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Younger folks prefer print…

How Gen Z & Millennials Engage with Books

It is a simple but surprising fact: Generation Z and Millennials read more than their parents’ generation. Another surprise: they prefer print over digital media.

You Better Believe It

Don’t believe it? Check out the “Why Print?” page in the Links area of Copresco’s website at copresco.com/links/whyprint.html. You’ll find a plethora of links to scientific research confirming the reading habits and preferences of young people (some of whom are not so young anymore.)

Understand Your Audience

When planning marketing and communication strategies, don’t make the serious mistake of confusing the reading habits of a workplace powered by GenZers and Millennials (collectively, ages 15 to 45 or thereabouts) with that of Baby Boomers, who are largely in their retirement years.

The following article is a helpful and concise summary of Gen Z and Millennial approaches to reading, compiled by our friends at Domtar Paper.


Attitudes Toward Paper

Physical books are still important to younger generations, but what does that mean for marketers?

Here are a few insights on Gen Z and Millennials’ relationship with the medium.

Who They are as Readers

Despite growing up in a digital age, Gen Z and Millennials still identify as readers:

  • 57% identify as readers, surpassing gamers (53%) and fans (52%).
  • 43% of those who didn’t identify as readers (54%) still visited a physical library within the last year, indicating opportunities to grow interest in print.
  • 58% of Gen Z and Millennials bought a book in a bookstore in the prior twelve months.
  • 50% of Gen Z and Millennials read a print book last year—double the engagement of digital formats.
  • Where They Discover Books

    For those who read, the top 5 methods of discovery are:

      1. Tips from friends and family
      2. TV/movie adaptations of books
      3. Reviews by literary critics
      4. Recommendations from influencers
      5. Social media postings

    Modes of book discovery differ somewhat between Generations.

    Gen Z invests more trust in celebrities, influencers, and social lists, while reviews are more effective in driving Millennials’ book discovery.

    What They’re Buying

    Print books are Gen Zers’ #1 preferred book format.

    Despite the volume of digital options, browsing library shelves continues to be relevant to the discovery of new books.

    On average they purchase:

  • Two print books per month
  • One e-book
  • One audiobook
  • …and one in three book engagers purchase a book that they first found at the library.

    3 Tips for Marketing
  • Capitalize on social media, such as behind-the-scenes looks or influencer partnerships.
  • Communicate the benefits of libraries, like safety, independent learning, and open exploration.
  • Embrace digital and print alignment by offering print and ebook/audio bundles or linking to e-books or exclusive content through QR codes.
  • This article is reprinted with the kind permission of Domtar. For more stories like this, visit newsroom.domtar.com