How to win over Gen Z viewers according to creators
Aug 13, 2025 – [[read-time]] minute read
Gone are the days when viewers would simply watch content on YouTube. Gen Z, the first digitally native generation, is here to redefine how audiences engage with content. From real-time polls to conversational livestreams, the next generation is pioneering new ways to bridge the digital distance between themselves and their audiences.
And who better to explain this shift than the creators leading it? We sat down with three Gen Z creators to get their perspective on how they're building authentic communities and truly connecting with their peers.
Ngân Đây Channel
Beyond just subscriber count, how do you personally define "engagement" for your community?
In my opinion, engagement isn't about numbers – it's about feeling. It's the feeling I get when I upload a video and someone comments: "My skin is exactly like yours before, and now I am trying to follow the routine as your suggestion". When people message me, telling me how their skin is improving, sharing photos, and expressing their confidence. That's the time I know: ah, the content I'm making is truly reaching someone.
For me, engagement is when viewers not only watch and scroll past, but also they stay, they listen, and they feel like they're a part of the journey I'm on.
What are some unconventional or unique ways you’ve encouraged your community to interact with your content and with each other, beyond just comments and likes?
I often create "mini give away" in the form of games – I offer experiential gifts to my fans after they've watched the entire video and participated in the mini-games I've created and I'll prepare small gifts for them. These mini-games help me interact with viewers really well.
Additionally, I often ask people to send photos, stories, or questions via Instagram or email so I can compile them. Then, I create response videos, kind of like an "anonymous group chat." It's familiar and helps everyone learn from each other's experiences without any judgment.
What's your favorite YouTube feature for growing and engaging your community?
I absolutely like the Community Tab. Thanks to it, I can chat with everyone every day, even when I'm not uploading new videos. I use it to check in, post behind-the-scenes photos, create polls for the next content idea, or simply have a casual chat with my audience.
And I also follow YouTube Analytics very closely to understand which videos truly resonate with viewers and keep them engaged. So I can create content that's more engaged with their needs.
Rah Gadget
What do you believe Gen Z expects from an online community or creator that might be different from what older generations expect?
I think Gen Z doesn’t just want to follow a creator, they want to feel like they’re part of something. Unlike older generations who might be comfortable as passive viewers, Gen Z expects two-way interaction. They want creators who actually reply to comments, ask for their input, and sometimes even build content with them. They don't just follow personalities, they follow values and vibes. And when they find a creator whose voice feels genuine and familiar, that’s when the real engagement happens.
What's your favorite YouTube feature (community tab, remix, analytics, etc.) for growing and engaging your community?
YouTube Shopping is a game-changer. It gives me real insight into what my audience is actually buying, not just what they’re watching. That feedback loop helps me prioritize what products to review next, based on real needs, not just trends.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new Gen Z creator looking to build a truly engaged community on YouTube, what would it be?
Build credibility and protect it like your channel depends on it. No matter what niche you're in, if people can't trust what you say, they'll scroll and never come back. For me, that means double-checking every spec, making sure every recommendation is based on real-life usage, and being honest when something isn’t great.
Especially in the tech space, viewers are smart. They don’t just want hype, they want truth. Once they know you're someone they can rely on, they'll listen, engage, and even recommend your content to others. So before you chase virality, chase credibility. Because that’s what turns passive viewers into loyal believers and eventually, into a real community
Jennie MJ
Beyond just subscriber count, how do you personally define "engagement" for your community?
Engagement is about creating a connection with my audience. It's when they feel like they're part of a community, not just a viewer. So I'll ask them to share their thoughts and emotions in the comments and I'll reply to it, to increase my engagement and connection with them.
What do you believe Gen Z expects from an online community or creator that might be different from what older generations expect?
Gen Z expects online communities to be authentic, interactive, and visually engaging. They want to feel like they're part of a community, not just consumers of content. They also expect creators to be vulnerable, honest, and transparent.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new Gen Z creator looking to build a truly engaged community on YouTube, what would it be?
My advice would be to focus on authenticity and consistency. Be true to yourself and your audience, and regularly post quality content that resonates with them. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and show them that you value their feedback and participation.