What Music is Gen Z Listening To?

Gen Z can never go wrong with fashion and music. Do you agree? Moreover, they are trendsetters and not followers. They are creative, and it is often reflected in their vocabulary; their slang game is on point (Pun Intended). 

From social media to mainstream media, everyone is excited to know about their choices. Whatever they wear, listen to, or eat usually ends up trending everywhere. Gen Z music reflects creativity, unique expressions, and a style that inspires and sets new trends. Let’s take a quick look at the music they like. You can add them to your playlist, and we bet they don’t disappoint!

Where does Gen Z find new music?

You know that feeling when a younger cousin or someone you know is vibing to a song, and you keep wondering which track it is. You don’t have to be a stranger in the musical universe after you read this blog. Gen Z songs are often discovered through social media or music streaming apps. 

Moreover, most Gen Zs like their audio to be extraordinary. If you’re particular about sound, try 3D surround sound apps for gaming, watching movies, and listening to music. Yes! 3D surround sound is excellent, combined with our favorite tracks. Here’s how this cool generation discovers new music

Algorithm Is the Ultimate King

Gone are the days when people used to listen to trending tracks on the radio. The new radio is Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. Instead of a radio jockey playing your favorite songs, a powerful algorithm now decides which track you should be listening to. Algorithms learn your music preferences, and this is where most Gen Z music trends begin.

Just for a few seconds or minutes, a song is paired with dance videos, tutorials, and more, and if it clicks, it becomes popular. This is how Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” or “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish became popular through social media.

Playlisting Is The New Trend

Collaborative playlists are what the new generation prefers. Music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music allow users to create and share playlists with friends and on social media. These Gen Z playlists 2025 are often named uniquely to match their vibes like “songs for crying in the club”, “songs to cry in the shower”, “Songs for when life is a joke”, and more.

These shared playlists go above and beyond just listening; they’re a way of building community and, of course, being trendy.

Top Music Genre Among Gen Z

Now that you know about playlisting, you should learn about their favorite genre. Ready to learn about their preferences and aesthetics? Here you go

Hip-Hop/Rap

Hip-Hop and Rap are two of the popular Gen Z music styles. These genres are also popular among young millennials. If you’re looking for Gen Z and Millennial music, Hip-hop and rap are surely on their playlists. According to Eagles’ Eye, 42% of Gen Z listens to Hip-Hop.

Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, Drake, and Travis Scott resonate with their feelings and bring hit after hit. Whether they are going through a break-up, trauma, or therapy, hip-hop will always be on the playlists of Gen Z and millennials.

Pop: Gen Z Music is Incomplete Without Pop

Today’s pop is experimental and incorporates elements from various genres. Modern pop blends different sounds from rock, hip-hop, R&B, and even electronic music, creating unique tracks like never before.

Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and other popular names are known for blending different genres. They know how to connect with listeners through emotional lyrics about heartbreak and moving on. Gen Z connects with artists who feel like they’re telling their stories. These tracks are better when you achieve studio-quality sound on a laptop or phone. It’s better to listen to these tracks on a music player app and feel every beat and emotion connected with them. 

Indie & Alternative

Indie & Alternative are making a comeback, with a huge contribution being made by the young generation. This generation is fond of tracks that are honest and feel real; they like raw, unfiltered emotions. For most young listeners, these genres are about creativity and individuality. These genres are not just about entertainment for them; it’s more authentic and personal. 

K-Pop

K-pop has colourful visuals and catchy music that make it popular among young listeners. Moreover, the dance steps and style are unique, which attracts the crowd towards K-pop and K-drama. Most TikTok trending songs are also K-pop. 

Groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have become a global phenomenon, keeping listeners hooked. Unlike a typical millennial song that focuses mainly on Western pop trends, K-pop brings something different. It combines fashion, dance, and storytelling, offering a unique experience.

EDM

EDM can never go out of trend; it is loved by both Generation Z and millennials for its high energy and dance-ready vibe. Artists like Marshmello, Martin Garrix, and others are dominating playlists with their upbeat tracks that instantly boost your mood.

Some of the top millennial songs in the EDM genre, like “Titanium” by David Guetta and “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, are still celebrated and loved by all generations. 

Most Streamed Gen Z Artists Currently

Bottom Line

The choice of Gen Z music depends on their mood, vibe, and, of course, social media. Add the tracks of the most-streamed artists to your playlist and get ready to slay like this cool generation. Also, you can play these tracks with Boom. It is the favorite music player app for both audiophiles and casual listeners to personalize sound. Boom is the top choice of Gen Z and all other generations. Download the app for iOS or Android.

FAQs

What kind of music does Gen Z listen to the most?

They listen to multiple genres, but hip-hop, rap, pop, indie, and K-pop are their favorites.

What songs are trending on TikTok and other social platforms?

Some of the best hits are “Messy” by Lola Young, “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar, and “Undressed” by Sombr.

Does the Gen Z crowd enjoy Millennial music?

Yes, many of the millennial tracks are loved by Gen Z. Tracks from the 2000s and early 2010s are on Gen Z’s playlists.