Working from home has its benefits, but without face-to-face contact with colleagues, many people struggle to stay productive. As people try everything from exercise desks to productivity nannies to stay motivated, a survey has revealed a simpler answer: pop music.

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing people to stay at home out of a sense of public responsibility, artists are having to cancel shows worldwide. How are live-streaming platforms filling the void, and could digital behaviours during the crisis create long-term changes in how people consume music?

Spotify, SoundCloud, Deezer, Apple Music, Tidal – all offer playlists that are curated to users’ individual preferences. But are we taking notice of the music we consume on a daily basis or are algorithms pushing us into echo chambers that dramatically alter our tastes to enjoy more of the same?

Research from the British Academy of Sound Therapy (BAST) has revealed that happier songs take a shorter time to have a cognitive impact than relaxing ones. With this in mind, brands that carefully consider their usage of music may find more success in evoking particular emotions.