Hey, real talk—are you sleeping on Gen Z?
Because if you are, your brand’s about to catch a major L.
With over $360 billion in spending power, this generation isn’t just vibing on the sidelines—they’re rewriting the rules of the game.
And here’s the tea: if you’re not speaking their language, you’re basically ghosting your future customers.
Let’s be clear—Gen Z doesn’t care about polished ads or bland slogans.
They want brands that get them. That means ditching the same old tactics and stepping into their world: authentic, bold, and unapologetically real.
And guess what? It’s not enough to just “sell” to them.
You’ve gotta connect, build trust, and give them something they can stan.
As a growth marketing agency that’s all about scaling businesses, we know one thing for sure: brands that vibe with Gen Z will secure serious loyalty—and those that don’t?
Well, good luck staying relevant in 2024.
In this guide, we’re breaking down five Gen Z marketing trends that’ll help your brand survive and thrive in this new era.
Ready to slay? Let’s dive in.
1. Stop Preaching, Start Conversing: The Rise of “Genuinfluencers”
Let’s keep it real: Gen Z is not falling for the same over-polished influencer shtick.
The days of picture-perfect models pushing products are done.
Enter the genuinfluencers—a new breed of influencers who connect with their audience on a real, authentic level.
They’re not here to sell; they’re here to share their stories, struggles, and passions. And that is what makes them powerful.
Why Genuinfluencers Matter for Gen Z Marketing
Gen Z doesn’t just value authenticity—they demand it.
In a world flooded with paid ads and overly polished content, authenticity is the new currency.
Genuinfluencers bring real talk, building trust by being transparent and relatable.
This is why Gen Z marketing trends are shifting towards influencers who don’t just hawk products but instead foster genuine conversations.
When a genuinfluencer tells their story, whether it’s about mental health, overcoming challenges, or simply navigating everyday life, it resonates far deeper than a traditional ad ever could.
Brands that collaborate with genuinfluencers aren’t just running campaigns—they’re building relationships.
Source: Vogue Business
And that’s what growth marketing is all about – fostering customer growth through meaningful connections, not just flashy one-off promotions.
How to Implement Genuinfluencer Partnerships in Your Strategy
Wanna make it big with Gen Z? Here’s how you can tap into this trend:
- Choose Real, Relatable Influencers
Don’t go for the flashy follower count—go for the vibe. Find genuinfluencers whose values align with your brand’s mission. Forget product-pushing and embrace people who share their life, not sell it. Whether it’s a micro-influencer sharing their fitness journey or a mental health advocate breaking taboos, these are the voices Gen Z listens to. - Prioritize Connection over Promotion
Genuinfluencers don’t shove products in their followers’ faces—they weave them naturally into their narratives. Encourage your influencers to make content that feels organic rather than sponsored. Transparency is key, and brands that engage in meaningful conversations will see higher returns, both in loyalty and trust. - Amplify Real Stories Using AI Tools
Use AI marketing tools to track what’s resonating with Gen Z. Measure the AI ROI by tracking engagement, not just clicks or sales. Genuine content leads to deeper connections, and by analyzing these connections with AI, you can create an experimentation roadmap to better understand what messages hit the hardest with this generation. - Experiment with Paid vs. Organic Strategies
Should you invest in paid promotions or let it grow organically? Well, the answer is both. Genuinfluencers blur the line between paid and organic strategies. You can back genuine content with some paid boosts to reach new audiences, but the true power lies in organic growth—building brand loyalty through authentic connections.
Genuinfluencers: The Secret Sauce to Modern Brand Loyalty
Incorporating genuinfluencers into your marketing strategy isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term play.
The future of Gen Z marketing trends is all about collaboration, authenticity, and trust.
Genuinfluencers allow you to build meaningful relationships, driving not just engagement but long-term loyalty.
And let’s be real—this generation has a built-in radar for fake.
If your brand doesn’t walk the talk, Gen Z will swipe left faster than you can say “AI algorithm.”
