Thanks to the extensive reach of international streaming platforms, the content we consume is increasingly multi-lingual. 

Closed captions have transformed media habits

 not only for those with access needs but also viewers curious about stories outside of their cultural bubbles. Combined with social media hype, this has enabled the rise of global hits such as Squid Game on Netflix or the Oscar-winning Parasite, both from South Korea. Similarly, 

 has become one of Netflix's most-viewed shows of all time, especially popular in South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Moreover, the love of international TV is becoming a gateway to a broader discovery. 

The Korean culture wave has never been stronger

 and people are using their love of K-media as a lens through which to explore other elements of Korean culture, including food and language. Similarly, the international interest in Nordic noir might not be new, but 

could spark interest in new travel destinations or the Scandi way of dressing.

TikTok discovery knows no borders, with Gen Z increasingly turning to social media to find new entertainment. 

 is one of the new idols fusing genres and styles to satisfy the hunger for the new while also offering authenticity through direct communication with fans. People are looking for more than just novelty – para-social relationships and a sense of community are becoming a source of comfort in the turbulent world, be it from UK-based 

. Tapping into the vital social aspect of K-pop culture, the Korean app 

 offers access to K-pop stars worldwide. Curiously, global politics can also be a factor in how cultural movements are created: with China looking to emulate the success of the Korean Wave, 

Jackson Wang has emerged as a relatable pop icon

 for young fans, manifesting China's evolving national identity.

The shift is happening not only in how people consume cross-cultural content but in the geography of production and, consequently, a sense of ownership. Anime, for instance, is moving from being perceived as a niche subculture to mainstream entertainment. In the US, 

 like anime, with big brands like Netflix and Disney+ getting involved in the production of original anime content. Getting ahead of the rising popularity of the genre, Brazilian clothing company 

Picitas has expanded its anime collab range

 to lure in yet more fans. Thanks to lower access barriers, entertainment traditionally connected to a singular cultural identity is now more likely to find appreciation worldwide. Sports has emerged as an example: 

Aussies develop an appetite for American sports

 creating entirely new links and communities.

of Gen Zers said they often consume media from other countries

Accessibility has taken giant leaps forward in recent years, from technology to video games, live entertainment, and media. Closed captioning has transformed our expectations of content; turning us into more active consumers, increasing our acceptance of reading more text – or none at all.

How are closed captions changing media habits?

The Hallyu, or Korean culture wave has never been stronger, with audiences growing increasingly receptive to subtitled and complex international content. But how can brands capitalise on this appetite for transnational television and make space for storylines that transcend a Western point of view?

How are K-dramas heralding a new era of TV?

The expansion of anime in America and its eye-catching style has moved it from being an underground niche subculture to a genre that has far-reaching influence and appeal. As it begins to be accepted in mainstream US culture, who are the new American anime fans that are spurring its growth?

Who are the new American anime fans?

The Eurovision Song Contest, a cultural juggernaut born in 1956, has grown into a global phenomenon, entertaining over 160 million viewers annually with its eclectic and unpredictable performances. It remains a cornerstone of the cultural landscape and celebration of nuanced national identity.

How Eurovision provides a platform for playful nationalism

A US bar devoted to showcasing and celebrating women's sports has revealed its intentions to expand and franchise the establishment. While sports bars play a vital role in connecting fans, they frequently cater to men's sports, presenting an opportunity to explore avenues for inclusive sports viewing.

Oregon women's sports bar plans expansion

Apple TV's documentary Girls State delves into the experiences of ethnically and ideologically diverse teenage girls participating in a week-long immersive program in Missouri. Media brands have the opportunity to innovate with Gen Z girls' political, social, and emotional empowerment.

‘Girls State’ spotlights Gen Z girls’ political power

For TikToker Delaney Rowe, cringe is key. Adept at satirizing Hollywood tropes and the most annoying people you might know, Rowe creates content that has viewers squirming in their seats. With Gen Zers desiring palpable nostalgia, Rowe offers up a new genre of influencer authenticity.

How Delaney Rowe resonates with cringe-loving cinephiles

Video games are transforming from pure entertainment into potential tools for combating stress and loneliness. What’s at the root of this shift? And how can developers, publishers, and brands connect with gamers who are seeking both entertainment and wellbeing benefits?

