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
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Groundbreaking AR Posters
Wall's Out-of-Home Ads Make AR Experiences Unmissable with WinDOOH Tech
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
Virtual Modeling Metaverses
Heidi Klum's Modelverse on Roblox Supports Creative Self-Expression
Movement-Inspired Brand Partnerships
On Has Announced a Multi-Year Partnership with Zendaya
Gen Z AI Campaigns
Lenovo Launches a New Campaign Called 'Meet Your Digital Self'
Purposeful Consumer-Focused Campaigns
IKEA's Sleepfluencers Campaign is a Clever Way to Give Back
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Metaverse-Launched Luxury Fashion Collections
The Coach Spring 2024 Capsule is in the Metaverse
Fridge-Decorating Social Trends
Bed Bath & Beyond Participated in 'Fridgescaping' Trend
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Youth Metaverse Advertising Initiatives
Roblox Announced an Advertising Partnership with PubMatic
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Metaverse Marketing Partnerships
Dentsu Inc. is Working with Naver Z on Zepeto Client Marketing
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
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
Celeb-Inspired AI Chatbots
The Meta AI Personas are Based on Cultural Icons & Influencers
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Social Media News Updates
Meta's Threads Update Features a 'Trending Now' Feed for Relevant News
Next-Generation Fashion Campaigns
REVOLVE Partners with Jeon Somi for a Gen Z Campaign
AI Social media Management
Social360 Offers a Streamlined Solution to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Pet Shopping Networks
IKEA is Launching an Interactive Pet Shopping Network on TikTok Live
Suggestive Spread Campaigns
The Marmite First Timers Campaign Targets Gen Z
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Gen Z Skateboarding Campaigns
Samsung UK's First Flips Spotlights the Galaxy Z Flip5
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
Stylish Footwear Campaigns
Under Armour Targets Gen Z in its New 'Flex As You Go' Campaign
Social Video Reaction Apps
The 'Seen' App Lets Users Capture Footage of Themselves Viewing Content
Hands-Free Driving Campaigns
Ford UK's Social Campaign Shares Merch for the "Passenger Princess"
Shoppable CPG Ads
Instacart-Powered Shoppable Video Ads are Coming to YouTube
Exclusive Social Shopping Snacks
Like Air is Launching Limited-Time Flavors on TikTok Shop
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
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
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
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
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
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
Car-Specific Video Commerce
Audi and Bambuser Make a Significant Evolution in Business Strategy
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
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
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Influencer-Focused AI Updates
CreatorIQ Utilizes AI To Help Marketers Track Creator Conversations
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Social Media Fridge-Decorating Trends
Lynzi Judish Released Several Viral 'Fridgescaping' Videos
Digital Avatar Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics & Snapchat Debuted the First Bitmoji Beauty Drop
Luxury Avatar Outfits
Valentino Created Digital Fashion Looks for Meta Avatars
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
Interactive Influencer Features
YouTube's New 'Hype' Feature Allows Viewers to Share in Success
Influencer-Focused Social Platforms
Later Launches an AI-Powered Social Listening Tool
Social Soda Mixer Campaigns
Level Up With 7UP Inspires Gen Z and Millennial Consumers
Youth-Focused Social Campaigns
Claire’s Introduces a New Gen Z-Alpha Platform Called 'The Collab'
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
AR Furniture Testing Features
Pinterest Lets Users View Virtual Furniture in their Homes
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
Imaginative Shopping Platforms
Walmart Realm Shares Influencer-Curated Shopping Environments
Musical Makeup Metaverses
Maybelline's Makeup Your Mix Campaign Immerses Roblox Users
Immersive Digital Experiences
