The Four Cultural Trends Defining 2026: Get Started with Audio

We live in a polarizing time: the left vs. the right, AI defenders vs. AI protesters, Swifties vs. the world. It can feel like almost everywhere we turn, there’s a hill we’re willing to die on. 

Well, it turns out that a lot of middle ground still exists today—notably when it comes to culture. Consumers aren’t always all-in on one thing or the other, their preferences and mindsets ebb and flow just like the world around them. And similar to our daily lives, making a decision can really come down to our moods in real time. 

This rings especially true when it comes to digital audio. Some days, we’re in the mood to watch a video podcast, and other days, we want a screen-free break. Then, there are times when we want to listen to an energetic rock playlist, and other times when we want to play a chill, lofi playlist on repeat. Audio captures this push and pull, serving as a window into modern culture, from shedding light on relevant trends to providing an escape. 

Meet the SiriusXM Media Culture Index—an audience-driven framework that maps how people move through culture and use audio as their North Star. We’ve broken the report down into four trends; learn where your audience falls. See the experience here.

Audio is a cultural trendsetter 

Audio is a recordkeeper of milestone moments in culture. Just think of the infamous feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, which turned diss tracks into Grammy award sweeps and a history-making Super Bowl halftime show. Or think about Taylor Swift re-recording her past albums to own her masters, leading to the Eras Tour—which became the highest-grossing concert tour in history. In historic pop culture moments like these, you can see each of our four culture trends alive and well. These moments made people feel something (Feelcore), they brought millions of people together IRL and online (Soulsyncing), they showed the tensions of modern masculinity (Brocoding), and they drew listeners in to music that either reflects their own culture or expands their views (Homedrift).  

Get to know this year’s biggest trends 

Consider this your crash course to meeting consumers where they are and understanding the cultural trends that are affecting them most. 

Feelcore: Seeking catharsis

Our modern reality has seen its fair share of ups and downs—from economic uncertainty to political unrest. Throughout it all, we all have our unique ways of coping with our emotions. For some, it’s filming themselves crying and posting it on TikTok (aka crytok), and for others, it’s seeking an escape through romantasy books like A Court of Thorns and Roses. It’s no wonder that 78% of listeners turn to content that pulls them in emotionally and holds their attention, and 58% of them feel more drawn to experiences or content that stir strong emotions compared to a few years ago. 1 We all want to feel something, anything. 

The spectrum: 

• Calm: These listeners resonate with dopacore and melancholy content. They get an emotional high from love songs, euphoric pop, or sad music. 

• Adrenaline: These listeners feel a thrill from rushcore and verse defiance content. They want music that matches their emotional intensity and offers catharsis, from underground hip hop to head-bopping heavy metal. 

Here’s what it all means: Feeling is the new filter. Tailor your campaign based on which end you’re targeting, whether that’s making your audience feel understood or emotionally engaged. 

Brocoding: Reaffirming and reevaluating identity 

Modern masculinity is rapidly evolving: gender-bending fashion, accepted emotional expression, and loosening expectations. What it means to be a man today is becoming more individualized. Some are more traditional, with 85% of listeners saying their sense of masculinity is important. Meanwhile, 54% of them say that "Society’s view of my gender needs to evolve." 1 We’re seeing these changes (and for some, a lack of change) in none other than podcasting. The podcast field is historically, and to this day, male-dominated, giving us a glimpse into the various male archetypes. 

The spectrum: 

• Armor: Standing on one end are those who navigate life with “armor,” believing that gender roles are clearly defined. They see themselves in figures like Jim Cramer and Stephen A. Smith, and they consume content like business and sports.

• Vulnerability: On the other end are those who lean into their “vulnerability,” believing that traditional views of their gender need to evolve. They’re inspired by hosts like Stavvy and Trevor Noah, and they’re not afraid to be emotionally open or seek out self-improvement. 

The TL;DR: Understand the nuances of both sides of the spectrum to create lasting bonds, and show that you respect the tension between tradition and progress. 

Homedrift: Finding a sense of belonging 

There’s no place like (Home)drift. In the last few years, we’ve seen a heavy rise in culturally specific sounds hitting the mainstream. Where do we begin—there’s Bad Bunny, who became the first Latino male artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Then there’s Karol G, who was the first Latina to headline Coachella this year. And of course, there’s the film Kpop Demon Hunters, which snagged multiple milestone wins for the K-pop genre, including the first-ever Grammy win. The increasing discourse on race and gender in the nation has led to the popularity of genre-blended music and motivated artists to take a stand for their roots. 

The spectrum: 

• Roots: Those on the “roots” end are drawn to artists and music that reflect their own culture. For Hispanic listeners, this could be reggaeton or regional Mexican music, while for Black listeners, this could be Atlanta rap or West coast hip hop. Music is their avenue for staying connected and feeling grounded in their family’s history. 

• Drift: Meanwhile, for those on the “drift” end, they’re curious about exploring cultural content to expand their worldview, whether that’s UK rap or artists that blend R&B, hip hop, and electric. 

It’s all to say: Brands need to embrace this shift towards heritage and global influence. After all, your audiences already have, with 68% of listeners saying they enjoy discovering music from artists rooted in different cultures. 1

Soulsyncing: Gravitating towards connection

Take your pick for a Friday night: screaming the lyrics to your favorite song at Lollapalooza with strangers or curling up at home with your favorite playlist? Soulsyncing captures these two polar opposites—and those who can’t pick just one. Throughout our daily experiences, we all search for meaning. Some find this through self-help podcasts and religious music, while others find it through shared experiences with others. Whether they’re alone or in a crowd, 73% of listeners seek experiences that make them feel part of something meaningful. 1

The spectrum: 

• Sanctuary: Those seeking a "sanctuary" prioritize being mindful and getting an emotional reset. They’re turning to faith-based music to help them navigate daily challenges, from Christian contemporary to gospel. 

• Communion: Meanwhile, those looking for “communion” find comfort in shared experiences. They might find it in a live podcast taping, a concert, or events like HBCU Homecoming. 

The first step is understanding that comfort takes many forms. When you create moments of collective release and emotionally immersive experiences, you’re that much closer to resonating with your audience. 

Shape culture as it happens with SiriusXM Media 

This is just a teaser into the biggest trends shaping today’s cultural landscape. To get the audio playlist of each trend and a full rundown of how to activate, download the report here. Don’t get left behind, let’s chat. 

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