Youth Research, Innovation & Activation Agency
Youth Research, Innovation & Activation Agency
Gen Z and Alpha don’t need a voice. They already have it. The job is simple: make sure the world actually hears it.
We work as one. Youth in the middle. As researchers, makers, critics, co-creators. From the first step.
What we hear, we turn into insights brands can't ignore. Products people actually use. Campaigns that start dialogue instead of ending it.
Youth isn’t a phase. It’s the base. The years where identity forms. Friends, music, values. Things that stay. So if you’re a brand or organisation, you show up early. Not to push messages. But to build something real. Not based on assumptions. Based on conversations.
That takes curiosity. Bold choices. And the ability to step back when needed. That's Hear The Youth.
Questions and answers
Do you have a wishlist?
Of course! You can wake us up for any project related to social issues. Besides that, we love creating physical products and spaces. And Nike, you're on our list (hit us up)! We'd also love to redesign playgrounds.
What is your mission?
Our mission is clear: make everyone hear the youth. Everything we do serves that mission. That's why we are building Dutch biggest youth panel.
How big is the agency?
We’re nine: researchers, strategists, designers and developers. Small enough to stay close. Big enough to go further. As part of Handpicked Agencies, we’re backed by 300 specialists. The culture of a small agency. The strength of a big one.
Are you an award-winning agency?
Uh, yes. But that’s not why we’re here. We’re here to make everyone hear the youth. That’s the mission. Still, since you asked: we’ve won 40+ awards.
Are you hiring?
Yes, we do! Check them out: Communication & Copywriting, Community Management, Visual Design, Motion Design, Content Creation, or send us an open application if none of these fit.
What does Hear The Youth do?
We research, develop and activate with young people. No assumptions about a target group, but conversations with the source. We translate that into strategy, products, campaigns and policy that actually holds up.
How are you different from a regular research agency?
We don't stop at a report. Research is the starting point. After that we build: concepts, campaigns, participation programms. Insight without execution changes nothing.
Who do you work with?
Brands, municipalities, ministries, schools, cultural institutions and startups. Anyone building something that concerns young people.
What age group do you work with?
Our core is 15 to 25. Where it's relevant we go younger or older. The question defines the group, not the other way around.
How do you reach young people?
Through our own network, schools, communities and The Youth panel. We find young people where they already are. Not by buying access to someone else's panel.
How fast can you deliver?
A quick poll within days. An in-depth programme in weeks. We work in sprints, so insight arrives along the way, not only at the end.
What does a project cost?
It depends on the question. A single poll is small and fast. A strategic programm with co-creation and activation is bigger. We define the scope up front, with no surprises later.
Do you handle execution as well?
Yes. Concept, creation, production and activation. Including physical activations, on location, with young people themselves.
How do you avoid tokenism?
Young people influence decisions, not just fill a seat. We agree up front where their input genuinely counts. And we always report back on what happened with it.
How do you handle privacy and minors?
We work GDPR-compliant. Participation is voluntary, with consent where required. Data is processed anonymously and never sold.
Do you only work in the Netherlands?
Our base is Rotterdam. Our projects go further. International research runs through our network of young researchers and makers.
Do you pay young people for their contribution?
Always. Time, knowledge and creativity are work. We pay for that.
How does a collaboration start?
With a conversation. Tell us what you want to know or build. We come back with a proposal and a first step.