How video games are giving players a wellbeing boost

Tapping into contemporary concerns about political polarisation, A24’s action film Civil War is sparking mixed reactions due to its apparent lack of a political stance. Brands can craft nuanced, provocative messaging that resonates with audiences for inclusive, anti-war themes.

Civil War’s subversion divides audiences

Portraying herself as the all-American E-girl next door, June Lapine aka Shoe is disrupting existing narratives about LeftTube, gender, pop culture, and expected progressive positions. What can brands learn from her idiosyncratic content to authentically engage younger audiences?

Why Shoe’s 'bimbo populism' engages diverse fan bases

The buzzy streaming adoption of Patricia Highsmith's classic novel The Talented Mr. Ripley centres on a sexually ambiguous protagonist and his crimes. As LGBTQ+ representation broadens, audiences are increasingly drawn to pop cultural narratives that explore class and sexual transgressions.

Ripley spotlights queer anti-hero narratives

Seventeen's global rise in K-pop defies norms, resonating deeply with fans through self-produced music and genuine connections. Despite K-pop's evolving landscape, their commitment to quality and authenticity sets them apart, bridging cultural gaps and inspiring loyalty worldwide.

How Seventeen charms fans with their perpetual authentic K-pop shine

Japan has long been a haven for music lovers and a bastion of nostalgia, particularly for fans of vinyl records. Recently, the country got a breath of fresh air from the unexpected but welcome crowd of Gen Z listeners. What’s fuelling the younger generation’s desire to connect with analogue music?

Why are Japanese Gen Zers obsessed with vinyl records again?

Australian broadcaster SBS announced on Earth Day that one of its cooking shows has become the first in the world to measure its carbon footprint actively. With the film and TV industry having a notable impact on emissions, it shows how other broadcasters can take a greener approach to production.

Australian TV show is the first to measure carbon footprint

Bluey, an Australian animated children’s television series, is a global sensation that follows the adventures of a Blue Heeler dog family in Brisbane. Purportedly a ‘kids’ show,’ it’s widely beloved for its essences of childhood imagination, authentic adult life, and minority representation.

Why Bluey is a kids’ show representing real Aussie life

J-pop singer Crystal Kay’s comeback rides a wave of 2000s nostalgia, ignited by the viral TikTok remix of her 2003 hit ‘Boyfriend (Part II).’ Kay’s enduring charm now bridges generations and showcases J-pop’s international allure as a testament to how timeless hits can find a new fan base.

How Crystal Kay brings back the charm of Y2K J-pop

As climate anxiety mounts and dystopian narratives dominate media, the solarpunk movement is gaining momentum. Envisioning a future where humanity thrives amid the challenges of climate change, solarpunk embraces a harmony of nature and technology. Can it reshape hopes for a sustainable future?

How is solarpunk reimagining a sustainable future?

The popularity of video game film adaptations is rising as desire for comic book inspired content decreases. Following an uptick in gaming post-pandemic, and continued engagement with longer, more immersive narratives, Hollywood is taking note and extending those worlds onto the big screen.

Video game adaptations become firm movie favourites

With Australian society having a hot-and-cold relationship with sexuality, The Hook Up podcast dares to discuss elements of modern romance and sex as it is truly experienced by Australian Gen Zers and the growing LGBTQ+ community in the country looking for a safe digital space.

Why The Hook Up unfilters sex talk for Aussie Gen Z

South Korea has produced some of the world’s most famous esports stars. But in the age of streaming, the nature of celebrity in the gaming world can vary, with content creators and fans joining the fray. What can competitive and non-competitive gamers teach about building a thriving fanbase?

How South Korea’s celebrity gamers build dedicated fandoms

Raye made history at the 2024 BRIT Awards by winning the most awards by any artist in a single year. Her old-school sound and authentic approach to artistry have captured the attention of fans and the music industry, catapulting her to star status in an overcrowded music landscape.

How Raye captures the attention of Gen Z music lovers

GagaOOLala, Asia’s pioneering LGBTQ+ streaming service, aims to spotlight queer stories in mainstream media. The platform mirrors a surge in demand for queer content and the progress of the community’s rights in Asia, catering to a group that had little to no media attention up until recently.

Why GagaOOLala uncensors the stories of queer Asians

With their formative years hindered by pandemic lockdowns, it’s no wonder why Gen Alphas found comfort in online communities. On the gaming platform Roblox, Southeast Asian Gen Alphas advocate for their beliefs – from politics to religion – in a way no other generation has before.

