7 Most Popular Music Genres Among Gen Z Listeners

Music is central to Gen Z’s identity, expression, and connection to culture. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z doesn’t limit themselves to one genre.

Instead, they explore diverse sounds, blending styles, embracing global influences, and prioritizing authenticity, relatability, and emotional depth in their playlists.

With the rise of short-form content, curated playlists, and algorithm-based discovery, their listening habits have shaped new music trends in real time.

In this list, we explore the most popular music genres among Gen Z listeners in 2025, featuring recent hits and the artists defining their generation.

List of Most Popular Music Genres Among Gen Z Listeners

1: Pop

What Is Pop Music?

Pop music is known for its catchy melodies, easy-to-sing lyrics, and broad appeal. It often blends sounds from other genres, such as electronic, R&B, and hip-hop.

Pop songs are designed to be fun, emotional, or relatable and are often easy to remember. The style keeps changing based on trends and what listeners enjoy most.

Latest Pop Songs

• Die With A Smile – Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars
• APT – ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
• Messy – ROSÉ
• BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish
• Busy Woman – Sabrina Carpenter
• Timeless – The Weeknd, Playboi Carti
• Old Phone – Ed Sheeran
• Like JENNIE – JENNIE

Top Pop Artists

• Lady Gaga – Known for bold hits, Gaga released tracks like Die With A Smile (with Bruno Mars) in 2025.
• Bruno Mars – Famous for fun and upbeat music, he remains a top favorite pop artist.
• Sabrina Carpenter – Her song Busy Woman (2024) solidified her place in the pop music scene, attracting younger audiences worldwide.
• The Weeknd – With songs like Blinding Lights (2020) and Timeless (2024), he keeps pushing pop into new territory.
• Ed Sheeran – Continues to release emotional, radio-friendly tracks like Old Phone (2025).
• Dua Lipa – Known for her mix of pop and electronic styles, she stays at the forefront of the genre.
• ROSÉ – Tracks like APT (2024) and Messy (2025) show her growth as a solo pop artist.
• Billie Eilish – Songs like BIRDS OF A FEATHER (2024) prove her impact on Gen Z and modern pop.
• Charli XCX – Known for her edgy sound, she keeps shaping pop with tracks like Party 4 u (2020).

Read More: 10 Famous Pop Singers

2: Hip-Hop

What Is Hip-Hop Music?

Hip-hop is a music style that originated in the 1970s in New York, characterized by rapping, DJing, and beatmaking. It also includes breakdancing, graffiti, and street culture. The songs often reflect real-life issues, emotions, and personal stories.

Among the most popular music genres among Gen Z listeners, hip-hop songs hold a dominant place due to their authenticity, cultural relevance, and adaptability to platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Latest Hip-Hop Songs

• Trappa Rappa – Quavo
• NOKIA – Drake
• Set You Free – Jack Harlow
• Florida Boy – Luh Tyler
• Dum, Dumb, and Dumber – Future, Lil Baby, and Young Thug
• Outfit – 21 Savage and Lil Baby
• Why U Mad – Mr. Cream, Redman, and Runt Dawg
• GOT DAMN – Gunna

Top Hip-Hop Artists

• Kendrick Lamar – Known for deep lyrics and strong messages, still leading in the hip-hop world in 2025.
• Drake – Combines rap and singing, with a long list of chart-topping hits.
• Lil Baby – One of the most consistent rappers today, popular among Gen Z.
• Future – Famous for his trap beats and catchy hooks.
• Gucci Mane – A key figure in trap music, still active with new releases, Hit (2024).
• Ice Spice – A breakout star known for viral hits and a strong Gen Z fanbase.
• Jack Harlow – Smooth flow and confidence make him a fan favorite.
• J-Hope (BTS) – Brings Korean style into hip hop, gaining attention worldwide.
• Don Toliver – Known for his unique voice and melodic rap style.

Read More: 10 Best Rap Producers All Time Hip Hop

3: R&B

What Is R&B Music?

R&B stands for Rhythm and Blues. It originated in African American communities in the 1940s and has evolved into one of the most beloved music styles today.

