Look back with us on the latest marketing trends and standout pop culture moments from May.
1. Met Gala
Nothing brings the world together like the annual Met Gala. This year’s exclusive event dazzled attendees and onlookers alike with its theme "Timeless Elegance Reimagined." Fashion's biggest night since 1940 saw celebrities, designers, and influencers gracing the red carpet in elaborate and innovative ensembles that pushed the boundaries of creativity, making it a significant part of social media highlights.
In usual Met fashion, guests interpreted the theme in various ways, with some paying homage to iconic fashion eras of the past, while others added futuristic elements to reflect more modern eras of style. Notable moments included entrances from fashion icons such as Lana Del Rey, and Zendaya, who captivated with a modern twist on classic Hollywood glamor. The event also celebrated diversity and inclusivity, with attendees showcasing a wide range of cultural influences and perspectives through their fashion choices, making it one of the key media events and setting new social media trends.
Which Met Gala look are you??
Memes have become their own avenue for communication, and the reaction to Met Gala looks are no exception. Influencers, businesses, and even celebrities have created memes to showcase their opinion. In the marketing sphere, these Met Gala posts have boosted the relevance of company socials in May, becoming key media events and social media highlights.
Everything from designers, food, and even accounting companies participated, reflecting the latest social media trends. It’s hard to find an event that stirs up as much opinion as the Met Gala.
The MET Marketing Strategy
The business world could learn a thing or two from the operation of the Met Gala. The event is big on social media buzz, generating content to make use of its exclusive nature and highlighting key media events. Brands can aim to create similar conversation-worthy campaigns to keep them at the top of consumers' minds, especially when leveraging social media highlights.
Influencer partnerships are also prevalent in Met Marketing. They strategically invite social media influencers to post about and sometimes even attend the event themselves. This tactic can amplify buzz and expand reach for your company as well. It can take some research to pick the perfect people to advertise, but customers are turning more and more to their favorite influencer for news, products, and social media trends.
Each year, the Met Gala releases a new theme that sparks attention and keeps everyone coming back for more. The Met has a bold branding approach that showcases a bold and high-class voice. The marketing world is always striving to find new ways to appeal to consumers and get people coming back for more.
2. Billie Eilish Releases Third Album
Billie Eilish has become a well known pop icon with multiple awards including Grammys, a Golden Globe, and Academy Award, all at age 22. Joining artists such as Taylor Swift and even (as she claims) JoJo Siwa, Eilish is entering a new era of her own with the release of her third album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
At the heart of "Hit Me Hard and Soft" lies an exploration of humanity itself. Eilish uses her platform to show the complexities of human emotion. Through her introspective lyrics and emotive vocals, Eilish invites listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of the human experience. Longtime fans were especially excited to see the inclusion of the track “BLUE” in the album. This song is a revamped rendition, blending two of Eilish’s earlier unreleased songs. The first, "True Blue," was recorded by Eilish and her brother, producer, and collaborator Finneas O'Connell when they were respectively fourteen and eighteen. The other, "Born Blue," was initially slated for inclusion as track six on Eilish’s 2021 album "Happier Than Ever.” Eilish will no doubt have some of the most coveted shows when she goes on tour in the US and Canada this fall.
Something Eilish’s newer fans may not be aware of is that she first began posting music on Soundcloud. The audio platform, however, hasn’t let anyone forget and has been using Eilish’s critical acclaim to raise awareness and confidence in the free-to-use platform. Brand endorsements can be lucrative for marketers, and it helps to have an ambassador who has benefited from the product themselves. Billie Eilish's success story sets SoundCloud apart from competitors by demonstrating its unique value proposition and ability to help artists break through. If you can find leverage with your customers, there is no limit to marketing trends and possibilities. Eilish’s journey and her new album release have been among the key media events and social media highlights of the year, showcasing current social media trends.
3. Drake and Kendrick Lamar Beef
On the other side of the music scene, a tense rivalry continues between rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake. While this feud has been apparent since 2010, on Tik Tok, both fans and neutral parties have appeared and attempted to unpack the quickly escalating conflict. This feud has also been one of the key media events and has been highlighted in various social media highlights.
The ongoing rap feud reignited when Lamar dissed both Drake and J. Cole on "Like That," following Cole's assertion that they comprised the "Big Three'' of hip-hop. This led to a flurry of responses and diss tracks exchanged between the two, escalating tensions to new heights. In April and May 2024, the feud reached a boiling point as Drake released tracks like "Push Ups" and "Taylor Made Freestyle," prompting a quick response from Lamar with tracks like "Euphoria" and "6:16 in LA." The diss tracks took personal jabs at each other's personal lives and careers, with accusations flying from both sides. This conflict has been one of the most talked-about social media trends in recent months.
