Social Media Trends — 2026-05-24
AppLovin quietly launched a TikTok-like social app called Gist aimed at creators, marking a bold new move by the adtech giant into the social media arena. Instagram continues its evolution into a recommendation engine, while the platform landscape sees fresh competition emerge. Viral trends and creator economy shifts remain active across platforms.
Social Media Trends — 2026-05-24
Platform Updates
AppLovin Enters the Social Arena with "Gist"
After previously attempting to acquire TikTok, adtech powerhouse AppLovin has quietly released a new social app called Gist designed to attract creators. The app closely resembles TikTok's Lemon8 app in appearance and function.
Instagram Becomes a Recommendation Engine
A recent analysis highlights how Instagram in 2026 has fundamentally shifted its identity — behaving less like a social network and more like a behavioral-signal-powered recommendation engine. The platform's algorithm increasingly prioritizes content discovery over social connection.
Trending
"Saxophone Gets Louder" Meme Sweeps Social Media
The "Saxophone Gets Louder" meme format has taken over social platforms, driven by its simple, dramatic, and universally relatable structure — widely cited as a near-perfect recipe for viral spread. The format has been widely adapted across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other short-video platforms.
"Scientology Speedrunning" Challenge on TikTok
Wikipedia's List of Internet Challenges documents a 2026 TikTok trend in which users filmed themselves entering Church of Scientology facilities and attempting to run as far inside as possible before being stopped by security. The challenge gained notable traction on the platform.
Creator Watch
AppLovin Courts Creators Directly
AppLovin's launch of Gist represents a direct play for the creator economy, attempting to lure talent away from incumbent platforms. The move follows AppLovin's failed TikTok acquisition bid and signals the company's intent to capture creator-driven advertising revenue through its own platform rather than as a third-party intermediary.
Instagram Content Strategy Shifts
For creators navigating Instagram's increasingly algorithm-driven environment, the platform's behavioral-signal approach means original, engaging content that prompts genuine user interaction is more critical than ever. The platform's shift away from social-graph-based distribution continues to reshape how creators build and maintain audiences.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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