It has become a trend for youth nowadays especially in the era of social media to create content. A recent report on YouTube found that 65% of Gen Z, or people born between 1997 and 2012, identify as content creators. This shift is in tandem with the effects that the internet and specifically social media has given a whole generation a voice, a platform to fellowship and even monetize their existence. Though, as to the matter of concern one might ask what is really behind this trend. So let us do some deep drilling.

Stage for Creativity

To the members of Gen Z, social media such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are the primary places where talents can be displayed. Whether they are making silly skits, applying lipstick and hair products or speaking about causes, these channels provide youth with listeners. This is in contrast to traditional media which may warrant the use of costly equipment or networks and yet social media is relatively evenhanded. While creating content before, one would require a video camera and an editing machine this means that Gen Z has learned to be more creative on the fly because all you need is a smartphone.

Personal Branding

That is why so many Gen Z people can call themselves creators: the concept of personal branding. Some have watched influencers create a profession out of social media, and even fame, and sometimes even their own businesses. This has made Gen Z create content and not only entertain but also market themselves and be known in society. That is why these young people, regardless of the chosen format, such as vlogs, art or music, can now view their presence on the Web as a promising occupation.

Content Creation as a Source of Income

Another reason for this cannot be ruled out because, with the right strategy and exposure, it’s quite possible to make good money from content creation. Some of these platforms include YouTube and Instagram whereby one can make advertisements or sponsorships hence can be able to survive from what he or she is creating. This has made many young people approach this type of content production very seriously due to the potential income it has. Indeed, some people have made it their permanent career or set it up as their part-time business.

To borrow the phrase from the Carnegie Mellon University study of Gen Z, it’s not ‘that content creation is all about the glamour or the bucks. ’ It’s also about creating communities and their ways of showing their personalities. Most of the youths have made their accounts with the purpose of socializing with those with similar interests whether gaming, music, or social causes. Being a part of these communities adds value to the individuals thus making content creation even more rewarding.

The appearance of Generation Z as social media content producers manifests the youth’s new attitude to the digital environment. Since more of these platforms are providing the necessary tools, which can make content creation and monetization easy, this is set to continue. To Gen Z, being content creators is not just an avocation—that is, an occupation pursued as a hobby or for amusement or relaxation— but a means of moulding their future in an increasingly digitized world.