Share

Everything you wanted to know about gen z's streaming habits (but were afraid to ask)

Johannesburg - Think you know generation z? Think again!

Spotify went about trying to know all that they could about the diverse age range and genuinely get to understand them on a global scale. To do so, they commissioned their Culture Next Trends report, in partnership with research agency Culture Co-Op. 

They found an empowered, multinational, cross-cultural, socially aware, and informed group of 15- to 24-year-olds who speak their minds."We're bold, fearless, careless, creative, and intriguing," says Addy, a study participant from North Carolina.

Powering this sentiment is technology, which "brings different cultures from faraway places closer together than we can ever imagine," says Jared, from the Philippines.Below are five defining traits of Gen Z uncovered in the study (which encompassed the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany, the Philippines, Brazil, and beyond), as well as the streaming-related trends they inspire. 

These provide clear on-ramps for understanding and connecting with the world's first generation of truly global citizens—whether or not they've used a record player.

Trait 1: All the Feels

Members of gen z are in touch with their feelings, and they understand the importance of expressing and addressing them.

Every young generation has claimed some measure of melancholy. (Just watch a John Hughes film.) Gen zers, however, actively address their feelings—often through music, and specifically via their "bag playlists" (yes, bag) of sad songs. Not only is listening to these playlists up 45% year over year, but 49% of participants in the study said they find camaraderie in sharing their feelings of sadness and loneliness. No wonder Drake's In My Feelings was such a hit.


Trait 2: Band of Others

Generation z believes that music allows people to connect with one another and with different cultures.

They listen to more international music than any other demographic.More than half the participants in the study said they're friends with someone from another country online. So, it's no surprise that gen z is fuelling the K-Pop craze. K-Pop quickly became one of the 10 most-streamed genres worldwide, forging international bonds among listeners likely because of its upbeat, heartstring-tugging style and a lyrical blend of Korean and English.


Trait 3: Subliminal Attraction

Gen z craves discovery. Finding new things, ideas, music, podcasts, hobbies, and experiences makes them feel good.

Gen Z believes anyone anywhere has the power to break through the social media clutter and become influencers. The more relatable a person (say, a podcast host), the more trust and influence he or she engenders—driving discovery and, therefore, happiness. Our past research backs this up. 72% of people we surveyed in 2018 said discovery boosts happiness—so give them something new and authentic.


Trait 4: PolyFly

Gen z wants to be part of the political conversation—and their seamless access to technology and all types of content empowers them to engage in a way no generation previously has.

Podcasts that mix lifestyle and politics top the charts. A solid 66% of respondents said they expect brands to be part of the debate, to promote progressive values, and to play a more meaningful role in society. "Our eyes have been opened to the lack of leadership by those in positions of power," says Canadian pop star Alessia Cara, "and in turn, so many of us have had to step up in their place."


Trait 5: Surround Sound

Gen z may appear to be obsessed with their screens, but they value audio as an escape from visual stimulation overload.

Audio isn't just background noise, said 50% of the study respondents; it plays a massive role in their everyday lives. So, silence can be golden too. To raise awareness of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Marie Claire ran a campaign of 30-second silent spots on Spotify. Listeners assumed there was a glitch and looked at their phones, only to see a message explaining the danger of staying silent about violence. Powerful, impactful communications such as this leave a lasting impression with Gen Z.

HERE'S AN INFOGRAPHIC WITH MORE OF THE CULTURE NEXT TRENDS STUDY'S MOST INTERESTING INSIGHTS:

Culture Next Trends

(Infographic: Culture Next Trends/Supplied)


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE