Decoding Gen Z’s Social Media Habits
Gen Z isn’t just using social media… they’re redefining it. Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, they’ve grown up with smartphones in hand and have an entirely different approach to digital connection than the generations before them. So, what’s trending with Gen Z, and more importantly, how can brands get in on it? Let’s break it down.
Authenticity Over Aesthetics
Gen Z can spot inauthenticity a mile away, and they aren’t here for it. They don’t want overproduced, salesy content. They’re here for real, raw, and unfiltered moments. Think less “perfectly curated” and more “relatable and real.”
OMG Tip: Show your brand’s personality! Share behind-the-scenes content, real customer stories, and even the occasional blooper. Keep it genuine, not overly polished.
Short-Form Video Domination
It’s no secret that short-form video is king, but Gen Z isn’t just watching - they’re engaging. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are where they consume (and create) most of their content. The key? Quick, entertaining, and value-packed videos that stop the scroll.
OMG Tip: Make the first three seconds count. Whether it’s a bold statement, an eye-catching visual, or a relatable hook, grab attention fast and keep it moving.
Community-Centric Engagement
Follower count is out, community is in. Gen Z values brands that make them feel like they’re part of something bigger. They engage with brands that interact back, celebrate user-generated content (UGC) and create spaces where they feel seen and heard.
OMG Tip: Respond to comments, share UGC, and build brand loyalty by making your audience feel like they’re part of the conversation, not just spectators.
Values-Driven Content
Gen Z is socially conscious, and they want the brands they support to be, too. They pay attention to issues like sustainability, diversity, mental health, and social justice. If a brand stands for something, they expect to see real action - not just a token post during awareness months.
OMG Tip: Don’t just talk about values… live them. Show how your brand takes action, highlight the voices of those making an impact, and be transparent about your efforts.
Interactive & Entertaining Content
Polls, quizzes, duets, stitch-worthy challenges… if it’s interactive, Gen Z is on board. They don’t just want to watch content; they want to engage with it, remix it, and make it their own.
OMG Tip: Ask questions that spark engagement, create challenges that encourage participation, and make content that invites responses rather than just passive views.
If you want to engage Gen Z, you need to meet them where they are: on social, in short-form content, with community-driven, value-first engagement. They crave realness, they love interaction, and they’re incredibly loyal to brands that “get” them.
Ready to make your brand a Gen Z favorite? Let’s chat! We’ll help you craft a strategy that doesn’t just keep up, but stands out. 🚀
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