How to Reach the Most Influential, Engaged Members of Gen Z
Aug 20, 2024
3 Min Read
By Caleb Bacon
They’re the most influential kids in school. But do they know your brand?
Gen Z athletes are some of the most watched, admired and interactive members of their generation. These are the kids their peers know, follow and look to for trends. They're front and center in their school.
Millions of these athletes use Hudl every year to watch game film, make highlights, get recruited and share their stories. With 99% of US high schools counting on Hudl to elevate their program, it has a foothold in virtually every community nationwide.
And it’s where your brand can make a lasting impression on this influential audience.
Gen Z athletes may casually scroll through their other social platforms, but on Hudl, hundreds of thousands of unique athletes are engaged each week, fully immersed in the content they’re consuming.
They access their accounts with a purpose—to hone their skills, shape their future and support their friends and classmates.
The Next Household Name Is on Hudl
Beyond the numbers, Hudl is ingrained in the culture of amateur sports. “Hudl highlights” is firmly part of the lexicon, from the Caitlin Clarks of the world to the guy you play pickup hoops with on Sundays. Before Josh Allen was a global superstar, he famously shared his highlights with over a thousand coaches before landing a scholarship at the University of Wyoming.
Now, most big-name high school athletes proudly link their Hudl highlights in their social profiles to get looks from their peers and recruiters.
From Locker Rooms to Living Rooms
New tools for fans of Hudl athletes have expanded the reach of the platform. From livestreaming games to showcasing highlights, purchasing tickets and finding schedules, stats and more, we're bringing Hudl home. The platform unites communities around cheering for their local schools and celebrating the success of their friends and neighbors. Communities that know their athletes, know Hudl.
Your brand can tap into this sense of community by advertising during high school sports events and to students and athletes. This enhances your image as a genuine supporter of local communities, helping to strengthen your connections within them.
And with one efficient buy, you can place your message directly in front of athletes and the key decision-makers in their lives—their parents.
Hudl by the Numbers:
The story of Hudl’s impact on young athletes.
11 millionhighlights are created annually on Hudl, giving athletes the platform to share their proudest moments.
Over 325 thousand games were livestreamed in our first full year of streaming, allowing fans to stay connected to their favorite teams and athletes from anywhere.
5 millionathletes use Hudl annually to reach their potential and chase their goals.
The average session length on Hudl is 9.3 minutes—over 3x longer than an average Instagram session. (Source: Statista)
42% of athletes view their Hudl profile weekly, watching film and building highlights week over week.
Gen Z by the Numbers:
What builds brand affinity with Gen Z?
54% of Gen Z members prefer brands that make them feel part of a community. (Source: Archrival)
72% of Gen Z members say they’re more likely to remember a brand that has an engaging presence digitally. (Source: Archrival)
60% of Gen Z members (higher than past generations) are interested in sports. (Source: PwC/Sportico)
53% of Gen Z members watch long-form video online, and 43% watch livestream content, higher than previous generations. (Source: EMARKETER)
Where Your Brand Fits:
The Hudl platform gives your brand multiple high-engagement touchpoints to reach your audience. Connect through highlights, livestreams, school and athlete profiles and more.
Hudl’s native ads offer a unique opportunity to reach athletes where they’re most engaged. These ads integrate seamlessly into the Hudl experience, ensuring your brand appears within the feeds of athletes already deeply connected to the platform. Maximize your visibility through a mix of pre-roll, mid-roll, display and custom content, ensuring your brand stands out where it matters most.
Gen Z is online, watching video content daily, and Hudl is where their most influential members spend their time. Our platform is unparalleled in the world of athletics—and so is our team, offering insights and advice to help you effectively connect with this key audience.
Grow your brand where top Gen Z athletes and trendsetters build theirs. Here’s how to advertise on Hudl.