A more youthful generation of consumers are attracting the attention of marketers and this list of September 2018 youth trends highlights the various efforts companies go through to offer products and services that appeal to younger people.
Social media is a huge draw for this tech-savvy generation, and this list features numerous examples of convenient app-based services. Notable efforts include adidas' 'Fashion 5 Ways' Snapchat show, which lets users buy products through the social media platform. On a similar note, 'Wow How' uses AR to teach young people about makeup application.
In the entertainment world, the youth are looking for fulfilling and interactive experiences that stimulate multiple senses at once. A prime example of this is Candytopia, an interactive candy-themed installation that opened its doors in San Francisco and New York.
Top 50 Youth Trends in September
From Youth-Centered Gamer Workshops to Interactive Candy Shows:
Ellen Smith — Sep 30, 2018 — Life-Stages
50
Youthfully Nostalgic Fashion Editorials
Liam Hodges Embraces the 90s for His Fall/Winter 2018 Line
49
Whimsical Cosmetic Pop-Ups
The Winky Lux Experience is Styled as a Photo-Friendly Retail Museum
48
Young Adult-Inspired Fashion Collections
Wood Wood's Youthful Fashion Line for FW18 Tells a Story
47
Hip Styling Dolls
MGA's 'Who's That Girl' is a Fun and Kid-Friendly Beauty Range
46
Whimsically Interactive Candy Installations
Candytopia is a Vibrant Real-Life Candy Wonderland
45
Inclusive Creativity-Enabling Streetwear Labels
dfrntpigeon Provides Support for At-Risk Youth
44
Pizza-Purchasing Social Lenses
Domino's Shoppable AR Snapchat Lens Lets Users Easily Order Pizzas
43
Youth-Focused Unisex Fashion Styles
NASASEASONS ' Fall/Winter 2018 is Sporty & Heavy on References
42
Fashion Retailer Recycling Initiatives
ASOS' Leftover Fabrics are Used to Make Sanitary Pads
41
Gamified AR Makeup Apps
The 'Wow How' App Uses Gaming Tech to Teach Consumers Application Tricks
40
Age-Positive Lifestyle Blogs
Alternative Ageing Boasts Mature Fashion, Beauty and Travel Content
39
P2P Clothing Studio Stores
The NYC Depop Store Teaches the Community How to Sell Online
38
Motivational Male-Focused Digital Platforms
The BroBible is a Community-Driven Platform for Males
37
Short-Form Video Apps
TikTok and Musical.ly Build a Platform That Enables Creativity & Expression
36
Nostalgic Pizza Bars
The Design of 'Pozza' Channels a 90s Vibe with a Modern Twist
35
Conversational Board Games
The Dialogo! Game Facilitates Tough Talks & Promotes Understanding
34
Interstellar Selfie Apps
This NASA App Lets You Pose in Front of Breathtaking Space Photos
33
Mental Wellness Pop-Ups
'The Bakery' by Lidl Supports Discussions on Mental Health
32
Expanding Adjustable Youth Sandals
The GroFive 'Expandals' Expand Up to Five Sizes
31
Budget-Friendly Foundations
The New Makeup Revolution Foundation Takes Cues from a Viral Concealer
30
Optimistic Youth Streetwear Collections
Noah's Fall/Winter 2018 Line is Sophisticated & Inspiring
29
Shoppable Celebrity AR Filters
Nicki Minaj's Snapchat Filter Promotes Her 'Queen' Album
28
Experiential Cosmetic Stores
A.S. Watson & L'Oreal are Launching the 'Colorlab by Watsons' Concept
27
Architectural Toy Block Sculptures
Conrad Willems's Sculptures Reference the Artists' Childhood
26
Influencer Smartphone Recording Gimbals
