# Youth media consumption and storytelling trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/youth-media-consumption-and-storytelling-trends > Updated: 2026-10-26T11:59:27.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. A report from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA, titled ‘Teens and Screens 2026’, indicates that Generations Z and Alpha are reshaping storytelling through digital platforms. Based on a study of over 1,500 Americans aged 10 to 24, the findings show that 72.9% of respondents identify YouTube as their favorite storytelling medium. Short-form video is gaining significant traction, with nearly 80% of participants stating that brief videos can effectively convey stories. TikTok was noted as the leading social media platform in this category with a 64.2% score. While digital formats are rising, traditional media such as TV shows (70.3%), movies (70.2%), and video games (68.5%) remain competitive, and cinema continues to be a preferred weekend activity. The study also identifies a demand for increased representation. Approximately 55% of those surveyed expressed a desire to see more neurodivergent characters on screen, a sentiment particularly strong among LGBTQIA+ youth. Currently, only 22.7% of respondents feel that existing media portrayals of neurodivergence accurately reflect real life. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: UCLA report shows technology reshaping youth storytelling A UCLA study finds that Generations Alpha and Z value short-form digital content, like YouTube and TikTok, similarly to traditional films, while seeking more diverse representation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ucla-report-shows-technology-reshaping-youth-storytelling ### 2026-10-24: YouTube emerges as top storytelling medium for Gen Z and Gen Alpha A UCLA report finds YouTube is the preferred storytelling medium for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, alongside a growing demand for more relatable and neurodivergent character representation. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/youtube-emerges-as-top-storytelling-medium-for-gen-z-and-gen-alpha --- Cite as: Youth media consumption and storytelling trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/youth-media-consumption-and-storytelling-trends