Gen Z pioneers digital resale economy

A new wave of teenage entrepreneurs is transforming online marketplaces, with over 400,000 US teenagers generating income by selling second-hand items, according to recent research by Whop.

The study of 1,655 teenagers aged 12-18 reveals a sophisticated digital economic landscape. Clothing resale emerges as the most prominent income stream, with 16.69 percent of teens leveraging online platforms to monetize their wardrobes.

Digital Income Streams

Teenagers are diversifying their online earnings through multiple channels:

• Clothing and accessory sales: 16.69 percent
• Video game streaming: 10.09 percent
• In-game currency earnings: 10.79 percent
• Gaming tournament prizes: 9.20 percent
• Product reviews: 8.75 percent

Market Dynamics

The second-hand marketplace has seen significant growth. Vinted, a leading online marketplace, has tripled its user base over the past four years, with Gen Z driving seller activity.

Notably, 42 percent of teenagers are now earning money online, signaling a fundamental shift in how younger generations approach income generation. Thirty-two percent view clothing resale as the most sustainable digital income opportunity.

Industry Perspective

"The way people make a living is changing," says Cameron Zoub, Chief Growth Officer of Whop. "Younger generations are demonstrating an entrepreneurial mindset that transcends traditional employment models."

The research highlights a emerging digital economy where teenagers are not just consumers, but active market participants. With minimal barriers to entry, a laptop has become a potential gateway to financial independence.

The core of Whop's US Teen Digital Earnings Report 2024 reveals a sophisticated ecosystem of technological access and economic opportunity. The data shows that the average teenager dedicates nearly five hours daily to social media platforms, underscoring a digital immersion that extends far beyond passive consumption. Technological infrastructure among US teenagers is near-ubiquitous, with 95 percent possessing smartphone access, 90 percent having desktop or laptop computers, and 83 percent owning gaming consoles.

Most striking is the emergence of a micro-segment of digital entrepreneurs. Approximately one in 625 high school students—representing 0.16 percent of the teenage population—generates annual digital earnings exceeding 10,000 dollars.This translates to over 40,000 US teenagers who have transformed online platforms into significant income streams. These figures signal a fundamental restructuring of economic participation, where digital natives are increasingly able to monetise their online presence and skills.

To read the full report visit www.whop.com.