The DJI Osmo Mobile II Stabilizes Your Device
25
Long Weekend Cosmetic Giveaways
Milk Makeup's Labour Day Giveaway Boosts Social Media Following
24
Affordable Healthy Food Options
Berries and Blooms Offers Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and a Salad Bar
23
Creative Youth Gamer Workshops
The Nintendo Labo Workshop Helps Gamers Explore Their Creativity
22
Inclusive Content Digital Platforms
The Uproxx Site Caters to the Digital Male Demographic
21
Refreshed Citrus Punch Campaigns
SunnyD is Sporting a New Look and a Gen Z-Targeted Campaign
20
Teen-Created Zine Communities
The Crybaby Zine Was Created by Teens, for Teens
19
Cartoon Vlogger Influencers
Sanrio's Hello Kitty Just Got an Incredibly Adorable YouTube Channel
18
Ephemeral App Fashion Shows
adidas' Fashion 5 Ways Snapchat Shows Links to a Shoppable Experience
17
Organic Kid-Created Cereals
'Kashi by Kids' Was Co-Created in Collaboration with Gen Z Leaders
16
Affordable Private-Label Cosmetics
Urban Outfitters' 'Ohii' Shares Makeup Products for Under $25
15
Student Artwork Marketplaces
ArtStartArt Helps to Support Burgeoning Young Creators in University
14
Colorful Celebration Skincare
Rituals' 'Ritual of Holi' for Teens Takes Cues from Indian Tradition
13
Voice-Controlled Social Lenses
The Hands-Free Snapchat Lenses Respond to Words Like "Hi" & "Love"
12
Family-Friendly Hotel Progams
Rocco Forte Hotels' Familes R Forte Programs are Fit for Everyone
11
Smoothing Eye Treatments
Kiehl's 'Youth Dose Eye Treatment' is a Fast-Acting, Brightening Solution
10
Inclusive Tech Campaigns
Microsoft's '3D Holiday' Commercial Celebrates Our Differences
9
Confidence-Boosting Skincare Campaigns
Sk-II's '#BareSkinProject Taps into Chloë Grace Moretz
8
Exploratory Beauty Campaigns
The ASOS Face + Body Series Talks Identity, Gender & Beauty
7
Collaborative Street Vendor Apparel
Diesel x Mustafa Spotlights a Kebab Kiosk in Berlin
6
Award-Winning Video Streaming Channels
The Vlog Squad on Youtube is Ultra-Popular Among Gen Z
5
Creature-Inspired Street Furniture
Bundook Designs Nocturnal Beasts Shaped as Magical Creatures
4
Collaborative Gen Z Skincare
Simple Launched Limited-Edition Skincare with Girl Band 'Little Mix'
3
Teen-Friendly Skincare Sets
SkinOwl's Skincare Starter Kit Addresses Concerns with Five Products
2
Discounted Voter Rides
Lyft Will Offer Half-Priced Rides During the 2018 Midterm Elections
1
Gun Control Marches
March for Our Lives is Inspired, Created, and Led by Parkland Students
Related Ideas
Movie-Themed Kids Meals
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal Launches with Collectible Toys
Playful Student-Targeted Interactive Pop-Ups
Uber One Hits Campuses with ‘The One Arcade'
Virtual Fashion Contests
Bratz and ZEPETO Launch a Four-Week Avatar Styling Challenge
Gen-Z-Targeted Retail Concepts
Urban Outfitters Debuts 'On Rotation' with Nike
Gen X Beauty Campaigns
Bluemercury's Up Next Campaign Celebrates Women 40+
Swedish Candy Pop-Ups
BUBS' Sweeteasy Brings Indulgent Candy Traditions to US Consumers
Gamified AR Footwear Fittings
Tootsie Augmented Reality Makes Shoe Shopping More Fun for Kids
Summer Soda Brand Campaigns
Sprite 'Turns Up the Refreshment' With its Immersive Campaign
Early Autumnal Chocolate Products
These Mars Chocolate Products are Arriving for Summerween
Next-Gen K-Beauty Pop-Ups
MUSKAT Hosted a Five Day Immersive Experience in L.A.
