- Nov 25 2019
Elf on the Shelf has some competition this season.
Elf on the Shelf has some competition this season. Reindeer is Here is a new holiday tradition that’s all about diversity—for parents that want to emphasize inclusivity instead of the behavior monitoring a certain elf has made famous. With its mismatched antlers and “Different is Normal” slogan, Reindeer is Here was created to spread a message of self-acceptance to children. The Reindeer sold out within two hours after its initial Amazon launch in 2017, and the plush-and-book combo can now be found in close to 2,000 retail stores. (Adweek)
- Nov 25 2019
More than half of 11-year-olds now own a smartphone.
More than half of 11-year-olds now own a smartphone. According to Common Sense Media’s survey of 8-16-year-olds, children’s phone ownership has spiked, and the number is only expected to rise. Watching YouTube is a top mobile activity for kids, despite the platform’s “13 years and older” policy, with 56% of 8-12-year-olds watching videos daily—an increase from 24% in 2015. YPulse’s own Growing up YouTube research found over half of Gen Z’s favorite shows and videos growing up were on YouTube. (Government Technology)
- Nov 25 2019
Gen Z and Millennials are actually going to the bank more than older generations.
Gen Z and Millennials are actually going to the bank more than older generations. According to an Adobe Analytics survey, 72% of Gen Z consumers visit a bank physically once a month while 60% of Millennials do the same, compared to 50% of Xers and 55% of Boomers. Because young consumers are so digitally-focused, the data may be surprising, but these age groups often need to visit physical branches out of necessity: 45% of Gen Z consumers go to make deposits, while Millennials are needing documents notarized and applying for mortgages. (CNN)
- Nov 25 2019
Snapchat has launched a Time Machine AR lens to attract young users to the app.
Snapchat has launched a Time Machine AR lens to attract young users to the app. The new lens takes users on a “journey” from baby to old person, combining the app’s original baby lens, which went viral last spring and FaceApp’s (also viral) aging filter. The company reports that 7 to 9 million of its most recently added users downloaded the platform because of its AR filters—and creating lenses that go viral on other platforms could help build their user-base. (The Verge)
- Nov 25 2019
Most teens around the world aren’t getting enough physical activity, according to the World Health Organization.
Most teens around the world aren’t getting enough physical activity, according to the World Health Organization. In a new global study of 1.6 million 11-17-year-olds between 2001 and 2016, 81% of participants did not pass the WHO’s recommendation of getting one hour of moderate to vigorous activity per day. Experts say at the current rate, the goal of reducing teen inactivity by 15% will likely not be reached by 2030. In the U.S., 70% of tweens and teens are not getting enough exercise. (TIME)
- Nov 22 2019
Frozen 2 may break the record for the biggest presale tickets of any animated movie opening, as a new generation of fans is introduced to the film.
Frozen 2 may break the record for the biggest presale tickets of any animated movie opening, as a new generation of fans is introduced to the film. The children who were fans of the original are now tweens with different interests, and “Disney princesses are being outgrown more quickly” these days. But even with some older fans moving on, new younger viewers will take their places. The movie is expected to have a massive opening weekend, followed, of course, by massive sales of Elsa and Anna merch. (WSJ)
- Nov 22 2019
Chobani is introducing oat milk to ride the trend of plant-based alternatives.
Chobani is introducing oat milk to ride the trend of plant-based alternatives. After launching a coconut milk yogurt in January, the brand announced that it would be rolling out oat yogurt, oat milk—its first foray past the yogurt aisle. The non-dairy milk industry made $50 million in sales so far this year, compared to $10 million in 2018. That success is largely thanks to Gen Z and Millennials, who tell YPulse it’s one of the top food trends they’ve tried. (Fortune)
- Nov 22 2019
Millennials are likely to outspend all other generations holiday shopping this year.
Millennials are likely to outspend all other generations holiday shopping this year. A Discovery survey found that 35% of 23-38-year-olds plan to spend more this season than last year, more than Boomers, Xers, and Gen Z. YPulse’s own holiday shopping survey found that Millennials will spend an estimated average of $612 on gifts and more this season. Higher incomes and bigger lists of people to buy for are fueling their higher budgets. (Discover, Business Wire)
- Nov 22 2019
Direct-to-consumer jewelry brands are getting into piercings to engage Gen Z and Millennials.
Direct-to-consumer jewelry brands are getting into piercings to engage Gen Z and Millennials. Since Claire’s—once the go-to spot for piercing services—bankruptcy, brands like Stone and Strand have been adding similar services to their retail locations and pop-ups shops. Others like Rowan offer a monthly subscription box with safe piercings. Meanwhile, new startup Studs wants to create a whole retail experience around piercings to reach young consumers. (Glossy)
- Nov 22 2019
MTV has launched a 2020 “+1thevote” campaign to mobilize Millennials and Gen Z voters.
MTV has launched a 2020 “+1thevote” campaign to mobilize Millennials and Gen Z voters. In a move to target the 4 million potential first time voters (those turning 18 in November 2020), MTV created a celebrity-packed campaign with the idea that voting should be a shared experience with friends, or a “plus one.” This is the first presidential election in which Gen Z and Millennials will outnumber Boomers, with 37% of the U.S. electorate born after 1981. YPulse’s Special Election Report found that while the majority of young people plan to vote, they don’t feel politicians are talking about the issues that matter to them. (Reuters)