392. YPulse. Predictions for 2026.
MaryLeigh Bliss
December 18, 2025
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In this episode, MaryLeigh Bliss, Chief Content Officer at YPulse, discusses the firm's 2026 predictions for Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and millennials will be doing, buying fueling and expecting in 2026.
YPulse's 2025 predictions proved accurate, including Gen Z fueling local offline experiences, livestream shopping breaking through via TikTok Shop with 120% sales growth, newsletter monetization expanding through platforms like Substack, and childhood franchises dominating pop culture with hits like Minecraft and Lilo & Stitch live action.
Key predictions for 2026:
Social media platforms have become entertainment hubs rather than connection spaces, with community migrating to hyper-focused apps like Letterboxd for films and Strava for fitness.
The nostalgia cycle is compressing dramatically, with Gen Z feeling nostalgic for events just two to seven years past rather than the traditional 15-20 year timeframe.
Fanfiction is entering a visual era through AI-generated alternate endings and virtual world creations in Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft with complex IP implications.
Virtual musicians are losing stigma, with K-pop Demon Hunters demonstrating mainstream acceptance of fictional performers alongside growing AI skepticism requiring transparency.
Gen Z will become AI detectives scrutinizing content authenticity, with 78% wanting warning messages on AI-generated social media posts despite 77% viewing AI positively overall.
Streaming-to-theater pipeline reversals could transform box office economics, with passionate fandom content creating limited release opportunities for streaming hits and artist-driven films.
Celebrity weddings, particularly Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's anticipated nuptials, will generate massive inspiration content and product dupes across dress, jewelry, and guest attire.
Hashtags are declining in relevance as Instagram tests three-hashtag limits and audio-based trend discovery replaces text-based organization.
Flow state seeking reflects desire for mindful concentration often away from devices despite persistent online engagement.
Economic anxiety drives "in this climate" responses to lavish wealth displays, with 56% lacking confidence in 2026 economic improvement though not necessarily triggering boycotts.
If you’d like to book a 30-minute call to talk with someone at YPulse click here. After the call, they will send you a free copy of their prediction trend report.
YPulse is the leading authority on Millennials and Gen Z: tweens, teens, college students and young adults. They provide strategic insight to companies and organizations via their subscription-based syndicated research content as well as their custom research and consulting services. Staffed with a cross-functional team of researchers, marketers, writers, and technologists, they give their clients a 360-degree view of what it’s like to be a Millennial or Gen Z today.
As Chief Content Officer, MaryLeigh Bliss oversees YPulse’s syndicated products. Her role also involves acting as a culture and youth insights expert, consulting with brands to identify actionable insights, align young consumer strategy, and layer generational and youth knowledge over data findings.
MaryLeigh has worked with a range of brands, including Facebook, Hampton, Bravo, HBO, Target, Best Buy, and Gap, and has been quoted as a youth insights authority by publications including The New York Times, Digiday, Business Insider, and Adweek. She has appeared as a Gen Z and Millennial expert on Bloomberg News, Fortune, and NPR Marketplace, and been a speaker at many off-sites and conferences. MaryLeigh’s interest in youth culture originated from her love of YA literature and pop culture anthropology, and she is continuing her passion for decoding and demystifying the next generations of consumers at YPulse.
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MaryLeigh Bliss
YPulse