What are kids into these days ?

YouTube and Video Content 

 One of the biggest things kids are into these days is watching video content on platforms like YouTube. With easy access to smartphones, tablets, and computers, kids can pull up entertaining videos anytime, anywhere. Popular YouTube creators like Ryan’s World have amassed huge followings by posting videos of themselves opening toys, playing games, and doing science experiments. Kids are drawn to the engaging, fast-paced nature of these videos and enjoy following along with their favorite creators on a regular basis. According to statistics, the average American child between the ages of 8-12 watches almost 3 hours of online videos per day.

YouTube is also a top destination for kids interested in gaming content like Minecraft and Roblox tutorials and walkthroughs. Watching others play provides entertainment and inspiration for their own gaming. Music videos and challenges also perform very well on YouTube, with kids eager to learn the latest dance trends or see if their favorite celebrities will complete difficult tasks. The interactive, social nature of YouTube allows kids to leave comments and feel connected to their favorite creators. For better or worse, it’s clear that online video consumption has become a huge part of kids’ daily media diets and free time activities.

Sites like Musical.ly (now TikTok) and Snapchat have also found huge popularity among tweens and younger teens due to their focus on sharing short-form video and photo content. On TikTok, creating and watching lip-sync, dance, and comedy videos is all the rage. Kids enjoy following trends, participating in viral challenges, and seeing what their friends are up to. The ephemeral nature of Snapchat stories also appeals to this age group who want to share moments from their daily lives without the content remaining on their profiles permanently.

Even younger elementary school aged kids are getting in on the social media trend through sites tailored specifically for their age group like Roblox, which combines gaming with a social platform. On Roblox, kids can play user-created games together while also customizing avatars and chatting. Clearly social networking and following peers is a huge draw for kids today, even if they’re technically too young for many mainstream platforms. Staying connected with friends digitally has become a daily habit for most.

Gaming 

 Gaming continues to be one of the biggest activities kids are into today across all ages and demographics. Whether it’s playing on consoles, mobile devices, or computers, gaming provides endless entertainment and engagement for kids. Franchises like Minecraft have taken the world by storm by allowing creative exploration and multiplayer fun in an open world. With over 200 million copies sold, Minecraft is still one of the best-selling video games of all time and appeals widely to both boys and girls.

Roblox has also skyrocketed in popularity by giving players the ability to not only play a wide variety of user-generated games but also learn basic coding skills. With over 30 million daily active users, Roblox has become the most popular gaming platform for kids under 13. Mobile gaming has also surged, thanks to easy-to-pick-up titles like Candy Crush Saga and games based on popular kids’ franchises that can be enjoyed in short bursts. Pokémon Go brought augmented reality gaming into the mainstream and still remains a popular outdoor activity for many families.

Esports and competitive gaming are also on the rise among older kids and teens. Watching livestreams and tournaments of games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch has become a huge entertainment genre. Some kids even dream of becoming the next gaming superstar by making a career out of competitive gaming. With cross-platform play now common, gaming provides a social experience kids can enjoy with their friends anytime from any device. It’s clear gaming in its many forms will continue captivating kids for years to come.

Creative Pursuits 

At the heart of this creative resurgence is the rediscovery of unstructured play. Parents and educators are observing that when children are given the freedom to be bored, they don’t just find something to do—they invent something to do. Guiding kids through boredom without providing specific instructions has become a key strategy for fostering self-guided independent play. This “blank canvas” approach allows children to develop their imaginations organically, leading to surprising outbursts of talent.

Educators report witnessing “miracles” of creativity when expectations are removed. In one instance, a first-grader created an elaborate, 3D house model for a neighborhood map project, a feat so advanced that a teacher initially assumed it was the work of a sixth-grade “best artist.” Another example involved a five-year-old boy who, given simple paints and no direction, produced a “perfect lion cub’s face in a swirl of red clouds,” revealing a natural artistic gift his own parents were unaware of. These anecdotes highlight a growing consensus: children possess a reservoir of innate talent that only surfaces when they are given the space to experiment without rigid guidelines.

Crucially, the 2026 creative landscape does not villainize technology; instead, it leverages it as a powerful equalizer. For students who may struggle in traditional academic settings—those who need “a direction at a time” to complete tasks—digital art platforms have proven to be transformative. Teachers have noted that these same students “turn on like a light completely” when placed in front of a computer to create digital art. The screen becomes a canvas where their limitations vanish, allowing them to express complex ideas that they might struggle to articulate verbally or through traditional writing.

