Exploring the Characteristics of Popular Music Among Gen Z

In recent years, the music preferences of Gen Z have come into sharp focus, especially as this tech-savvy generation shapes global music trends. From the songs that gain fleeting fame on social media to those that have staying power, certain characteristics make music resonate with Gen Z listeners.

A Strong Beat, Minimal Intro, and Immediate Melody

Many popular songs skip lengthy intros, jumping straight into a memorable, punchy melody.

This style is frequently seen in J-Pop and other trending music. The appeal lies in its instant catchiness—songs like YOASOBI’s “Idol” or LiSA’s “Shouted Serenade” captivate listeners from the first note. This immediacy allows Gen Z listeners to engage right away, aligning with their preference for dynamic, instantly gratifying content.

Crisp, Staccato Melodies Paired with Open, Relaxed Choruses

A noticeable trend is the combination of crisp, staccato melodies with open, free-flowing choruses. This contrast creates a compelling texture, as in the music of bands like Mrs. GREEN APPLE and artists like V.W.P., who mix light, feminine vocals with intense, heavy instrumental arrangements.

The “melody gap”—where vocal tones contrast the arrangement—adds depth, making the music feel layered and emotionally complex.

Dance Beats and Hard Rock Influences

In terms of sound, Gen Z gravitates toward both high-energy dance tracks and simplified hard rock arrangements.

The rise of TikTok has helped popularize songs with danceable beats, particularly those with a dubstep groove or rhythmic drops, as seen in Ado’s “Show” or Kenshi Yonezu’s “KICK BACK.” Meanwhile, hard rock’s straightforward intensity appeals to those looking for songs with a punch.

The Importance of Longevity vs. Viral Fame

For Gen Z, a song’s popularity can be fleeting or enduring. Songs that gain temporary fame often do so through viral moments on platforms like TikTok and InstaReels. Many of these songs become recognizable by tune alone, with audiences humming along without necessarily knowing the artist. On the other hand, some songs transcend the viral buzz, staying relevant and frequently played even a year later. This reflects Gen Z’s interest in both transient trends and music with lasting appeal.

The Role of TikTok and Social Media Buzz

TikTok, InstaReels, and similar platforms drive music discovery for Gen Z, propelling unknown tracks to fame within days.

Songs like Creepy Nuts’ “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” and ILLIT’s “Magnetic” with polyrhythmic beats are particularly popular on social media, where their repeatable, catchy snippets make them ideal for short-form video content. This looped, rhythmic quality makes them stick in listeners’ minds and keeps users coming back.

Anime Influence and Vocal/Instrumental Contrast

Anime often plays a significant role in promoting music among Gen Z. Soundtracks for popular series bring new artists and songs into the spotlight, blending the lines between visual and auditory culture.

These anime-driven hits frequently feature unexpected vocal/instrument contrasts, like a heavy rock instrumental paired with a light, female voice or vice versa, giving the music an edgy, genre-defying appeal.

Polarization Between Band Sounds and Dance Music

There’s a noticeable split in preference between band sounds and dance music.

For instance, bands like Mrs. GREEN APPLE and Yorushika deliver a solid middle and high tone range, lending their music a sharp, piercing quality, whereas dance music offers a fuller bass and groove. This duality provides something for everyone, regardless of whether listeners are drawn to the rawness of live instruments or the polish of electronic beats.

Themes of Self-Affirmation and Positivity

Many songs trending among Gen Z emphasize self-affirmation, resilience, and positivity.

Tracks with uplifting arrangements and empowering lyrics, such as Official髭男dism’s “White Noise” and 超ときめき♡宣伝部 (Super Exciting ♡ Advertising Club)’s “最上級にかわいいの！(The Cutest in the Highest Grade!)” encourage listeners to push forward, even through tough times. These themes resonate with a generation facing unique social and personal challenges, offering moments of optimism and self-belief.

Music in Branding

Recently, the Japanese company Yanmar partnered with renowned guitarist MIYAVI to release “Find A Way,” a song that resonates with Gen Z’s values of unity, self-affirmation, and courage in pursuing one’s dreams. The concept video, released on Yanmar’s global YouTube channel, features a diverse group of young people from various backgrounds, each following their unique path.

Yanmar’s beloved mascots, Yanboh & Marboh, appear alongside MIYAVI, strengthening the sense of unity and collaboration. This project aligns with Gen Z’s attraction to music that brings people together and inspires self-confidence.

The Future of Gen Z’s Music Scene

As Gen Z continues to shape music trends, they are carving out a space where genre boundaries blur, and music becomes an evolving experience. From songs with lasting appeal to those that skyrocket to fame on social media, Gen Z’s influence on popular music reflects a desire for authenticity, emotion, and innovation. Whether through TikTok snippets, anime soundtracks, or contrasting vocals and arrangements, this generation’s preferences are reshaping the music landscape in unprecedented ways.