Two Minutes Song: Less or More?

Listening habits shift, song lengths get shorter. Who cares about the average length of a song anymore? If it’s listenable and still doing well on streams, doesn’t that mean it’s working for our current listening habits?

If anyone has checked out any recent releases in 2026, it’s obvious that people have noticed the change in song length. Take a look at No-Na, they have released three singles this year with “honk!” lasting only 2:15 and “rollerblade” at 1:54. Although these singles are under three minutes long, they eventually got people talking online, attracting plenty of listeners. Some people have said they’re disappointed with the shift, criticizing artists for “not caring enough” to write songs and tell stories through music anymore.

The criticism toward song duration is understandable but directing it only at artists is misdirected. The length is the issue, not the quality. I believe that we are so used to having the expectations over a “longer songs” format in the music world, when in reality, it’s the listening habits that have changed. Now, shorter songs are becoming more appealing to listeners, as it holds people attention long enough to complete a playlist. So, audience play a huge part, right? Why should we point fingers at artists?

Oh, one more thing. Our listening habits today give shorter songs more opportunities for music discovery. Exciting right? Well, some of you probably will ask “Oh, but doesn’t that affect the listening experience?” A different experience doesn’t mean it’s less enjoyable.  So, it all comes down to how we consume the music nowadays. Artists are making music that reflects OUR behavior. It’s not “less effort” or “lazier”. A song is still a song.

The way we listen to music is now more suited to shorter songs, and No-Na have responded to the shift by leaning into this format, joining many other artists. So, are we still making judgement about the artists now? After all, demand’s changing, artists adapt. 

Anyway, I’ll let you all listen to the song. It’s just two minutes; the sun will still be shining.