Top 10 Apps Every Gen Z and Millenial Can't Leave without in 2025
Generation Z and Millennials are changing how we shop and interact online. By 2025, Gen Z will spend $12 trillion globally, showing their economic power1. They love using mobile devices for everything, with 95% of Gen Z in the U.S. having a smartphone1. Their main goals include making money, having fun, and taking care of their health and relationships.
This article looks at the top 10 apps that Gen Z and Millennials will need in 2025. These apps will help them stay connected, entertained, and on top of their finances and health. They will be the go-to apps for these generations in the future.
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Key Takeaways:
- Gen Z and Millennials are a big part of the global market, with Gen Z making up 26% of the world's population and 40% of global consumers.
- Digital connection is key for these generations, with 97% of Gen Z using social media daily and 95% having smartphones.
- Brands need to be authentic and personal to appeal to Gen Z and Millennials, with 82% of Gen Z trusting ads that show real customers.
- These generations have different ways of communicating, with Gen Z preferring instant messaging and Millennials liking email or face-to-face talks.
- Health and wellness are top priorities for Gen Z and Millennials, with 60% of Gen Z valuing a healthy lifestyle over other things.
Understanding Gen Z's Digital Landscape in 2025
Generation Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, is changing the tech world. By 2025, they will lead in solving problems and creating new ideas2.
The Rise of Digital Natives
Gen Z grew up with smartphones and social media. They have instant access to information. With 95% owning a smartphone3 and 90% using social media3, they're changing how we work and shop.
Mobile-First Generation Statistics
Three-quarters of Gen Zers prefer mobile devices2. They spend three hours daily on social media3. This shows how important mobile and social media are for brands and marketers.
Current Digital Consumption Trends
Gen Z's online habits are changing fast. Instagram is their top choice, but TikTok is catching up4. They like short videos, engaging with creators, and online communities4.
| Platform | Primary Preference | Secondary Preference |
|---|---|---|
| 43.8% | 30.8% | |
| 20.4% | 16.2% | |
| TikTok | 18.3% | 21.2% |
| YouTube | 10.8% | 12.1% |
| 4.6% | 9.6% |
As Gen Z's influence grows, brands must keep up with their changing tastes. Knowing their love for mobile, social media, and new content is key to success.
Social Media Evolution and User Behavior
Social platforms are key for Gen Z to find trends, get info, and buy things5. This mobile-first generation loves social media, using over six platforms by April 20235.
Big names like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram lead the way, with billions of users5. But new, niche sites are also popular, appealing to Gen Z's love for realness and community5. TikTok, Snapchat, and Mastodon are gaining fans, with TikTok set to grow by 9.3% in 20245.
Gen Z uses social media for more than fun, finding new products and ideas6. A huge 97.5% of Gen Z look to social media for shopping ideas, and 81% find new stuff there6. Influencers, big or small, are now key for product tips5.
UGC boosts engagement and trust in brands for Gen Z5. Half of brands now sell products in social apps, with social commerce hitting over $1.2 trillion in 20245. As Gen Z's buying power grows, brands must adjust to meet their digital and social needs6.
| Platform | Active Users (Millions) | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2,900 | Less than 1% | |
| YouTube | 2,000 | N/A |
| 2,000 | N/A | |
| 2,000 | N/A | |
| TikTok | N/A | 9.3% |
| Snapchat | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| BlueSky | 0.375 | N/A |
| BeReal | N/A | 313% |
| Mastodon | 1.4 | N/A |
The influencer market is set to hit $24 billion in 2024, with nano and micro-influencers becoming more popular5. As social media changes, knowing Gen Z's digital habits is key for brands to connect with them6.
Must-Have Entertainment and Streaming Apps
Gen Z is leading the digital entertainment world. They love video streaming, music, and games. They want content that's immersive and lets them share and connect with others7.
Video Streaming Preferences
Gen Z knows what they want in video content. Instagram is their top choice for 2025, followed by LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube7. They prefer short videos, with 47% focusing on those under 60 seconds7.
Music and Audio Content Platforms
Music and audio are big for Gen Z. They want apps that are easy to use on phones, offer personalized music, and let them connect with others8. With more Gen Alpha listening to podcasts and audiobooks, these formats are on the rise8.
Gaming and Interactive Entertainment
Mobile games are key for Gen Z. They want games that are fun, immersive, and social9. They also expect new tech to make their gaming better9.
"By 2025, entertainment apps that seamlessly integrate social elements with high-quality content will be indispensable for Gen Z and Millennials."
