Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
Youth Interactive Writer
With TikTok dances, viral skits, livestreams and trending hashtags, young people are redefining entertainment, influence and income in their own hands.
Social media is no longer just a leisure activity for young people; it’s a way of life, a business and in many respects, a revolution.
Zimbabwean teenagers are changing the way that material is produced and consumed in both towns and cities.
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (previously Twitter), TikTok and other platforms have created new avenues for expression, making it harder to distinguish between leisure and business.
For many, reaching thousands and occasionally even millions, only requires a smartphone and an idea.
The rise of TikTok celebrities is one of the most notable phenomena; their brief videos, which may include comedy, lip-syncing, storytelling or dancing, draw enormous viewers every day.
“I started making TikTok videos during lockdown just to fight boredom,” recalls Memory Misheck, a Warren Park resident.
“I’ve now discovered that TikTok is where I feel most comfortable.”
These platforms are assisting young people in earning money in addition to providing fun. With more opportunities for affiliate marketing, brand collaborations and TikTok Creator Fund and YouTube monetisation, young people in Zimbabwe are beginning to view social media as a legitimate side business or even a full-time occupation.
Social media has become a lifeline for many young people who are unemployed or have few other options for employment.
WhatsApp, which is frequently disregarded in more general online discussions, is also an effective tool for youth marketing.
It may be used to share fliers, sell clothing and promote local music events.
“I use my WhatsApp channel to sell thrift clothes,” explains Harare-based 23-year-old Kuitakwashe Makusha.
“It’s less expensive and simpler than starting a store. I use a single post to contact clients from Mutare to Beitbridge.”
Young people now have a greater say in national discussions because to social media, which goes beyond entertainment and celebrity.
Youths are using hashtags and viral challenges to advance talks about everything from drug usage awareness and voter education to online campaigns advocating for more mental health support.
“We started a page to talk about depression and anxiety in young people,” said Nyasha Dube, 22, a mental health advocate and psychology student.
“TikTok helped us reach people who wouldn’t usually talk about these issues. Now we get DMs from teens across the country seeking advice or help.”
For this generation, social media is not just about likes — it’s about being heard, influencing others and pushing for accountability.
But it’s not all glitz and filters. The rise of social media also comes with serious risks. Cyberbullying, fake news and mental health struggles are growing concerns.
“It’s easy to feel pressured,” said Ruvarashe Nyawanhu, 21, a university student and lifestyle influencer.
“When your post doesn’t get likes or people make nasty comments, it affects your self-esteem. You always feel like you have to perform.”
Digital addiction is also an emerging issue, with some youths spending excessive hours online — affecting academic performance or personal well-being. Experts are calling for stronger digital literacy programmes in schools to address these concerns.
As more young people step into the influencer space, there’s a growing need for ethical content creation, fact-checking and responsible audience engagement. While some content spreads misinformation or promotes harmful behaviour, others are using their platforms for education, motivation and empowerment.
Zimbabwe’s youth have shown that even with limited resources, they can harness the internet’s power to entertain, educate and inspire.
Whether it’s a viral TikTok challenge, a YouTube web series, or an Instagram business page — they are building communities, crafting trends and creating new opportunities.
As technology becomes more accessible, the next wave of Zimbabwean entertainers and entrepreneurs is emerging not from big studios, but from bedrooms, mobile phones, and Wi-Fi zones — making their mark one post at a time.
