In partnership with Kin and YouTube, ‘Overhead Originals’ supports Delta’s in-flight entertainment platform and deepens relevance with gen z travellers
Independent creative agency Kin today announced the launch of ‘Overhead Originals,’ a first-of-its-kind music series created for Delta Air Lines in partnership with YouTube. Designed to drive engagement with Delta’s in-flight entertainment platform and deepen relevance with gen z travellers, the initiative transforms Delta’s aircraft cabins into exclusive live performance venues – redefining what in-flight entertainment can be.
Rather than simply promoting Delta’s partnership with YouTube, Kin identified an opportunity to create an exciting new offering. The result is Overhead Originals: an exclusive music series filmed inside a real Delta cabin, featuring performances by popular YouTube Music artists for an intimate onboard audience, and available in-flight and on Delta’s YouTube channel. The first performance was released on April 3rd with Grammy-winning American singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Leon Thomas.
“Overhead Originals reimagines Delta as more than a carrier – a creator and curator of culture – forging a deeper connection with younger generations and music lovers. It offers a space for storytelling and intimate performances, reshaping what ‘in-flight entertainment’ can feel like,” said Kwame Taylor-Hayford, co-founder of Kin.
The strategic focus on music is grounded in gen z behaviour. According to Delta and Kin:
- 41% of gen z SkyMiles Members attended a live music event in the past year
- Nearly one in five gen z consumers are opting for ‘restivals,’ favouring curated, at-home music experiences
- Gen z spends 42% of their audio time streaming music and 20% on music and videos via YouTube
- 82% discover new music through social media
- 58% say music fandom is central to their identity – ranking above film, TV, and gaming
Building on Delta’s October 2025 partnership launch with YouTube, Overhead Originals evolves the collaboration into a scalable content platform. From developing the concept to naming and creating the visual identity, every element was crafted to authentically fuse Delta’s premium brand with YouTube’s creator-driven energy. Production of the content was handled by Delta’s in-house team Window Seat and director Blaine Hogan from Creative Filter. The creative idea driving the partnership is rooted in a simple but powerful insight – that travel has long been a source of inspiration for music; Both music and travel share the same DNA of discovery, emotion, and movement.
“Many brands aspire to play in the entertainment space, but few have the credibility to do so authentically. Delta does,” said Sophie Ozoux, co-founder of Kin. “Artists are constantly shaped by the places they go, and this series taps into that intrinsic connection in a way only Delta can.”
The series launches March 31st with teaser content across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. The artist reveal follows on the same channels in early April, with the first full performance debuting shortly afterwards on Delta’s YouTube channel. Additional performance cutdowns and behind-the-scenes content will roll out across social channels throughout April and May, and the series will take flight onboard Delta aircraft starting in late May.
Kin has been working with Delta since 2021 and has a track record of developing ground breaking original IPs including Delta Faces of Travel and Delta Locals that embed the brand in culture. As brands increasingly seek relevance in the entertainment space, Overhead Originals demonstrates how a unique partnership – and a clear creative insight – can turn a brand experience into cultural currency.
Credits: Delta Airlines