Critics and fans have been closely following the feud, with many noting Lamar's perceived dominance in the exchanges. The feud mirrors the competitive nature of the rap scene and the dynamics between artists vying for supremacy in the industry. Only time will tell how many tracks will be released by both artists in relation to the conflict. With the diss tracks from both artists repeatedly hitting the Billboard Top 10, there may be little motivation to stop.
4. Bridgerton Season 3
Welcome back to the Netflix original that swept everyone off their feet. May 16th was an incredible day for Bridgerton fans, as the first half of the highly anticipated third season dropped. With the first two seasons having enchanted viewers worldwide, it seems this third season is no exception. Following the lives and loves of the aristocratic Bridgerton family, each season unveils new romances amidst London's high society. Part one premiered in December 2020, introducing the fiery love between Duke Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton. Part two, released in March 2022, looked into the courtship of Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. Both seasons captured the hearts of viewers, and now they are back for more. It’s going to be a painstaking wait for the second drop of episodes on June 13th. Since the recent release, the latest season has already broken Netflix records, surpassing 40 million views, marking a key media event.
As with any popular series, Netflix has wasted no time creating merch and establishing partnerships with other companies to maximize the revenue from the series. Fans can purchase nearly anything you can imagine, from teapots to accessories and more. As a marketer, it is important to follow trends, and pop culture can be the perfect way to stay active in what’s popular. Fashion brands quickly recognized the widespread appeal of Bridgertons Regency-era aesthetic and released collections inspired by the show's costumes and styles. Retailers like ASOS and Anthropologie unveiled Bridgerton-themed clothing lines featuring empire waist dresses, corset tops, and ruffled blouses reminiscent of the show's wardrobe. These collections allowed fans to emulate the show's iconic looks while generating buzz and revenue for the brands. The social media highlights of these collections and trends further amplified their success, demonstrating the power of social media trends in driving consumer interest.
5. Apple Music Top Albums List
Most people can agree that the world would be boring without music. Joining the ranks of album rankings and social media highlights, Apple Music has released its own Top 100 Albums of All Time. The list was curated in collaboration with artists, industry experts, and Apple's editorial team. It's important to note that this compilation isn't solely based on the platform's most-streamed content. Instead, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to the albums that have profoundly influenced the lives and listening experiences of music enthusiasts worldwide.
Many of the usual suspects made their way to the top ten, including The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Amy Winehouse. In the end, Lauryn Hill came out on top with her debut solo studio album. Hill's fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul created a unique sound that resonated with a broad audience. Her ability to blend genres while delivering moving lyrics showcased her exceptional talent and vision as an artist. The album's lyrics explore universal themes of love, identity, spirituality, and social issues. Hill's introspective storytelling connected with audiences on a deep level, earning her widespread acclaim. Its enduring popularity and influence have solidified its status as a classic in music history, garnering critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Best R&B Album, and now Apple Music’s #1 Album of All Time. This achievement is one of the key media events and a testament to the continuing influence of her work in social media trends.
6. May’s Hot Audios
What is a media rewind without video marketing trends and social media highlights? Audio content is continuing to take over social media, and May has been no stranger to trends. We found trends and viral moments that are not only a fun watch, but can also be used to market various products and services. Whether you are enjoying some TikTok enrichment time after a long day, or need some content for your social media platforms, we’ve got the audios for you, showcasing key media events and social media trends.
This trend emerged in April and has yet to fade. Two people are battling for anything you can think of, in this case doing homework or playing a game. The trend has been used to promote products and events and can be fun to act out with friends.
Channel your inner ballerina with this trend. Originally a clip from a proud parent, this clip from a three-year-old dancer has gone viral, amassing over 700k likes. In May, influencers are challenging their parents and friends to see if they can dance better than a three-year-old. This trend can be used to add flair to your page and showcase storefronts and new products in the background.
Little Amanda is not always as she seems in this audio. People have used this sound to show transformation in their pets, fashion, and even career paths. The possibilities are endless with this trend and it can be a great way to show growth over time in products and companies.
One part of TikTok is that it can bring back music from 20 years ago. This month, hundreds of thousands of people have adorned themselves in traditional Indian bridal attire, complete with elaborate hair, makeup, and clothing, all while dancing to a rendition of the song "San Sanana" from the 2001 Bollywood film Asoka. If you need tips on stunning transitions for your next campaign, this is the trend to check out.
Don’t Miss The Next Trend!
As May fades, June arrives, bringing new trends and pop culture events to follow. Last month was a whirlwind of viral memes, events, and chart-topping music releases. Now, as we turn to a new month, we're prepared to guide you through the upcoming cultural highlights. Stay tuned for our comprehensive recap of June’s most significant events, ensuring you're always in the loop on the latest trends and must-see moments. Need content ideas for the month ahead? Follow us on social media or sign up for our emails to stay informed and inspired.