Music is used in content to make it engaging and reach a wider audience. The audience part is generally something people don’t focus on when it comes to music. Your target consumer base is really important, and music that resonates with them helps you retain them and pique their interest, especially Gen Z.
Let’s face it: if you want to grab Gen Z’s attention, you better be in tune with their music. Whether you’re a brand trying to go viral or a creator building community, understanding songs that represent the Gen-Z vibe is the secret sauce for making real, lasting connections.
Why Brands and Creators Should Focus on Gen Z’s Music Preferences
Gen Z isn’t just passively listening to music – they’re living it. Music defines their moods, fuels their content, and drives trends across platforms. From reel dances to Spotify playlists, Gen Z uses music to express identity, discover culture, and even decide which brands to vibe with.
Brands are encouraged to “think like a fan, act like a creator,” suggesting that aligning with pop culture moments and adding value to Gen Z’s music experiences could establish lasting connections.
By integrating into these personal and cultural moments, brands have the chance to become a part of Gen Z’s music-driven lives, creating long-lasting loyalty and engagement. [musicplus+]
If you want to speak their language, music is your translator.
Key Characteristics of Gen Z’s Music Taste
Gen Z’s music taste is anything but predictable:
- Genre-fluid: They’re not loyal to one genre. One minute it’s lo-fi chillhop, the next it’s a Y2K pop throwback.
- Nostalgic yet current: They love discovering old hits (hello, Fleetwood Mac revival!) while obsessing over the latest underground sounds.
- DIY & Indie love: Homegrown artists, indie creators, and bedroom beats often rank higher than polished mainstream hits.
- Global sounds: Hip hop, Afrobeats, Latin trap – Gen Z’s ears are tuned into the world.
Popular Music Among Gen Z
While tastes vary, here are some common go-tos:
- Artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Diljit Dosanjh, BTS, and Badshah dominate playlists.
- SoundCloud and rappers like Raftaar, Ice Spice, and Seedhe Maut are rising fast.
- Trending Reel tracks often define their soundtrack of the week – sometimes even before Spotify catches up.
How Gen Z Discovers Music
Forget the radio. Gen Z is finding music in totally different ways:
- Reel: The #1 music discovery platform. A 15-30 second clip can launch a global hit.
- Spotify playlists, especially algorithm-based ones like Discover Weekly and user-generated niche lists.
- YouTube & Reels: Music videos, aesthetic montages, and Shorts introduce new tracks constantly.
- Influencers & creators: If their favorite creator uses a song, chances are it’s going straight on their playlist.
How Brands Can Use Music to Connect with Gen Z
Ready to win Gen Z’s heart? Here’s your roadmap:
- Use trending sounds in content: Ride the wave of what’s hot on TikTok, Reels, or Shorts.
- Partner with music-savvy creators: Let influencers curate soundtracks or drop branded playlists.
- Create sonic branding: A catchy jingle or signature sound can become your brand’s audio identity.
- Sponsor virtual concerts or music collabs: It’s not just about ads – be part of their music experiences.
- Tap into nostalgia with a twist: Remix or reference classic hits in a modern way.
Final Note
Music for Gen Z is culture, emotion, and connection all rolled into one. If you want to show up authentically in their feed (and in their minds), start listening to what they’re listening to. Find the beat they vibe with, and you might just create a connection that sticks.
Time to hit play on your Gen Z songs strategy!
