Skibidi Toilet is just the start: Why brands must evolve beyond Gen Z and prepare for Gen Alpha

Key insights:

  • How Gen Alpha is already redefining digital engagement
  • Why Gen Z strategies won’t work for Gen Alpha
  • How to future-proof your brand for Gen Alpha now

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you might have stumbled upon the bizarre yet strangely captivating Skibidi Toilet meme. For those of us in the know, this viral phenomenon is more than just a fleeting trend—it’s a signal flare from the youngest content creators, Gen Alpha, showcasing their unique blend of creativity and digital prowess.

As brands, understanding what Gen Alpha wants and needs ahead of them becoming adults is crucial for future-proofing your business. Obviously, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are very different audiences, which means that adapting to these differences now will set you up for success in the years to come.

Gen Z versus Gen Alpha: The evolution of digital natives

First, let’s give credit where credit’s due. Gen Z has revolutionised the way we create, share, and consume content. With social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube at their disposal, they’ve outshined millennials, who were the early pioneers of social media and digital content. Gen Z has mastered the art of personal branding and viral content creation, setting high standards for authenticity and engagement.

But just when we thought the digital landscape couldn’t get any more innovative, enter Gen Alpha—the true digital prodigies. Born with tablets in their hands and Wi-Fi in their veins, these kids have access to even better tools and platforms than their predecessors. They’ve started creating content at an age when most of us were still figuring out how to tie our shoes. This double threat of advanced tools and an early start makes Gen Alpha a force to be reckoned with.

The cultural palate of Gen Alpha

Let’s delve into the quirky world of Gen Alpha’s digital trends. Take the Skibidi Toilet meme, for example. This YouTube franchise features singing humanoid toilets in a dystopian setting, creating a surreal experience that has sparked police investigations and moral panics alike. The trend has even fueled speculation about possible movie or TV series adaptations, capturing the imaginations of millions of young viewers.

As beautifully put by internet culture expert Malavika Pradeep for SCREENSHOT in the article linked above, consider this: “Bro, didn’t you get fanum taxed because of your level 0 gyatt when you literally have L rizz only in Ohio while hitting the griddy? You need to cook more like Livvy Dunne and Baby Gronk or I’ll get the non-sigma rizzlers to mog you.”

If that sounded like utter gibberish to you, welcome to the linguistic playground of Gen Alpha. This generation’s lexicon is as eclectic as their digital tastes, blending memes, internet slang, and pop culture references into a language that’s uniquely theirs.

The future beyond Gen Alpha: what’s next?

So, what does this mean for the generations to come? If Gen Alpha is already redefining digital engagement, the generation after them will likely take it to levels we can’t even imagine. Businesses need to future-proof their strategies, not just for the current youth but for the hyper-connected adults they will become. And that starts now.

Marketing to tomorrow’s leaders: A strategic shift

Here’s the kicker: you can’t market directly to under-16s. Regulations are strict, and rightly so. But the key is understanding that today’s Gen Alpha will shape tomorrow’s consumer habits. So, how do we gear up for this shift?

1) Decipher their language: To connect with Gen Alpha, brands need to understand their language and humour. This means immersing oneself in their world of memes, trends, and digital subcultures. It’s not just about speaking their language but also about appreciating the context and nuances.

2) Adapt your approach: The sales techniques that worked for Gen Z—like influencer endorsements and brand authenticity—might not cut it for Gen Alpha. They’ll seek out brands that offer immersive experiences, instant gratification, and seamless integration with their digital lives.

3) Invest in future-proofing: Think long-term. Build brand loyalty now with the current audience while keeping an eye on the evolving trends. This involves staying ahead with technology, being adaptable, and maintaining a strong, consistent brand presence that resonates across generations.

Different needs, different strategies

Gen Alpha’s needs, wants, and attitudes towards consumerism and content consumption are shaping up to be distinct. They will prioritise sustainability, inclusivity, and technological integration more than any previous generation. Businesses that recognise and adapt to these evolving preferences will stand out.

In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, it’s crucial to stay agile and forward-thinking. Gen Z has set the stage, but Gen Alpha is the rising star, pushing the boundaries of creativity and digital interaction. By understanding and anticipating their future needs, we can ensure that our strategies are not just relevant today but also robust enough to withstand the digital domino effect of tomorrow.

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