Gen-Z-Focused AR Campaigns
American Eagle Launched an AE Jeans Try-on Haul Lens
Gen Z Storytelling Campaigns
Coach is Running the 'Explore Your Story' Campaign for Spring 2026
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
Gen Z Advertising Initiatives
Tubi Targets Younger Viewers with Ad Innovations at IAB NewFronts
Children’s Footwear Apps
Hibbett Launches Hibbett Kids Platform to Power Back-to-School Shopping
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Festival-Inspired Luxury Fashion Campaigns
Burberry Celebrates the Energy of British Music Culture
Trend-Aligned Menu Launches
Jamba's New Summer Bundles are Inspired by Gen Z and Millenial Trends
AR-Powered Makeup Experiences
NYX Professional Makeup Beauty Bestie 2.0 is Available on Snapchat
Y2K-Inspired Denim Campaigns
Gap Debuts ‘Better in Denim’ with KATSEYE for Fall 2025
High-Profile Live Performance Marketing
Rokid Delighted Folks with a High-Profile Marketing Event
Diversity-Celebrating Brand Campaigns
Champion Launches a Global ‘Champions for Champion’ Campaign
Major Fan-Centric Candy Campaigns
Skittles Debuts the Playful Skittles Obsessed Initiative
Social-First Direct Selling Series
Mary Kay Miss Conceptions Reshapes Gen Z & Millennial Mindsets
Vibrant Mental Health Campaigns
CDC Has Launched the Playfully Illustrated Free Mind
In-App Mental Health Features
Snapchat Launches 'Here For You' Canada for Young Users
Subtly Spooky Halloween Decor
The Target 2025 Halloween Collection Debuted Ahead of Summer
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Brand Anniversary Capsule Collections
Hollister Reissues a Y2K Collection to Mark 25th Anniversary
New York Streetwear Collections
Gap and Awake NY Launch a 90s-Inspired NYC Culture Capsule
Nostalgic Youth Culture Capsules
Coach Presented Its Fall 2026 Line During New York Fashion Week
Viral Satisfying ASMR Toys
MGA Entertainment's Slime Life Turns Digital Trends into Physical Play
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Playful Gen-Z Dating Campaigns
Tinder's 'Crush Feelings' Captures the Essence of Modern Dating
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Gen-Z-Targeted Phone Spots
Samsung Spotlights the Galaxy S25 Ultra in its 'Recipe Ideas' Ad
Limited-Edition Chocolate Launches
Hershey’s Debuts Winter Games Tie-In On TikTok Shop
Dynamic Basketball-Informed Marketing Campaigns
March Madness' New Campaign Features NCAA Athletes
Customizable Triple-Texture Candies
Gummi Popz Target Tweens and Teens
Multi-Sensory Creative Toy Capsules
Crayola Has Announced a Range of New Creative Toys for 2026
Live Social Shopping Expansions
QVC® Announces New Brands That Will Join Its Roster in 2026
Rewards-Based Beauty Devices
Sephora Expanded its Rewards Catalog With High Tech Skincare Tools
Sun-Soaked Youthful Fashion Campaign
PACSUN Shoots Its Spring 2026 Capsule in Sun-Soaked Locations
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Arcade Game-Inspired Tween Fashion
Justice Unveills a Limited-Edition PAC-MAN Collection
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Experiential Student Activations
Just Eat's Hey U Up Campaign Coincides with Freshers’ Week
Sensorial Beauty Pop-Ups
The Pinterest x NYX Gimme Gummy Bar Entices Gen Z with ASMR & More
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
Connection-Centered Bag Campaigns
Kate Spade's Spark Something Beautiful Stars Gen Z Icons
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
Children-Focused Tech Lines
MyFirst Specializes in Technology Products for Children
Bold Beauty Campaigns
IPSY Reframes Beauty as a Hobby with the 'I Play Beauty' Campaign