Why Roblox became Southeast Asian Gen Alphas’ social podium

As TikTok's fate in the US hangs in the balance, India's 2020 ban could be a cautionary tale. India's bold move disrupted its thriving creator scene, forcing a migration to new platforms. Now, the US weighs its options, urging a rethink of digital landscapes amid global tensions.

India banned TikTok. Can US TikTokers use this as a blueprint?

Responding to long-running fan demand, ABC firefighter drama 9-1-1 has introduced a bisexual storyline. Once hidden away in corners of the internet,  brands are increasingly inspired by the creativity of fan fiction to create bold, nuanced, and unapologetically queer narratives.

9-1-1 queer romance spotlights engaged fandom

Content creator Nara Smith has garnered a colossal TikTok following by posting romanticized from-scratch cooking videos. Her popularity stems from a desire for slow content, a need for relief from burnout, and aspirations for traditional lifestyles as viewed through the lens of social media.

How Nara Smith captured Gen Z’s homemaking aspirations

Boys’ Love media usually features fresh-faced male characters encountering slightly varied struggles. Heaven Official’s Blessing smartly subverts these tropes, placing a queer couple in a distinctly traditional Chinese context and putting their character development at the centre of the story.

Why Heaven Official’s Blessing rewrites Asian boys' romance

Political parties leveraged digital technology, social media influencers, and artificial intelligence (AI) to attract hundreds of millions of Indian voters in the 2024 general election like never before, raising concerns about the misuse of AI and exposure to misinformation and one-sided opinions.

How AI and deepfakes are changing how Indians vote

Social media can be a powerful tool for social change, but it's also a repository for many harmful ideas about what masculinity should look like. Danny Dyer’s How to Be a Man hosts conversations about changing notions of masculinity that social media has struggled to make space for.

Danny Dyer uses TV to advocate for modern masculinity

GameScent is introducing smell to the gaming world, aiming to offer gamers a truly immersive experience. With gaming continuing to be a core route to escapism through immersive play, AI-enabled activations can support immersive and realistic experiences that deepen world-building for players. 

GameScent uses smell to enhance gamer immersion

Generative AI (GenAI) has swept across all industries, including the Indian film world. However, GenAI usage must pass the test of transparency, ethics, and privacy. As people in India share that they trust all that comes with AI, the burden of authenticity lies heavy on the shoulders of creators.

How AI is rewriting Indian cinema

Maataso stands out from her fellow J-beauty influencers by downplaying her looks with refreshing hilarity, maintaining relatability even after undergoing trendy plastic surgery. Her fans' positive response says a lot about Japanese beauty ideals and her talents as an entertaining Mom YouTuber.

Why Maataso glamourises the ‘ugly’ parts of J-beauty

TikTok is launching a new photo-sharing app, TikTok Notes, to rival Instagram, reflecting the growing trend of personalized online experiences and the decentralization of information. However, TikTok's algorithm-driven approach has already received some pushback from users.



TikTok challenges Instagram with new 'Notes' photo app

Xydrobe has announced Harrods as the first retail partner for its multi-sensory VR cinema, providing a diverse program of tactile, immersive experiences. With audience expectations around experiential shopping increasing, digital integrations can enhance storytelling and community engagement.

Harrods to offer multisensory VR experience for shoppers

Billboard is launching an interactive mobile game that lets fans 'predict the hits' and be rewarded for their accuracy. Music is rapidly becoming a participatory and interactive experience, with brands offering new ways for fans to engage with and enjoy their favorite artists and songs.

Billboard Hot 100 game encourages fan participation

Billie Eilish has gained nearly seven million Instagram followers in two days after adding all followers to her Close Friends stories. Social media has evolved to become more exclusionary, and communications are shifting to favor more closed-door communities to create a sense of connection.

Billie Eilish Instagram stunt adds millions of followers

Brands are using paparazzi shots as marketing tools, blurring the line between authentic endorsement and calculated promo. This trend taps into our fascination with celeb culture and fits into a wider blurring of reality, from AI shaking up truth to curated 'authenticity' on social media.

Paparazzi shots as marketing blur reality and fiction

Funding, opportunities, and employment in arts and culture have long been concentrated in London. However, with government support and local initiatives, the country’s Northern cities are reshaping the cultural landscape, encouraging participation and fostering diverse pools of creative talent.

