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How Brands Won Gen Z in 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Marketing That Slaps

Writer's picture: Vishal waghelaVishal waghela

2024 was the year brands finally cracked the code to Gen Z’s heart (and wallet). This isn’t about boring billboards or stuffy ads; it’s about vibing with the digital-first, meme-loving, unfiltered generation that’s rewriting consumerism. Let’s explore the campaigns that made Gen Z go, “Okay, now you get us! 1. Bumble India: Dating in the Wild 20s

Gen Z might be ghosting dating apps, but Bumble wasn’t about to be left on read. Instead of the usual swipe-and-hope strategy, Bumble zeroed in on the messy, exciting, and awkward realities of dating in your 20s. Featuring relatable stars like Vedang Raina and Khushi Kapoor, their campaigns blended humor, authenticity, and all the feels.



The Big Swipe: Bumble’s influencers spilled the tea on first-date jitters and confidence woes, turning everyday moments into scroll-worthy content. Pro move, Bumble.






2. Crocs India: From Boat Shoes to Bop Shoes

Who knew chunky rubber footwear could be this cool? Crocs embraced their quirky charm, ditching the “practical but weird” label for a vibe that screams, “Wear what you love.”



The Glow-Up: With campaigns like #SplashYourStyle, Crocs enlisted the Gen Z-approved Quick Style dance crew and Indian influencers like Shantanu Maheshwari to show off their bold colors and iconic Jibbitz. Crocs isn’t just footwear—it’s a fashion flex.



3. Duolingo India: Chaos, but Make It Marketing

Duo the Owl’s chaotic energy became a social media sensation this year. From crashing Dua Lipa’s India concert with cringey-yet-adorable Bollywood antics to making memes about psychotic exes, Duolingo understood the Gen Z gospel: “Humor or it didn’t happen.”






Owning the Timeline: By tapping into pop culture and workplace humor, Duolingo went from being “just an app” to a friend that never stops texting—but in a good way. 4. Flipkart Spoyl: The Gen Z Wardrobe Whisperer

India’s favorite e-commerce giant flipped the script with Spoyl, a segment catering to Gen Z’s unquenchable thirst for budget-friendly fashion. With trendy influencers flaunting looks under ₹999, Spoyl proved that affordable doesn’t mean basic.





Fashion Game Strong: Whether it’s reels, memes, or sales campaigns, Flipkart hit all the right notes to dominate the overcrowded fashion space.





6. Swiggy Universe: Puns and Pop Culture FTW

Swiggy wasn’t just delivering food; it was serving humor. Whether it was Instamart’s cat memes or “Bae-riyani” puns, Swiggy’s quirky tone made it a Gen Z favorite.


Dish It Out: Their campaigns didn’t just speak to Gen Z—they meme’d with them.




Final Thoughts

Gen Z isn’t looking for brands to sell; they want brands to vibe. The secret sauce? A mix of humor, authenticity, and relatability served fresh with a side of memes. If you’re not speaking their language yet, it’s time to update your playbook. After all, in the world of Gen Z, the bold, funny, and real always win.

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