Trend cluster
Category

Branded
Playlist

Brands get into playlists with specially curated songs for their consumers.

Streaming Service SneakersProblem-Solving PlaylistsSoothing Home Spa KitsBranded Gen Z-Targeted PlaylistsBranded City-Inspired Playlists

Trend

What is the Branded Playlist trend?

Branded Playlist: The nature of playlists are simple – they're custom to the specific interest of the listener. And while people all over the world are creating their own tracks, brands are stepping in to create highly curated lists themselves.

Insight

The consumer insight behind the Branded Playlist trend

The unprecedented availability of music and incredible quality of the platforms consumers have to experience music has led to many putting a premium on the curation of the vast amount of content available. This desire is being driven not only by consumers being accustomed to convenience, but by their need for personalized content as well.

Trend themes

Themes within the Branded Playlist trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Branded Playlists

Brands are curating highly personalized playlists for their customers using music streaming platforms such as Spotify.

02

Consumer Assistance Playlists

Streaming platforms like Spotify are organizing playlists that specifically address mundane everyday needs, offering an untapped niche for advertisers.

03

Branded Gen Z-Targeted Playlists

With increasing competition in the music streaming industry, music platforms are launching new Gen Z-targeted playlists as a strategy to retain and grow their customer base among a younger audience.

Industry implications

What the Branded Playlist trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Music Streaming Platforms

Music streaming platforms such as Spotify are partnering with brands to activate advertisements through customized brand playlists, offering significant revenue growth opportunities.

For

Fashion

Fashion brands are collaborating with music streaming platforms to release limited edition collections, as well as customized playlists, to attract younger audiences.

For

Beauty and Wellness

Beauty and wellness brands are creating home spa kits with accompanying curated music playlists for a complete sensory experience.

Workshop question

In what way can you connect with your consumer on a deeper, emotional level? What element of their lifestyle could you tap?

Trend signals

Trend signals for Branded Playlist

Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 49%, freshness 9%.

Popularity60%
Activity49%
Freshness9%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X (not a primary audience)
  • Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America

Evidence

Examples of the Branded Playlist trend

7 featured examples from Feb 12, 2019 to Dec 14, 2020
Streaming Service Sneakers
CategoryFashion

Streaming Service Sneakers

The Spotify x Reebok Zig Kinetica Ultrasounds Collection is Artistic

Fashion brands can utilize the trend of location-inspired products like the Spotify x Reebok Zig Kinetica Ultrasounds Collection to appeal to consumers seeking personalized produc…

Problem-Solving Playlists
CategoryPop Culture

Problem-Solving Playlists

These Playlists on Spotify Help with Emotions, Tasks and Queries

The integration of curated playlists on Spotify for problem-solving purposes presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the music streaming industry.

Soothing Home Spa Kits
CategoryLifestyle

Soothing Home Spa Kits

Majesty's Pleasure Unveiled the 'Wind It Down' Gift Box for the Holidays

Beauty and personal care companies can leverage the home spa kits trend by offering high-quality and personalized self-care products, and by providing tutorials and guidance for a…

Branded Gen Z-Targeted Playlists
CategoryPop Culture

Branded Gen Z-Targeted Playlists

Apple Music Adds 10 new Playlists Aimed at Gen Z

The growth of Gen Z-targeted playlists creates an opportunity for music streaming platforms to attract and retain younger audiences.

Branded City-Inspired Playlists
CategoryMarketing

Branded City-Inspired Playlists

The 'Smirnoff Pure Sounds Like’ Campaign Shares 28 Playlists

Alcohol brands could create regional playlists to promote their products in specific markets.

Clothing Brand Playlists
CategoryTech

Clothing Brand Playlists

Vans Partnered with Spotify to Add a Custom Playlist on the Platform

The fashion industry can leverage the power of music streaming platforms to create unique brand experiences and strengthen customer engagement.

Branded Wedding Playlists
CategoryLifestyle

Branded Wedding Playlists

The Knot Curated a Fun and Meaningful List of Wedding Songs

Wedding planning industry can tap into the trend of curated wedding playlists to offer additional services and personalized experiences for couples.