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
Ephemeral App Fashion Shows
adidas' Fashion 5 Ways Snapchat Shows Links to a Shoppable Experience
18
Cartoon Vlogger Influencers
Sanrio's Hello Kitty Just Got an Incredibly Adorable YouTube Channel
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 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
Early Autumnal Chocolate Products
These Mars Chocolate Products are Arriving for Summerween
Youth-Focused Luxury Fashion Platforms
&Coach is a New Fashion Platform by Coach, Focused on Gen Z
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
Experiential Multisensory Pop-Ups
Pleasing's Immersive PleasingLand Includes a “Scent Arcade”
Creative Retail Competitions
Bricks & Minifigs Launches LEGO Clock Design Contest
Friendship-Inspired Candies
SOUR PATCH KIDS Creates Connected Candies for Besties
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
AR-Powered Makeup Experiences
NYX Professional Makeup Beauty Bestie 2.0 is Available on Snapchat
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
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
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
Next-Gen Jelly Bean Campaigns
Jelly Belly Bean Appétit Entices a New Generation of Fans
Fashion-Inspired Food Marketing
Magnum Blends Beauty, Music and Luxury Culture into Its Brand
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
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
New York Streetwear Collections
Gap and Awake NY Launch a 90s-Inspired NYC Culture Capsule
Dynamic Scent-Inspired Fashion Presentations
Startup Fashion Week 2026 Concluded Its Program
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
Limited-Edition Chocolate Launches
Hershey’s Debuts Winter Games Tie-In On TikTok Shop
Live Social Shopping Expansions
QVC® Announces New Brands That Will Join Its Roster in 2026
Multi-Sensory Creative Toy Capsules
Crayola Has Announced a Range of New Creative Toys for 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
Pop Culture Chocolate Products
These New Kinder Products Embrace Collaborations
Sensory Retail Experiences
Claire’s Launches ASMR-Inspired Stores for Gen Alpha Shoppers
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Entertainment-Powered Retail Experiences
AT&T Brings Toy Story 5 to Interactive Store Activations
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
Summer-Forward Tech Accessories
'CASETiFY Resort: Hot and Unbothered' Embraces Coordination
Next-Gen Teen Magazines
WYouth is a New W Magazine Publication for Gen Z
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
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
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
Absurd Gummy Ads
Skittles Gummies' "Uncomfortably Soft" Ads Were Shot Without AI and CGI
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)
Playable Brand Universes
adidas and Brawl Stars Connect Gaming, Apparel and Live Fan Experiences
Gen Z-Targeted Wine Campaigns
The I heart kinda Summer Campaign is Launching Soon
Music Scene-Informed Luxury Campaigns
Burberry Taps Twiggy for Spring 2026 Advertising Campaign
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Sensorial Soda Campaigns
Sprite's 'Hurts Real Good With Sprite' Targets Gen Z
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Beauty Store Birthday Parties
Birthdays at Ulta Come with a Gift Bag Curated for Tweens and Teens
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Collectible Fandom Packaging
Spider-Man-Themed Takis Bags Turn Snacks into Fan Collectibles
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
Streetwear Collector Events
VANDYTHEPINK Pop-Up Offers Exclusive Apparel and Trading Cards
Sensory Summer Shop Activations
Claire’s Launches Its A Girl SMR at Claire’s Campaign
Entrepreneurship Adventure Platforms
Lemonade Lab Lets Kid-Run Businesses Accept Tap Payments
Social Commerce Integrations
Ulta Beauty Launches a Creator-Driven TikTok Shop
Gamified Snack Packaging
Hershey’s Released Pokémon Chocolates with 151 Collectible Foil Designs
AI Beauty Apps
Refresh App Combines Hair, Makeup and Styling in One AI Platform
Culturally Inspired Fall-Ready Streetwear
BAPE Introduces its Connect with People Collection
Summer Camp-Inspired Travel Experiences
EF Ultimate Break Debuts Camp Ultimate, Targeting Gen Z
Social Commerce Supplements
youtheory Expands Wellness Sales Through TikTok Shop
Livestreamed Travel Campaigns
IShowSpeed and Expedia are Engaging and Inspiring Gen Z Travelers
Redefining Screen-Free Cameras
Camp Snap Arrives at Target as a Mindful Disconnection
RGB-Themed Pop-Up Activations
