In the fast-paced digital age of music, the way we listen to and consume songs has drastically changed. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok have shortened our attention spans, encouraging artists to adapt their music to match the scrolling, skipping, and swiping culture. One of the biggest questions musicians are asking is: Does song length matter? Should artists make their tracks shorter to increase streams and engagement?
If you look at the success of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” the answer seems to be a resounding yes. Let’s dive into why shorter songs might be better in today’s music landscape, and how one viral hit transformed the industry’s approach to song duration.
The Success of “Old Town Road”
Back in 2019, a 19-year-old artist named Lil Nas X released “Old Town Road,” a genre-blending track that no one could have predicted would become a viral sensation. Clocking in at just 1 minute and 53 seconds, the song became one of the shortest songs ever to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for a record-breaking 19 consecutive weeks.
How did such a short song dominate the charts and break records? The answer lies in a combination of modern listening habits, the rise of TikTok, and Lil Nas X’s keen understanding of how to optimize his song for digital platforms.
Why Shorter Songs Work in Today’s Music World
1. The Rise of Streaming & Playlist Culture
In the world of streaming, listeners are consuming music faster than ever. People often discover new songs through curated playlists, where they might listen to dozens of tracks in one session. Shorter songs tend to perform better on playlists because they encourage more repeat listens, which directly benefits an artist’s stream count.
In fact, Spotify’s algorithm favors shorter songs, as each stream counts toward an artist’s revenue after just 30 seconds of playtime. This means a track that’s under 2 minutes can be looped multiple times in the same amount of time as a longer song, ultimately boosting its streaming numbers.
2. TikTok’s Influence on Song Length
TikTok has reshaped how songs are discovered and consumed, with millions of users creating and sharing 15-30 second clips synced to music. This has directly influenced song length, as artists are now designing their tracks to have catchy hooks or beats that fit perfectly into these bite-sized clips.
“Old Town Road” first gained traction on TikTok as part of a viral challenge, and its short duration made it perfect for looping in videos. In fact, TikTok has become so influential that artists now think about how their songs will perform on the platform when writing and producing music. Songs with punchy intros and quick transitions tend to fare better, and shorter songs lend themselves to more frequent use in viral trends.
3. Attention Spans Are Shorter Than Ever
According to research, the average attention span of a listener has dropped to just 8 seconds—shorter than that of a goldfish. With so much content competing for attention on social media, streaming platforms, and video apps, listeners don’t have the patience to sit through long intros or drawn-out bridges.
This shift in attention spans has pushed artists to get straight to the point. Tracks now start with a hook or chorus, rather than slowly building up. By the time a listener decides whether they like a song, the chorus is already stuck in their head.
How Artists Can Optimize Song Duration
Shorter songs might be working for artists like Lil Nas X, but how can you optimize your music without sacrificing creativity? Here are some key strategies:
1. Hook Them Early
In today’s music scene, you need to grab the listener’s attention right away. Consider starting your track with a strong chorus or an instantly recognizable hook. The sooner you hook them, the more likely they’ll listen to the whole song.
2. Cut the Filler
Trim any unnecessary sections that don’t add to the song’s momentum. Long instrumental breaks, extended intros, and multiple bridges might have worked in the past, but now they could cause listeners to skip to the next track.
3. Play Into the Repeat Factor
Shorter songs have a higher replay value, especially in the streaming era. If a song is catchy and under 2 minutes, listeners are more likely to loop it multiple times, increasing your stream count.
4. Consider TikTok and Viral Moments
Think about how your song can be used on platforms like TikTok. Does it have a catchy beat drop, a funny lyric, or a memorable moment that people can use in their videos? The shorter and more memorable, the better.
The Other Side: When Longer Songs Work
While shorter songs are gaining popularity, that doesn’t mean long-form music is dead. Artists like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Frank Ocean continue to release longer tracks that tell deep, emotional stories. In these cases, the length is part of the artistic experience, and fans are willing to engage with the music more deeply.
For genres like classical music, progressive rock, and jazz, longer compositions remain central to the experience. Some audiences still crave the storytelling and instrumental journeys that come with extended playtime.
Conclusion: Should You Keep It Short?
In the digital age, shorter is often better—especially if you’re looking to boost streams, attract new listeners, and take advantage of platforms like TikTok. Artists like Lil Nas X have proven that even a sub-2-minute song can break records and make a massive cultural impact.
But remember, song length should never come at the expense of your artistic vision. The goal is to strike a balance between creating a memorable, digestible piece of music and staying true to your sound.
So, what’s your next track going to be? Will you keep it short and sweet or let it play out?
