Understanding Youth Digital Consumption Trends

Here at the Ayokay office, we're often tasked with engaging Gen Z in marketing. It’s super important for both brands and causes to get on the same page as Gen Z. We're talking about connecting, really connecting, with a group that’s all about being online, being real, and making things better. Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z is not just another consumer demographic; they're digital natives who value authenticity, creativity, and social responsibility. Here are key strategies for captivating this influential group online: 1. Leverage Short-Form Video Content: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are Gen Z's domains. Crafting short, engaging, and creative videos that convey your brand's message within seconds can significantly boost your visibility and engagement. 2. Emphasize Authenticity: Gen Z craves genuine interactions and real stories. Showcase behind-the-scenes content, share real customer experiences, and maintain a transparent and honest brand voice. 3. Champion Social Causes: Align your brand with social issues that resonate with Gen Z's values. Campaigns that highlight environmental sustainability, social justice, and inclusivity can foster a deeper connection with your brand. 4. Interactive and Personalized Experiences: Utilize interactive content like polls, quizzes, and AR filters to engage Gen Z in a personalized way. Tailoring content and recommendations based on their preferences and behaviors can elevate the user experience and loyalty. 5. Foster Community and Collaboration: Create spaces for your audience to connect over shared interests related to your brand. Engaging with user-generated content, collaborating with Gen Z influencers, and participating in relevant online communities can amplify your reach and authenticity. Engaging Gen Z online requires more than just trendy content; it demands a strategic approach rooted in authenticity, creativity, and social awareness. By embracing these strategies, brands can unlock the immense potential of Gen Z engagement and pave the way for enduring online marketing success. #MarketingStrategy #GenZ #OnlineMarketing #DigitalTrends #BrandEngagement

📈 Consumer trends are shifting, and businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind. Gen Z, the first generation of true digital natives, is consuming less alcohol than previous generations. This presents a unique challenge for beverage alcohol companies, but also a tremendous opportunity. 📱 To connect with Gen Z, brands need to meet them where they are: on platforms like TikTok. This means creating engaging content that resonates with their values and interests, and partnering with influencers who have built trust with this audience.  A few years ago at Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America AccessLive, an associate from Ansira suggested wine and spirits brands leverage 3rd party age gating to access TikTok or risk losing the generation. Well, with 20/20 hindsight, she was probably right and now we're playing catch-up. 🥂 But it's not just about creating cool TikToks. It's about understanding the underlying motivations behind Gen Z's consumption habits. They're looking for brands that are authentic, sustainable, and socially responsible. They want to support businesses that align with their values. 🚚 At the wholesale tier, we have a crucial role to play in helping our customers navigate this changing landscape. We need to provide them with the right products, the right stories, and the right tools to connect with Gen Z consumers. ❓ Here are a few questions to spark discussion: - How are you adapting your marketing strategies to reach Gen Z? - What are some innovative ways you've seen brands use TikTok to connect with consumers? - How can wholesalers and suppliers partner more effectively to meet the needs of Gen Z? Let's share our insights and best practices to ensure the continued success of our industry in this evolving consumer landscape.

Force rank what is having the biggest impact on the consumer landscape: Gen Z beauty, Ozempic & YouTube The latest Consumer Trends 2024 Mid-Year Report by The New Consumer and Coefficient Capital is here, and it's a game-changer for digital marketers and brands. Here are my takeaways from the report: 1️⃣ Gen Z is reshaping media consumption, with YouTube reigning supreme. 77% of Gen Z YouTube users know MrBeast. Younger audiences are more excited to see YouTube creators than Hollywood stars. This is your cue to harness the power of YouTube to connect authentically. Brands doing this well: Feastables, W, MATADOR ENERGY, Be Happy Snacks 2️⃣ The beauty industry is seeing a surge in younger brands, especially those launched since 2014. Gen Z consumers often use multiple brands in their beauty routines and are more likely to try new beauty products compared to older generations. See brands like Bubble, Topicals, florence by mills, Experiment, OUAI 3️⃣ Healthcare is evolving with the rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. An estimated 8+ million Americans are using GLP-1 drugs to manage diabetes or lose weight - how will this affect food and consumer businesses? GLP-1 users are consuming less but trading up on what they want to eat – and are interested in tailored consumer brands for their needs. 4️⃣ The economy remains resilient despite uncertainties. Rising prices are a concern, but this also means consumers are more discerning about where they spend. Americans say rising prices are the most important problem in the US – “The meaning of the word ‘inflation’ has changed. It used to mean rising prices; now it means high prices” - Felix Salmon at Axios 5️⃣ Travel is back with a bang. Air travel has reached new highs, surpassing pre-COVID levels, indicating the end of travel hesitation. We were not surprised to see a luggage launch by Dagne Dover given this trend. How are you planning to adapt your strategies to these evolving consumer trends? What brands are the most innovative in the space? #ConsumerTrends2024 #DigitalMarketing #Omnichannel Natalie Anna Borowski Julia Sun Arpon Ray Anna Whiteman Caroline Lippman Chloe Kantor Jimson Mullakary, CPA Andrew Goletka Franklin Isacson Toluna Daash Intelligence Grace Clarke Earnest Analytics