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
Idyllic Pet Pop-Ups
Uber Eats and PetSmart Created "The Best Pet House Ever"
Retro Mascara Kits
Maybelline's Sky High Mascara PR Kit is Styled Like a Brick Cell Phone
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
Gen Z AI Campaigns
Lenovo Launches a New Campaign Called 'Meet Your Digital Self'
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
Fridge-Decorating Social Trends
Bed Bath & Beyond Participated in 'Fridgescaping' Trend
Next-Gen News Apps
Shades is a News and Culture App for Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Social Movement Medals
The Openness Medal by Samsung Invites Gen Z to Share Challenges
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
Sticker-Creating Social Tools
Instagram Releases a New Sticker Creation Feature for Creators
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
AI Social media Management
Social360 Offers a Streamlined Solution to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Architecture-Inspired QSR Ads
This New McDonald’s Campaign Encourages Eating at Home
Pet Shopping Networks
IKEA is Launching an Interactive Pet Shopping Network on TikTok Live
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
Social Media Shopping Partnerships
YouTube Teams Up with Shopee to Launch 'YouTube Shopping'
Visualized Social Streaming Features
Spotify and Snapchat are Launching the Share Track Lens
Social Media-Free Flip Phones
The HMD Barbie Phone Fuses Nostalgic Style with Digital Wellness
Social Media Analytics Tool
Track and Improve Social Media Growth with Hivehubai’s Analytics Tools
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
Short-Form Soap Operas
Unilever and TikTok Created a Content Series to Target #CleanTok
Hands-Free Driving Campaigns
Ford UK's Social Campaign Shares Merch for the "Passenger Princess"
Social Media Fitness Hubs
Peloton and Tiktok Boast the #TikTokFitness Peloton Hub
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Decentralized Social Media Platforms
Meta Launched Threads, a Decentralized Alternative to Twitter
Authenticity-Promoting Social Media Apps
The Viberse App Emphasizes Authenticity and Spontaneity
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Curated Live Fashion Resale
Poshmark Launches Posh Party LIVE as a New Virtual Shopping Experience
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Branded Dating Experiments
Whirlpool's Care Profiles Had Daters Share Photos of Doing Chores
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
Car-Specific Video Commerce
Audi and Bambuser Make a Significant Evolution in Business Strategy
Video-Style Chat App Features
WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Enables Quick Communication
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
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
Social Media Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
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
AI-Powered DIY Home Apps
Praxis Introduces New Features to Its Praxis Plus App
Social Media Fridge-Decorating Trends
Lynzi Judish Released Several Viral 'Fridgescaping' Videos
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Digital Avatar Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics & Snapchat Debuted the First Bitmoji Beauty Drop
Pop Culture-Inspired Rentals
Airbnb Unveils the New 'Icons' Experiences for Short-Term Guests
Virally Inspired Virtual Menus
The Creator's Kitchen As Seen on TikTok Menu is Ever-Changing
Luxury Avatar Outfits
Valentino Created Digital Fashion Looks for Meta Avatars
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
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
Brand-Boosting Social Media Contests
Iconic Beverage Group Debuts the Iconic Agua Challenge
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
Instagram Hashtags Generators
TwoOrbits' Tool Uses AI and Machine Learning to Help Creators
Virtual Car Meetups
7-Eleven is Inviting Fans to Meet Virtually in Fortnite
Immersive Digital Experiences
Kraft and Nexus Studios Join on the Immersive Mayoverse
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Customizable Content Effects
Google Introduces New Editing Features to the Photos App
Camera Gear Product Displays
GoPro Has Announced a Significant Retail Expansion at Best Buy
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
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
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
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
Adventure-Focused Social Platforms
Outside Debuts an All-In-One Experience for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Friendsgiving Event Series
Butterball and Bumble Foster Togetherness with #FindYourTable
Film Industry Networking Apps
The 'BeScene' App Takes a Swiping Approach to Networking
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
Drone Marketing Initatives
LEGO Takes to the Sky with Drone Show and Aerial Messages
Enhanced Video Chat Platforms
WhatsApp is Elevating its Video-Call Functions with Screen-Shares
App-Navigating Indoor Safety Cameras
Google Adds its Indoor Nest Cameras Online on the Home App
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"
Parental Social App Controls
Meta Debuts a Series of New Features Across its Social Media Apps
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
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
Social Vlogging Apps
Shortake Let's Users Capture a Few Moments Every Day
Video-Friendly Makeup Tools
Rad Camera Applies Virtual Makeup to Enhance Appearance on Video Calls
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
Gen Z Whitepapers
Wondershare Filmora Has Published Its First Whitepaper Titled 'Gen Z in Action'
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Limited Political Social Medias
Meta's 'Threads' Allows Users to Limit Political Content Shown
Mobile Streaming App Stories
Twitch is Rolling Out a Daily 'Story' Feature on its Mobile App
Child-Centric Online Safety Campaigns
Wondershare FamiSafe Engages Parents with a Contest
Video Conferencing Avatar Features
Meta is Presenting a New Cartoon Avatar Feature
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
Social Media Star Brands
Toddy Smith Introduces His GothicMochas Clothing Brand
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
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
Social Media Tech Stores
Kronos Advanced Technologies Launches a Store on TikTok
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
Short-Form Fashion Competitions
#TikTokFashion Challenges Users to Create and Share Their Design
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
Media-Based Music Expansions
DistroKid Users Now Have Access to TikTok Music for Promotion
Social Sticker Features
Instagram Unveils the New Sticker Features for Stories and Other Content
Cultural Social Media Documentaries
Hulu Unveils the Black Lives Matter: A People's History Doc
Viral Content Amplifiers
CapUp Helps Creators Get Their Videos More Views in a Single Tap
Mental Health Branding Initiatives
L.L.Bean Digitally Detoxed for Mental Health Awareness Month
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
Influencer-Focused Ad Platforms
Pearpop Helps Brands Find Creators to Sponsor in an Easier Way
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Social Video Editing Features
Meta Rolls Out Editing Tools for its Reels To Facebook Users
AI Social Media Enhancement
Attract AI Elevates Charm on Social Media with a Few Taps
Safety-Oriented Social Tools
Instagram Aims to Protect Vulnerable Teens with its New Safety Update
Social Movie-Ranking Platforms
MOTY Let's Users Rank and Record Their Favorite Films
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Elevated Social Media Visuals
SocialScreenshots Creates Stunning Visuals for Online Sharing
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Real-Time Home Screen Sharing
Snapshare Widget Lets Users Share Content Right to Friends' Screens
Personalized Film Apps
Movie Me Helps Individuals Discover New Movies
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
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