Let’s face it, video marketing is not the latest buzzword. And here’s the thing – if you want to stay on top in 2025, you simply can’t afford to leave Gen Z alone.
They’re not just disrupting trends, they’re redefining the way we consume, share and interact with content.
Whether you’re a brand manager, content creator, or a new entrant to the marketing game, Gen Z’s impact on video marketing is your salvation.
And the best part? You’ll get all the juicy stuff without all the boring nitty gritty. So, buckle up!
Why Gen Z Trends Matter More Than Ever
Now, let’s get to the details and briefly talk about why you should care. Gen Z — the generation born between 1997 and 2012 — will account for 31% of the world’s population by 2025.
They’re digital natives who’ve been swiping, scrolling, streaming their whole lives. For them, video isn’t just content; it’s culture.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Short Attention Spans:Average attention span is only 8 seconds, so if your story fails to grab them instantly they will swipe it away.
- Authenticity Rules:Forget polished ads. Gen Z wants raw, real, and relatable content.
- Tech-Savvy and Platform-Agnostic: From TikTok to YouTube to Instagram Reels, they’re everywhere and they care how their content appears on every platform.
So let’s see how you can use these characteristics to ace your video marketing skills.
1. Embrace Snackable Content
Gen Z does not care for complicated videos. They’re looking for snappy, digestible tidbits. Enter snackable content: video-on-a-bite.
Key Features:
- Length:Between 15 and 60 seconds max.
- Format: Vertical for mobile-first viewing.
- Focus: A single message or story.
Recommendations:
- Create popular challenges or tutorials through TikTok and Instagram Reels.
- Make your intro hook 3 seconds in to sway your viewership.
Who Should Use This? Great for brands that are seeking to raise awareness or gain immediate reaction.
2. Go All-In on User-Generated Content (UGC)
Gen Z loves to see real humans, not actors or polished influencers. UGC creates authenticity, familiarity and trust.
Key Features:
- Cost-Effective: Uses existing clients to create content.
- Relatable: Not so much a recommendation as a friend’s suggestion.
- Engaging: Drives interaction and community-building.
Recommendations:
- Ask your customers to upload videos of themselves utilizing your product.
- Use brandable hashtags to keep your UGC campaigns on track.
- Show the best UGC on your channel to make a sense of community.
Who Should Use This? It is the perfect solution for startups and small businesses who need to build a solid reputation without breaking the bank.
3. Tap Into Trends and Memes
Gen Z feeds on fashion and memes. And they’re not merely playing: they’re driving cool.
Key Features:
- Timeliness: Harnesses recent happenings or viral experiences.
- Humor: Light-hearted and often self-deprecating.
- Shareability: Motivates users to share or tag friends.
Recommendations:
- Look out for sounds and challenges on TikTok’s “For You” page.
- You should never be ashamed to mock your brand if it’s appropriate.
Who Should Use This? It’s ideal for brands looking to increase relatability and ride the viral train.
4. Prioritize Interactive Video Formats
Static videos are so yesterday. Interactivity is what Gen Z appreciates because they own their experience.
Key Features:
- Polls and Quizzes: Right into the videos.
- Choose-Your-Own-Adventure: Let the audience choose what to do.
- Shoppable Videos: Embed shopping features seamlessly.
Recommendations:
- Use platforms such as Instagram Stories to promote polls and sliders.
- Be prepared to invest in technology that allows you to click on things in your videos.
Who Should Use This? Stores and retailers trying to turn impressions into sales.
5. Lean Into Purpose-Driven Content
Generation Z cares a lot about the social situation. They are more inclined to do business with brands that represent something beyond profit.
Key Features:
- Storytelling: Craft stories that emphasise your brand’s ethos.
- Transparency: Be upfront about your purpose and impact.
- Diversity: Make your casting and messaging inclusive.
Recommendations:
- Create behind-the-scenes videos showing your sustainability activities.
- Work with influencers who share your beliefs.
Who Should Use This? Fashion, beauty, or technology brands seeking an emotional response.
6. Optimize for Mobile
More than 75% of Gen Z watches video on their smartphones, so mobile optimisation isn’t a choice, it’s a requirement.
Key Features:
- Vertical Formats:For one-handed use.
- Captions: Auto-play videos with text for sound-off environments.
- Fast Loading Times: No one’s waiting for a video to buffer.
Recommendations:
- Create mobile-friendly videos with softwares such as Canva or CapCut.
- Check your videos across multiple devices before running campaigns.
Who Should Use This? any brand, large or small, that seeks to address audiences in their native languages.
7. Leverage Influencer Collaborations
Gen Z prefers influencers who are authentic and approachable. The payoff is enormous when you invest in micro and nano influencers.
Key Features:
- Niche Appeal: Influencers with fewer followers have higher click-through rates.
- Collaborative Creativity: Work together to produce content that looks natural.
- Platform-Specific: TikTok Influencers are not YouTube Creators.
Recommendations:
- Select influencers who are relevant to your demographic.
- Let influencers be creative and stay true to themselves.
Who Should Use This? Companies entering new markets or attempting to build brand recognition.
Wrapping It All Up
Video marketing 2025 is about staying agile, genuine, and connected to Gen Z. From snackable content to mission-driven campaigns, there isn’t a limit to how far you can tap into their habits and habits.
So here’s your challenge: Get started trying out these tactics today. What are you waiting for to make the next viral video or cultivate a base of Gen Z followers?
And hell, if you’ve got any success stories or advice about video marketing, leave it below. Let’s learn from each other and keep expanding the boundaries of possibilities in this effervescent world!