Youthvine Agency

? This Week in The Gen Z Frequency ? Being big doesn’t mean you belong. Nike’s skateboarding and streetwear legacy breakthrough wasn’t about logos or legacy—it was about listening, co-creating, and proving commitment over time. This week, we’re breaking down why youth-driven markets reject outsiders and how brands can earn their place through real engagement. Because in culture, you don’t buy your way in—you show up and stay. What's Inside?: #ActionSports – Tony Hawk meets Doom Slayer in a remastered mashup—extreme sports just got wilder. #YouthEmpowerment – Gen Z is rewriting the rules on mental health and self-worth—brands, take notes. #PopCulture – “Old money” style is in, fast fashion is out. Mattel stays iconic—what’s their secret? #Generational – Businesses still don’t get Gen Z. Work, shopping, values—are they keeping up or falling behind? #CreatorEconomy – AI is the new creative sidekick, but can it keep content real? #SocialImpact – Gen Z shops with purpose, but social media is burning them out. What’s next? #Social – Newsfluencers are the new reporters, and Gen Z is reshaping journalism. And Much More! Ready to connect, inspire, and create real impact in the youth market? #genz #youthmarketing Subscribe to The Gen Z Frequency today!

As we celebrate #InternationalWomensDay, it’s important to recognize not just the progress made but also the impact still to come. Skateboarding, like many other fields, is a space where women are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and making their voices heard. Shoutout to Amelia Brodka and EXPOSURE Skate for leading the way in empowering women in skateboarding. Exposure Skate is creating opportunities for female skaters to rise, be seen, and help redefine the sport. Today, we celebrate women who push boundaries, inspire others, and continue to drive change in every arena they’re part of. Here’s to progress, representation, and the women paving the way ?? Now, enjoy a few clips from my Exposure edit ???? #InternationalWomansDay #Respect

Need to differentiate and have staying power? Lean into culture. Data tells you how many people showed up to the party. Culture tells you who’s in the room, who they came with, and where the micro conversations are sparking. Anyone can target demographics. Understanding culture is what separates those who reach people from those who move people. Youth culture isn’t just a market — it’s a constantly shifting network of circles, sub-circles, and crossovers. Read the room wrong? You’re out. Navigate it with care, contribute from the inside out — that’s where the real value is built. Legacy brands and holding companies will keep pushing top-down campaigns and wonder why they’re losing ground. The next wave of brands will thrive by embedding into culture, not just observing it. If you want to win with youth, learn the culture code — what to do, where to show up, and when to add value — from those who are already part of the movement. Need help? Youthvine Agency has got you covered ;) #culturalmarketing #crossgenerational #youthmarketexpertise

? This Week in The Gen Z Frequency?? Big names don’t build culture—real connections do. Smart brands are ditching outdated influencer strategies and tapping creators who shape, not chase, conversations. This week, we’re breaking down how authentic partnerships, niche communities, and fresh voices are redefining brand influence. Because hype fades, but cultural credibility lasts. What's Inside?: #ActionSports?– Interactive courts redefine fan engagement, and mountain biking surges. #YouthEmpowerment?– From career investment to mental health action, brands are stepping up for Gen Z. #PopCulture?– Gen Z roasts millennial burger chains, acne patches become fashion, and fandoms fuel trends. #Generational?– AI curates shopping, LinkedIn fuels career anxiety, and digital-first beauty takes over. #CreatorEconomy?– LTK’s app brings creator shopping local, and Spotify goes all in on video podcasts. #SocialImpact?– Social media burnout rises, and ethical influencers change the brand game. #Social?– Newsfluencers reshape journalism, and Gen Z’s presence on X (Twitter) surges. And Much More! Ready to connect, inspire, and create real impact in the youth market? #genz?#youthmarketing Subscribe to The Gen Z Frequency today!

