Why Are Songs Getting Shorter? Unpacking the Trend

On September 2nd, a conversation featuring graphics reporter Suu Chen and audio engineer Shan Carter delved into the trend of short songs in contemporary music. With the advent of streaming platforms and changes in listener habits, songs like 'Kill Bill' by SZA and 'Butter' by BTS are now commonly under three minutes long. Historically, vinyl records posed length limitations, resulting in shorter songs. However, the mid-60s saw artists like Bob Dylan and The Beatles producing longer tracks due to changing technologies and artistic freedom. As music production evolved, especially with the rise of digital platforms, song structures began to shift, favoring catchy hooks and brevity. Expert insights also highlighted how platforms like Spotify incentivize shorter songs, as artists earn royalties based on song playback duration. The trend raises questions about the balance between artistic expression and commercial demands in music. Ultimately, the conversation suggests a potential shift toward a more fragmented and diverse music scene, where varied song lengths may coexist, driven by internet exposure and listeners' eclectic tastes.