GenZ is Up and coming

Learn GenZ marketing strategies to market to this up and coming group as they become more involved in the economy. They use social media apps to shop, care more about knowing a brand and what they stand for, and are more receptive to different marketing strategies. As a member of GenZ myself, I know the in’s and out’s of how members of my generation think and shop. I also know what types of marketing they are the most drawn to.

Social Media Changes Everything for GenZ Marketing Strategies

What differentiates GenZ from prior generations is that we have grown up in a world where technology is changing by the year. We have used social media to our advantage, especially in terms of purchasing products or familiarizing ourselves with brands. According to a Forbes article, 95% or GenZ consumers use social media as their top source of shopping inspiration; 65% use social media to find entertaining content; and 61% are specifically interested in watching more video content. The most common social commerce platforms for GenZ are Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. These apps are leading the way because of their easy checkout process, limited distractions, and ability to explore other recommended brands. Also, many members of GenZ will purposefully like and follow appealing brands so the algorithm will recommend similar brands.

Brands Have to Speak Up

Another thing about GenZ is that most of us are unafraid to take a stand about issues that matter to us. Especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic and black lives matter movement upwards of 78% of GenZ’ers have said that these events have shaped their worldview. Brands remaining neutral on these issues are no longer an option. GenZ’ers are becoming more and more reluctant to purchase from brands who do not present a stance on major world events. Additionally 79% of GenZ agreed that companies behaving more sustainably has become more important since the pandemic. This generation has an attitude that can change the world for the better and want brands to do the same.

New GenZ Marketing Strategies

GenZ kids are more receptive to video media and get their product recommendations from different places. Social media influencers have played a huge role in marketing and GenZ are very receptive to this tactic. Influencers will show off their favorite products routinely on social media and because they have built trust with their audiences, Generation Z’ers are more likely to purchase a product if a trusted influencer recommends it. Also, a brands social media aesthetic and presence are crucial. I can attest to the fact that a brands Instagram feed/aesthetic is one of the main attention grabbers for me which ultimately could lead to me following or purchasing from them.

The Change Upon Us

Businesses will have to adjust their marketing campaign tactics if they want to keep up with GenZ. They demand more from businesses in terms of usability, online presence, and advocation. Social media is playing a bigger role than ever before and change is definitely upon us.

From Pics to Vids

Video media is rising in popularity, especially with younger generations. This is prompting social media platforms like Instagram to take a more video-based approach to their branding strategy in order to reach all target audiences. Consequently, Instagram introduced more video watching features that bring a new depth to advertising and entertainment on the platform. 

The Takeover of Video Media

Tik Tok, a video-sharing focused social networking service, has ignited a frenzy of user-generated content and influencer pull. The power is now in the users and as such, TikTok has benefited from making their videos short, entertaining, shareable, and customizable to each user. These features align with the short attention span of users and their desire for a high level of engagement.  

TikTok’s platform also includes feeds titled “For You” and “Following”. These two feeds collectively hone into the individual’s likes, therefore making the app more appealing.  

Additionally, the TikTok algorithm differs from the “following” style of Instagram. With Instagram’s feed, the user customizes it with little recommendation. This is due in part to how interests, relationships, timeliness, frequency, following, and usage influence the feed. 

According to an article by The Conversation, the combination of a “feed” and videos makes TikTok very information dense. The article explains that, “video media operates on two parallel pathways conveying explicit information (the kind found in speech or writing) and implicit information (social cues like the TikTocker’s clothes and hairstyle, or emotional affect from music) at the same time.” Pictures are not as information dense, so they feel “slower” for users which further prompts Instagram to push for high-speed video sharing. 

How Instagram Adjusts to the Change

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, shared a video on July 30, 2021. He explains, “we’re always trying to build new features that help you get the most out of your experience. Right now, we’re focused on four key areas: Creators, Video, Shopping, and Messaging.” 

An article from The Verge also summarized Mosseri’s video by saying, “the message that Instagram is sending is clear: it no longer wants to be thought of as the “square photo-sharing app,” but instead as a general entertainment app driven by algorithms and videos.” 

To follow through with this vision, Instagram introduced “Instagram Reels” a concept where users can watch short videos on a continuous feed much like TikTok. Reels are the newest addition to Instagram Stories and IGTV, the forms of video sharing currently on Instagram. With this change, businesses must adjust and start curating engaging videos for all social media platforms. 

What the Rise of Video Media Means for Businesses

This video takeover is a turning point for many company’s branding strategies. Companies must now start using videos to highlight their products and services to promote the personality of their brand. The sole use of high-quality photography may no longer be enough. For instance, according to Social Beat, “41% of users use social media to influence their purchase decisions. Furthermore, 83% of users want to discover a brand’s personality through social media.” 

Whether the videos are interactive or informative, this prominent form of media makes brands more attractive to new and current customers. Showing a company’s products and services in action allows customers to see how the products and services can help “get the job done” in their own lives. 

Up Your Instagram Game

Video content has taken the world by storm and forced Instagram to adjust to a new media environment. Truly, now is the time to invest in influencers, video trends, social listening, and engagement. From creating perfect loops to setting up an aesthetic frame, Instagram’s newest video features will help many companies promote their message to target audiences worldwide.