As of today, January 19th, TikTok is no longer available in the United States following the enforcement of a federal ban. Despite legal challenges and widespread public outcry from users and influencers who relied on the platform for community and income, the Supreme Court upheld the ban, citing potential risks associated with data collection and foreign influence.
Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has played a pivotal role in propelling countless songs to viral status, significantly shaping music trends and boosting artist popularity. Many emerging artists found their big break thanks to the platform’s unparalleled reach, while a new generation of listeners discovered timeless classics from the past. In this article, we highlight ten songs that gained immense popularity on TikTok, showcasing the platform’s transformative impact on the music industry.
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“Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X
Initially released in December 2018, “Old Town Road” gained traction when Lil Nas X uploaded it to TikTok. The song became the soundtrack for the “Yeehaw Challenge,” where users transformed into cowboy attire, leading to over 67 million plays in March 2019 alone. This viral trend catapulted the track to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for a record-breaking 19 weeks.
“Say So” by Doja Cat
Released in 2019, “Say So” experienced a surge in popularity in early 2020 when TikTok user Haley Sharpe created a dance challenge set to the song. The dance went viral, with millions of users participating, including celebrities. This widespread engagement propelled “Say So” up the charts, culminating in a peak position within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
“Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
Originally released in 1977, “Dreams” saw a resurgence in 2020 when TikTok user Nathan Apodaca posted a video of himself skateboarding while drinking cranberry juice and lip-syncing to the song. The clip went viral, amassing millions of views and inspiring countless recreations. This renewed interest led to a significant spike in streams and sales of the classic track.
“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush
Released in 1985, “Running Up That Hill” found new life on TikTok in 2022. The song was featured in Netflix TV series Stranger Things, prompting TikTok users to create content around it. The platform’s younger audience embraced the track, leading to a substantial increase in streams and introducing Kate Bush’s music to a new generation.
“Astronaut in the Ocean” by Masked Wolf
This 2019 release gained international recognition in 2021 after TikTok users adopted it for various trends and challenges. The song’s catchy beat and relatable lyrics resonated with the community, resulting in over 18 million TikTok videos featuring the track and its ascent into the top charts globally.
“Build a Bitch” by Bella Poarch
As a prominent TikTok personality, Bella Poarch leveraged her platform to release her debut single “Build a Bitch” in 2021. The song’s music video garnered millions of views within days, and TikTok users created content using the track, further amplifying its reach and success.
“Body” by Tion Wayne & Russ Millions
The remix of “Body” became a TikTok sensation in 2021, with users participating in dance challenges and lip-syncs. The song’s infectious rhythm and beat contributed to its widespread adoption on the platform, leading to its chart-topping performance in several countries, including the UK.
“Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars
Although released in 2010, “Talking to the Moon” experienced a revival on TikTok in 2021. Users employed the song in emotional and nostalgic videos, reigniting interest and resulting in a surge of streams and chart re-entries.
“So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” by Caroline Polachek
This 2019 track became a TikTok favorite due to its catchy chorus and distinctive beat. Users created dance routines and lip-sync videos, propelling the song into viral status and expanding Caroline Polachek’s audience.
“About Damn Time” by Lizzo
Released in 2022, “About Damn Time” quickly became a TikTok anthem. A dance challenge choreographed to the song went viral, with millions of users participating. The track’s upbeat tempo and empowering lyrics contributed to its widespread appeal and chart success.
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