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YouTube is a Gen Z Staple, But How Do Shorts Measure Up?

Our data tracks how many young people use YouTube and shows the platform is still a top space for brands to interact with Gen Z…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Sep 28 2023
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Gen Z is using YouTube the most overall—but young men are using it far more than others
Compared to TikTok and Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts isn’t yet young people’s go-to for short-form video content
But that doesn’t mean brands should rule it out, because over a quarter of teens are using it

For years, YouTube has been a staple in Gen Z’s life—in fact, the majority have never known a time without the video platform available to them. So, while Gen Z’s favorite social platform is TikTok right now, YouTube is still competing for most used and is not going anywhere. And even with so much beloved short form content coming from TikTok, YPulse’s Social Media Monitor reports show YouTube has withstood the test of time, staying on top for teens and young adults—continually outpacing big players and trendy fads alike (sorry BeReal). So, how exactly does YouTube maintain its relevancy...