Hisense Debuted a Pop-Up FIFA Activation at Hudson Yard
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
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Social-First Gameshows
This Year's Walkers' Do Us a Flavour Campaign Was Reimagined for TikTok
Throwback Grocery Campaigns
Economic Nostalgia Inspired Instacart's Summer Like It’s ‘99
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Play-Based Family Campaigns
Pirate's Booty Encourages Screen-Free Family Adventures
Social-First Retail Commerce
Shoezone expands TikTok Shop through creator-led shopping
back-to-school retail campaigns
Target rolls out its back-to-school & back-to-college campaigns
Sports Lifestyle Retail
Nordstrom Blends World Cup Fashion with Immersive Pop-Ups
Vibrant Cafeteria-Inspired Campaigns
Lunchtime Becomes a Joyous Time in 'The Lunchables Effect'
Creator-Boosting Platform Features
The YouTube Hype Feature Boosts Smaller Creators in Explore
Reimagined Creative Campaigns
Marc Jacobs Dropped its '26 Summer Campaign and New Visual Identity
Youth-Led Holiday Campaigns
Where are You Going? Showcases a Global Portrait of Young Creators
Content Creator Partnership Programs
The Target Creator Programs Build on the #TargetRun Legacy
All-In-One Retailer Community Apps
Pacsun Debuts the PS Community Hub App
Anti-Screen Summer Social Events
Eventbrite Presents 'The Offline Summer' Initiative
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Social Travel Booking Platforms
TikTok GO Turns Creator Travel Videos Into Bookable Trips
Self-Expression Retail Campaigns
Tillys Marked Ten Months of Its Discover Your Style Campaign
Low-Cost Back-to-School Campaigns
Target Back-to-School-idays Offers Discounts Up to 30%
Fandom Retail Experiences
TOUS les JOURS Transforms Bakery Cafés into BTS Fan Destinations
Soccer-Themed Entertainment Events
Sky Zone Turns Global Soccer Excitement into Active Play
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
Teen Equity Initiatives
Evereden's Generation E Granted Equity to Three Gen Alpha Creators
Social-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
Interactive Themed Educational Boxes
Enlightened Generation’s Themed Boxes Serve Children
Vibrant Creativity Campaigns
Crayola Debuts its 'Creative Acts of Color' Initiative
In-Store Creator Commerce
Mac Cosmetics Turns Retail Employees into Live-Streaming Creators
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
Parental AI Insights Features
Meta Launches Its Insights Tab For Meta AI
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Collectible Mini Cameras
The Photo Creator Mini Cam Lets Kids Snap Photos Without a Phone
Luxury Learning Rewards
Education Couture Rewards Summer Reading with Premium Apparel
Anti-Algorithm Back-to-School Campaigns
Journeys' Turn It Up Activates Self-Discovery in Gen Z
Pop-Up Mini Malls
The Disney+ Hulu Throwbacks Mini Mall Revisits 90s & Y2K Classics
Experiential Candy Promotions
Swizzels and Day Out With The Kids Partnered in the UK
Social-to-Outdoor Campaigns
Tribesigns Extends TikTok's Super Wish Campaign to Times Square
Hybrid Beauty Discovery
Ulta Beauty Finds Gen Alpha Blends AI Tools with In-Store Shopping
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Cost-Effective Confectionery Items
World of Sweets Highlights Key Easter Trends Amid Rising Costs
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
Branded Social Impact Initiatives
Youth To The People Unveils the Community To The People Program
Omnichannel Seasonal Support Campaigns
Bestway Wholesale Launches 'Buzz About the Sweetest Deals'
Online Grocer-Led Cooking Shows
This Waitrose YouTube Series Targets Gen Z Shoppers
Creativity-Focused Global Ambassador Programs
Crayola Creativity Week Begins with an Announcement
Halloween Season Candy Campaigns
World Business Chicago is Promoting Chicago-Based Candy
Gen Z-Focused Tech Initiatives
SJTU Welcomed Gen Z Students as Part to Discuss Tech
Interactive Traveler-Focused Campaigns
Tessan Will Spotlight the 100 Travelers Campaign
Interactive Holiday Games
Easter Quest 2025 Creates Digital Scavenger Hunts For Families
Streaming-Inspired Toy Lines
Moose Toys Expands Netflix Stories Into Toy Collections
Teen Content Filters
Instagram Expands Age-Rated Experiences with Stricter Parental Controls
Community Fashion Events
Free People Hosts a Charitable Summer Gathering with Film and Activities
Adaptive Notification Systems
YouTube Filters Push Alerts Based on Recent User Engagement
Social Entertainment Apps
BuzzWheel Turns Group Gatherings Into Interactive Challenge Experiences
Nostalgic School-Themed Retail Campaigns
Shops at Skyview Brings Back Skyview High Summer School