If there’s one thing about music, it’s that it never stays still. Every year, artists, producers, and fans shape new sounds and bring back old ones with a twist.
This year, for instance, genre boundaries became increasingly blurred. Artists experimented with crossovers, blending elements from several genres to produce one-of-a-kind, hybrid sounds.
The next year, i.e., 2025, is shaping up to be no different. Some of the trends coming down the pipeline are downright exciting.
Whether you’re an artist or a die-hard fan, here are the music trends that will dominate in 2025.
#1 Sonic Branding Will be Everywhere
What sound comes to your mind when you think of Netflix? Those catchy Netflix’s “ta-dum”—the audio logo—is sonic branding.
In 2025, expect more companies to go all in on creating their own audio identities. Why? These short and snappy audios are faster than visuals in triggering recognition and creating connection.
Companies are realizing that sound is just as important as visuals when it comes to branding. Hence, they are betting big on sonic identity, creating unique audio logos and soundscapes to stand out in a cluttered digital space.
Netflix aside, according to Tearsheet, some of the biggest brands, like PayPal and Apex, are using sound to connect with their audiences.
Another report suggests that beauty brands might also tap into audio assets like custom music and sonic logos. Old Spice ranks as the number 1 beauty and care brand when it comes to sonic branding. Its sonic logo is as memorable as the jingle of McDonald’s.
Hence, your favorite apps, websites, and even smart devices will soon have custom sounds designed to make them unforgettable.
#2 AI-Generated Music Will Go Mainstream
Music production is getting easier—all thanks to AI. It is now a major player in the music industry.
A recent feature of Variety reveals that approximately 60% of musicians surveyed admitted to using AI in some capacity. Nearly 38% use it for artwork development, 31% for mastering, and 20% for music production. About 11% use AI for songwriting assistance.
Mya Blue is one prominent name in the music industry who admits to using AI. She described herself as a virtual singer powered by AI. She reveals that she uses the technology to explore different sounds in the world.
In 2025, AI will step into the spotlight, however. That is, AI-generated music will move from experimental to essential.
Right now, AI tools can compose tracks in seconds, which is perfect for movie scores, video games, or even background music for YouTube creators.
These tools can even simulate the sounds of real drums, thanks to drum plugins.
Drum plugins use samples from actual drum recordings to simulate the sound as well as the feel of playing a physical drum kit. Thus, they help musicians create realistic drum tracks without the need for costly equipment or a specialized drum room.
An AI VST Drum Plugin, Drumloop AI says, is a revolutionary tool that emulates the sound as well as the performance of real drums. With this plugin, musicians can create professional-sounding drum tracks for their songs with ease.
Thus, AI in the music industry is not replacing creativity; rather, it’s turbocharging it.
#3 TikTok’s Influence Will Grow
TikTok has become a popular medium for discovering new music. Music marketers, record labels, and artists are flooding the app with songs to make them viral.
The platform, however, is reshaping how users consume music. The bite-sized tracks and catchy hooks that can loop seamlessly into short videos are what grab the attention of users.
Lil Yachty’s “Poland” is a case in point. The 83-second hit attracted viewers with its short, catchy hook. Not surprisingly, it surged to the top half of the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022, inspiring tens of thousands of TikTok creations within a week of its debut.
If TikTok changed the game for music discovery, 2025 will supercharge it. The music industry will deepen, with more songs crafted specifically for the platform. Expect more tracks with instantly recognizable intros, addictive choruses, or quirky lyrics that are perfect for challenges and trends.
#4 2000s Pop is Making a Major Comeback
Remember those days of flip phones, frosted lip gloss, and bopping to Bye Bye Bye or Toxic? Well, the early 2000s are back, and they are bringing their pop anthems along for the ride.
Gen Z and millennials are driving a resurgence of early 2000s pop music, and by 2025, it will hit its peak.
Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan are already leaning into these vibes. But next year, they will dive even deeper into the era’s sugary, unapologetic fun.
The takeaway? The future of music in 2025 will be a beautiful blend of nostalgia, innovation, and deep personal connection.
Whether it’s AI making music creation accessible to all or 2000s pop reminding us of simpler times, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for music. Until then, keep jamming to whatever makes your heart sing.
