# Youth-Targeted Burger Burger chains project youthfulness with viral-worthy publicity stunts. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published May 22, 2018 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/youthtargeted-burger ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Youth-Targeted Burger trend? **Youth-Targeted Burger:** Following in the same vein as fast pizza chains, burger brands are pursuing viral status with campaigns that play up Millennial and Gen Z interests such as coveted sneaker releases and tech-enabled custom ordering. This shift highlights the youthful nature of successful QSR branding and the resonant power of connecting authentically with discerning Millennial and Gen Z consumers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 13, 2017 to May 22, 2018 - Published: May 22, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Youth-Targeted Burger trend ### Personalized Fast Food Fast food chains are utilizing social media and gaming to offer customized burgers and deals via Instagram Stories and in-game services, tapping into millennial and Gen Z's tech-savvy preferences. ### Fashion-Fast Food Crossover Fashion brands such as Uniqlo and Allbirds incorporating popular fast food chains like McDonald's and Shake Shack, creating burger-themed sneakers or clothing to appeal to younger consumers. ### Green Initiatives Brands are incorporating sustainable and recycled materials for their products, such as Allbirds using eucalyptus trees for fabric, or Shake Shack creating compostable burger wrappers, catering to environmentally conscious consumers. ## What the Youth-Targeted Burger trend means for industry ### For Fast Food & QSR Industry Industry professionals can embrace personalized experiences and unconventional marketing methods to appeal to younger generations that prioritize authenticity and social media engagement. ### For Fashion Industry Fashion houses can leverage partnership opportunities with fast food brands to capitalize on the Millennial and Gen Z's interest in streetwear and fast food culture, creating memorable crossover products that cater to eco-friendly and style-conscious consumers. ### For Sustainability Industry Companies providing eco-friendly products can partner with fast food giant brands and promote their services by embracing environmentally conscious practices, which will cater to growing eco-consciousness and consumer preference for sustainable materials. ## Workshop question How can your brand court millennial consumers by adopting youthful fads to create viral-worthy campaigns? ## Trend signals for Youth-Targeted Burger Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 88%, activity 73%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 88% - Activity: 73% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Youth-Targeted Burger trend 6 featured examples from Sep 13, 2017 to May 22, 2018. - [Grease-Resistant Burger Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warm-throughout-winter): The Burger Jacket Keeps You and Your Food Warm Throughout Winter (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fashion retail industry can tap into the trend of customized insulated jackets by offering a range of personalized options and designs. - [Collectible Fast Food T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-macs-50th-anniversary): Uniqlo and McDonald's are Celebrating Big Mac's 50th Anniversary (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Collaborating with fast food chains to create unique and nostalgic clothing lines can be a way to attract a new customer base and differentiate from competitors. - [Burger-Inspired Soda Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anniversary-can): DPZ&T Created an Anniversary Can for McDonald's Iconic Big Mac (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can use limited-edition packaging and collaborations to create buzz, generate excitement, and engage with their customers. - [Sustainable Burger-Themed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burgerthemed-sneakers): Allbirds & Shake Shack Teamed Up to Create a New Pair of Kicks (Category: Fashion) Implication: The Allbirds x Shake Shack collaboration in the form of burger-themed sneakers merges fashion and fast food, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities for both industries. - [Social Media Burger Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customize-your-own-burger): Burger King Lets You Customize Your Own Burger Via Instagram (Category: Marketing) Implication: The fast food industry can use social media and technology to offer personalized meal options and innovative, customer-focused promotions that resonate with consumers. - [In-Game Burger-Ordering Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burgerclan): Burger King's #BurgerClan Helps eSports Players Place Orders (Category: Tech) Implication: Fast food chains, like Burger King, can benefit from integrating their services into gaming platforms, further reaching their target audience and increasing sales. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)