports Teams Up with Sky to Launch a Free Map in Fortnite
Trendy In-Game Music Hubs
Roblox Launches the New Roblox Music Hub for Music Discovery
B2B Music Streaming Services
Tuned Global and Sona Launch a New Music Streaming Platform
Immersive Rhythmic Concert Games
Epic Games Added Guitar Controller Support to 'Fortnite Festival'
Sport-Themed Game Maps
Topgolf Introduces a New Driving Range Map for Fortnite Players
Video Game-Themed Pixel Paintings
Minecraft Honors Anniversary with a Pixel Art Collection
Shareable In-App Streaming Players
TikTok is Integrating Spotify Music with its Platform
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
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
Media-Based Music Expansions
DistroKid Users Now Have Access to TikTok Music for Promotion
Music Updates Platforms
Music News Provides the Latest Updates on Industry Movements
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Youth-Focused Game Tournaments
Inter Milan and Mkers Unveil a New Fortnite Tournament Series
Gaming-Inspired Headphone Campaigns
Nazarian Films Aims to Engage a Younger Generations
Music Content Campaign Tools
Spotify Presents the Showcase Tool for Artists to Promote
Dairy Farm-Focused Games
GameSquare Taps Dairy MAX to Debut a Fortnite Farm Tycoon Campaign
Relaxed Interactive Mobile Games
Nintendo and Niantic Join Forces on the Pikmin Finder Game
Video Game Merchandise Events
The King of Games Tokyo Pop-Up Store is Nintendo Approved
Anime Service-Backed Games
Crunchyroll is Adding Mobile Games to its Subscription-Based Offerings
2D Forensic Investigation Games
Gravity Recently Released the Tokyo Psychodemic Game
Avatar-Centric Gaming Activities
Interactive New Meta Quests are Added to the Horizon Worlds
Social App-Sourced Tickets
TikTok Launches its New Live Event with Ticket Sales by Tickets.com
Streaming Brand Trivia Games
Roku Weekly Trivia Puts User's Pop Culture Knowledge to the Test
Weekly Personalized Music Curation
NewMusic Delivers New Tracks to Your Inbox Every Week
Game-Specific Adaptive Music
PlusMusic Enhances Gaming Immersion with Personalized Music
Engaging Rap Trivia Games
Rap Trivia is a Fun Hip Hop Trivia Game