Financial Management and Digital Banking Apps
Gen Z is growing fast, with a huge $12 trillion in spending power by 203010. They need easy, clear, and simple banking solutions. This generation wants banking that's different from what their parents had11.
Top digital banking apps now offer cool features like trading cryptocurrencies and investing in green projects. They also give personalized advice. This helps Gen Z learn about money, track their spending, and plan for the future, all on their phones10.
Digital banking is taking over, with 61% of US Bank's loans sold online in the last three months of 202110. Also, 7 million Bank of America clients tried Erica, their chatbot, for the first time during the pandemic. This shows how AI is changing mobile banking10.
Gen Z's love for tech and desire for personal, green banking will shape the future. Apps that mix old banking with new tech will be key for this generation11.
| Gen Z Digital and Mobile Banking Users (in millions) | 2020 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 34.2 | 41.0 |
Top 10 Apps Every Gen Z and Millenial Can't Leave without in 2025
The digital world is always changing. Gen Z and millennials will need new apps in 2025. These apps will help them stay connected, manage their lives, and grow personally and professionally.
Social Connectivity Apps
Social apps will be key for Gen Z and millennials in 2025. New apps will focus on real, meaningful interactions. Gen Z loves social media for fashion and beauty, more than any other generation12.
77% of Gen Z and 79% of millennials in the US look for style inspiration monthly. This shows how important these apps are for self-expression and finding new brands12.
Lifestyle and Wellness Applications
Lifestyle and wellness apps will be vital in 2025. They will use AI to offer personalized experiences. This includes fitness, mindfulness, meal planning, and sustainable living12.
74% of Gen Z values in-person experiences more than online ones. This shows they want real, immersive experiences12.
Professional Development Tools
Gen Z and millennials will need apps to grow their careers. These apps will help with skills, networking, and career resources13. 60% of millennials are ready to switch jobs, highlighting the need for flexible career tools13.
The best apps for Gen Z and millennials in 2025 will mix social, lifestyle, and career tools. They will meet their diverse digital needs and dreams.
Shopping and E-commerce Applications
In 2025, social shopping and mobile commerce will be key for Gen Z. This tech-savvy group loves influencer marketing. In fact, 50% say influencer tips are key in their buying choices14.
E-commerce apps that mix social features and easy digital retail will be popular. Brands that focus on sustainability and ethics will do well. Over 70% of shoppers are ready to spend more on eco-friendly items15.
By 2025, shopping apps will use AR and VR for cool, immersive experiences. The "subscription economy" is expected to hit $1.5 trillion. This means Gen Z will have easy, tailored shopping options15.
To keep up, e-commerce needs to meet Gen Z and millennials' changing tastes. It's all about social media, influencer marketing, and making shopping personal, sustainable, and tech-savvy1415.
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"46% of consumers have made a purchase during a livestream event and would do so again."14
Mental Health and Wellness Apps
Gen Z is making mental health a top priority. They're looking for digital tools to help manage their emotions and build healthy habits. Apps for meditation, mindfulness, virtual therapy, and tracking habits are changing the game.
Meditation and Mindfulness Tools
Gen Z loves meditation and mindfulness for self-care16. In fact, 40% of them go to therapy regularly. Apps that offer personalized experiences and community support are key for stress relief and well-being17.
They're spending more on mindfulness products like meditation classes and apps.
Virtual Therapy Platforms
61% of Gen Z has anxiety, making virtual therapy platforms very appealing16. These apps use AI and data to offer personalized plans and connect users with therapists. They're designed to fit into digital lives while keeping privacy and security tight.
Habit Tracking Applications
Gen Z wants apps that help them build healthy habits16. 53% of them have used mental health services, showing they're eager to use tech for wellness. These apps will be vital for managing digital wellness and self-care.
By 2025, mental health apps will be a must for Gen Z's well-being17. Wellness brands are changing to meet Gen Z's needs. Companies outside wellness are adding gyms and wellness centers to attract Gen Z. These apps will be key in helping Gen Z focus on their overall health.
Educational and Skill Development Platforms
Gen Z loves to learn and grow, leading to a rise in educational apps. These apps offer short, interactive lessons and hands-on skills training18. They meet Gen Z's needs for quick, engaging learning.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are making learning fun and new. These apps mix old-school learning with the latest tech. They grab the attention of digital natives18.
Gen Z values apps that offer real job connections and verifiable skills. By 2025, these apps will be key for Gen Z's career growth18. They help Gen Z stay ahead in the digital world19.