Want to Reach Young People on Social? Start Off Social. Here’s a wild idea: If you want to engage young people on social media, do something interesting in the real world. I know—shocker, right? But let’s get back to basics. For brands new to the youth market (or struggling to connect), there’s a common trap: thinking slick graphics, carousels packed with product features, or aesthetic posts will automatically spark engagement. They won’t. What actually works? Experiences. Movement. Culture. Road trips. Bring the brand to them. Tours. Meet them where they already hang out. Street interviews. Make them part of the conversation. Real-world activations. Give them something worth sharing. It’s not just about doing something cool—it’s about making sure it matters. So, how do you know if an idea is good enough to break through? Ask one simple question: ? Does this contribute to the culture of the young people we’re trying to reach? If the answer is “I don’t know,” then get the right people by your side who do. Gen Z and Gen Alpha don’t just consume content; they participate in culture. They can sniff out marketing that feels forced or out of touch a mile away. Once you’ve got something real, then get the fundamentals right—strong editing, solid storytelling, the right AI tools. But always remember: content is only as good as the experience it captures. Brands Getting It Right (Even in Tough Categories) ?? Duolingo (Education) – Makes language learning fun with a chaotic, meme-heavy social strategy. ?? Liquid Death (Beverages) – Took canned water and made it rebellious. Street-level activations, collabs, and absurd humor keep them top of mind. ?? Glossier, Inc. (Beauty) – Built a movement, not just a product. Their community-led approach makes every post feel personal. ?? Tracksmith (Athletics) – Proves that storytelling and nostalgia can cut through in a category dominated by giants like Nike and Adidas. ?? MSCHF (Art & Retail) – Constantly drops unexpected, culture-shifting projects that make people stop, think, and share. The takeaway? Young people don’t just want content—they want something to talk about. So go into the real world and make it happen. Duh? Nah, you'd be surprised. What’s the best youth marketing play you’ve seen recently? Drop it in the comments. ? Need help, hire Youthvine Agency ;) #genz #marketing #youthculture #backtobasics

The best work—like the best moves—isn’t just about skill. It’s about immersion. You have to be in it, fully. A frontside grind isn’t just balance—it’s commitment, timing, and trust in the process. It’s calculated, yet fluid. Messy, yet beautiful. It only looks effortless because of everything behind it: repetition, adaptation, and an understanding that friction is part of the movement. That’s how we approach culture, creativity, and strategy at Youthvine Agency We don’t just analyze from the sidelines; we’re in the session, feeling the shifts, learning the nuances, and embracing the risk. Because real impact, authenticity and style, can’t be faked. — Skater/Strategist: me Photography: Lauren Muller Location: Bteam ramp, Vista, Ca When: last Friday #FrontsideFriday #CultureWins #YouthCulture #DifferentiateOrDie

?? Gen Z’s ‘Mid-Life Crisis’ is here—and it’s shaking us all Wait, Gen Z is having a mid-life crisis already? You heard that right. But it ain’t limited to Gen Z, Gen Y, Z and A are struggling..as are the older Xer’s for the same/similar reasons According to US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, Gen Z is grappling with an early ‘mid-life crisis,’ but here’s the twist—it’s a generational ripple effect. ?? The numbers are telling: ???? Under-30s in the US rank 62nd in global happiness—behind countries with severe societal challenges like Mexico (World Happiness Report). ?? Over 12% of Gen Z adults report depression, compared to 8% of older generations (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis). ?? 71% of Gen Z employees have unhealthy workplace well-being scores (Mental Health America). What’s causing this crisis? Social media plays a major role. Dr. Murthy points to its influence on mental health, with US teens spending nearly 5 hours daily online. This impacts us all: As Gen Z navigates adulthood under unprecedented digital pressures, it affects workplace dynamics, consumer behaviors, and cross-generational relationships. Their mental health challenges don’t exist in a vacuum—they shape family dynamics, team cultures, and brand loyalty across the board. How Can Brands Make a Difference? There’s a huge opportunity for brands to step up—not just to market to Gen Z but to support real change. Here’s how: ?? Build True Communities: Create spaces where all generations feel a sense of belonging, not just young consumers. Think beyond transactions—foster genuine connection. ?? Prioritize Mental Wellbeing: Normalize mental health conversations. Whether through campaigns or partnerships with mental health organizations, be a brand that supports healing. ?? Empower Purpose & Identity: Help young people explore who they are while aligning with values that resonate across age groups—like sustainability, social justice, and creativity. Brands Getting It Right: ?? NoFiltr by Thorn: Creating safe digital spaces for young people, helping them navigate online pressures responsibly. ?? Vans: Fostering community and self-expression through cultural events and creative platforms. ??? Dove: Advocating for mental health and self-esteem with inclusive, empowering messaging. ?? The Bottom Line: This ‘mid-life crisis’ may have Gen Z in the spotlight, but it’s a generational wake-up call. Brands that respond with empathy and purpose will not only thrive but also build lasting, cross-generational loyalty. ?? Takeaway: This is more than a business opportunity—it’s a chance to lead with heart. _ Need help? Youthvine Agency is here! Your gateway to youth culture. We drive authentic brand engagement, measurable change, and ROI ?? 100+ Community Builders | ?? 1,000 Online Communities | ?? 100M+ Youth & Families From advisory and strategy to creator partnerships and full-scale brand activations, we help brands make an impact that lasts. #genz #youthculture #marketing

