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New Creator Genres: Parody Skits & Sketches

Gen Z loves social media creators and influencers who create niche content and cater to their unique interests. With brands always asking exactly what influencers they should be partnering with, Our new Creator Genres Series introduces some of the hottest creators young people are watching in a given category. This month, we’re exploring influencers as actors—those who direct and star in their own comedy sketches on TikTok…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Sep 4 2024
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Gen Z is drawn to influencers who create niche, relatable, and comedic content—especially through parody skits and impressions on TikTok
Influencers like Zachariah Porter, Delaney Rowe, and Yasmine Sahid have gained massive followings by acting out iconic pop culture moments, often incorporating brands seamlessly into their content
Brands can benefit by allowing creators to write the script, which resonates more authentically with young audiences

Parody skits and sketches arguably became mainstream at the height of Saturday Night Live, but even then, it was limited to television. Millennials grew up seeing their fave celebs take on hilarious characters that effortlessly made fun of cliches and awkward moments, and this genre soon extended to late night talk shows where viewers looked forward to bits like Ew! on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. But as YouTube popped off in the mid-00’s, Millennials began to write the script themselves, creating their own viral parodies (remember Shoes and Muffins by @LiamKyleSullivan?). And since Gen Z grew up consuming this content, it only makes sense for them to start making it themselves now—on TikTok, of course. The appeal of these new comedic creators often lies in their ability to tap into current pop culture and news. Their content goes viral rapidly, especially when their skits or impressions reflect trending topics. For example, as the U.S. presidential election approaches, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and President Biden impersonators are...