Abstract: As digital natives, the Z Generation’s formative experiences are inextricably intertwined with the explosive growth of the internet and social media. Short video platforms, characterized by their brevity, content diversity, and rapid dissemination, have rapidly emerged as the primary channels through which the Z Generation accesses information, enjoys entertainment, and expresses their identities. This novel mode of communication has not only revolutionized their information consumption patterns but also subtly reshaped their cultural identity formation. Investigating the underlying mechanisms through which short video platforms influence the Z Generation’s cultural identity construction holds paramount significance for comprehending contemporary youth cultural psychology and effectively guiding them toward establishing correct value orientations. This study centers on the cultural identity construction of the Z Generation as “digital natives”, conducting an in-depth analysis of the impact mechanisms of short video platforms on their cultural identity formation. Building upon this foundation, it explores innovative strategies for ideological and political education (IPE) rooted in short video platforms. The research aims to provide novel insights and methodologies for IPE in the new era, thereby contributing intellectual resources and practical wisdom to cultivating a new generation of youth capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation.