What Is the Gen Z Meme Economy?

The Gen Z meme economy is the cultural and commercial system in which memes—short, shareable digital jokes or references—function as a form of social currency. Unlike static advertising, memes spread through peer-to-peer networks, carrying humor, identity, and commentary.



In simple terms, memes are the native language of Gen Z online life. They are how this generation signals belonging, expresses opinions, and evaluates brand authenticity. According to YPulse (2024), 83 percent of Gen Z engage with memes daily, making them one of the most consistent content formats in their media diet.