In a digital-first world, fans craved physical connection. 2021 saw record-breaking sales of vinyl records, as collectors sought a tangible piece of their favorite artists. 6. The NFT and Digital Ownership Hype
While streaming was king, 2021 proved that people still wanted the communal thrill of the theater—provided the movie was big enough. sone436hikarunagi241107xxx1080pav1160 2021
Disney+ successfully integrated the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) into the small screen with WandaVision and Loki . These weren't just spin-offs; they were essential viewing for the film franchise, changing how fans consumed serialized stories. 3. The Return of the Box Office (Sort Of) In a digital-first world, fans craved physical connection
In 2021, the battle for our living rooms moved from a skirmish to an all-out war. Platforms shifted their strategy from merely hosting old content to producing "event" television. The NFT and Digital Ownership Hype While streaming
The "Great Console Shortage" continued. Despite the high demand for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, supply chain issues made them the most elusive status symbols of the year. 5. Short-Form Content and the "TikTok-ification" of Music
This South Korean survival drama became a global juggernaut, proving that audiences were no longer deterred by subtitles. It became Netflix’s most-watched series ever at the time, sparking a worldwide obsession with Korean culture, from Dalgona candy to tracksuits.
2021 belonged to Olivia Rodrigo. Her debut album, SOUR , captured the zeitgeist of teenage angst and heartbreak, propelled by the massive viral success of "drivers license."