Partnering with genuinfluencers who represent your values authentically is a smart move that’ll drive results, proving that your brand is in it for more than just profit.
Remember, working with genuinfluencers isn’t just another marketing tactic; it’s part of an innovative marketing strategy that drives genuine customer growth.
Plus, when you’re onboarding a growth marketing agency, this is one of the questions to ask:
What’s their approach to influencer partnerships, and how do they make sure those connections are real?
And there you have it—your brand’s first step in slaying the Gen Z marketing trends. Keep it real, and your customers will keep coming back for more.
2. The Phone Is Gen Z’s Passport: Mobile-First Everything
If your brand isn’t prioritizing mobile, you’re missing out on Gen Z’s entire universe.
They don’t just use their phones; they live through them.
From TikTok scrolls to Instagram Stories, mobile is where they consume content, connect with friends, and make buying decisions.
Brands that don’t prioritize seamless mobile experiences?
They might as well be ghosting this generation.
Source: Measure Protocol
Why Mobile-First Matters for Gen Z
Mobile-first isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a must for today’s marketers.
Over 75% of Gen Z choose mobile devices over desktops, making it clear that their relationship with the digital world is built on small screens.
This is why one of the hottest Gen Z marketing trends is creating mobile-first, interactive, and immersive experiences.
Whether they’re shopping, socializing, or learning, Gen Z expects nothing less than smooth, fast, and visually engaging content that fits their mobile lifestyle.
For brands like Nike, this isn’t just a trend—it’s a growth marketing strategy.
By focusing on mobile-optimized shopping experiences through platforms like Instagram’s “View Shop” feature, Nike has managed to make online shopping feel as seamless as scrolling through your feed.
That’s the magic formula: mobile-first experiences that feel native to the platform.
How to Build Mobile-First Experiences that Slay
To win over Gen Z, your brand needs to deliver content that’s optimized for mobile and designed specifically for it. Here’s how you can do that:
- Snackable Content = Big Impact Gen Z has an attention span of about 8 seconds (yes, really). That means your content needs to grab them fast. Think bite-sized videos, quick tutorials, and interactive stories. Use platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels to create snackable visuals that speak their language—short, punchy, and entertaining. This approach to gen z marketing trends ensures that your brand stays relevant and keeps Gen Z scrolling.
- Interactive and Immersive Experiences Gen Z wants to engage with content, not just watch it. Use polls, quizzes, or swipe-up features to make your content more interactive. Integrating AI marketing into your mobile strategies can also help personalize these experiences, turning every interaction into something meaningful. AI-driven personalization increases engagement and delivers an amazing AI ROI by tailoring content in real-time to fit user behavior.
- Seamless Shopping = Loyalty Points: Ever heard of the dreaded mobile checkout lag? Yeah, Gen Z has, too. Your shopping experience needs to be as smooth as possible. Whether you’re using paid vs. organic strategies to attract customers or letting growth marketing agencies guide your efforts, mobile optimization is the foundation of customer growth. Make sure the path from discovery to purchase is frictionless and mobile-friendly, so that Gen Z can impulse-buy in seconds, not minutes.
- Test and Optimize with an Experimentation Roadmap Here’s the deal: mobile-first marketing isn’t a “set it and forget it” game. You need to continuously test and tweak your content to see what sticks. Creating an experimentation roadmap—a strategy that includes A/B testing, analyzing user data, and making adjustments—helps you stay ahead of the curve. By tracking what resonates with Gen Z, you can fine-tune your approach and keep your mobile-first game strong.
A Mobile-First Future with Growth Marketing Agencies
Brands that are serious about making moves in 2024 are already asking one of the most crucial questions to ask a growth agency: “How can we dominate the mobile-first market?”
When you onboard a growth marketing agency, make sure they have a solid marketing agency onboarding process that prioritizes mobile-first strategies tailored specifically to your Gen Z audience.
It’s clear that mobile-first is no longer just a trend—it’s the new standard for Gen Z marketing trends.