Sci-Fi Series Shopping Experiences
Stranger Things 5 at Target Invites Fans into Hawkins
Interactive Treat Campaigns
DQ Canada Launches its Loyalty-Based 'Falling Treats' Campaign
Youth-Safe Skincare Hubs
Cult Beauty's Gen A–Z Hub Educates and Empowers Gen Alpha and Gen Z
Sensory ASMR-Style Toys
Incredible Group's Squishi Toys Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
Chinese Band-Supported Beauty Brands
Maybelline New York Partners with Teens in Times (TNT)
Gen Z Soda Campaigns
Enjoy the Moment with a Coca‑Cola Targets a Generation That Wants to Unplug
Virtual Beauty School Experiences
NYX is Taking Over Roblox's Bayside High School
Music Scene-Informed Luxury Campaigns
Burberry Taps Twiggy for Spring 2026 Advertising Campaign
Kid-Focused Packaging Updates
The Frubes Re-Launch Brings Interactive Fun to Lunchboxes
Mix-and-Match Candies
Juicy Drop MashUps Feature Sour Crunchy Candies for Wrapping in Sweet Sheets
Sensorial Soda Campaigns
Sprite's 'Hurts Real Good With Sprite' Targets Gen Z
Beauty Store Birthday Parties
Birthdays at Ulta Come with a Gift Bag Curated for Tweens and Teens
Brand-Influencer Collaboration Tools
Squad Debuts a New Sponsor Button on Famous Birthdays
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Enhanced Mobile Gaming Platforms
Samsung Showcased its New Gaming Hub at CES 2026
Social Commerce Integrations
Ulta Beauty Launches a Creator-Driven TikTok Shop
Culturally Inspired Fall-Ready Streetwear
BAPE Introduces its Connect with People Collection
Flea-Market-Inspired Brand Experiences
CASEKOO Hosted a DIY Experience in Beijing
Summer Camp-Inspired Travel Experiences
EF Ultimate Break Debuts Camp Ultimate, Targeting Gen Z
Redefining Screen-Free Cameras
Camp Snap Arrives at Target as a Mindful Disconnection
Toy-Inspired Music-Themed Workshops
The LEGO Group Launches Its Final Creativity Workshop of 2025
Limited-Edition Regional-Specific Snack Boxes
Tokyotreat Presents the Harajuku Snackventure Box
Cultural Newsletter Subscriptions
American Eagle Launches Gen Z-Focused 'Off The Cuff' Publication
Gaming-Inspired Apparel
Uniqlo Celebrates Honor of Kings’ 10th Anniversary with Graphic Tee Drop
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Holiday-Ready Toy Product Lilnes
Crayola Has Unveiled Its 2025 Holiday Product Lineup
Empowering Fashion Campaigns
Coach's Spring 2025 Campaign Celebrates Personal Time Management
Creator Economy-Focused Marketplaces
Teespring Marketplace Relaunches Under Parent Company Amaze
LDA Gen Z-Focused Delivery Apps
Instacart Launches a Dedicated App for Party Hosts
Throwback Grocery Campaigns
Economic Nostalgia Inspired Instacart's Summer Like It’s ‘99
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Spring-Themed Toy Collections
MGA Entertainment Emphasizes DIY Creativity, Surprises & Pastel Hues
Gamified Back-to-Campus Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' UO Haul Supports Gen Z Through Transition
Next-Gen Teen Magazines
WYouth is a New W Magazine Publication for Gen Z
Generational Unity Candy Campaigns
The M&M's It’s More Fun Together Campaign Encourages Bonding
Vibrant Cafeteria-Inspired Campaigns
Lunchtime Becomes a Joyous Time in 'The Lunchables Effect'
Screen-Free Toy Collections
Luki Lab Spotlights Six Products at the New York Toy Fair 2026
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Creator-Boosting Platform Features
The YouTube Hype Feature Boosts Smaller Creators in Explore
Social-Focused Childrens Games
Dragon Snacks Games' 'Solar Punk' Will Act as a Social Hub
Peer-Powered Gifting Initiatives
indu and SoPost Encourage Customers to Share Samples with Friends
Youth-Led Holiday Campaigns
