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How 4 Brands Turned Commercials into TV Content for Gen Z

These four brands have figured out how to make marketing blend in with the content Gen Z actually wants to watch…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Oct 30 2025
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

MLB and Duolingo’s anime-inspired campaigns tap into Gen Z’s favorite fandoms
General Mills’ mock sitcom is turning Gen Z’s favorite snacks into their favorite TV genres
Mary Kay’s “Miss Conceptions” digital series flips old stereotypes into short, shareable episodes

If there’s one surefire way for brands to win over Gen Z, it’s to entertain them. Traditional ads just don’t do the trick anymore—this gen is already swimming in content and has become experts at tuning out anything that feels too sales-y. In fact, according to YPulse’s Ad/ Marketing Effectiveness report, 66% of 13-39-year-olds agree, “Advertisements usually bore me.” That’s where advertainment comes in: think movie- or TV-like content that delivers a brand’s message through storytelling rather than a hard sell. It’s been a major trend among brands lately and for one big reason: it’s working. YPulse data shows 58%...