Is Gen Z Killing Google? Why 43% Now Start Shopping on TikTok Instead

A massive behavioral shift is happening, but it’s not too late.

Google’s executives know it’s here. Nearly half of Gen Z shoppers have completely abandoned traditional search for TikTok and Instagram. Some have called it the “Google Exodus”. We’re talking about a generation with $12.6 trillion in spending power by 2030, and they’re not Googling “best running shoes” anymore. They’re watching someone test-run Adidas in the rain while Travis Scott plays in the background.

Here’s what should keep you up at night… Social commerce is exploding at 31.6% growth while regular e-commerce is trying to come along for the ride at 10.1%. That’s not a slight preference shift. Oh no, that’s your customers moving to a completely different planet while you’re still trying to rank #1 for keywords they don’t even search anymore.

Why Gen Z thinks Google search is homework

Remember when you had to try to find things online? Gen Z doesn’t. They grew up expecting the internet to read their minds, and TikTok pretty much does. Traditional search feels like work. Type keywords, scroll through results, open tabs, compare prices, read reviews. It’s deliberate and exhausting.