How Northern cities are reshaping UK culture

The ‘Patron Saint of Situationships’ returns! Following the success of her single, ‘B.A.D,’ Filipina R&B artist Denise Julia has released ‘Sugar n Spice,’ a feel-good track embracing same-gender attraction, which resonates deeply with listeners seeking representation and authenticity.

How Denise Julia revives Filipino R&B for global listeners

Acting as a home away from home, equipped with gaming consoles, board games, vinyl players, and film screens, a new breed of socialising spaces is encouraging visitors to connect and engage in person. These venues foster community and belonging in an increasingly isolated digital landscape.

Why Southeast Asian hobbyists are flocking to co-playing spaces

Naver, South Korea’s biggest search engine, has created interactive shopping experiences and a thriving online community. Through its combination of group-buying, live e-commerce, and AI-generated ads, it continues to make exciting improvements that keep it at the top of the game in South Korea.

How Naver decodes Korean shoppers’ online lifestyles

Come for explicit photos of celebrity crushes, stay for the community. From an Instagram page to organising physical exhibits, Y2K Kabaklaan’s intentions are simple – to usher in a safe space for pent-up gay desires and to document an unforgettable epoch in Filipino pop culture.

Why Y2K Kabaklaan archives Filipino queer desires

Music festivals in Australia are collapsing due to environmental stressors, post-pandemic fallout, and young consumers seemingly becoming less keen to sign up for multi-day fetes. What direction will the future of live music take, and how will it adapt to the new generation’s evolving preferences?

Is Australia over music festivals?

According to a new poll, Gen Zers and Yers believe that they’re spending too much money on streaming subscriptions. Mobile content is proliferating while young people are looking to cut costs, leading many to change their streaming behaviors and look for more affordable solutions.

Gen Zers look to cut back on streaming subscriptions

Praised as an edgy blend of Jack Ryan and Girls, spy dramedy Mr. and Mrs. Smith reinvents the aughts-era Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt film by highlighting Gen Y relationship anxieties. Its success speaks to younger generations' hunger for bold and subversive storytelling.




Mr. and Mrs. Smith spotlights Gen Y malaise

Music is becoming increasingly globalised as listeners seek artists and genres across languages and cultures, resulting in more diverse line-ups at festivals and other live music events. How is the rise of globalised music changing mainstream festival culture and appealing to younger audiences?

How ‘borderless’ music is shaping festival culture

A 2024 study has shown that a majority of Americans believe the government is concealing information about UFOs. As distrust in American institutions grows, people are increasingly interested in conspiracy theories and other alternative explanations to make sense of the world.

Americans believe the government is hiding UFOs

Ayo Edebiri has become a cultural icon, resonating deeply with Gen Z thanks to her authenticity and humor. From comedy hustle to prominent roles in shows like The Bear and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she’s highlighting people’s demand for more authentic voices and figures in culture.

Why Ayo Edebiri appeals to the Gen Z girlies

TikTok has launched a revised rewards programme for creators who drive higher audience engagement. As people increasingly rely on online creators for recommendations, how can brands ensure that people receive tailor-made content that feels authentic and driven by values?

TikTok updates its reward offerings for creators

Several approaches have been developed to teach young Southeast Asians money management. However, economic issues and hustle culture make lessons hard to remember. That’s why The Simple Sum keeps financial literacy simple through bite-sized comic strips about real-life budget experiences.

Why The Simple Sum strips money talk down to comic truths

The US Major League Baseball (MLB) is looking to achieve success beyond its home field. MLB’s decision to venture into South Korea is a strategic decision to engage the nation’s notable talents and its world-renowned fandom culture, which catapulted homegrown entertainment to the world stage.

How MLB scores global popularity from Korean sports fans

Prime Video has cut staff and stopped funding original content in Africa, highlighting the difficulty of expanding into new markets with Western-centric products. Meanwhile, ShowMax has emerged as the preferred choice among viewers due to its rich local content and market knowledge.

Prime Video cuts African content as Showmax wins viewers

A report released by streaming platform Tubi shows that 74% of Gen Z and millennials prefer original content – reflecting a broader demand for fresh, diverse storytelling over remakes. This signals a shift towards authentic, innovative experiences over nostalgia when consuming media.

Gen Z is tired of movie remakes

As trust in celebrities declines, a crop of young popular figures is emerging and tapping into authenticity to capture young audiences. What’s behind this new era of approachable celebs and how can brands hone in on fans’ desires to witness their favorite stars in relatable scenarios?

