A festive, memorable holiday season doesn’t look the same for everyone. Each generation tends to celebrate the season differently from the other groups. In particular, Gen Z’s holiday shopping and travel preferences show that these teens and young adults are forging their own holiday traditions. Live social discovery app Yubo says Gen Zers are (naturally) bringing social media into all their holiday plans.

Gen Z’s Approach to Holiday Shopping

As the 2024 holiday shopping season ramps up, Gen Z consumers are becoming an increasingly significant portion of the customer base. The Gen Z demographic represents approximately 40 percent of global consumers. For perspective, American Express’ September 2024 Holiday Amex Trendex Report spotlights findings from consumer surveys in multiple countries.  

Gen Zers continue to experience a marked shift away from traditional gifts. In fact, almost three-quarters of Gen Z survey respondents said they would rather share a fun trip (or other experience) rather than receive a holiday gift. Entertainment and travel experiences top Gen Zers’ preferences.

Social Media’s Holiday Shopping Significance

Gen Zers’ affinity for social media extends to their holiday shopping practices. A full 89 percent of consumers (including many Gen Z shoppers) say social media plays an integral role in their gift selection choices.

In 2024, an increasing number of consumers are shopping on ecommerce sites rather than at brick-and-mortar retail stores. In fact, 42 percent of shoppers (and even more Gen Zers) are relying on social media to help them pinpoint the “perfect gift.”

How Social Media Inspires Gift Choices

Not surprisingly, consumers say viewing social media content provides the most gift inspiration. Perhaps the content is from family, friends, influencers, or brands. Regardless of the source, the consumer values the social content over digital ads, product review sites, and person-to-person recommendations. 

Equally importantly, almost 60 percent of consumers would pay a higher price for products with a good social media reputation. User-produced content, viral posts, and influencer comments can help sway consumer attitudes. Among the Gen Z cohort, 78 percent of shoppers will purchase a product they have viewed on a social platform.

Despite these impressive numbers, though, only 13 percent of overall consumers practice social commerce (purchasing directly on a social network). Gen Z shoppers complete about 21 percent of their purchases on a favorite social network. In 2024, however, both groups are expected to increase their social commerce use.

Gen Z’s Views on Holiday Travel

Gen Zers’ adventurous spirit is driving them to completely remake holiday travel experiences. For perspective, 70 percent of American Gen Z travelers are searching for unique, off-the-beaten-path trips. They crave cultural immersion, plenty of interaction with locals, and self-discovery opportunities.

These teens and young adults also demand authenticity, insisting on carefully crafted experiences that align with their values. For example, Gen Zers’ strong sustainability focus has led to a preference for sustainable travel experiences. Ecotourism and voluntourism are high on Gen Z travelers’ list.

At their destination(s), Gen Zers expect lodgings and service businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices and support social causes. Local community support is also a priority. And not surprisingly, Gen Z travelers make their travel decisions (at least partly) after viewing providers’ social media pages.

Finally, tech-savvy Gen Z travelers expect hotel and service businesses to offer fast, glitch-free digital experiences. Approximately 80 percent of Gen Zers research and make travel reservations via their smartphones. At their destination(s), Gen Z travelers expect mobile check-in/check-out options and mobile payment choices.

Yubo Helps Inspire Holiday Connections

Digital native Gen Zers integrate social media into virtually every aspect of their lives. They browse new trends, follow their favorite celebrities and influencers, and frequently check in with their favorite connections. More often than not, they’re up for meeting a new friend (or two). And sometimes, a highly social Gen Z user just wants to chat (or vent) with someone likely to be on the same page. 

That’s where the Yubo live social discovery app comes in. Based in Paris, this popular Gen Z social platform continues to expand its global user base. In 2024, Yubo counted 60 million current users in more than 140 countries. Every day, teenagers and young adults from different cultures come together to build online friendships and share experiences.

During the often-frenzied holiday season, time-crunched Gen Z shoppers may be inspired by gift suggestions from other users. Gen Zers who plan to entertain can benefit from creative menu and décor ideas. Fellow users from across the globe can recommend holiday travel experiences and/or destinations. Besides the recommendations’ value, Gen Zers will enjoy building friendships with same-aged users, often with similar interests.

How Yubo Users Can Engage on the App

Yubo understands that highly social Gen Zers often prefer multiple engagement options. That’s why the platform offers two popular interaction methods.

Individual User Chats

Yubo’s one-to-one chats are just like real-life conversations between good friends. Think of a between-class chat in a school hallway or catch-up session at someone’s home.

To launch a personalized chat, both users become friends inside the Yubo platform. Once they complete that step, they can chat about an entire universe of topics. Naturally, both users must follow Yubo’s Community Guidelines, to which they agreed during the app sign-up process.

Super-Popular Livestreams

Yubo’s increasingly in-demand livestreams (or “Lives”) are now the platform’s most-used communication method. Each Live involves between one and 10 users who can stream all at once. Any number of users are invited to post comments on each streamer’s Live.

A streamer might showcase a special talent, share their passion for a cause, or simply share the highlights of their day. Regardless of the experience they share, each Live is filled with an infectious positive energy.

Finding Fellow Users is Easy

In real life, finding someone with similar interests and values is a challenge. However, Yubo simplifies the process with two popular features.

• The “Add Friends by Tag” Feature: The Add Friends by Tag Functionality enables Gen Zers to connect with like-minded users
• The “Near You” Feature: This Infinity Pack Near You Feature enables Gen Zers to meet other users in person

Naturally, Yubo wants every user to enjoy a safe online experience. Toward that end, every user must pass the platform’s 100 percent user age verification test. In addition, skilled Safety Specialists and the Yubo algorithm monitor the app, seeking harmful or inappropriate posts. Real-time audio and video livestream moderation helps ensure Yubo Community Guidelines compliance.

Finally, Yubo’s respected independent Safety Board advises company leaders on an ongoing and as-needed basis. Together, these components help ensure Yubo’s comprehensive user safety program remains the best in the industry.