When TikTok went dark this past weekend as part of a looming ban, it was a gut punch to many users. Some turned to RedNote and Yuzu as an alternative. What they found when they got to those platforms was the same thing that also lured them to TikTok: a focus on community — a trait especially attractive to Generation Z.
With Yuzu, though, the communities tend to go deeper, the social media app claimed, noting that trust is also important.
In a recent report from Yuzu, researchers at the social app said it meets this demand and noted that the platform’s “Community Chats” feature offers “trusted spaces where users exchange advice on everything from skincare routines and fashion trends to the latest music and local restaurants.” The social app described this as a reimagining of online communities, which “reflects Gen Z’s desire to replace passive scrolling with active participation and meaningful engagement.”
To recognize these changes in social media, Cindy Lim, head of brand at Yuzu, analyzed data and cultural trends to identify 10 key trends that will shape how Generation Z connects to others in 2025. “From rethinking the role of social platforms to embracing hyper-local communities, these trends reveal a generation committed to fostering genuine connections both online and offline,” Yuzu said in the report.
Regarding the 10 trends shaping Generation Z connections this year, “community as the new currency” is tops on the list. “Clout is out, and community is in,” the report stated. “Gen Z values collective achievement over individual fame, prioritizing group efforts, friend-led movements, and shared wins. Whether it’s co-creating art or pooling resources for mutual success, the power of community is redefining how status is measured.”
“Crowd curating” is also high on the list. “Who needs influencers when you have friends?” Lim said in the report. “Gen Z trusts their community to guide them to the best restaurants, skincare brands, or date ideas. Platforms like Yuzu and RedNote are emerging as hubs for peer-sourced recommendations over ad-driven algorithms.”
Other top trends include “stay at home” friends, where intimate and intentional gatherings occur at home. “Sustaina-bonding” is also on the list. Yuzu said in the report that sustainability is the new social glue, “and Gen Z connects through green living. From hosting clothing swaps to organizing zero-waste picnics, shared environmental action is a meaningful way this generation bonds while making an impact.”
The report noted that the potential ban of TikTok exposed the downsides of algorithm-driven feeds, which is why Generation Z is gravitating toward platforms such as Yuzu and RedNote since these platforms prioritize user choice and more authentic interaction.
Other trends include shifting online social lives to offline, in-person activities and more intentional boundary setting. Local “hangouts” are becoming popular. Friendships also are running deeper. “Gen Z is finding their people through shared ambitions, whether it’s starting a podcast, learning a new skill, or supporting social causes,” the report stated. “Passion projects are the new meet-cutes, creating bonds rooted in shared purpose.”
“Gen Z isn’t just looking for connection — they’re completely changing how online communities work,” Lim said. “They want spaces that feel real, where they can build relationships and get the advice they actually trust. At Yuzu, we’re leading this shift by creating a platform where people can share experiences, find inspiration, and feel like they truly belong. It’s about more than just connecting — it’s about building a community that adds real value to their lives.”