Kraft and Nexus Studios Join on the Immersive Mayoverse
Influencer Snack Bar Campaigns
Nature Valley Launches a Social-Oriented Digital Marketing Campaign
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Engaging Youth-Focused Platforms
V&A Introduces the Mused Website for Gen Z Digital Natives
Social Media-Inspired Merch Ranges
The X Merch Collection Includes Two Styles
Next-Generation Mall Campaigns
Simon's Meet Me @themall Targets Gen Z Shoppers
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
Social Media Music Festivals
TikTok 'In the Mix' is a First-of-Its-Kind Music Festival
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
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Customer Gifting Suites
Grey Bandit's Gifting Suite Gave Customers the Influencer Treatment
Gen Z Basketball Campaigns
Rivalry Unites with Basketball Forever for a Gen Z-Focused NBA Campaign
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Social Media Forecasting Tools
WGSN TikTok Analytics Harness Data, Insights and More
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Influencer-Starring Car Commercials
Toyota's New Short Film Seeks to Resonate with Gen Z Customers
AI Social Media Tools
Axoon Will Post Personalized Content to Your Socials
Drone Marketing Initatives
LEGO Takes to the Sky with Drone Show and Aerial Messages
Aesthetic Stock Platforms
Dupe Photos Offers Social Media-Style Imagery for Modern Brands
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
BeReal is Looking for "The Realest Person on Earth"
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Inspiring Creator-Focused Decks
TikTok Launches a New Creative Content Inspiration Deck
Social Media-Integrated AI Lenses
Snapchat Launches the New AR Lenses with ChatGPT
Social Media-Based AI Travels
Let’s Trip AI Simplifies the Process of Crafting Memorable Trips
Gen Z Whitepapers
Wondershare Filmora Has Published Its First Whitepaper Titled 'Gen Z in Action'
AI Social Media Generators
Snowball FATG Can Help Create Viral Social Moments in Seconds
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
MENA-Focused Influencer Platforms
Mitgo Group Debuts the Takefluence Platform for Content Creators
On-Demand Mattress Deliveries
Mattress Firm and DoorDash Partnered to Offer Same-Day Delivery
Automated Social Media Posting
PosterGPT Uses AI to Post the Latest News Stories to Your Feed
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
Secondary Social Media Features
Instagram is Rolling out the Flipside Feature On User Profiles
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
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
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
Short-Form Gaming Video Apps
'FreshCut' is TikTok for Video Games and Gaming News
Social Posting Platform Features
Threads Launches the New Send on Instagram Feature
Ad-Focused Reaction Tools
Wunderman Thompson Launches 'Reveal' for Gauging Audience Responses
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
Cultural Social Media Documentaries
Hulu Unveils the Black Lives Matter: A People's History Doc
AI-Generated Image Backgrounds
Snapchat Launches the AI-Powered 'Dreams' Feature
Mental Health Branding Initiatives
L.L.Bean Digitally Detoxed for Mental Health Awareness Month
Healthcare Marketing Deals
Haleon Taps Collectively to Enhance its Influencer Marketing Strategies
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Year-Long Professional Content Calendars
Content Squeezy Provides Social media Ideas
Safety-Oriented Social Tools
Instagram Aims to Protect Vulnerable Teens with its New Safety Update
AI-Generated Social Ad Copy
the M1-Project Helps Business Owners Convert Using Social Media
AI Social Media Enhancement
Attract AI Elevates Charm on Social Media with a Few Taps
Bite-Sized Gen Z News
Mata.Today Offers Quick Insights for Gen Z to Easily Digest
Versatile Marketing Toolkits
Looper Insights Releases a Digital Marketing Insights Tool
Social Media Lead Generation
IgLeadGen Helps People Find and Target Leads for Business
Gamified Inspiration Networks
Dailycrowds Gamifies Social Interaction for Motivation and Insights
Social-Platform Live Sport Features
Threads is Rolling Out Live Sports Scores with the NBA
Social Media Visibility Boosting
Instagram hashtags is a Free Service to Enhance Your Instagram
Viral Baby Hotel Partnerships
The Four Seasons Hotel Partners a Viral Baby for a Weekend