R&B is renowned for its smooth sound, profound emotions, and a blend of soul, jazz, and blues. The songs typically feature soft beats, strong vocals, and lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, or personal stories. Modern R&B artists also blend with pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Latest R&B Songs

• Reasons To Stay – Tanika Charles
• CN TOWER – Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR
• DEEPER – PARTYNEXTDOOR
• TWENTIES – Giveon
• Cry For Me – The Weeknd
• Crybaby – SZA

Top R&B Artists

• SZA – Known for emotional songs and a unique voice, she leads today’s R&B scene with tracks like Saturn (2024).
• Muni Long – A rising voice in R&B with strong lyrics and live performances.
• Lucky Daye – Famous for soulful and smooth R&B with a classic touch.
• Chris Brown – Blends R&B with dance and pop; a long-time chart-topper.
• Kehlani – Mixes R&B with hip-hop and honest, raw lyrics.
• Summer Walker – Known for dark, moody R&B and deep emotional tracks.
• Ella Mai – Brings soft vocals and catchy R&B-pop hits.
• Usher – A classic R&B artist who mixes smooth vocals with upbeat music.

4: Rock

What Is Rock Music?

Rock music is loud, energetic, and built around electric guitars, bass, drums, and powerful vocals. It started in the 1950s with roots in blues and rhythm and blues.

Over time, it has evolved into various styles, including punk, metal, indie rock, and alternative. Modern rock often differs from classic rock, which typically focuses on bands from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Today, rock singers are a popular music preference among Gen Z, characterized by a mix of heavy sounds, emotional lyrics, and bold performances.

Latest Rock Songs

• Young & Dumb – Avril Lavigne feat. Simple Plan
• Mayday – Three Days Grace
• Lachryma – Ghost
• Corporation P.O.P – Hot Milk
• Unshatter – Linkin Park
• God Is A Weapon – Falling In Reverse

Top Rock Artists

• Foo Fighters – Known for high-energy rock and powerful live shows, they remain one of the biggest bands today.
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Their mix of funk, rock, and soul keeps them popular with people of all ages.
• Linkin Park – A major name in nu-metal and alternative rock, they still attract huge attention.
• Muse – Famous for mixing rock with spacey sounds and deep lyrics.
• Halestorm – A modern hard rock band with strong vocals and loud, raw energy.
• Chevelle – Known for heavy riffs and emotional songs, their 2025 album is making waves.
• Rise Against – A punk-influenced band with strong messages and fast-paced tracks.

Read Also: Top 10 Rock Songs

5: K-Pop

What Is K-Pop Music?

K-pop is a style of music originating from South Korea that combines elements of pop, hip-hop, R&B, and dance. It’s known for catchy tunes, sharp choreography, and stylish videos.

K-pop gained worldwide popularity in the 2010s and is performed by idol groups, boy bands, and girl groups. These artists often sing, rap, dance, and act, and their music focuses on themes like love, confidence, and youth.

As one of the most popular music genres among Gen Z listeners, K-pop songs resonate strongly with younger audiences with its high production value, relatable themes, and deep fan engagement.

Latest K-Pop Songs

• Nu kidz – ARrC
• TIME 2 SHINE – XODIAC
• I DO ME – KiiiKiii
• LOVE, AFRAID – Madein
• STRESS – Chungha
• HOT MESS – Evnne
• Ghost Of You – ASH ISLAND
• Glow Up – Rescene
• Graffiti – All(H)Ours

Top K-Pop Artists

• BTS – One of the most famous K-Pop groups, known for hits like My Universe (2021) and solo songs by members like Jungkook and V.
• BLACKPINK – A top girl group loved for their strong stage presence and songs like Kill This Love (2019) and Pink Venom (2022).
• NewJeans – Popular with Gen Z for their fresh style and songs like Frostbite.
• Stray Kids – Known for high-energy songs like Bloom Mode and strong performances.
• IVE – A rising girl group with powerful vocals and hits like Eclipse.
• (G)I-dle – Gaining global fans with their edgy songs like Crush Me.
• FIFTY FIFTY – Gained worldwide fame with Cupid, a viral hit across platforms.

