<!-- canonical: https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/gen-z-employment -->
<!-- robots: noindex -->

# Monetized Recreation
Gen Z consumers are turning their creative hobbies into job opportunities.

By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Aug 11, 2022 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/gen-z-employment

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 4.3/10
- Evidence articles: 7

## What is the Monetized Recreation trend?

**Monetized Recreation:** Known as being highly creative and tech-savvy, Gen Z consumers are increasingly likely (and able) to monetize their creative and recreational hobbies. This generational quality is being made more accessible with platforms that help them learn about and ultimately monetize their passions.

## The consumer insight behind the Monetized Recreation trend

Having been raised at a time when the Internet and social media became part of people's everyday lives, Gen Z is collectively more savvy and creative in the world of digital interactions than preceding generations. This fact, coupled with this generation's disillusionment about the state of the global economy and traditional workplace cultures, has resulted in them prioritizing the monetization of the very digital habits that they were raised to be so passionate about.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 7 featured examples
- Articles from: Jul 28, 2021 to Mar 10, 2023
- Published: Aug 11, 2022
- Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence)
- Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many)

## Audience

- Gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Themes within the Monetized Recreation trend

### Monetization of Hobbies and Passions

Gen Z is increasingly likely to monetize their creative and recreational hobbies with the help of platforms that connect them to audiences and offer monetization opportunities.

### In-App Monetization through Digital Currency

Apps are increasingly looking to monetize through in-app digital currencies, such as Yubo's Pixel Reward Program, which allows users to buy and send digital collectible images with monetary value to content creators.

### Gamification of Donations and Tipping

The gamification of donations and tipping, such as through Yubo's Pixel Reward Program or Twitch's tipping system, creates a more engaging and fun experience for users while also benefiting content creators financially.

## What the Monetized Recreation trend means for industry

### For Social Media and Content Platforms

Companies in this industry have a major opportunity to tap into Gen Z's desire to monetize their passions and hobbies by offering platforms that provide monetization opportunities and allow for the creation and sharing of engaging content.

### For Digital Currency and FinTech

Companies in this industry can take advantage of the growing trend of in-app monetization through digital currency by developing innovative solutions and platforms for buying, selling, and using these currencies within apps.

### For E-Sports and Gaming

The e-sports and gaming industry can benefit from the rise of educational courses related to gaming, such as those offered by the IESF and NASEF, by tapping into the growing demand for formal training and education in this field.

## Workshop question

How could your brand better cater to Gen Z's sense of creativity and/or tech-savviness?

## Trend signals for Monetized Recreation

Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 45%, freshness 15%.

- Popularity: 68%
- Activity: 45%
- Freshness: 15%

## Examples of the Monetized Recreation trend

7 featured examples from Jul 28, 2021 to Mar 10, 2023.

- [Social Live Streaming Applications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktok-live-stream): TikTok is Launching a Monetizable Live Streaming Service (Category: Tech)
  Implication: The development of monetizable live streaming services is set to shape the social media industry, with profitability becoming a core factor for content creators.
- [AI-Powered Course Creators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-creator-hub): Kajabi's AI Creator Hub Simplifies the Whole Course Creation Process (Category: Tech)
  Implication: AI-generated course content can revolutionize the way educational institutions create and distribute courses, disrupting traditional methods of course creation.
- [Gen Z-Targeted Creator Applications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixel-reward-program): Yubo Has Debuted the Pixel Reward Program to Pay Its Creators (Category: Tech)
  Implication: Developers should explore new tools for monetizing apps, attracting engaged audiences, and incentivizing user-generated content.
- [Educational Esports-Focused Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iesf): The IESF and NASEF Launch an Online Series of Esports Courses (Category: Tech)
  Implication: Educational institutions can incorporate esports-related courses into their curricula, keeping up with the rising demand for knowledgeable esports professionals.
- [Creator-Based Marketing Opportunities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/branded-mission): TikTok Announces its Branded Mission Ad Product for Creators (Category: Marketing)
  Implication: Branded Mission offers a new way for social media marketers to connect with content creators and promote their products/services through sponsored campaigns.
- [Expressive Styling Communities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/express-community-commerce): Express Community Commerce Lets Users Style & Earn Commission (Category: Fashion)
  Implication: Creating opportunities for styling enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to build a career or side hustle in the fashion industry.
- [Dream Job Camping Contest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dream-job-camping): SleepJunkie Will Pay Fans $1,500 to Go Camping for its New Study (Category: Marketing)
  Implication: Companies in the outdoor recreation industry can optimize their products and services to cater to the sleep needs of their customers.

## Recent trend clusters

- [Escalation Logic](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-triage-assistants) (Tech)
- [Reply Surfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/conversational-interface-design) (Tech)
- [Permission Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-permission-controls) (Tech)
- [Gentle Diagnostics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/home-heart-screening) (Lifestyle)

## Trending in Tech

- [Budget Tough-Screen Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/budget-tough-screen-phones)
- [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors)
- [Modular CMF Bluetooth Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-cmf-bluetooth-speakers)
- [Premium Robotic Cleaning Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-cleaning-system)

All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)