To truly connect with this generation, your brand needs to embrace this shift, from innovative marketing strategies that make the most of mobile’s unique features to AI-powered personalization that creates deeper connections.
Because at the end of the day, for Gen Z, the phone isn’t just a device—it’s their passport to the world.
And if your brand can’t meet them there, someone else will. Time to level up your mobile game and start slaying the competition.
3. It’s Not Just Ads, It’s Vibes: Entertaining, Bold, and Weird Content
Let’s be honest: If your content doesn’t slap in the first 8 seconds, Gen Z is already on to the next thing.
This generation lives for humor, creativity, and—yes—the weird. Brands that vibe with Gen Z understand that playing it safe is a fast-track to irrelevance.
Quirkiness? That’s where the magic happens.
Why You Need to Get Weird (in a Good Way)
Gen Z’s sense of humor is unpredictable and meme-driven.
From Duolingo’s chaotic owl to Starface’s bright, smiley-faced pimple patches, brands that embrace the quirky and bold win big.
This generation craves content that’s funny, entertaining, and a little weird—but it has to feel real.
That’s the catch. It’s not enough to post polished, overproduced ads; Gen Z wants brands to be relatable, almost like a friend sharing a meme in the group chat.
Incorporating humor and creativity into your gen z marketing trends strategy isn’t just about going viral; it’s about building a brand personality that they can stan. If your brand can make them laugh or feel understood in just a few seconds, they’ll remember you—and keep coming back.
The Winning Formula: How to Create Bold, Entertaining Content
Think your brand isn’t “funny” enough? Here’s the tea: every brand can get creative. Here’s a mix of tactics to make your content land with Gen Z:
| Tactic | Why It Works | Examples |
| Use Humor and Bold Visuals | Gen Z loves to laugh, and humor breaks through the noise of ads. | Duolingo’s chaotic owl mascot has become a social media star, blending humor with a unique visual personality to entertain and educate Gen Z learners. |
| Create Content Around Memes | Memes are Gen Z’s internet language. Play into this culture to connect. | Starface tapped into meme culture with their iconic smiley-faced pimple patches, creating a fun, playful vibe around skincare. |
| Jump on Trends with Audio & Challenges | Trending audio and TikTok challenges offer quick, relatable engagement. | Brands like Chipotle regularly create TikTok challenges that feel like they’re part of the conversation, not forced marketing efforts. |
| Get Weird (But Keep It Authentic) | Gen Z loves brands that take risks and embrace their quirks—just keep it real. | The Crocs x KFC collab may seem wild, but it resonated with Gen Z because it tapped into their love for irony, creating something intentionally bizarre and fun. |
How to Implement This in Your Strategy
- Leverage Trending Sounds and Challenges
TikTok is the ultimate playground for quirky content, and Gen Z marketing trends show that using trending sounds and challenges is a surefire way to grab their attention.
These trends are native to their platforms, and by participating, your brand isn’t seen as an intruder—it’s part of the fun.
Tools like AI marketing can help you analyze which trends are popping off so you can hop on them early, maximizing AI ROI by delivering what’s fresh.
- Experiment with Bold Visuals and Personality
Forget minimalism—Gen Z loves bold, in-your-face visuals. Whether it’s neon colors, emojis, or exaggerated graphics, the experimentation roadmap for this generation involves pushing creative boundaries.
Brands like Starface and Duolingo lean into their personality with colorful, unexpected visuals that entertain while subtly promoting their products.
Remember, paid vs. organic strategies can complement each other here: let your bold, weird content grow organically, then put some paid muscle behind it to amplify the reach.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Weird Collabs
Want to really make a splash? Think outside the box with collaborations that feel strange but fun. Look at the Crocs x KFC collaboration—it was quirky, bold, and sold out fast.
Gen Z thrives on irony and humor, so these unusual partnerships can set your brand apart and reinforce that you’re not afraid to take risks.
Collaborations like these are not just about products; they’re part of customer growth by creating memorable experiences.