Read Also: Top 10 K-pop Groups

6: Country

Latest Country Music Songs

• Without You – Warren Zeiders
• She Hates Me – Dierks Bentley
• Leave Me Too – Josh Ross
• Love Like Whiskey – The War and Treaty
• Burned Down Heaven – Chase McDaniel
• OIL MONEY – Graham Barham
• Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend – HARDY and Nate Smith
• Live Lonely – Harper Grace and Mason Ramsey
• Hurt Like Hell – The Lacs
• Wranglers – Miranda Lambert
• Pour Me A Drink – Post Malone

Top Country Music Artists

• Morgan Wallen – Known for chart-toppers like I’m the Problem (2025) and raw emotional lyrics.
• Luke Combs – Hits like Where the River Knows My Name keep him a fan favorite.
• Chris Stapleton – Blends country, blues, and soul in a powerful, emotionally rich style that resonates deeply with Gen Z listeners.
• Lainey Wilson – A leading female voice in modern country with songs like Ain’t Done Yet (2024).

• Ella Langley – Gaining fame with songs like Hungover (2024) and viral videos.
• Zach Top – Bringing a classic country vibe to Gen Z with Whiskey Moon.
• Braden Jamison – Known for heartfelt tracks like Dust in My Radio (2024).
• Maggie Antone – Blending country-pop with real, relatable lyrics.

Read Also: Top 10 Country Male Singers

7: Indie

What Is Indie Music?

Indie music, short for independent music, is made by artists who don’t depend on big record labels. These artists usually write, record, and share their music on their own or with small teams.

Indie music stands out as one of the most popular music genres among Gen Z listeners because it offers artists complete creative freedom, resulting in fresh, authentic, and unique sounds.

It encompasses various styles, including indie rock, indie pop, indie folk, and indie electronic, and often avoids mainstream trends, making it more personal and unique.

Latest Indie Music Songs

• Husn – Anuv Jain
• Automatic – Half Alive
• Pushing It Down and Praying – Lizzy McAlpine
• Permanent Record – GG Fearn
• Sailor Song – Gigi Perez
• THE GREATEST – Billie Eilish
• Staring Contest – Snail Mail
• Evening Glow – Soccer Mommy
• Nothing Feels New – Rex Orange County
• Alone in Tokyo – Japanese Breakfast

Top Indie Music Artists

• Phoebe Bridgers – Known for soft, emotional songs like Drowning in Daylight, she remains a favorite in indie circles.
• Clairo – Her blend of indie pop and gentle vocals, as heard in Polaroid Summer, connects with Gen Z fans.
• Arlo Parks – A rising voice in indie soul-pop, with poetic lyrics and calm vibes like Nocturne.
• Girl in Red – Famous for open, honest lyrics about mental health and love, with tracks like Hemingway (2025).
• Beabadoobee – Blends 2000s rock and soft indie pop, staying popular with songs like Some Kind of Magic.
• Snail Mail – Known for indie rock songs that deal with growing up, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
• Soccer Mommy – Combines guitar-driven sound with sad, thoughtful lyrics in songs like Driver (2024).

Read More: 8 Best Indie Pop Artists

Summary

List of Most Popular Music Genres Among Gen Z Listeners

Pop

• Latest Pop Songs: Die With A Smile, APT, Messy
• Top Pop Artists: Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, The Weeknd

Hip-Hop

• Latest Hip-Hop Songs: Trappa Rappa, NOKIA, Set You Free
• Top Hip-Hop Artists: Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Lil Baby

R&B

• Latest R&B Songs: Reasons To Stay, CN TOWER, DEEPER
• Top R&B Artists: SZA, Muni Long, Lucky Daye

Rock

• Latest Rock Songs: Young & Dumb, Mayday, Lachryma
• Top Rock Artists: Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park

K-Pop

• Latest K-Pop Songs: Nu kidz, TIME 2 SHINE, I DO ME
• Top K-Pop Artists: BTS, BLACKPINK, NewJeans

Country

• Latest Country Music Songs: Without You, She Hates Me, Leave Me Too
• Top Country Music Artists: Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton

Indie

• Latest Indie Music Songs: Husn, Automatic, Pushing It Down and Praying
• Top Indie Music Artists: Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo, Arlo Parks