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EMARKETER

Gen Alpha Digital Habits 2026

Video, Gaming, and Early Tech Access Are Shaping Digital Behaviors

Report by Paola Flores-Marquez  |  Jan 30, 2026
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Gen Alpha’s foundational digital behaviors are established
YouTube is Gen Alpha’s primary digital platform, although platform viewing habits evolve with age
Gen Alpha is entering an increasingly fragmented social media environment
Gen Alpha sees gaming as an alternative to social media
Recommendations for brands
Sources
Media Gallery
About This Report
Gen Alpha’s digital world is built around YouTube, gaming, and creator-led content. This report examines how early immersion, platform controls, and shifting norms are reshaping engagement as the cohort approaches adolescence.
Topics
Children
Digital Video
Social Media Users
United States
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Gen Alpha’s foundational digital behaviors are established
YouTube is Gen Alpha’s primary digital platform, although platform viewing habits evolve with age
Gen Alpha is entering an increasingly fragmented social media environment
Gen Alpha sees gaming as an alternative to social media
Recommendations for brands
Sources
Media Gallery

Gen Alpha’s digital world is video-first, creator-driven, and game-based. Learn how early device access, social media limits, and immersive platforms are shaping the next generation of digital consumers.

Key Question: What will Gen Alpha’s digital habits be in 2026?

Key Stat: In 2026, 22.0% of Gen Alphas will use social media versus 10.9% of Gen Zers when they were around the same age.

Gen Alphas Will Use Social Media at About Twice the Rate Gen Zers Did at the Same Age
E-Mail ChartDownload

authors

Paola Flores-Marquez

Contributors

Oscar Bruce Jr.
Director, Forecasting
Suzy Davidkhanian
VP, Content
Madan Kumar
Copy Editor
Penelope Lin
Director, Data Visualization
Jennifer Pearson
VP, Research
Natalia Ramirez
Heather Sprung
Senior Editor
Johann Valderrama
Chart Editor
Jherr Daven Velasco
Researcher
Max Willens
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