In 2025, the young generation — primarily Generation Z and Millennials — is the main driver of change in culture, art, and media. These digitally savvy, socially conscious, and creatively ambitious individuals leverage new technologies, redefine aesthetics, and reshape communication practices, setting trends that resonate globally.
Key Influencing Factors of Youth on Trends
- Digital fluency and innovation
Growing up immersed in mobile devices and social media, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are not only platforms for entertainment but tools for creativity, idea exchange, and subculture formation. - Emphasis on authenticity and social responsibility
Gen Z and Millennials seek content and works that reflect current social issues: ecology, equality, mental health. They support brands and artists openly addressing these topics. - Revival of retro and nostalgia with a modern twist
Trends in fashion, music, and visual arts resurrect 90s and 2000s aesthetics updated with today’s values and technologies. - Integration of AI and digital tech in creativity
Artificial intelligence, generative art, and interactive media enable new artistic forms and accessible content creation for wider audiences. - Formation of new communities and niche cultures
Through specialized chats, Discord servers, and exclusive groups, youth create alternative cultural spaces beyond mainstream.
Key Youth Trends in Art and Media
| Trend | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Creativity | Using social media and AI for content creation | Viral TikTok videos, AI-generated art |
| Social Awareness | Focus on environment, equality, and mental health | Eco fashion collections, art projects |
| Retro and Nostalgia | Return to 90s/00s aesthetics | Y2K fashion, lo-fi music, VHS style |
| Interactivity and Participation | Engaging content and collaborative creation | Interactive videos, fan art |
| Niche Culture and Communities | Closed clubs and online platforms | Discord, Patreon artist communities |
Social Platform Usage by Generation (%)
| Platform | Millennials | Generation Z |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 55 | 85 |
| 70 | 80 | |
| YouTube | 85 | 90 |
| Discord | 35 | 60 |
| Twitch | 20 | 50 |
How Young People Are Changing Culture
- Blurring boundaries between formats and genres
Music blends with visual art, storytelling combines with interactivity, and traditional lines dissolve in multimedia projects. - Promoting vulnerability and emotional openness
Through blogging, vlogs, and personal storytelling, young creators share mental health struggles and wavering hopes, reshaping perceptions of publicity and art. - Fostering inclusivity and diversity
Creativity reflects a broad range of identities and cultures, cultivating a more open and understanding cultural space.
Tips for Brands and Creators
- Create content aligned with generational values: honesty, openness, and sustainability
- Engage audiences on their platforms — TikTok, Discord, Twitch
- Use AI tools for innovative creativity and personalization
- Support local and niche communities, amplifying alternative cultures
The young generation is crafting a new cultural code, transforming art and media into a world where technology and humanity coexist. Their approach blends innovation, awareness, and nostalgia, shaping the future of global culture. Paying attention to these changes helps understand trends and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world.