What’s behind the new era of relatable celebrities?

South African sensation Tyla made history by winning the inaugural Best African Music Performance award at the Grammys. Her rapid ascent to global fame, rooted in her genuine authenticity, ushers more spaces for global music in the mainstream, led by the likes of Afrobeats and Amapiano DJ remixes.

How Tyla bolstered the global appeal of African music

The French star has become the subject of a vitriolic, racism-fuelled backlash sparked by her rumoured performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. As populations become increasingly polarised, brands have the opportunity to remain vocal and ensure that all identities are represented.

Aya Nakamura faces backlash over French heritage 

Climate change is a leading issue and the UK government has committed to a net zero emissions pledge by 2050. To reach it, voters must also take action and need political parties to support them. But in economically unstable times, how can political parties mobilise Gen Z voters?

How do UK voters feel about climate policy?

Skibidi Toilet disregards conventional storytelling. The eccentric animated cartoon about toilet wars has taken off on YouTube and is dominating Gen Alpha’s digital realities through fun, short-form content, blending nostalgia with innovation to capture audiences’ attention.

How Skibidi Toilet leverages nostalgia for Gen Alpha

Restless Dance Theatre is a contemporary dance troupe that works with artists of diverse abilities. Their inclusive approach to the performing arts has garnered acclaim, expanding the definition of creativity in a society working hard to provide more welcoming spaces to people with disabilities.

How Restless’ dancers with disabilities take centre stage

A survey has found that Americans want authentic depictions of work and family in TV shows and movies. Amid the rising inflation and cost of living, people are connecting with honest on-screen portrayals, creating an opportunity for brands to provide positive representations in mainstream media.

US adults want work-life balance depicted on screen

According to a new poll, Americans prefer to stream movies rather than watching them in theaters, despite recent box office successes pointing to a desire for spectacle and communal experience. Post-pandemic, Americans’ desire for communal experience and convenience appear to be at odds.

Americans prefer streaming movies over going to theaters

As the first generation of true digital natives, it’s no surprise that Gen Alphas are already engaged in the news. Australian youth stay in the loop through video explainers and short-form updates – but these kids are still in need of more robust digital literacy skills and forums for discussion.

How are Australian Gen Alphas getting their news?

In a global campaign, Eastpak shines the spotlight on the creativity and resilience of live action role-play (LARP) communities. No longer viewed as a siloed form of entertainment, there's an opportunity for brands to tap into the power of niche subcultures and garner authenticity.

Eastpak campaign taps into creativity of LARP culture

With two studio albums and a social media following of over seven million, Gen Z jazz star Laufey has taken the music world by storm. Leveraging TikTok and Instagram, the artist has weaved her nostalgic sound with modern-day sentiments to create a captivating world known as ‘Laufey Land’.

How Laufey is bewitching Gen Z jazz lovers

Juergen Teller’s unapologetically DIY photography continues to spark controversy, with detractors dismissing his work as lazy or disrespectful. But with AI-generated imagery spreading overprocessed allure, Teller's raw and unvarnished photographs emerge as a potent antidote to the digital zeitgeist.

How Juergen Teller captures unvarnished authenticity

The Taiwanese series Let’s Talk About CHU was a regional hit in and outside Taiwan thanks to its buzzy sex scenes and universal themes. Its success proves that cultural interchange, Asian language content, and Southeast Asian creativity are lucrative forces in streaming.

How Let’s Talk About CHU universalises the Asian tongue

As beacons of queer excellence, Drag Race spin-offs in Asia have brought a wave of inclusivity to screens and stages. The series bites into the appetites of millions of underrepresented members of the LGBTQ+ community and more as it just keeps getting bigger, more popular, and better.

Why Drag Race sashayed into Asia with queer excellence

Regional music styles have evolved in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the popularity of ‘budots’ (‘slacker’ in the Visayan language) from a grassroots scene to a mainstream genre shows that it could redefine Filipino dance music, which in the past has been heavily inspired by the West.

How Filipino EDM genre budots took street music worldwide

Media and Entertainment

People are championing multi-language content and joining worldwide fan communities

International content on major streaming platforms has ushered in a new era of cross-cultural entertainment – unlocking new markets, fostering digital communities, and boosting the demand for diverse media. Social media has further fuelled this cultural exchange, creating fandoms eager to explore music, film, and TV from around the world, regardless of any language barriers.