For as long as anyone can remember, humanity has always been connected through trends, regardless of age, nationality or gender.
Trends transcend these imaginary borders, and with Gen Z, this is truer than ever.
The way trends are created and shared has evolved drastically thanks to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and other short-form content.
Let’s take a closer look at how this new way of consuming media is shaping popular culture among young people today.
TIKTOK DANCES AND MUSIC REVIVALS
One of the most prominent trends led by Gen Z is undoubtedly the rise of TikTok dances.
Whether to a new hit song or an old classic, Gen Z loves creating dances for everything from K-pop to English hits.
A perfect example is how the 2004 song Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC gained a second life in 2024, with a viral dance featured in the Deadpool & Wolverine movie.
The power of short-form videos to breathe new life into old songs is undeniable.
What’s more, TikTok’s ability to turn almost any song into a trend has made it the heartbeat of modern pop culture.
But it’s not just about dances—TikTok and similar platforms have redefined how media and news are consumed.
A NEW WAY TO CONSUME CONTENT
More than any generation before, Gen Z gets their entertainment, news and even political updates through short-form content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
"Since we can get content whenever we want on our smartphones, we don’t need cable TV anymore like we did in the past."
If we can watch a streamer play a game anytime we like, we don’t need cable TV anymore—that’s why Netflix became so popular," said Jacqueline, a 26-year-old retail store assistant.
Unlike traditional media, these platforms are user-driven, meaning trends can spread virally across the globe in a matter of hours.
What’s even more remarkable is how quickly these trends transcend borders, making what’s popular in one part of the world relevant in another.
Another factor behind the success of short-form content is that users decide what they see instead of being fed generic information, making their experience more personalised.
THE CREATOR ECONOMY
As trends go viral, many revolve around the "creator economy.”
TikTok and Instagram influencers are shaping not just what people watch but also what they listen to.
Music charts are now influenced by viral dance challenges and meme culture, with songs becoming mainstream hits after being featured in short videos.
This is a relatively new phenomenon, as music was never traditionally made popular by dance trends before.
THE RISE OF PODCASTS
While TikTok reigns supreme in the short-form video landscape, another major shift is occurring—the rise of podcasts.
What was once niche content has now become a mainstream phenomenon.
With Gen Z increasingly turning to podcasts for entertainment, education and everything in between, there has been a surge in new podcasts covering topics from pop culture and self-improvement to fitness and nutrition.
Interestingly, almost anyone with a following can start a podcast, and many have found success in doing so.
One key reason podcasts have gained popularity among Gen Z is their ability to fit into the fast-paced, multitasking lifestyle of this generation.
Unlike videos, which can be distracting, or music, which can get repetitive, podcasts offer a perfect middle ground.
Listening to a podcast while walking or commuting allows Gen Z to stay informed and entertained without the risk of distraction.
"If I want to watch a video while walking, I might get into an accident, but if I’m only listening to a podcast, I can still see the road and enjoy my entertainment while being safe.
I think that’s why Gen Z prefers podcasts nowadays,” said 24-year-old culinary arts student, Syafique Noor Azizan.
THE IMPACT OF PODCAST CULTURE
The podcast boom has also led to new trends. Topics like fitness, personal growth, mental health have gained traction, and the influence of "alpha males” and other internet-driven personalities has become a cultural force.
As more Gen Zs turn to podcasts for advice on everything from nutrition to life choices, there is an increase in self-awareness and a shift away from materialism.
Many young people now prioritise experiences, such as travel, over possessions.
Short-form content has become the new standard for how trends are started and popularised in the modern era.
While TikTok may be the most famous platform for this now, the future remains uncertain.
One thing is for certain—Gen Z has truly changed the way the world consumes and delivers news and trends. But how will trends be developed and spread in the future?
Trends transcend these imaginary borders, and with Gen Z, this is truer than ever.
The way trends are created and shared has evolved drastically thanks to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and other short-form content.
Let’s take a closer look at how this new way of consuming media is shaping popular culture among young people today.
TIKTOK DANCES AND MUSIC REVIVALS
One of the most prominent trends led by Gen Z is undoubtedly the rise of TikTok dances.
Whether to a new hit song or an old classic, Gen Z loves creating dances for everything from K-pop to English hits.
A perfect example is how the 2004 song Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC gained a second life in 2024, with a viral dance featured in the Deadpool & Wolverine movie.
The power of short-form videos to breathe new life into old songs is undeniable.
What’s more, TikTok’s ability to turn almost any song into a trend has made it the heartbeat of modern pop culture.
But it’s not just about dances—TikTok and similar platforms have redefined how media and news are consumed.
A NEW WAY TO CONSUME CONTENT
More than any generation before, Gen Z gets their entertainment, news and even political updates through short-form content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
"Since we can get content whenever we want on our smartphones, we don’t need cable TV anymore like we did in the past."
If we can watch a streamer play a game anytime we like, we don’t need cable TV anymore—that’s why Netflix became so popular," said Jacqueline, a 26-year-old retail store assistant.
Unlike traditional media, these platforms are user-driven, meaning trends can spread virally across the globe in a matter of hours.
What’s even more remarkable is how quickly these trends transcend borders, making what’s popular in one part of the world relevant in another.
Another factor behind the success of short-form content is that users decide what they see instead of being fed generic information, making their experience more personalised.
THE CREATOR ECONOMY
As trends go viral, many revolve around the "creator economy.”
TikTok and Instagram influencers are shaping not just what people watch but also what they listen to.
Music charts are now influenced by viral dance challenges and meme culture, with songs becoming mainstream hits after being featured in short videos.
This is a relatively new phenomenon, as music was never traditionally made popular by dance trends before.
THE RISE OF PODCASTS
While TikTok reigns supreme in the short-form video landscape, another major shift is occurring—the rise of podcasts.
What was once niche content has now become a mainstream phenomenon.
With Gen Z increasingly turning to podcasts for entertainment, education and everything in between, there has been a surge in new podcasts covering topics from pop culture and self-improvement to fitness and nutrition.
Interestingly, almost anyone with a following can start a podcast, and many have found success in doing so.
One key reason podcasts have gained popularity among Gen Z is their ability to fit into the fast-paced, multitasking lifestyle of this generation.
Unlike videos, which can be distracting, or music, which can get repetitive, podcasts offer a perfect middle ground.
Listening to a podcast while walking or commuting allows Gen Z to stay informed and entertained without the risk of distraction.
"If I want to watch a video while walking, I might get into an accident, but if I’m only listening to a podcast, I can still see the road and enjoy my entertainment while being safe.
I think that’s why Gen Z prefers podcasts nowadays,” said 24-year-old culinary arts student, Syafique Noor Azizan.
THE IMPACT OF PODCAST CULTURE
The podcast boom has also led to new trends. Topics like fitness, personal growth, mental health have gained traction, and the influence of "alpha males” and other internet-driven personalities has become a cultural force.
As more Gen Zs turn to podcasts for advice on everything from nutrition to life choices, there is an increase in self-awareness and a shift away from materialism.
Many young people now prioritise experiences, such as travel, over possessions.
Short-form content has become the new standard for how trends are started and popularised in the modern era.
While TikTok may be the most famous platform for this now, the future remains uncertain.
One thing is for certain—Gen Z has truly changed the way the world consumes and delivers news and trends. But how will trends be developed and spread in the future?