# Tween Targeting The market (be)tween children and teenagers is hotter than ever. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Nov 12, 2007, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/tween-targeting-the-market-between-children-and-teenagers-is-hotter-than-ev ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.9/10 - Evidence articles: 11 ## What is the Tween Targeting trend? **Tween Targeting:** Description - Almost every tween marketing article we’ve posted has soared in popularity. More interesting is the fact that this demographic has entire virtual worlds being created for them. Sites like Barbie Girls, Webkinz and Club Penguin are huge with the tween audience. Overall, Bebo (not shown) has been the most successful social network for this demographic. Implications - Marketers who reach tweens in these new worlds are teaching them to become brand conscious at a very young age. The sophistication of these virtual worlds allows for brand interaction and targeting that far surpasses that of television. Brands that want to reach tweens will need to stay plugged in to the development of these worlds. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 11 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 12, 2007 to Jun 25, 2009 - Published: Nov 12, 2007 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Tween Targeting trend ### Virtual Tween Worlds Virtual-reality gaming for tweens could be the next big gold mine, as it showcases high brand interaction and targeting surpassing that of television. ### Tweens in Virtual Marketing The sophistication of virtual worlds that allow for brand interaction and targeting far surpasses that of TV, showcasing opportunities for successful and responsible engagements. ### Tweens' Awareness and Eco Designing Tween minds show an increasing need for considering sustainability and global needs, leading to innovative eco-initiatives such as building a homeless shelter from recycled packing products. ## What the Tween Targeting trend means for industry ### For Gaming and Entertainment Industries can explore the integration of sophisticated brand targeting and interaction within virtual games and worlds to reach more young audiences, and break the barriers of potentially intrusive advertising tactics. ### For Fashion and Design Initiatives to create more eco-friendly products can be inspired by pre-teen designers showcasing sustainable options through recycling materials and products. ### For Beauty and Lifestyle By being aware of the needs of an over-stimulated young generation, businesses can leverage trends like Budclicks and create safe spaces for young girls to relate and feel comfortable with themselves. ## Trend signals for Tween Targeting Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 79%, activity 91%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 79% - Activity: 91% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Tween Targeting trend 11 featured examples from Apr 12, 2007 to Jun 25, 2009. - [Vampire Barbies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twilight-barbies): Twilight Dolls Replicate Robert Pattison and Kristen Stewart (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: A chance for toy manufacturing companies to capitalize on the growing demand for movie and celebrity-inspired dolls. - [Disney Idol Fashion Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanna-montana-collection-disney-pursues-tween-shoppers): The Hannah Montana Clothing Collection Targets Tween Shopping (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Fashion industry can tap into the growing demand for trendy and age-appropriate clothing for tween girls. - [Digitized Animal Interaction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/webkinz-virtual-world-for-tweens): Toy Company Ganz Introduces Webkinz, the Virutal World for Kids (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by integrating digital gaming features and creating interactive toys that connect to online platforms. - [Virtual Paper Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dress-up-the-olsen-twins-paris-hilton-and-john-travolta-virtual-paper-dolls): Dress Up The Olsens, Paris, John Travolta (Category: Celebs) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity to create new online gaming experiences that combine fashion, virtual dolls, and celebrity elements to attract a younger demographic. - [Preteen Street Artists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/precocious-graffiter-10-years-old-solveig-is-said-to-be-the-female-banksy): 10-Year-Old Solveig is Hailed as the “Female Banksy” (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The art and design industry can tap into the creativity and fresh perspectives of young street artists to create innovative and unique artworks. - [Virtual Worlds For Tweens 2](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/club-penguin-e-buddies-for-tweens): Club Penguin (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The entertainment industry can tap into the trend of virtual worlds for tweens by creating engaging and interactive content that appeals to this demographic. - [Supermodel Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heidi-klum-barbie): Heidi Klum Barbie Sports a Hot Pink Sparkly Disco Dress (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can capitalize on the trend of humanized dolls and celebrity-inspired toys by creating customizable and fashionable dolls that cater to a wider range of consumers. - [Earbuds for Tweens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funky-ipod-earphone-charms): Budclicks (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Companies in the consumer electronics industry could create their own line of customizable earbud accessories, like Budclicks. - [Tweenriffic Male Stars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tween-market-kelly-blatz-disney-nickelodeon): Grooming Hollywood Preteens To Appeal to Young Boys (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Entertainment companies can tap into the potential of the underserved tween male market by creating content and products tailored to their interests, such as TV shows, movies, vid… - [Preteen Eco Designers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-design-12-year-olds-build-homeless-dome): 12-Year-Old Designs 'Home Dome' From Recycled Products (Category: Eco) Implication: An industry that can explore the use of recycled materials in architectural design and construction. - [Tweenebe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tweenebe): Parents Inspired by the Carefree Life of Tweens (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The entertainment industry can capitalize on the trend of parents enjoying family-oriented activities and create new entertainment options for families. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)