??This Week in The Gen Z Frequency?? Gen Z’s early?mid-life crisis?isn’t just their problem—it’s a generational shift brands can’t ignore. Social media, digital burnout, and the search for belonging are reshaping how young people work, consume, and connect. This week, we break down why Gen Z is feeling more disconnected than ever—and how brands can bridge the gap by fostering real community, purpose, and mental well-being. What's Inside?: #ActionSports?Underground skaters rise, X Games heat up. #YouthEmpowerment?Open mics, bold ideas, and young changemakers driving real impact. #PopCulture?Gym Z, luxury fandom merch, and AI’s growing role in fashion—Gen Z is setting the trends. #Generational?Mini-retirements, financial struggles, and a surprising return to tradition. #CreatorEconomy?TikTok vs. Reels, digital monetization, and the next wave of content creators. #SocialImpact?Doomscrolling, digital burnout, and the mental health fallout. #Social?De-influencing, shifting trust, and Gen Z’s new rules of influence. And Much More! Ready to connect, inspire, and create real impact in the youth market? #genz?#youthmarketing Subscribe to The Gen Z Frequency today!

Gen Z’s new social hub? It’s more than just the gym. ???♂????? The gym isn't just for gains anymore—it’s Gen Z’s third place. But it’s not just weight rooms. Skateparks, climbing gyms, parkour spaces—these aren’t just hobbies; they’re cultural hubs. ?? Stats don’t lie: Gym use has nearly doubled since pre-pandemic numbers, with Gen Z leading the trend. 38% of Gen Z now works with a personal trainer, compared to 29% of the total population. ABC Trainerize saw a 78% increase in new clients year-over-year. But it’s bigger than fitness. These spaces are where Gen Z connects—bonding over anime, gaming, music, and self-improvement. ?? From TikTok edits to anime-inspired PR songs, action sports and movement culture are shaping Gen Z’s identity online and IRL. A chalkboard at a local gym might have lifting goals next to gaming memes—proof that these spaces are more than workouts. They’re community-building zones. ?? Brands tapping into this? Winning. But success comes from understanding the full cultural ecosystem—not just segments. It’s not about “gym-goers” or “skaters”—it’s about the overlap, the shared mindsets, and the way these spaces shape Gen Z’s world. ?? Takeaway for brands: ?? Don’t just follow trends—contribute to culture. ?? Movement is social. Fitness, action sports, and gaming all intersect. ?? Go beyond surface-level—find the deeper cultural connectors. Want to connect? Meet them where they move, not just where they scroll. __ Need help? Youthvine Agency is here! Your gateway to youth culture. We drive authentic brand engagement, measurable change, and ROI—all from the inside out. ?? 100+ Community Builders | ?? 1,000 Online Communities | ?? 100M+ Youth & Families Authentic Youth Marketing, At Scale. From advisory and strategy to creator partnerships and full-scale brand activations, we help brands make an impact that lasts. Enter the Youthvine. #genz #genA #youthculture #marketing

Gregg is spot on! Gen Z hasn't 'broken' the marketing funnel; instead, they have transformed it into a dynamic, non-linear journey?? Brands must now concentrate on authenticity, community engagement, and multi-channel experiences to connect with Gen Z.