In today’s digital age, it’s expected that the majority of ads, social media posts, and many other kinds of image-based content have been adjusted to some extent. Photo editing has become an ingrained practice in modern life, intertwined with how we present ourselves online, especially on social media. However, not everyone approaches photo editing the exact same way, and ‘editing’ in general can mean something different to each person. We surveyed over 500 people from the four generations that make up the majority of the US population, spanning Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers to uncover differences in editing habits. Looking at everything from how often people edit, to the tools they use, here’s what we discovered.
How Often Do People Edit Their Photos?
Gen Z are the most consistent editors. Most say they edit their photos weekly to monthly, suggesting that curating a consistent feed is an ongoing priority.
In terms of the Millennial and Gen X age brackets, editing habits vary significantly within their respective generations. Editors in these generation brackets are nearly as likely to edit daily as they are only occasionally.
Baby Boomers are the least likely to edit, with over 55% reporting that they rarely or never edit photos. This suggests that for many in this generation, capturing the moment is the key priority, as opposed to refining an image.
Why might this be? Gen Z has grown up with platforms that reward consistent visual content, while older generations may see photos as memories, as opposed to content in need of optimization.
Preferred Editing Tools
Gen Z embraces a varied array of editing tools, with the most common features used being text, filters, and AI-powered tools. This willingness to experiment with emerging tech reflects the younger generation’s comfort with digital innovation.
Millennials similarly opt for filters and text overlays, sticking with what they know and what’s proven to work, without taking risks or prioritizing experimentation.
Gen X and Baby Boomers generally prefer text editing, steering clear of newer tools and features that alter the appearance of an image itself. For these generations, simplicity is key, and editing is more about telling a story than cultivating an image.
Bonus finding: Millennials are the most likely to use the sticker tool, adding emojis, icons, or graphics to bring personality and humor into their edits.
Why might this be? Younger users are often thought to adopt new tech faster and are more exposed to fast-evolving digital trends. Older generations may not feel the same pressure to innovate visually and prefer familiar features.
Devices Used for Editing
The kinds of devices used to edit also vary by generation. When asked which kind of device participants used most out of a smartphone, tablet, or laptop/desktop, these were the results:
The vast majority of Gen Z (69.81%) and Millennials (73.05%) use smartphones to edit their photos.
The majority of Gen X and Baby Boomers still tend to reach for their smartphones, however they are significantly more likely to use laptops or desktops than younger generations.
Amongst all age groups, tablets were the least used device for editing.
Why might this be? Mobile-first editing aligns with the widespread adoption of smartphones in every age group.
Types of Edits Made
When it comes to what edits are being made to a photo, there are differences in what the different generations prioritize:
Gen Z are most likely to focus on retouching and color correction, creating a cohesive aesthetic with limited perceived imperfections for their social media feeds.
Millennials utilize filters and text overlays, adding both style and context to their images, with edits blending visual impact with storytelling.
Gen X uses a mix of filters, retouching, and miscellaneous tweaks, likely looking to edit just enough without making any drastic changes.
Baby Boomers, meanwhile, focus on other adjustments and text overlays, alluding to the prioritization of clarity through messaging, instead of a desire to change the look of a photo.
Bonus finding: Gen X are the most likely to make the most of editing platforms for business use.
Why might this be? Gen Z’s focus on aesthetics reflects their strong presence on visual platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where appearance is part of identity. Meanwhile, older generations often view photos as communicative tools and as an opportunity to share experiences.
Time Spent Editing
The time taken on a single edit reveals how important each generation perceives editing to be for their own needs:
Gen Z are the most willing to dedicate time to perfecting an image, with most spending 1 to 15 minutes per edit.
Millennials prefer to get things done quickly, spending around 1 to 5 minutes on average.
Gen X keeps edits speedy, editing in mere seconds, up to 5 minutes.
Baby Boomers edit the fastest, with nearly 3 out of 4 spending less than 5 minutes on a photo.
Why might this be? Spending more time on edits suggests a stronger connection between self-image and social media presence, especially for Gen Z. In contrast, older generations may not see visual editing as worth the investment of time, given that the perceived return is not as relevant.
Is Editing Essential?
Lastly, we asked how important photo editing is to each participant’s aesthetic on social media, and a clear pattern presented itself.
More than 50% of Gen Z said photo editing is very important or essential to their online aesthetic. This group views their digital presence as a reflection of identity, and editing is a way to control and craft that identity.
Just under 40% of Millennials and Gen X agreed, suggesting that while editing is still valued, it’s not as central to their digital identity.
Among Baby Boomers, only about 23% consider editing to be important.
Why might this be? Gen Z grew up in a world where online presence is often considered to equate to a personal brand. Older generations are less likely to see their digital image as an extension of self, making editing feel optional, instead of necessary.
Final Thoughts
Each generation brings a unique approach to photo alterations, with some spending more time editing, and others prioritizing quick changes with captions.
With Gen Z more likely to use newer, more innovative tools, spending more time on editing, and finding it to be the most crucial for their personal aesthetic, this generation views photo editing as a necessity, as opposed to a hobby. Millennials tend to stick to the tools they know best, with some opting for a curated feed, and others dipping in and out of editing when they feel suits them. Gen X takes a more casual approach to photo editing. This generation keeps their editing time short, while still opting to use a range of tools, utilizing both smartphones and computers to perfect their creations. Baby Boomers are the least likely to spend a significant amount of time editing, instead choosing to opt for storytelling as their main priority, adding the text needed and making other small changes.
These findings go to show that creativity seeps through generations, with each centering different needs, ideas, and interests when it comes to altering an image. Whether you lean towards using AI-powered features, or opt to stick with classic tools, there’s something for everyone on Picsart.
Head over to picsart.com or use the Picsart app to perfect your photos, just the way you like them!
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