apple music adds 10 new playlists aimed at gen z, including one with tiktok hits

Apple Music is focusing its efforts on attracting Gen Z listeners in its competition with Spotify. The company recently introduced 10 fresh Apple Music playlists designed to align with the musical preferences of Gen Z – including a playlist dedicated to songs currently gaining popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok.

Several of these new playlists showcase up-and-coming artists and innovative sounds, offering a variety of musical styles, including experimental and cross-genre combinations, or selections curated by mood – for instance, playlists designed to energize or to promote relaxation.

Notably, one of the most interesting additions from a technological standpoint is the new editorial playlist, titled “Viral Hits.” Although Apple does not directly reference TikTok, the platform’s significant impact is clearly evident.

Today, TikTok’s viral memes and trends substantially shape the listening habits of younger demographics. The app has also consistently demonstrated its capacity to propel new artists to success and elevate both current and older songs to the top of streaming charts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and even the Billboard charts.

The “Viral Hits” playlist will compile songs that are transitioning from social media platforms into mainstream popularity, according to Apple.

“Social media has transformed not only how we communicate, but also our listening habits and how we experience music,” explains Apple.

Due to the unpredictable nature of viral trends, the “Viral Hits” playlist will not adhere to a fixed update schedule. Instead, Apple Music’s editorial team will refresh the song selections as needed throughout the week.

The playlist currently features 98 songs, totaling almost five hours of music, and includes many tracks also appearing on Apple Music’s top charts. However, the songs on “Viral Hits” are chosen editorially and are not ranked based on play count – it is not a chart.

Apple is not the only company recognizing TikTok’s influence on contemporary music. Spotify recently launched a new feature for artists, enabling them to promote tracks that are becoming popular on TikTok.

In addition to “Viral Hits,” the other new Apple Music playlists geared towards a Gen Z audience include the following:

• Superbloom: This playlist is described by Apple as a platform for “young, risk-taking visionaries who approach music in a unique way.” It will feature artists who have often cultivated followings on social media through experimentation and trendsetting.
• Lifted: A diverse, cross-genre playlist described as “a little underground, but too dynamic for mainstream appeal.” Apple states the tracks will span from pop to hip-hop, R&B, and indie rock.
• Wildflower: This playlist will showcase emerging artists across a blend of hip-hop, R&B, dance, indie pop, and rock.
• Glow: An energetic playlist filled with “feel-good, mood-boosting” songs.
• The Nerve: This playlist features “downcast hybrids” of hip-hop, pop punk, emo, and grunge, described by Apple as “a little too raw for wider audiences” and potentially “bleak.”
• The Sound: A playlist dedicated to the latest and greatest in new rock music.
• Verified Hits: Another cross-genre playlist, featuring popular songs from genres like pop, indie, arty R&B, and electronic music.
• Catching Feelings: Music designed for relaxation, characterized as slow, moody, mellow, and understated.
• Do Not Disturb: This playlist aims to provide support for listeners navigating mental health challenges, including the highs, lows, setbacks, and coping mechanisms, according to Apple.

Apple explains that these new playlists were specifically created to cater to the needs of Gen Z users, characterizing this generation as “tech-savvy, social media enthusiasts” and “passionate music lovers.”

Alongside the Gen Z playlists, Apple Music also released 24 entirely new playlists intended to help users find moments of calm and focus. These playlists were launched following a period of heightened tension in the U.S., particularly surrounding the 2020 presidential elections and the delayed announcement of results.