Simple graphics, top-notch algorithms, vertical videos, interaction modes, and, most importantly, songs. These are the winning factors with which TikTok songs have become a global phenomenon in social media and the music industry. TikTok’s format works because it goes straight for the pleasure rush. Zooming in on the moment for max impact and then moving on to the next video down the feed. They are 15-second bursts of songs and melodies made for the instant buzz and lasting earworm. TikTok songs are addictive!
How is TikTok reshaping the music industry?
Let me answer this. A new study found that TikTok has become the first platform that people (60 percent of those studied) use to discover new music, and more than half of them say that TikTok influences their musical tastes.
Since the 1980s we had become accustomed to artists being born in major labels' offices, TikTok is now re-empowering the public. Labels now use TikTok as a testing ground for artists as fans' feedback and interaction provide a means of measuring their potential and one of the individual songs being promoted.
In other ways, once a TikTok song reaches a certain amount of virality through followers' shares, the record companies contact "the most talented users" and bring them to the charts ( see Lil Nas X, Roddy Ricch, Doja Cat, or Beach Bunny). They all saw their singles dictate the beat to the dances of millions of TikTokers.
Is TikTok good?
The relationship between social media platforms and the music industry, and whether they are good for one another, has been ongoing debate.
From Napster to Instagram and now TikTok, the conversation has revolved around the extent to which these channels offer an opportunity for all to showcase their talent, versus the criticism that the pressure to produce repetitive and easily-digestible content for the purpose of going viral can lead to a decrease in quality. Add to this the shortening of the length of songs as artists now prefer to get to "the point" quickly. Combine it with the advent of club rap, drill, and TikTok's encouragement of couch-bound hyperactivity for a generation of youth that is capable of surfacing a myriad of digital channels in a supersonic short-entertainment short-attention-span frenzy. You'll get TikTok songs that are the embodiment of the company's slogan - "make every second count."
So no, no clear answer, but as with most social platforms and digital trends, only time will tell.
What are the most popular TikTok songs right now?
This article, which we will frequently update to keep up with the latest TikTok songs, will shine a light on which TikTok songs are trending and give a bit of context to artists, songs, and other stories surrounding these viral hits.
It will give you the right information to know exactly what TikTok songs to choose for your next video.
Scroll down to check the latest viral TikTok songs
"Praise Jah In The Moonlight" by YG Marley
Imagine being Lauryn Hill’s son and Bob Marley’s grandson and deciding you want to become a singer. It would be almost impossible to not get instant recognition. By releasing "Praise Jah In The Moonlight" YG Marley almost broke TikTok and created a viral hit that I am sure will last for a long time, especially as the perfect soundtrack for summer TikTok videos.
Sampling the beautiful song "Crisis" by the King of Reggae, let’s not allow YG Marley’s musical lineage get in the way of appreciating how catchy, and vibey and feel-good this song is.
"Beautiful things" by Benson Boone
I am sure 99% of the people on TikTok have only heard the hook of this song. And normally, I’d say that’s enough, given the powerful and emotional voice with which Benson Boone sings" Beautiful Things".
From American Idol dropout to viral TikTok songs, Benson Boone deserves more attention than just the hook of "Beautiful Things," though. The young man can play drums, guitar, and piano, sing his heart out, and be the perfect soundtrack for all the TikTok videos about glow-ups, relationships, and so much more.
"Never Lose Me" by Flo Milli
"Never Lose Me" by Flo Milli is one of those viral TikTok songs used for many different transitions. From funny revelations to narcissistic memes, the “You never had a bitch like me in your life” lyrics in the intro give room for a lot of different TikTok videos. It's up to you and your humor, I guess.
"Murder On The Dance Floor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Yeah ok, another oldie from the past that got rediscovered thanks to Salt Burn. Sure. Great song; thank you, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, for creating it. But please do yourself a favor and listen to Royel Otis Cover of Murder On The Dance Floor". Absolute perfection.
"Perfect (Exceeder)" by Mason, Princess Superstar
Released back in 2007, and recently rediscovered thanks to the hit movie Salt Burn with Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan, "Perfect (Exceeder)" by Mason, Princess Superstar is just perfect for your next make-up tutorial.
"My Love is Mine All Mine" by Mitski
I am not going to lie, here i shed some tears writing this entry. From sunsets to couple videos, to heart-breaks and everything in between "My Love is Mine All Mine" by Mitski is the viral tiktok song you need to hit right in the feelings.
"Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhoods
Is that time of the year again and I have a funny feeling that this song will be Tik Tok trending every time fall comes around.
"Paint The Town Red" by Doja Cat
Thanks Doja for giving us arguably one of the biggest earworms and Tik Tok dance of the year with Paint The Town Red.
"August" by Taylor Swift
Grab your dog, or your cat, or your baby. Just whatever you can find and do this Tik Tok trend. You won't regret it.
"I remember everything" by Zach Bryan
I might not be the most savvy when it comes to country music, but there is definitely something in this song just gets me deep into my feelings. The explanation for if you need this trending Tik Tok song for your next video is embedded above. Now let me go be nostalgic about the end of the summer in peace.
"Let it whip" by Dazz Band
Not an easy Tik Tok song to dance to but one that is certainly among the most fun to do. Best of all is that the song everyone is dancing to is a great funk classic from 1982 mixing everything from a groovy keyboard, to crisp drums.
