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Marketing to Gen Alpha

Among the most important subjects in today's marketing scene, marketing to Generation Alpha has gained the stage. With forecasts of around 2 billion people by 2025, Gen Alpha, the group born between 2010 and 2024, is poised to be the biggest on record.

With an emerging economic footprint predicted to surge into the trillions, these young consumers, raised entirely in a digital world, present a unique opportunity for brands ready to connect with them online and harness their buying power.

Who Is Gen Alpha?

If you were born between 2010 and 2024, then you probably are Gen Alpha. It is a generation recognised not only for their numbers but also for their special relationship with technology. These kids are the first generation to grow up with tablets, smartphones, and smart devices as everyday tools in their lives.

Their early exposure to digital interfaces means that they interact with technology instinctively and develop expectations for seamless, interactive experiences from a very young age. Recent studies reveal that almost half of children between 6 and 11 have a social media account-despite platform age restrictions-and many are introduced to devices like iPads before their sixth birthday. 

This generation is growing faster than the previous one. They're skipping the usual stages that older groups go through. Because of this, they're being called "Mini Millennials." The way these kids act is similar to their parents' Millennial ways. This also affects the products these families decide to buy.

Why Is Gen Alpha So Brand-Obsessed?

Gen Alpha was born and grew up in a digital world. Brands and marketing catch their attention from a very young age. Almost 40-60% of social media channels are filled with influencers who share their favourite products, making brands feel like friendly companions in our daily lives. This early and regular interaction with branded content helps to quickly establish trust. Even though they're quite young, Gen Alpha doesn't often make purchasing decisions on their own. Their buying power is closely linked to what their Millennial parents prefer, who are becoming more discerning about quality and authenticity.

High-end products, in particular, serve as markers of status and reliability-a form of social currency that resonates with both the children and their families. With a skepticism toward imitations and a growing demand for genuine, well-known labels, Gen Alpha is learning early that the brands their parents trust are worth aspiring to.

What Brands Target Gen Alpha?

• Making technology that kids can use: Tech companies are making screens with simple controls that have fun learning features and entertainment that parents love and trust.

 • Redefining Packaging and Messaging: Lifestyle brands are changing their packaging to include bright, modern pictures that appeal to young people's tastes while still showing quality and values that appeal to Millennial parents.

 • Mixture of Digital and Real-Life Participation: Fun online games or contests, combine digital play with offline experience. Gen Alpha's like quick, fun interactions.

 • Customisation and co-creation: Businesses encourage Gen Alpha to customise things, which builds a sense of ownership and makes sure that new ideas reflect current trends by getting direct feedback from customers.

Gen Alpha vs. Gen Z

Although both the Alpha and Zed generations were born during the existence of intelligent technology, Alpha humans are more attracted to all things digital, and one of the reasons is the Covid. They were literally socialised online, so screens became their only window to the world. Any announcement of a new device is a real event for them, something they really wait for. Data shows that they have a stronger preference for the latest tech trends compared to Gen Z.

In addition to their tech-savvy nature, Gen Alpha shows a heightened awareness of social and environmental issues, likely influenced by the constant flow of global and social stories that fill the internet. Their expectations seem to be a bit higher compared to Gen Z, who are often seen as enjoying casual consumption and fun; their values lean more towards creativity and genuine connection on digital platforms.

What Platforms Are Gen Alpha On?

For Gen Alpha, digital platforms are not just venues for consumption-they’re spaces for creation and interaction. Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Minecraft, and Roblox serve as both content hubs and social meeting grounds, enabling them to share their creations and collaborate with peers. Gen Alpha spends hours watching short videos and engaging with interactive content every day. That's why YouTube stays as their favourite time-spending thing. The ability to both consume and contribute makes these platforms especially powerful, fostering an environment where young users feel deeply connected to the brands they interact with.

Market Approaches for "Alpha" People

To get their attention, there needs to be a strategy that aligns with their beliefs and views on digital. 

Here are some strategic ideas that work:

• Accept Trend-Driven Content: Keep on top of digital trends and newest fads. Using popular forms include short films, interactive challenges, and gamified experiences, brands should design campaigns that seem contemporary and relevant.

• Maximise for interactivity: Gen Alpha prefers involvement above passive consumption. Clickable materials, interactive advertisements, and even virtual try-ons may transform an ordinary advertisement into an engaging experience calling for interaction.

• Use influencers: Quotes and influencer-generated content can built trust and an emotional connection.

• Make sure every digital contact point is seamless and understandable. Whether it's a website, social media campaign, or app, emphasise user-friendly interfaces that give the quick satisfaction this generation needs.

• Compliance with social values: Alpha Generation people care deeply about ethical values, the environment, and personal space. Based on this, you can gain their trust by creating relevant content and showing commitment to the same values.

With projections indicating massive growth and economic influence over the coming years, this cohort offers an unprecedented opportunity for brands willing to invest in long-term relationships. By recognising that Gen Alpha is the first fully digital generation-with distinct expectations for interactivity, authenticity, and social responsibility-brands can craft innovative, engaging campaigns that resonate with both young consumers and their Millennial parents. The key is to be authentic, trend-aware, and relentlessly focused on creating engaging digital experiences. Start connecting with Gen Alpha today, and secure your brand’s place in the future of consumer culture.

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Rene from BlackRock

Rene

Director, Global Marketing Insights at BlackRock