Bold Content = Bold Results
Here’s the reality: If you’re not making bold moves, you’re not making any moves with Gen Z.
The generation that lives for memes, quirks, and quick hits of humor doesn’t want just another ad in their feed—they want something that makes them feel seen.
And if your content doesn’t make them laugh, think, or say, “that’s so me,” it’s just noise.
When onboarding with growth marketing agencies, make sure to ask the right questions to ask a growth agency: How can they bring your brand’s personality to life?
What’s their approach to creating innovative marketing strategies that resonate with Gen Z’s quirky sense of humor and love for bold visuals?
Incorporate this playful, quirky vibe into your brand, and you’ll find that Gen Z isn’t just watching—they’re vibing with you, and that’s where the loyalty starts.
4. Nostalgia Reimagined: Tapping into Gen Z’s Throwback Obsession
Gen Z’s fascination with the 90s and early 2000s is more than just a trend; it’s a deep-seated love for an era they never lived through but idolized as a symbol of simplicity.
From Y2K fashion to retro tech aesthetics, this generation is reviving all things vintage.
Why? Because nostalgia offers them a comforting escape from today’s fast-paced, uncertain world.
Why Nostalgia Works for Gen Z
For a generation that’s always online, always overwhelmed, and constantly facing big global challenges, nostalgia brings a sense of calm.
The 90s and early 2000s represent a time of low-stakes fun—before social media pressures and modern-day anxieties.
Whether it’s retro fashion, classic video games, or throwback TV shows, these symbols connect Gen Z to an imagined, more stable past.
Brands that tap into this emotional longing can create powerful connections, making nostalgia one of the most effective Gen Z marketing trends.
How Brands Can Use Nostalgia to Drive Engagement
- Revive Iconic Styles and Designs
Gen Z craves authenticity in their throwbacks. Whether it’s Juicy Couture bringing back velour tracksuits or fashion brands reimagining 90s streetwear, the key is to reintroduce items that evoke real cultural moments. These designs don’t just look cool—they feel familiar.
Juicy Couture’s limited-edition Y2K line is a prime example of how reviving nostalgic items can generate hype and customer growth. For them, it’s not just about clothes; it’s about bringing back a whole era.
- Play on Early 2000s Pop Culture
The early internet, AOL dial-up tones, chunky flip phones, and pixelated graphics—all of these visual cues speak to Gen Z’s love for weirdly charming tech.
Brands can use this in everything from website design to social media aesthetics.
Create content that feels like a time capsule, transporting Gen Z back to a world they never experienced but instantly recognize.
- Offer a Retro Experience with a Modern Twist
Nostalgia doesn’t have to be purely retro. Give Gen Z the best of both worlds by fusing the past with the present. Whether through modernized product lines or limited-edition drops, brands can make nostalgia feel fresh and relevant today.
Lean into ai marketing by creating personalized experiences that nod to past styles or trends, but cater to Gen Z’s current preferences.
For example, using AI to customize retro-inspired clothing based on a user’s profile can create a blend of nostalgia and personalization, delivering strong AI ROI.
How Nostalgia Boosts Brand Loyalty
Nostalgia-driven marketing isn’t just about capitalizing on a trend—it’s about building emotional resonance.
When Gen Z feels a connection to the past, they’re more likely to develop loyalty toward a brand that delivers those vibes.
Brands that embrace these Gen Z marketing trends can bridge the gap between the comfort of nostalgia and the excitement of modern innovation.
The nostalgia craze isn’t going anywhere.
Brands that can tap into this wave, from fashion to digital aesthetics, will keep Gen Z coming back for more—because what could be better than a retro experience reimagined for today?
5. From Shoppers to Storytellers: Power to User-Generated Content
Listen, Gen Z isn’t about sitting back and passively watching brands push content—nah, they want in on the action.
They’re creators at heart, not just consumers, and that’s where user-generated content (UGC) comes in clutch.
UGC lets them take the wheel, making them part of your brand’s story and giving them that sweet sense of ownership.
