#Graduation2020 is set to occur from 11 to 15 May.
Facebook and Instagram have announced they’re holding a week dedicated to those who are graduating from school this year, featuring new features and special events.
The festivities are the result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, which not only sees many schools closed as a result, but has also forced the cancellation of many end-of-year events, including prom and graduation.
On 11 May, Instagram launched a host of new graduation-themed stickers, experiences and a counter for users to share on their Stories, and is promoting two new hashtag challenges: #GradPhotoChallenge and #MySeniorQuote.
As well, Facebook added a new graduation-themed video chat filter to its Messenger app.
๐Letโs ๐ give๐ it ๐ up ๐ for ๐ the ๐ class ๐ of ๐ 2020 ๐
Itโs #Graduation2020 week on Instagram and weโre kicking it off with some ๐ฅ quotes from amazing seniors ๐https://t.co/IdGFzEICwO pic.twitter.com/TkwKDK9ua2
— Instagram (@instagram) May 11, 2020
12 May will see Instagram hosting a virtual senior night, which is set to focus on athletes, while a day later it will host a virtual comedy show. Facebook will be airing a new feature film from Jean Nkiru, and will also be asking graduates to share their walks via the #GradWalk2020 hashtag.
Creators will be getting involved in the festivities on 14 May, with many of them taking to Instagram to share their favourite superlatives with graduating students. The app will also be hosting an art contest, in conjunction with @brooklynmuseum and @design, that will award $5,000 grants to five winners.
The week will close out with Facebook’s previously announced virtual graduation ceremony on 15 May, which will feature appearances from Oprah, Dixie D’Amelio, Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X and more. The social media site will also be encouraging its users to share advice and well-wishes with new graduates.
From LIVE fitness classes to #Graduation2020 with @Oprah, here's what's happening on Facebook Watch this week! ๐ช๐ pic.twitter.com/I1mqWbtZ7I
— facebookwatch (@FacebookWatch) May 11, 2020
Throughout the week, Instagram will be promoting small businesses through Story takeovers and links to graduation gifts that can be purchased through the app, this following an increase in the ways in which social media sites are better promoting businesses struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic.
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