Top 80’s industries that have found a new lease of life as digital platforms
There’s something timeless about the 1980s — bright fashion and cassette tapes may feel retro now, but it all comes wrapped in a kind of charm that refuses to fade away. But this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about how industries that peaked decades ago are now thriving again thanks to digital platforms giving them a modern twist.
People interested in any era can find more information and even revisit that era now. But it is definitely fair to say that the 80s have proven to be ones that people remember fondly — certain industries and trends are still alive today!
Slot/Fruit Machines in the Digital Age
The 80s were an era when fruit machines and slot machines grew massively. Few things say “80s entertainment” like an old fruit machine. Found in bars and casinos, those spinning reels with cherries and bells were once the cutting edge in casual gaming fun.
Today, the classic slot machine has been reinvented for the online era. Casino platforms have taken the core appeal of these games with simple graphics and the simple process of the spin and ramped it up with new and modern features.
The modern age has made it much easier to choose different games and evaluate which might be the most interesting. People can check out numerous different casino brands and their offerings at askgamblers.com and even find those that offer games true to the fruit machine designs of the 80s. There can be no denying that things are more convenient now.
Online casinos now host thousands of slot titles. Some still carry that vintage fruit machine look, and others have transformed into cinematic experiences with complex storylines and bonus rounds. Many games even give nods to 80s pop culture with things like synthwave music and even old-school arcade designs.
What used to be confined to physical machines is now accessible on plenty of different devices for people to play. The days of needing a big, clunky machine to play these games were over in the 1980s, but the imagery remains!
Retro Fashion Makes a Digital Comeback
The 80s weren’t shy when it came to fashion. Think shoulder pads and shell suits. Plus, leather…well, everything.
At one time, some of these styles seemed destined for the history books but the internet had other plans. Fashion always works in cycles and digital platforms have played a massive role in bringing these looks back. People can buy retro and vintage clothing easily.
Social media has made 80s aesthetics popular again. Online fashion retailers showcase entire collections inspired by the era. Influencers post photoshoots with neon backdrops and vintage clothes. Even makeup tutorials on video platforms are revisiting blue eyeshadow and glossy lips to recreate the look of the 80s.
Vintage reselling platforms have exploded. Sites dedicated to second-hand fashion have made it easy to buy and sell authentic 80s pieces. Fashion pieces sitting at the back of people’s wardrobes are definitely back in vogue. It’s no real surprise when we look at some of the top stars who created iconic looks in this period.
80s Music and Films Living On in the Streaming Era
Ask anyone to name a defining feature of the 1980s, and music will likely come up first. The decade gave the world some of the most iconic artists and genres, whether people wanted to listen to chart music (largely synth-driven pop) or some of the post-punk and new wave bands working at the time.
Streaming services have given new life to these timeless tracks. Entire playlists dedicated to 80s hits remain wildly popular. Music videos that were once only seen on television now get millions of views on video-sharing platforms. The digital world hasn’t just kept 80s music alive — it has introduced it to other generations of fans.
The same goes for film and television. Streaming platforms regularly feature cult classics from the 80s, bringing them back into pop culture conversations. There’s something comforting about the aesthetics and soundtracks from this era.
Some titles have even been remastered in HD, making them more visually polished for modern screens without losing their original charm. We also can’t ignore the influence of the 80s on shows made today. The most popular example of an oozing 80s vibe is probably Stranger Things, which even led to a classic 80s hit charting again in 2022!
Polaroids and Instant Cameras: Old-School Meets Digital Cool
In an age of high-resolution smartphone photography, it’s interesting how instant cameras have managed to stage a comeback. But they have done so in a big way. The Polaroid is an icon of 80s culture and has found a fresh audience through digital marketing and clever rebranding.
Instant photography offers something that digital often lacks: tangibility. That physical snap that prints in seconds holds a different kind of appeal. New models now blend digital and analog, and hybrid instant cameras let users edit photos on screens before printing. Some devices even come with apps for transferring images to mobile devices.
Modern instant cameras offer the best of both worlds for many people — the old-school feel of instant printing, but some of the digital aspects of modern cameras. It is great to keep the photos digitally but also get the benefits of printing and actually have a picture to put up. How many of us are guilty of leaving hundreds of photos on our devices and never seeing them again?
Conclusion
Even for those of us who can’t remember the 1980s, there is no denying the importance of this decade and how many iconic trends there were throughout the 80s. These have lived on today and the internet has made it easier to delve into old-school games or media that was created in the era, enjoying what the 80s had to offer.
