Instagram has published its first guide to upcoming trends, as defined by Gen-Z, that will shape culture in 2022.
Instagram has tapped into the minds of Gen-Z to learn more about rising trends across music, fashion, creators and celebs, beauty, social justice, and more – and has published its first-ever trend report for 2022.
To put together the Trends Report in October 2021, Instagram collaborated with YPulse, the leading authority on Gen Zs and Millennials, to conduct a survey among 1,200 weekly social media users, ages 13-24, in the US.
According to the report, Gen Z is redefining the way this generation approaches education and the idea of a “career,” introducing new concepts of maximalist fashion statements, and more.
“These future-focused audiences are consistently creating the reality they want to live in,” it writes. “Instagram is where these tastemakers are leading on the creation of culture, exploring new territories, and taking what already exists in unexpected directions.”
Among other things, the report predicts trends that have the power to reshape culture in the next year. For example, in the world of fashion, the report predicts that fashion trends like Dark Academia, Goth, Goblincore, and Nostalgic wear will surge further as it expects 50% of teens and young adults to experiment with bolder looks.
In addition, the study predicts that one in four young adults will be thriftier and increase their online shopping on second-hand websites such as Depop and Poshmark.
Behaviors seeing one-third of youngsters leaning into learning more about eco-friendly and kind skincare products increases the odds for plant-based, vegan makeup, and sustainable beauty products to make it big in 2022.
The study also reports an increased focus on wellness for Gen Z, predicting that one-third of this group category will increase interest in activities like guided meditation and manifestation exercises. Also, half of young adults will increasingly lean toward and align their interest and trust with influencers with smaller and more loyal audiences.
