DIY is the Default
Let’s cut to it: the youth aren’t waiting for you. They’re not waiting for your degrees, your permission, or your 8-step onboarding process. If Gen Z and Gen Alpha want to learn something, build something, or start something, they’re going to DIY it.
Not because it’s cute or quirky. However, because the institutions that were supposed to guide them—schools, media, government, and even brands—have often overpromised and underdelivered.
So they learned how to deliver for themselves.
The Data Behind the DIY
83% of Gen Z prefer learning new skills through YouTube and TikTok instead of traditional classrooms (Pew Research, 2024).
Over 60% of Gen Z side hustlers say they started their businesses online without formal training (Morning Consult, 2023).
Shopify reported a 76% increase in Gen Z-owned storefronts from 2021 to 2024, with the majority run solo or with small peer collectives.
From beats to baked goods, fashion lines to fintech advice, today’s youth are building empires from their bedrooms—with a cracked iPhone, Canva, and some borderline genius-level Googling.
It’s Not a Trend, It’s a Mindset
DIY isn’t just about crafts or cottagecore. It’s a mentality:
“If I can’t find it, I’ll make it. If I can’t afford it, I’ll hack it. If it doesn’t exist, I’ll invent it.”
This generation has seen enough layoffs, tuition hikes, and broken promises to know that stability is not guaranteed. So they’ve adopted a builder’s mindset: create what you need from the materials you have.
A sewing machine isn’t just a hobby—it’s an act of defiance.
A SoundCloud account isn’t a phase—it’s a platform.
A pop-up thrift on Depop isn’t a side hustle—it’s proof of concept.
Institutions: Rebuild or Be Replaced
Traditional institutions often view youth as “unqualified” or “inexperienced.” However, Gen Z doesn’t see it that way. Why would they wait four years and $200K for someone else to validate what they can prove themselves in four months?
Want to be a journalist? Start a Substack.
Want to direct? Shoot it on your phone.
Want to start a movement? Post a meme and launch a Discord.
DIY culture is democratizing access—but only for those willing to let go of gatekeeping. The smart brands, schools, and companies aren’t resisting this—they’re retooling themselves as resource hubs instead of referees.
For Creators & Brands: Make Tools, Not Billboards
Here’s the new playbook:
Give them the keys. Don’t just create for them—create with them. Drop templates, toolkits, remixes, and open-source assets.
Support the self-starters. Spotlight them. Pay them. Collaborate, don’t co-opt.
Design for participation. Launch community challenges. Let your audience take the wheel.
Stay low-fi, high-concept. Gen Z values ingenuity over polish. Leave room for them to make it their own.
The future isn’t built by passive audiences. It’s built by active participants.
Youth Voices from Our Network: “I Built This Myself”
“I taught myself graphic design on Pinterest, and now I freelance for streetwear brands while finishing high school.” – Dani, 17, Atlanta
“No one would book us, so we threw our own rave in a parking garage and filmed the whole thing for TikTok. Now brands are hitting us up.” – Isaiah, 21, LA.
“I learned everything I know about investing from YouTube. Literally everything.” – Camille, 19, Toronto
They’re not anomalies. They’re the blueprint.
Final Thought: DIY Is Not the Shortcut—It Is the Future
The idea that DIY is “unpolished” or “less serious” is wildly outdated. This generation’s creators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers are proving that resourcefulness is legitimacy.
And while older generations may see chaos, Gen Z sees potential.
While institutions may see disruption, Gen Z sees liberation.
So if you’re trying to reach them? Don’t ask how you can teach them.
Ask: What can I build with them?
Because they’re already building the future—with or without you.