This fusion of tech and creativity is also reshaping how we view “design thinking.” Far from being just vocational training for future graphic designers, exposing kids to design principles is now understood as a vital developmental tool. It fosters communication, abstract and critical thinking, and collaboration. As one insightful perspective puts it, teaching design is no more about “getting a job” than gym class is about training professional athletes. It is about nurturing well-rounded adults who can solve problems hands-on and navigate a culture saturated with visual information.

For many children, particularly those who are introverted, creative pursuits offer a sanctuary. The most detailed and immersive work—art with a “Where’s Waldo” level of intricacy—often comes from quiet children who “put their walls up” and dive deep into their inner worlds. This immersive focus is a critical skill in an era of fragmented attention spans. It demonstrates that creativity is not just about output, but about the process of deep engagement and emotional regulation.

This emotional connection also extends to how children process the world around them. Even in simple acts, like naming a family pet, children’s “super creative” instincts (like naming a Doberman “Dobie”) reflect an earnest, unfiltered engagement with their reality. These small acts of naming and storytelling are the building blocks of narrative identity, helping them make sense of complex emotions like empathy and care, as seen in stories of children connecting with rescue animals.

Influencer Fever 

Contrary to the belief that influencers merely promote narcissism, there is evidence that digital creators are filling critical gaps in public knowledge. In online discussions, users have noted “wild” moments where influencers succeed in educating audiences where traditional institutions may have failed. One striking example highlights a creator effectively dismantling prejudices about Africa, prompting users to admit that even if it “takes an influencer to educate people,” a “win is a win.” This suggests that the platform provided by influencer status can be leveraged for genuine social good, reaching demographics that might otherwise remain disengaged from important global conversations.

Furthermore, the rise of “new math” teaching methods has found an unexpected ally in the digital space. While some parents express frustration with unfamiliar educational techniques, online communities clarify that these methods—often popularized or explained by digital educators—are not just “TikTok Math.” Instead, they are scientifically proven strategies designed to build foundational skills for complex future learning, such as calculus and algebra. By breaking down hard problems into manageable steps, these digital-savvy explanations help demystify concepts for both students and parents, proving that the “influencer” format can be a vehicle for legitimate pedagogical advancement.

The influencer economy also represents a significant shift in how success is defined and achieved. While critics may dismiss it as “clout chasing,” the reality is that it offers a pathway for individuals to bypass traditional gatekeepers. The very existence of “micro-influencers” and niche creators suggests a democratization of media, where anyone with a unique voice or skill can build an audience. Even in the face of criticism about “industry plants,” the broader ecosystem allows “regular ass people” to grab the attention of the masses, challenging the monopoly of established celebrities and media conglomerates.

Moreover, the resilience required to navigate this space fosters a unique set of skills. Creators must manage their public image, handle criticism—often unfair or “hater” driven—and adapt to a rapidly changing digital environment. As noted in discussions about online hate, the ability to “give it back to people” or strategically limit exposure demonstrates a level of emotional intelligence and brand management that is valuable in any modern career. This “trial by fire” creates a generation of digital natives who are adept at communication, crisis management, and personal branding.

The criticism that influencer culture ruins hobbies often misses the point that it also validates them. While some lament the monetization of the internet, for many creators, this “fever” is simply the realization of a dream: to make a living doing what they love. Whether it’s playing music or exploring niche interests, the influencer model allows passion to become a profession. The “hustle” criticized by some is seen by others as a form of modern entrepreneurship, where individuals take control of their economic destiny rather than relying on traditional employment structures.

Even the controversial aspects, such as the “Dubai Chocolate” trend, highlight the sheer economic power of this group. The fact that a single viral trend could lead to a global pistachio shortage underscores the tangible impact influencers have on global markets. This is not just “hype”; it is a testament to their ability to drive consumer behavior and shape economies on a massive scale.

In 2026, the influencer phenomenon is more than just “standard issue faces” and performative charity. It is a multifaceted ecosystem that, at its best, educates the uninformed, democratizes fame, and empowers individuals to turn their passions into careers. While the “fever” may have its side effects, the underlying shift towards a creator-driven world offers undeniable opportunities for connection, learning, and economic growth that cannot be ignored.