Where are You Going? Showcases a Global Portrait of Young Creators
Branded Creativity-Focused Workshops
The LEGO Group Unveils Its 2025 Creativity Workshop Series
All-In-One Retailer Community Apps
Pacsun Debuts the PS Community Hub App
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Low-Cost Back-to-School Campaigns
Target Back-to-School-idays Offers Discounts Up to 30%
Annual International Toy Fairs
Spielwarenmesse is Running Its 75th Edition This Year
New Tech Product Announcements
Apple Unveiled New Products at a Recent Event
Indian Gen Z Beverage Campaigns
Coolberg Launches its 'No Rules, Just Cool' Campaign for Gen Z
Star-Studded Lip Gloss Campaigns
Lancôme Celebrates Juicy Tubes Legacy with Y2K with 'Kissing Web'
Social Video Beauty Brands
Time Inc. Unveils 'The Pretty' Social Video-Based Beauty Brand
Celebrity-Supported Luxe Fashion Campaigns
BOSS Taps Renowned Public Figures for Fall 2025
Colorful Youth Fashion Collections
Joe Fresh and Life at Home™ Have Partnered with Crayola
Social-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
Gaming-Inspired Food Partnerships
Nanak Foods and Nintendo of Canada Debut Their Collaboration
Vibrant Creativity Campaigns
Crayola Debuts its 'Creative Acts of Color' Initiative
Gen Z Media Agencies
Mediahuis Launches the Gen Z-Focused Creative Agency 72andSunny
In-Store Creator Commerce
Mac Cosmetics Turns Retail Employees into Live-Streaming Creators
All-Inclusive Pop Culture Trips
Klook Debuts a Campaign to Highlight ANZ's Top Asian Culture Fans
Focused Fashion Feeds
Clone Helps You Stay Updated with Fashion Trends Sustainably
Parental Social Media Alerts
This Instagram Alert Will Let Parents Know of Troubling Teen Searches
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Collectible Mini Cameras
The Photo Creator Mini Cam Lets Kids Snap Photos Without a Phone
Social Media Creator Initiatives
Snapchat Launches its Gen Z-Focused Creator Connect Service
Prideful Modernist Tech Collections
The Apple 2025 Pride Collection Marks Pride Month in Style
Cost-Effective Confectionery Items
World of Sweets Highlights Key Easter Trends Amid Rising Costs
Real-Time Nightlife Finders
HotSpot Discovers Trending Nightlife Spots With Real-Time Insights
Real-Time Sharing Apps
MomentsHub Lets You Discover And Share Nearby Experiences Instantly
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
Omnichannel Seasonal Support Campaigns
Bestway Wholesale Launches 'Buzz About the Sweetest Deals'
Toy Trading Platforms
Toy Trader App Lets Families Trade Toys, Clothes, and Gear Without Cash
Creativity-Focused Global Ambassador Programs
Crayola Creativity Week Begins with an Announcement
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Expansive Child Product Ranges
The Latest Target Baby Products Will Come in Many Options
Young Leaders-Focused Initiatives
Universities Organize the Global Campus Gen-Z Leaders Exchange
Youth-Targeted Finance Campaigns
Little Learners, Big Earners Teaches Money Basics to Gen Alpha
Halloween Season Candy Campaigns
World Business Chicago is Promoting Chicago-Based Candy
Interactive Traveler-Focused Campaigns
Tessan Will Spotlight the 100 Travelers Campaign
Gen Z-Focused Tech Initiatives
SJTU Welcomed Gen Z Students as Part to Discuss Tech
Interactive Holiday Games
Easter Quest 2025 Creates Digital Scavenger Hunts For Families
Teen Content Filters
Instagram Expands Age-Rated Experiences with Stricter Parental Controls
Festive Product Launch Events
Love Magenta announces a 10-day Christmas launch event
Esports Harm Prevention Programs
Ygam Launched a Mental Health Programme for Gaming Communities