Finding information has never been easier—yet every generation approaches it differently. From scrolling TikTok to scanning newspapers, Gen Z, Millennials, and Baby Boomers each have unique media consumption habits. Understanding how they consume content isn’t just insightful—it’s crucial for businesses, content creators, and marketers navigating today’s digital-first world.

This blog explores what makes each generation’s information habits distinct and provides actionable advice for businesses seeking to connect with younger audiences like Gen Z.

How Do Gen Z, Millennials, and Baby Boomers Consume Content?

Gen Z (Born 1997–2012): The Digitally Native Streamers

Gen Z grew up in a world of smartphones and video-first platforms. Their go-to sources for information include Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. According to Statista, TikTok has 41.4 million monthly Gen Z users in the U.S., and 95% of teens actively use it, with 16% saying they use it “almost constantly” (Pew Research Center).

Key preferences of Gen Z include:

• Short, engaging videos: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels dominate their attention.
• Peer-validated content: Recommendations or content from friends and influencers often carry more weight than traditional media.
• Frictionless experiences: Gen Z demands easy-to-navigate platforms, with 62% abandoning apps or websites that aren’t user-friendly (IBM).

They also value ethical consumption, self-expression, and staying informed to contribute meaningfully to conversations (McKinsey).

Millennials (Born 1981–1996): The Transition Generation

Millennials straddle two worlds—the pre-digital and fully digital eras. While they enjoy video content, they’re just as likely to read long-form articles, interact on Facebook or LinkedIn, and follow niche blogs. They appreciate deeper content from reputable sources and are more likely to follow both influencers and traditional news outlets.

Despite their familiarity with Instagram and YouTube, Millennials tend to consume content based on its utility—whether it solves their problems or improves their lives.

Their hybrid consumption habits make them versatile. However, Millennials need more convincing than Gen Z when it comes to influencer-backed recommendations.

Baby Boomers (Born 1946–1964): The Traditionalists

Boomers still lean heavily on traditional media like TV, newspapers, and magazines, but they’re also adapting to digital platforms. A majority use Facebook as their primary social platform to stay connected with friends, family, and news (Pew Research Center).

Their consumption patterns focus on:

• Reliability and familiarity: Boomers prioritize credible, well-established sources.
• Thoroughness: They prefer detailed rather than bite-sized information.
• Community focus: Platforms that foster connection and discussion appeal most to this generation.

What Businesses Must Consider When Marketing to Gen Z

Now that Gen Z is entering the workforce and becoming a larger consumer base, businesses must adjust their strategies to capture their attention. Here’s what Millennial business owners or Baby Boomers looking to market to or build businesses for Gen Z should know.

1. Go Where Gen Z Is

Focus your marketing efforts on Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and even newer platforms like Threads. Keep in mind, Gen Z gravitates toward visual and video-first content. Consider working with micro-influencers on these platforms for a more authentic approach.

2. Be Transparent and Align with Their Values

Gen Z cares deeply about authenticity, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility. Highlight your brand’s contributions to sustainability or social causes. Avoid overly polished advertising that feels inauthentic; instead, share raw behind-the-scenes content or user-generated stories.

3. Keep Things Fast and Convenient

Gen Z doesn’t have much patience for clunky platforms. A slow-loading website or unintuitive app can quickly lead to abandonment. Ensure your platforms are mobile-optimized and offer seamless interaction.

4. Leverage Technology to Stay Organized

To market or create products for Gen Z effectively, businesses must stay organized internally. Platforms like Monday.com are perfect for streamlining tasks, managing social media content calendars, and building collaborative workflows. Whether you’re planning a marketing campaign or managing product development, AI-powered tools like Monday.com ensure efficiency.

5. Empower the Workforce with Tools

If you’re hiring Gen Z workers, the right tools can make all the difference. Today’s Gen Z employees expect apps and software that simplify tasks and allow them to work autonomously.

Tools like Monday.com help foster this independence with features like:

• Project dashboards, tailored for collaboration.
• AI-infused workflows for faster decision-making.

Need more talent? Platforms like Fiverr help connect you with skilled Gen Z freelancers, especially for creative and tech roles.

Closing Generational Gaps in Marketing and Culture

Successfully reaching Gen Z means understanding their fast-paced, tech-savvy world. Whether you’re marketing a product, building a content strategy, or onboarding younger talent, the following tips will help you bridge generational differences:

• Stay active on fast-growing platforms. Focus on TikTok, Threads, and Snapchat.
• Provide value quickly. Create concise video or visual content delivered with precision.
• Use tools to enhance flexibility: Platforms like Monday.com can improve workflows, while Fiverr is ideal for finding young, talented freelancers.
• Be purpose-driven: Focus on what your business stands for—Gen Z values brands that align with their ethics.

Gen Z may seem radically different from older generations in their content consumption and workplace habits, but when businesses meet them where they are, the results speak for themselves. Start adapting, and watch new opportunities roll in.