Gen Z, born between 1997 and 201220, is entering the workforce. They prefer interactive, on-demand learning. By 2025, they'll make up over a quarter of the workforce20.
These tech-savvy individuals will lead the adoption of new learning platforms. These platforms will meet their unique learning and career goals.
Sustainability and Ethical Consumer Apps
Gen Z is becoming a big force in the market, focusing on sustainability and making a difference. By 2025, they will need eco-friendly apps to help them live sustainably21.
Carbon Footprint Trackers
Apps that track carbon footprint will be key for living green. They will work with IoT devices to show how much energy we use and how we travel. This helps Gen Z make choices that are better for the planet21.
Ethical Shopping Guides
Gen Z wants to shop in a way that's good for the world. They will use apps that show if a brand is ethical and sustainable. This lets them buy things that match their values2122.
Community Impact Platforms
Gen Z wants to make a real difference. They will use apps that help them join in on local and global projects. By 2025, these apps will be vital for their involvement in society21.
As living sustainably becomes more common, new apps will support Gen Z's values. These apps will help them live more responsibly212223.
| Key Insights | Data |
|---|---|
| Sustainable products driving growth | Products with ESG-related claims accounted for 56% of all growth over a five-year period, with an average of 28% cumulative growth compared to 20% for products without such claims21. |
| Consumers willing to pay more for sustainability | In a 2020 McKinsey US consumer sentiment survey, over 60% of respondents stated they would pay more for a product with sustainable packaging21. |
| Sustainable lifestyle important for consumers | A study by NielsenIQ revealed that 78% of US consumers consider a sustainable lifestyle important21. |
"Products making ESG-related claims now represent almost half of all retail sales in specific categories."
Conclusion
By 2025, apps for Gen Z and millennials will show their values of being real, caring for society, and loving tech24. The top apps will mix their lives, from friends and fun to money and learning. They will focus on mobile use, use AI for you, and keep your data safe24.
Gen Z's influence will make apps that fit their values and needs essential25.
The future of apps for the mobile-first generation will focus on being easy, personal, and impactful24. Gen Z technology will keep changing the digital world, valuing truth, freedom, and helping others25. The best apps will blend into these young people's lives, helping them succeed in a digital world26.
The future of apps for Gen Z and millennials is full of promise. They can improve daily life, connect people, and help make a difference. By listening to these digital natives, app makers and businesses can keep their apps valuable for years242526.
FAQ
What are the top apps that Gen Z and millennials can't leave without in 2025?
In 2025, Gen Z and millennials will love apps that connect them, help with wellness, and aid in career growth. They want apps that make real connections, balance work and life, and help them advance in their careers.
How are Gen Z and millennials reshaping the consumer landscape?
Gen Z and millennials are changing how we shop and spend money. By 2025, Gen Z will have $12 trillion to spend, making them a big deal in the economy. They love using mobile devices for everything and value making money, having fun, and caring for their health and relationships.
How are social media platforms and influencer culture impacting Gen Z's shopping habits?
Social media and influencers play a big role in Gen Z's shopping. Half of them say influencers' advice helps them decide what to buy. Apps that make shopping easy on mobile devices and use content from users will be key by 2025.
What types of entertainment and streaming apps will be indispensable for Gen Z and millennials in 2025?
Gen Z loves digital and mobile entertainment. They'll need apps for streaming videos, listening to music, and playing games that are fun and social. These apps should offer great content and easy-to-use interfaces.
Why will financial management apps be critical for Gen Z and millennials in 2025?
As Gen Z's spending power grows, they'll need apps for managing money. They want banking that's easy to use and teaches them about money. Apps that offer banking, investing, and advice will be essential by 2025.
What types of mental health and wellness apps will be indispensable for Gen Z and millennials in 2025?
Gen Z cares a lot about mental health. They'll need apps for meditation, therapy, and tracking habits. These apps should use AI for a personal touch, offer support, and keep their data safe.
How will educational and skill development apps cater to the needs of Gen Z and millennials in 2025?
Gen Z loves to learn and get better at things. They'll need apps that teach in short, fun ways. Apps that use new tech like AR/VR and help them get jobs will be very valuable by 2025.
What types of sustainability and ethical consumer apps will be indispensable for Gen Z and millennials in 2025?
Gen Z cares a lot about the planet and social issues. They'll need apps for tracking carbon, shopping ethically, and making a difference. These apps should work with devices, make it fun to be green, and share info on brands' impact.
Source Links
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