I think people like what they like based on some combination of familiarity and signalling.
That’s often the case, but not always. Otherwise, how would you explain when I enjoy an artwork the first time I watch/listen to/read it and I don’t tell anyone about it?
Of course, some stuff will have a broad appeal because it happens to be interesting to a wide-range of demographics by the very nature of the material (sex, love, adventure, suspense, etc.).
Or, it could be that that piece of art is tied to some other stimulus that is familiar to you. (e.g. the color remind you, perhaps subconsciously, of the color scheme of your childhood home.)
That’s often the case, but not always. Otherwise, how would you explain when I enjoy an artwork the first time I watch/listen to/read it and I don’t tell anyone about it?
Or, it could be that that piece of art is tied to some other stimulus that is familiar to you. (e.g. the color remind you, perhaps subconsciously, of the color scheme of your childhood home.)