r/synthwave
Electronic music of the Cold War continued: minimal synth, cold wave, early industrial/EBM, flexipop, NDW, post-punk.
How to think about r/synthwave
The community is dedicated to the appreciation and discussion of synthwave music, a genre that draws inspiration from the electronic sounds of the 1980s and the aesthetics of the Cold War era. Members share music, art, and culture that reflect the nostalgic yet futuristic vibe of synthwave, including subgenres like minimal synth and cold wave. The community distinguishes itself through its focus on both the auditory and visual elements of synthwave, creating a rich, immersive experience.
Confidence 4/5
Audience
Members of this community are typically fans of retro and electronic music, often ranging from teenagers to adults in their 30s and 40s. They are passionate about the synthwave genre and its associated aesthetics, often seeking to connect with others who share their interests. The vibe is generally positive and nostalgic, with a strong appreciation for creativity and artistic expression within the genre.
Posting culture
Content that thrives in this community includes music recommendations, original tracks, artwork, and discussions about synthwave culture and its influences. Members appreciate high-quality posts that reflect the genre's aesthetic, while low-effort or overly promotional content tends to be downvoted. Posting frequency varies, but active engagement during music releases or events is common, creating spikes in activity.
Brand engagement notes
Brands looking to engage with this community should focus on authenticity and creativity rather than overt promotion. Sharing original content, such as music tracks or art that resonates with the synthwave aesthetic, can foster goodwill. Collaborations with artists or sponsoring music events may also be well-received. However, brands should avoid aggressive marketing tactics, as members are generally resistant to blatant promotional efforts that do not align with the community's values.
Similar communities
Where this audience also spends time
Topic-adjacent communities surfaced from Reddit's own related subreddit signal.
FAQ
r/synthwave — frequently asked questions
Quick facts about this subreddit's size, history, focus, and related communities.
How many subscribers does r/synthwave have?
r/synthwave has approximately 41,644 subscribers as of May 27, 2026.
When was r/synthwave created?
r/synthwave was created on May 9, 2013 (13 years ago).
What is r/synthwave about?
The community is dedicated to the appreciation and discussion of synthwave music, a genre that draws inspiration from the electronic sounds of the 1980s and the aesthetics of the Cold War era. Members share music, art, and culture that reflect the nostalgic yet futuristic vibe of synthwave, including subgenres like minimal synth and cold wave. The community distinguishes its…
What subreddits are similar to r/synthwave?
Communities similar to r/synthwave include r/futuresynth, r/synthpop, r/newretrowave, r/synthwaveproducers, r/darksynth.
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