Inspired by the popularity of iPods and the power of curated playlists, K-Pop companies could tap into a strategy that nudges fans to buy more albums. Could this low-key, lifestyle-driven approach spark an album sales boost and deepen our connection with UNIS? Let’s unpack the idea!
- May 04, 2025
Hey Evters! If you’re anything like me, supporting UNIS means more than just streaming their songs or watching their latest videos. We want to see our girls thrive, and that means thinking outside the box when it comes to boosting album sales.
I’m always on the lookout for fresh ways to support UNIS, and recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating trend that could inspire F&F Entertainment to shake things up - and it involves none other than the humble iPod.
Why Are People Buying iPods Again? And What Does That Have to Do with UNIS?
You might be wondering, "iPods? Aren’t those ancient relics?" Well, yes and no. A recent YouTube video, "Why Are People Buying iPods Again?" dives into a surprising resurgence of interest in these classic music players.
People are modding and customizing iPods, embracing a kind of digital minimalism that’s all about intentional music listening - free from the endless distractions of smartphones.
This trend taps into a deep nostalgia and a desire to reclaim our attention from algorithm-driven platforms, where music often feels like disposable content. Instead, iPods encourage us to choose what to listen to, fostering a more personal, emotional connection with the music - something every UNIS EverAfter craves.
Breaking Free from the Algorithmic "Filterworld": Why Intentional Listening Matters
In today’s music landscape, algorithms often dictate what we hear-and not always in ways that serve diversity or quality. Kyle Chayka’s book "Filterworld" exposes how streaming platforms prioritize profit and predictability over genuine cultural exploration, creating a "flattened" music experience where recommendations become repetitive and safe.
For example, despite a user deliberately listening only to female country artists, Spotify’s algorithm played 120 songs by male artists before finally suggesting a single female performer.
By contrast, Gehlee Tunes has only recommended female country artists thus far. That's the human difference.
But beyond bias, "Filterworld" critiques the entire culture of algorithmic curation, which turns music into passive "content" optimized for clicks and streams rather than meaningful connection. This is why nostalgia for simpler, more personal ways of listening-like using an iPod or maintaining a music CD collection-resonates so deeply.
That’s exactly the spirit behind Gehlee Tunes. We built this blog to be a social recommendation engine without hidden agendas-just a place where we share awesome music with the people we love. Because at the end of the day, choosing what to listen to with intention is an act of self-care.
Much like how we make conscious choices about what we eat to fuel our bodies, what books we read to inspire our minds, or the beliefs we embrace that shape our lives, why shouldn’t we be equally thoughtful about the music we consume? After all, music shapes our mood, mindset, and moments.
Choosing to listen with purpose is a way to reclaim our attention and joy in a world overflowing with distractions.
The Power of Intentional Listening and the IKEA Effect
One of the coolest psychological nuggets from the video is the "IKEA effect": when we invest time and effort into something, we value it more. Modding an iPod, curating playlists, or simply recommending songs makes the listening experience feel special and personal.
Imagine if UNIS members were seen using iPods in their daily lives - at airports, cafes, or casual hangouts - turning the device into a lifestyle statement for Evters.
This subtle yet powerful visual cue could spark curiosity and nostalgia among fans and casual listeners alike, nudging them to buy digital albums on platforms like iTunes, where artists earn a significant share of revenue (about 70% of each sale). Compared to streaming payouts, which require millions of plays to match album sale revenue, this could be a real boost.
Back-of-the-Napkin Math: What Could This Look Like for UNIS?
Let’s say UNIS sells 5,000 additional mini-albums digitally because of this iPod-inspired buzz. At roughly $1 per song and 70% revenue share, that’s an extra $17,500 flowing to the coffers. To earn that same amount purely from streaming sites, UNIS would need between 7 and 12 million additional plays - a much tougher hill to climb.
Could that sales bump be a sustained (or rising) metric upon each new album release? What's the potential total value of such a strategy? Is this money simply being left on the table by everyone?
Why This Strategy Could Work for F&F Entertainment
- Nostalgia Meets Modern Culture: The current wave of nostalgia isn’t just about looking back; it’s a response to today’s digital overload and surveillance-heavy smartphones. iPods symbolize freedom from that - a pure music experience. UNIS embracing this vibe could resonate deeply with fans craving authenticity.
- Gentle Nudges Drive Behavior: Just like YouTubers remind us to like and subscribe, seeing idols use iPods could serve as a soft but effective reminder to support the group by purchasing albums. It bridges the gap between intention and action, helping fans follow through.
- Sustainable and Scalable: If this approach works for one album cycle, it could build momentum and become a signature part of UNIS’s brand identity, encouraging repeated sales with each new release.
As this tech professional explains, high-tech gadgets may be going out of fashion. There's a growing trend where Gen Z are embracing old tech, as shown here and here. Apple may respond with a new generation of iPods, and UNIS could be positioned as natural brand ambassadors, having spearheaded the trend.
A Call to Action for EverAfters and F&F Entertainment
Imagine the next UNIS comeback teaser featuring members casually pulling out their personalized iPods, sharing iTunes playlists with fans, or even releasing exclusive "iPod edition" digital albums. It’s a simple, relatable way to deepen fan engagement and boost sales without flashy gimmicks.
As an EverAfter, I’m eager to see UNIS become true trendsetters in K-Pop, whether through this idea or another. What about you?
If you're not fully convinced yet, check out this video that became a 4 part mini-series about a DJ who's iPod changed his life:
You can watch the full mini-series playlist here: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhgVLgz7Hja5g8uZRXm3n-gu4aPjmtq1h]
– GTT (Gehlee Tunes Team)
Author's Note:
I think this idea only works if one or more of the girls are genuinely enthusiastic about testing this strategy. Authenticity is key, as they'd have to explain why the hassle of loading an iPod is worthwhile to a fanbase used to the convenience of streaming. It's hard to sell something you wouldn't buy yourself.
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Just a Friendly Disclaimer! 📢
GehleeTunes.com is a fan site created by fans, for fans! We’re all about celebrating Gehlee Dangca and her incredible music taste, but we want to make it clear that we’re not affiliated with Gehlee, her management team, or F&F Entertainment. We also don’t own any of the music or content featured here. We simply love it and want to share it with you! If you come across any content that doesn’t sit right with you, please reach out to us — we're here to listen!
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