Generation Z is the first group born and raised in a fast-evolving digital ecosystem. Its representatives don’t know what life without smartphones and instant Internet access is like. People born between 1997 and 2012 are redefining the entertainment world by clearly outlining their values, goals, and demands. Gen Z consumes content differently, creating multiple opportunities and challenges for the industry.
A New Era of Gambling: Transforming the iGaming Sector
Traditional forms of gambling, including brick-and-mortar casinos and mainstream sports wagering opportunities, are accessible in the 2020s, but Gen Z representatives are no longer excited about standard options. Instead, they opt for innovative alternatives. Blockchain-powered online bookmakers, as well as poker games outside GamStop, with enhanced personalisation and flexible betting options, are becoming increasingly popular. Fantasy leagues and eSports predictions are also in high demand.
The line between gambling and gaming is already blurred, as users want deep narratives, combined with dynamic experiences. Gen Z doesn’t spend hours in front of their devices, so quick sessions are their main priority. iGaming companies are forced to adapt to consumer preferences by integrating the latest technologies. It’s hard to imagine modern digital casinos without AI, chance-based mechanics, and microtransactions. These trends are projected to develop further.
The Rise of Short-Form Content
With the quick development of social networks, Gen Z representatives opt for quick-accessible content and bite-sized entertainment. Short videos on TikTok and Instagram are increasingly popular, as they deliver immediate value. Personalisation technologies are on the rise here, as users are inspired by the opportunity to get what they need without searching manually. For youngsters, entertainment is not limited to watching a two-hour movie, as they can get more through scrolling their feed.
Streaming over Traditional TV
Streaming services have been on the rise for many years, and Generation Z has boosted this demand. Users don’t want to watch programs at fixed hours, instead selecting on-demand content. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have never been as popular as they are now, establishing themselves as a standard for the 2020s. Gen Z prefers convenience and accessibility, which changes the entire industry’s approach. Currently, new movies are released in cinemas and streaming sites simultaneously, eliminating the need to leave home to consume freshly created content.
Social Networks for Entertainment
Several years ago, platforms like Facebook or X used to be tools for communication. The landscape has changed as Gen Z has grown: users turned these resources into full-fledged entertainment opportunities. Algorithms are highly personalised and provide viewers with the content they need, making the pastime more engaging.
According to reports, over 68% of Gen Zers enjoy social media for entertainment purposes, and only 19% use it solely as a messenger. Following this trend, individual creators are becoming more popular than influencers and even Hollywood celebrities. Entertainment has become increasingly decentralised, and Gen Z has significantly influenced this update. Before, several major content providers controlled what was released, but in 2025, algorithms and social interest drive what is in demand.
A Boom in User-Generated Content
In the previous decades, users used to seek polished content with the traditional celebrity culture and glamorous production. It allowed followers to witness the luxury world that felt unreachable for ordinary people. Instead, user-generated, unpolished content is the top choice for Generation Z. They are more likely to follow YouTube streamers or Instagram influencers who look more relatable.
Many brands have already understood the role of creator-driven platforms and promote their goods and services through such means. Simpler content like “a day of my life” is more familiar to consumers, so they are more likely to enjoy it in the long run.
A Focus on Interactive, Immersive Experiences
Entertainment is no longer a passive activity, and Generation Z searches for higher immersion. Playing multiplayer games and attending virtual concerts is more popular than simply watching a movie on Netflix. Gaming is a perfect example here. Previously, players spent time in isolation, and achieving their personal goals was their main priority. In the 2020s, this entertainment is community-driven.
Gen Zers engage with like-minded people, form groups, and enjoy storytelling together. Games are becoming social platforms where users can maintain social connections and even create relationships based on trust and similar interests. AR and VR technologies are the major innovations changing how users consume content. Now, there’s no need to travel across the world to visit a special place, as it’s enough to wear a headset and live the story from the comfort of your home.
The Final Word
Generation Z continues to transform the entertainment sector: these users don’t settle for less and highlight their demands clearly. Personalisation, fast content, immersive experiences, and on-demand content are among the main priorities in 2025. Gen Zers are reshaping the gambling and gaming sectors, at the same time focusing on social media as an entertainment source and selecting user-generated posts. Technological advancements continue, forcing service providers to adapt to modern requirements and be ready to respond to upcoming changes quickly.
