Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is currently between 12 and 27 years old and in the UK alone, they represent approximately 12.9 million individuals. This substantial population size makes them a crucial demographic for marketers to understand and engage with. As the first generation to have grown up with social media, this blog explores the various and unique characteristics, behaviours, and preferences that Gen Z display and how brands can tailor their strategy to effectively target and engage with this audience.
Having grown up with smartphones and social media, Gen Z is the first true generation of digital natives. They are skilled at navigating various digital platforms and expect fast, integrated experiences. Their comfort with technology means they are often early adopters of new apps and social media trends, making them leaders in digital innovation.
Gen Z’s use of social media is not just for socialising, but the platforms being used are integral to how they consume content, learn about new products, and engage with brands. TikTok, in particular, has surged in popularity due to its short, engaging video format that resonates with Gen Z’s preference for quick, visual content.
While Millennials (born 1981-1996) were the pioneers of social media, Gen Z has taken it to another level. Their platform preferences include TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, which are favoured for their visual and video-centric nature. In contrast, Millennials still heavily use Facebook and Twitter, platforms that combine text, images, and video while Baby Boomers and Gen X tend to stick with Facebook, favouring more established networks.
This difference in platform preference between generations requires brands to tailor content strategies for each demographic.
While Millennials and older generations are comfortable with long-form content such as lengthy videos, blog posts and articles, Generation Z’s content preferences point heavily towards short-form and highly visual content. With their shorter attention spans, TikTok’s 15-60 second videos, Instagram stories and reels cater to their desire for short, snappy, and digestible information. This highlights the importance for brands to be able to create concise and engaging content when targeting Gen Z.
Another important factor to consider when targeting this generation is that Gen Z demands authenticity and transparency from brands. They are quick to pick up on inauthenticity, valuing brands that are genuine and take a clear stand on social issues.
Millennials also value authenticity but tend to be more forgiving of occasional marketing mishaps if the brand has built a solid relationship with them over time. In contrast, Gen X and Baby Boomers prioritise product quality and value, often placing less emphasis on a brand’s social stance.
Unlike older generations who might rely on brand loyalty and traditional advertisements, Gen Z is influenced significantly by peer recommendations, influencer endorsements, and online reviews. They are savvy shoppers who research products extensively online before making a purchase. Millennials share some of these traits but tend to be more brand-loyal than Gen Z while Baby Boomers and Gen X are often more reliant on established brand reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Given Gen Z’s preference for video content, brands should focus on creating short-form videos that capture attention quickly. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are ideal for this purpose. The content should be visually appealing, entertaining, and provide value within the first few seconds to prevent scrolling away and retain attention. User-generated content and behind-the-scenes videos as well as more low-fi content can also enhance authenticity and relatability. As part of a brands strategy to effectively target and engage with Gen Z, encourage their audience to create and share content featuring their products can be instrumental in building a sense of community and displaying authenticity.
With authenticity and relatability being characteristics that are highly valued by Gen Z, creating influencer partnerships can be a vital tool in a successful strategy. However, it’s important to choose influencers who genuinely align with your brand’s values and who resonate with Gen Z’s desire for genuine, unfiltered content. Micro-influencers, who often have smaller but highly engaged followings (typically between 1,000 and 100,000 followers), can be particularly effective. They tend to have closer, more authentic relationships with their audience, making their content and brand endorsements feel more genuine and trustworthy. Gen Z can spot inauthenticity a mile away. Ensure your brand messaging is genuine and transparent. Share behind-the-scenes content, user-generated content, and authentic stories that align with your brand values. Avoid overly polished and scripted advertisements, as they can come off as insincere.
Interactive and immersive experiences resonate strongly with Gen Z. Ad formats that encourage active participation, such as polls and interactive stories, can significantly boost engagement. For example, brands can create AR filters on Instagram or Snapchat that users can interact with, or develop engaging quizzes that are relevant to the brand’s products or services.
Overall, there are several strategies that brands can utilise in their paid social activity to appeal to and effectively engage with Generation Z. As digital natives, Gen Z’s comfort with technology and their preference for quick, visual content on various platforms mean that traditional marketing strategies need to evolve. As this generation continues to shape the digital landscape, understanding and adapting to their unique behaviours and preferences will be crucial for any brand seeking to maintain relevance and drive engagement in the evolving world of paid social media.