People born after the year 2000, sometimes referred to as Generation Z, are the first generation to grow up exclusively as digital natives. What this means is that their upbringing was closely tied in with digital technology— they don’t know life without iPhones, Netflix, social media, and most importantly the internet. This has vastly changed how the industry will be delivering video to consumers going forward.
Both Generation Z and Millennials were raised consuming video differently than other generations. They gravitate almost exclusively towards online video and streaming websites that range anywhere from Facebook and YouTube to Netflix and Tik Tok. The formula for creating successful video content has been forever changed by these new mediums, where on-demand, short form video reigns supreme.
According to Cisco, a Fortune 100 company, an estimated 82% of internet traffic globally will consist of video content by 2022, up from 75% in 2017. Additionally, Google’s research data states that over 70% of shoppers say online video has helped them learn more about an auto product they intend to buy. Because consumer spending habits grow and peak between ages 34 and 55, this trend will continue to grow as more Gen Z and Millennials enter that age range. If we look at total video consumption, YouTube reaches more 18 to 49 year-olds in America than any U.S. cable network according to Google’s chief business officer, Omid Kordestani.
So what does this mean for us, a video production company? It means we’re constantly staying up to date on new cutting edge trends in video production and animation. Since it takes just a split second to click away, we must create content that catches a viewer’s eye. With over 500 hours of video uploaded every minute to YouTube, it’s more important than ever to stand out from others. Additionally, over 70% of YouTube views are on mobile according to Hootsuite, a social media marketing company. This means we must create a compelling visual story coupled with a strong message that keeps viewers engaged with the content.
When creating animation, video, or even an audio production, it’s essential to keep it short and engaging. With this changing landscape, video production is becoming more and more relevant to consumers, and video is increasingly in demand for a wide variety of platforms. No matter what stereotypes or judgements exist about Gen Z or Millennials and their massive shift to short form video content, they will soon become the primary age group for a majority of all consumers.