Gen Z’s New Media Era: How Friendship and Animation Are Changing Digital Media Trends in 2025

For a long time, many believed teens had moved on from TV and movies, glued only to social media. But new research shows a different picture: Gen Z and Gen Alpha are not only engaging with traditional content—they are transforming it. Today’s digital media trends show these young viewers value real-life stories, friendships and creative animation more than ever before.

Long-Form Stories Still Matter

Despite the rise of short-form video, 57% of Gen Z say they watch more movies and TV than adults realize and 53% prefer discussing these stories with friends over chatting about social media. Watching and talking about movies and shows remains central to their friendships and identity, demonstrating that traditional content still has a vital role in digital media trends.

Realism is What Teens Want

A major shift in digital media trends is Gen Z’s demand for realistic, relatable stories. In 2025, there’s a clear preference for characters and plotlines that reflect real life—this was up by more than 35% from last year. Whether it’s live-action or animation, today’s youth want to see themselves and their experiences onscreen, inspiring studios to create more authentic, true-to-life content.

Friendship Leads the Way

Another strong message from Gen Z: they are done with forced romance in stories. Almost 60% of teens want to see deeper friendships on screen and most teens prefer narratives that keep relationships platonic and honest. These new values are driving creators to rethink how they build characters and emotional arcs, making strong, supportive bonds the heart of new media.

Why Animation Is Booming

No part of digital media trends in 2025 is growing faster than animation. Nearly half (48.5%) of adolescents now prefer animated content, up from 42% last year and this love for animation spans ages, backgrounds and genders. Animated stories are praised for their creative freedom—they can deliver everything from silly humor to powerful coming-of-age tales. Animated content is also ideal for mobile-first audiences, with 58% of animated videos viewed on mobile platforms. Studios see animation as the best way to meet young people’s demands for variety, fun and real emotion.

New Platforms, New Community

Gen Z is flexible about where they watch. About 80% stream TV and movies on platforms like YouTube or TikTok and nearly half use their phones or laptops instead of a television set. Games now play a big role too, with 88% saying gaming helps them build friendships. These shifts reflect the direction of digital media trends: more social, more portable and always about connection.

Animation Studios Shaping the Future

Animation studios have a vital role in this new era. By following digital media trends, they are making content designed for all the ways young people watch—TV, streaming, mobile and even gaming. Teams are mixing 2D, 3D and hybrid animation, constantly adapting to what viewers want to see and how they want to see it.

Prayan Animation: Leading with Creativity

As these trends grow, Prayan Animation is setting the pace. Known for global excellence in 2D, 3D and mixed-media animation, Prayan focuses on stories about friendship, identity and everyday life for audiences in the USA, UK, UAE and beyond. With an ear to the ground on the latest digital media trends, Prayan Animation helps brands, educators and storytellers make deeper connections with Gen Z, delivering visuals that are real, diverse and memorable.

FAQ’s