And let’s be real, nothing hits harder than having your customers hype you up.
When they create content about your brand, it’s not just promotion—it’s community building, and that’s where loyalty thrives.
Why UGC is a Whole Vibe for Gen Z
Traditional ads? Yawn. Gen Z craves realness.
UGC feels authentic because it is authentic. It’s content created by actual people—not some over-polished ad—and that’s why it slaps.
A huge 61% of Gen Z prefers UGC over brand-generated content. Why?
Because when they see their peers vibing with your product, it’s way more trustworthy than any ad you could buy.
Look at Starbucks. They’ve mastered this by resharing customer pics of their holiday cups, wild drink combos, and in-store experiences.
It’s simple, but it works. When fans see their own content on Starbucks’ page, they feel connected, like they’re a part of the brand itself.
That’s Gen Z marketing trends done right—turning customers into ambassadors who naturally spread the word.
How to Turn Your Audience into Creators
1. Make It Fun and Easy to Participate
Gen Z loves to create, so give them a reason to.
Run a TikTok challenge, ask for product unboxings, or start a custom hashtag that lets people flex their creativity with your product.
The key? Don’t make it feel forced—let it flow naturally.
That’s why UGC is such a core part of gen z marketing trends—it turns your audience into co-creators instead of just onlookers.
2. Reshare and Celebrate Their Content
When Gen Z creates something with your brand, amplify it.
Post it on your Instagram Stories, retweet it, and share it on TikTok.
The more you highlight their content, the more you encourage others to join in.
Starbucks nails this by constantly featuring customer-generated posts, which give people a feel-good boost and keep the UGC train rolling.
Source: Instagram
And honestly, it’s way more authentic than any paid ad out there.
3. Supercharge UGC with AI
Wanna get next-level? Use AI marketing to analyze and personalize your UGC game.
AI can help you track which user content is popping off, tailor recommendations, and boost your AI ROI by serving up the right vibes to the right people.
You can also use it as part of your experimentation roadmap, testing what types of UGC resonate the most and optimizing your strategy on the fly.
UGC = Loyalty, Straight Up
User-generated content isn’t just a trend—it’s how you lock in real brand loyalty with Gen Z.
When your audience feels like they’re co-creating with you, they’ll stick around.
They’re not just buying your product; they’re part of your journey, your story, your brand. And that’s the kind of loyalty money can’t buy.
So, when you’re working with growth marketing agencies, make sure UGC is a priority in the marketing agency onboarding process.
Ask the important questions to a growth agency: How are they using UGC to build communities? What innovative marketing strategies do they have to elevate it?
Bottom line: if you want to vibe with Gen Z, hand them the mic and let them do the talking. Their stories are your best marketing.
Earning Gen Z Loyalty Is About Living Your Values; [A] Growth Agency Can Help
At the end of the day, winning over Gen Z isn’t just about following trends—it’s about showing up authentically and living your values every single time.
This generation has a built-in radar for anything fake or forced, so if your brand isn’t keeping it real, they’ll move on without a second thought.
From quirky, bold content to tapping into their nostalgia feels everything you do needs to reflect their core values: authenticity, inclusivity, and creativity.
These Gen Z marketing trends aren’t just about driving sales—they’re about building real, lasting connections with a generation that wants to be part of your brand, not just a consumer of it.
If you can foster that sense of belonging and loyalty, you’re not just gaining customers—you’re creating a community that loves what you stand for.
That’s where [A] Growth Agency comes in.
As a leading growth marketing agency, we understand that building loyalty with Gen Z requires more than clever ads or cool visuals.
It’s about developing innovative, authentic strategies that speak to who they are and what they care about.
Whether it’s through user-generated content, mobile-first experiences, or helping you define and live your brand’s values, we’ve got the tools to make sure your brand resonates on a deeper level.
Let’s turn these trends into actions, and together, we can build not just a customer base, but a loyal, engaged community that will stick with your brand for the long haul.
Ready to vibe with Gen Z?
