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Gen Z Buys Through Socials. Are You Selling Where They Shop?

Updated: Sep 17

Gen Z doesn’t window shop. They scroll and spend.

If your brand still sees social media as a noticeboard for banner adverts, you're not just behind you're irrelevant and out of pocket. Social sites are entertainment platforms. Adverts need to be engaging and inconspicuous.

Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s what makes Gen Z tick, and why your strategy needs to pivot. Fast!

Gen Z: Scroll, Click, Buy

They aren't browsing. They’re discovering, deciding, and spending all in one rapid scroll.


From shopping hauls to midnight catch-ups, they trust creators over companies every time. What cuts through?

  • No hard sells

  • Real people, not brand bots

  • Solutions, not speculations

If the content hits, they’re tapping “buy” before the video ends.


Why Your Ads Aren’t Working (Yet)

Because you haven't employed us to manage them for you. Back to it: Targeting models are outdated. Gen Z isn’t waiting to be sold to they’re waiting to believe you.

Static product photos? Swipe. “I use this every day” Reels? Bookmark and buy.

This generation can smell a strategy. If your ads don’t feel like content, they feel like noise.


What’s Hitting in 2025

✅ TikTok-first thinking

It’s not about trends, it’s about relevance. POV, ‘before you scroll’ hooks, side-by-side reviews.

✅ Creators with real clout

Forget public figures and celebs. Partner with active creators who own tight, loyal corners of the internet.

✅ Ads that blend in

Shoot in vertical, converse your speech like a friend on FaceTime, and drop the hard sell. If it feels real, it performs.

✅ Shoppable everything

TikTok Shop. Instagram tags. Pinterest Pins. Make the checkout basket part of the scroll.


Rookie Moves You Should Ditch

  • Assuming Gen Z doesn’t buy big. They do, but only from brands they rate.

  • Repurposing ads across platforms. Different apps, different rules. Tailor it or tank it.

  • Ignoring the comments. That’s where you can listen to feedback and answer questions.

  • Pitching like it’s TV. You're not guaranteed 30 seconds of passive attention. You’re borrowing a rapid three.


Now What?

Audit your ads

Do they look local? Or is it giving uninspiring?

Rework your creator list

Be niche and be honest.

Test native shopping tools

TikTok Shop and Instagram checkout aren’t gimmicks. They’re gateways.

Change what you track

Forget clicks. They're good, but shares, saves and tagged DMs are better.


Final Thoughts

Gen Z doesn’t hate ads. They hate being sold to and told to buy something. It makes them feel like they're spending money.

If your content is untrustworthy, it’s invisible. If your creators aren’t credible, they’re irrelevant. If your social strategy isn’t commerce-ready, it’s charity.

Want to reach Gen Z before your competitors do?

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