Demographics

Rolling back LGBTQ+ marketing efforts is a mistake: By caving to unpopular sentiment, Bud Light and Target might have permanently alienated consumers.

Adoption of digital wallets is approaching critical mass, but they won’t replace physical wallets anytime soon. However, a super app may be on the horizon, especially if companies can crack the ability to integrate payments with shopping services.

Gen Zers will drive the growth of emerging payment methods, opening the door for providers to reach them through digital and mobile. But card-based payment methods are still relevant. To tap their rising spending power, providers must align their offerings with how Gen Z prefers to pay.

The majority of shoppers value convenience: But what people consider convenient can vary by age, with Gen Z consumers prioritizing features like self-checkout and millennials favoring price comparison tools.

Its fastest-selling game is extending the popularity of the 7-year-old handheld console and defying the cloud-gaming trend.

Marketer use of text messaging is on upswing: Despite its imperfections, data suggests the underused channel could help brands boost engagement.

While Meta struggles with innovation and attracting younger users, at Snapchat, innovation and Gen Z users are in high supply. So why is the company struggling? “Snap doesn’t lack when it comes to innovation,” our analyst Jasmine Enberg said on a recent episode of our “Behind the Numbers” podcast. “But there are serious questions about the health of its core business, and it really needs to focus on turning those things around.”

Eurovision can allow marketers to strike a high note: The yearly singing competition embraces inclusion with a global audience that’s larger than the Super Bowl.

Nike’s close connections to sports and sneaker culture keep it on the top of Gen Z’s list of favorite brands while its cutting-edge sneaker technology makes the brand a must-have for runners. But Nike must use a mix of D2C and wholesale commerce if it wants to defend its title from the competition.

NFL looks to get younger viewers in its game: League enlists Gen Z influencers to capture Sunday Ticket signups, but it could be a hard sell.

Meta's major monetization of minors mishap: The FTC has proposed to bar the social giant from using children's data for their ad business.

Concerns surrounding privacy are high, which could weigh on marketers’ efforts to target consumers. US adults under 30 are slightly less concerned (66%) than older consumers about the use of personal information for targeted digital ads, according to the Out of Home Advertising Association of America and Morning Consult.

Though it may be tempting to lump Gen Alpha (consumers born after 2013) and Gen Z together, there are several differences between the two that marketers need to understand to effectively target the growing generation. As the second generation of digital natives, Gen Alpha will expect seamless digital experiences and mobile-first approaches. They also have more purchasing power than one might expect, with brand affinity starting around age 7, according to Morning Consult.

As the first digitally native generation, marketers must recognize that what works for older demographics won’t necessarily work for Gen Z. On social media, Gen Z expects brands to understand the different ways they use each channel, while on streaming, content remains king (though price is an important factor).

Thirty-one percent of US adults said social media has a positive effect on their mental health, per YouGov. However, almost as many (30%) feel it has a negative influence. Across generations, millennials are most likely to report a positive effect, while Gen Xers are more likely to cite a negative impact.

Snapchat's Q1 revenues fall short of expectations: Despite lower ARPUs, Snap's saving grace is its coveted younger audience.

Thousands of jobs continue to vanish while companies pivot heavily into AI and risk slowing innovation in other areas.

A possible TikTok ban reveals demographic fault lines: Young voters and Democrats are far more likely to oppose a ban.

In March, 37% of US teens called TikTok their favorite social media app, up from 30% the same month two years ago, according to Piper Sandler. Snapchat dropped to second place, falling to 27% from 31% during that period. In the No. 3 spot is Instagram, which 23% of teens named their top choice.