Summary of Key Points
This news article highlights the significant changes in the concert market over recent years: Concerts, once dominated by devoted fans, now see more than half of the seats occupied by “non-core fans” who are not there for a particular artist but for the atmosphere, social interaction, and emotional experience. Non-professional singers (such as crosstalk performers and film stars) are also making appearances, expanding the boundaries of the concert industry. A “secondary economy” has emerged around concerts, including makeup services, photography, and post-concert activities, transforming the experience from simply watching the performance to a full-fledged social event. Behind these changes is the desire among young people for temporary social connections and emotional fulfillment, but there are also concerns about an increasing threshold for excitement.
1. The Audience Has Changed: From “Passionate Fans” to “Concert Attendants for the Experience”
In the past, the main audience consisted of devoted fans like A Lin—who would save money for train tickets, carry cameras, and volunteer with promotional materials, crying uncontrollably at their favorite artists’ performances. Today, however, “atmosphere-seeking attendees” like Tao Zi make up half of the crowd. They check out Rednote reviews to see if the concert atmosphere is good before considering the performers, focus on taking photos and videos during the show, and spend more time socializing after the event than watching the performance itself. Data shows that the proportion of non-core fans at large concerts has risen from 21% in 2020 to 52% in 2025. A Lin’s sense of loss is genuine: “In the past, people gathered for the same reason; now it seems like we’re just there to join in the fun.” But Tao Zi’s perspective makes sense too—she spends half of her living expenses on concerts for the collective excitement and the highlight moments that brighten up her otherwise mundane university life.
2. The Stage Is Breaking Boundaries: Can Non-Professional Singers Host Concerts?
In the past, only professional singers like Stefanie Sun and Jay Chou would host concerts. Now, crosstalk performers like Yue Yunpeng, actors like Bai Lu, and Wang Hedi are also gaining popularity, with successful ticket sales. This indicates that the concert market is no longer exclusive to professionals; it has become a place for general entertainment consumption. Audiences are buying the opportunity to be close to their favorite stars or to use the event as a social asset. The change in supply has lowered the entry barrier: Whether you’re a crosstalk fan, a drama enthusiast, or just someone passing by, anyone can attend a concert.
3. Business Beyond the Concert: More Spending Opportunities Than Just Tickets
Tickets are just the starting point for concert attendees. Additional spending includes:
- Makeup and Hairstyling Services: Facial paintings and hair styling services outside the venue cost between 59 and 99 yuan, helping you look like a dedicated fan.
- Photography Services: Paid photography services on platforms like Xianyu help create impressive social media posts.
- Post-Concert Activities: Additional expenses such as group singing and cheering at restaurants like Haidilao, or night chats in hotels, can total more than the cost of tickets. These secondary activities turn concerts into a one-stop experience, with everything arranged to make you feel like the star for the day.
4. What Do Young People Really Seek in Concerts?
The underlying reasons for these changes are related to the lack of meaningful interactions in their daily lives:
- Countering the Loss of Community: Modern life is often confined between home and work, with little interaction with neighbors or random encounters. Concerts provide a temporary community where thousands of people come together, sharing a common experience that feels more intimate than what’s available in everyday life.
- Escaping from Monotony: People like Engineer Li, who face repetitive tasks at work, find concerts a way to feel alive—seeing strangers reacting to the music and experiencing moments that show another possibility of life.
- Searching for Authenticity: When young people are uncertain about their future or homes, concerts offer a sense of authenticity: the chance to be part of a shared experience with like-minded people.
5. The Aftermath of the Excitement: Concerns About the Impact of This New Consumption Trend
While this “experience-based consumption” is popular, it also brings potential issues:
- Increasing Demand for Intense Stimuli: People like Xiao Zhou, who attend 40 concerts a year, are becoming less interested in sharing their experiences because they’ve seen too much. When buying an experience becomes routine, stronger stimuli are needed to satisfy their desires.
- Dependence on External Stimuli: If people rely on external events to feel alive, what’s the meaning of everyday life? Concerts provide a temporary escape from the monotony of work and daily routines.
In conclusion: Concerts are no longer just about idol worship; they have become places where young people can find themselves, connect with others, and experience a sense of being alive—even if it’s just for one night.