Cover Gen Z will have a spending power of US$12 trillion by 2030, according to market data (Photo: Getty Images)

Would you consider purchasing a makeup brush after stumbling upon a funny meme about it? According to a report from a venture-building group in Hong Kong, some Zoomers in Asia are doing just that

Gen Z—the largest generation in history—is projected to have a spending power of US$12 trillion by 2030, according to a report from global marketing research firm NielsenIQ (NIQ).

Growing up as digital natives in a world grappling with mounting climate change and social inequalities has profoundly influenced their interests and behaviours, such as how they consume news and purchase products.

In December, The Z Label, a Hong Kong venture-backed startup specialising in consumer products for Gen Z, published a report highlighting the defining characteristics of this tech-savvy generation in Asia.

Read more: Gen Z is anxious about climate change. What can the rest of us do?

In partnership with Ooopen Lab, an online gamification platform part of the information design consulting firm Re:lab in Taiwan, they surveyed over 4,000 individuals born between 1997 and 2012, primarily from Malaysia, India, Taiwan, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Below are five compelling insights that could assist you in strategising for your upcoming campaign or product launch in 2025.

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Gen Z’s favourite emoji

The report shows that the emoji depicting a face holding back tears “🥹” might resonate best with Gen Zers. Many respondents identified this emoji as the one that describes them most accurately, followed closely by the eyes “👀” and clown “🤡” emojis.

It also points out that the crying emoji “😭”, which came in fifth place, can convey positivity within the Gen Z community. For instance, when they encounter something hilarious, it’s not uncommon for them to respond with tears of laughter.

Read more: How Gen Z athletes like China’s Huang Yuting and the USA’s Stephen Nedoroscik are putting style front and centre at the Olympics

More memes, please

The top three content formats that appeal to Zoomers are short clips on TikTok and Instagram, as well as memes and posts that have been creatively designed. In markets like Hong Kong and Taiwan, memes have an even greater appeal, scoring at least 5 per cent higher in preference than other regions.

Interestingly, one in three respondents reported purchasing a product after seeing it in a meme. While internet humour can effectively capture their attention, the report cautions brands to craft memes that genuinely align with their message to avoid potential backlash.

On the other hand, written content, such as blogs and brief texts, is the least favoured choice among this demographic.

Read more: Meet Chill Guy, the character in the viral meme who is all about leading a ‘chill’ life

Make it fun and introspective

Approximately 63 per cent of Gen Z respondents enjoy playing video games and watching animations in their leisure time. This finding suggests businesses should incorporate gamification and dynamic visuals to captivate this generation. Ideas like personality quizzes and personalised behaviour reports, similar to the annual Spotify Wrapped, could be particularly effective.

Moreover, this generation enjoys reading, writing and journaling—activities and content that can provide a much-needed opportunity for reflection and calm amidst the chaos of daily life.

Read more: Rico Yan and Claudine’s ‘Got 2 Believe’, and more: Classic Filipino films and series Gen Zs will love

Word of mouth

Around 70 per cent of survey respondents said they consume user-generated content—meaning unpaid or unsponsored posts created by everyday internet users—the most on social media, aside from content shared by family and friends. They highly value insights from individuals who share similar goals and aspirations.

This preference is particularly evident when making purchasing decisions, as over 50 per cent of Gen Z stated they trust traditional word of mouth, community reviews and product demonstrations more than any other mediums.

In contrast, only about 20 per cent of participants seriously consider endorsements from celebrities and influencers.

Read more: Dutch pop artist Dominik Haring on immortalising memories and why his art is a hit with the Gen Z

What Gen Z cares about

In addition to providing convenient and easily accessible products and services, aligning values is a major factor influencing this generation’s loyalty to brands.

Privacy and security, along with sustainability and environmental issues, stand out as the top priorities the survey respondents hope businesses can address in the future. The report suggests that companies must demonstrate authentic efforts to reduce environmental harm and leverage technology effectively while safeguarding customer privacy.

As brands seek to engage with Gen Z consumers, it’s crucial to refine marketing strategies that align with their distinct preferences and values. Grasping the significance of authenticity, sustainability and community-driven insights for this generation can enable businesses to not only capture their attention but also build lasting loyalty. They are trendsetters and changemakers, poised to reshape the marketplace in their own image.


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