"Vampire" by Olivia Rodrigo
Great for vacation reels, for quick edits and for anybody trying to make a statement against toxic relationships out there. Olivia Rodrigo's new song "Vampire" is one of the latest TikTok trending songs that will surely last a long time. The real question is to figure out who she wrote the song for!
"I Wanna Be Yours" by Arctic Monkeys
If you need to make a love declaration, this song just hits the right spots. Of course it's being a little bit sped up, but "I Wanna Be Yours" by Arctic Monkeys will never lose its romance.
Fun fact: the lyrics of the song are an adaptation of a poem called "I Wanna be Yours" (1982) by the punk poet John Cooper Clark.
"What was I made for?" by Billie Eilish
I am not crying, you are crying.
"Barbie Girl" by Acqua
Right now it's all about the Barbie movie, with the one hit wonder "Babie Girl" by Acqua serving as the best soundtrack for all the Barbie movie goers. But I am sure it will still be a good TikTok song for all-things-pink related.
"Smooth Operator" by Sade
Sure, it's perfect for a fun TikTok dance with your friends and also for a great house remix of an all-time classic. Written and performed by Helen Folasade Adu known professionally as Sade, "Smooth Operator" talks about a fashionable con-man who moves within high social circles, all the while breaking women's hearts. Another great resurgence of a highly talented musician thanks to TikTok.
"Creepin'" by Metro Boomin ft. The Weeknd and 21 Savage
Unless you've been living under a rock, you must have heard "Creepin'" by Metro Boomin. His latest album Heroes & Villains has simply skyrocketed one of the best hip-hop producers out there into a league of his own, and it only makes senses that the lead single of the album is being use all over TikTok. Pay attention to the lyrics and you'll see how well it fits into many TikTok trends. But one thing we can help out with, is to give a refresh of all the sample Metro Boomin used in the song. For some it might just be obvious references, for others it might allow you to discover some gold from past music eras.
"Radio" by Lana Del Rey
If you have been on the app for even 5 minutes, i am sure you’ve stumbled upon Lana Del Rey’s 11 years old (yes, 11!) song Radio, from her Born To Die album. It’s for all things sweet or emotional, before and after transitions, and just generally if you feel like your videos need a touch of that angelic voices of Lana that we’ve all come to recognize and love.
"Hasta la Raiz" by Natalia Lafourcade
Not necessarily an example of how TikTok can bring back into the spotlight old songs, since Natalia Lafourcade is one of the most recognizable voices of Latin America and Grammy Award winner, and her single Hasta La Raiz was No. 5 of the Viral 50 Global Spotify Chart and No. 1 on the Viral 50 México chart, when it was released in 2015. But it’s certainly a great way for a non-Spanish speaking audience to discover this song and use it as a great background for one favourite summer moments.
"Shake Sumn" by DaBaby
Another TikTok viral dance challenge, freshly delivered to you by the Cleveland-native rapper DaBaby.
"Love You So" by The King Kahn and BBQ Show
If the name of a band is like this, then it's probably safe to say their music will be lighthearted and fun. The King Kahn & BBQ Show “Love You So” is a decade-old song that, thanks to its frenzy intro, is gaining popularity on TikTok. And how to blame this trend! Just by listening to this, I want to go on a road trip or start filming funny pranks.
"Money Trees" by Kendrick Lamar
So there is a very easy-to-do TikTok dance with a sped-up version of Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees”. It fits nicely into the chipmunky bridge of the song. But so that you don't forget the original masterpiece created by one of the G.O.A.T.s of rap, I show you just how epic the original version is. Enjoy the watch!
"Cupid (Twin er.)" by FIFTY FIFTY
Please follow the above instructions if anybody asks you to do “the cupid dance”.
"Need 2" by Pinegrove
I am not sure why, I am not sure when, but this happened. Imagine you are a little in your feels, need some connections and you want to remember you are not alone in this. Just check out #pinegrovegroveshuffle.
"Yellow" by Coldplay
Prepare the tissues for this one, as the stadium band Coldplay is trending on TikTok with one of their earliest singles “Yellow”. Used for any tiktok trend related to couples being together for many years, spreading kindness, weddings, glow ups, showing love, it’s simply just cuteness overload everywhere!
"Maria Maria" by Santana ft. the Product
We have an oldie from the past for anybody feeling themselves and wanting to live their lives like movie stars. Santana's own "Maria Maria" featuring The Product. Of course, on TikTok, it's trending as a sped-up version because nobody has time here.
Ps: Great song transition when trying to look cute!
"Just A Girl" by No Doubt
Written and performed by Gwen Stefani and her band No Doubt back in 1992, the song was relevant then, and now it's having a bit of a resurgence. Well, at least the refrain is.
For all-things girls related.
"See You Again" by Tyler the Creator
An artist that needs no introduction. A style icon and a Highsnobiety favorite Tyler, The Creator is trending on TikTok with "See You Again" from his fourth studio album Flower Boy released back in 2017.
Warning: It's bound to get stuck in your head!
"In Ha Mood" by Ice Spice
There are a lot of artists and songs to reference for this TikTok trending song from Ice Spice. But the video above sums it all up and digs up the old references from the past you might have missed.
The perfect song to get you and your friend in the mood to party!
"Only Love Can Hurt Like This" by Paloma Faith
The realization that sometimes relationships don't work and love can hurt more than any other physical pain can really push us to a point where the only way to move on is to bring out the best of us.
If you are feeling in need of a transformation and you are on a self-improvement journey, watch this TikTok trend to get inspired.
"Boys A Liar Pt. 2" by PinkPantheress & Ice Spice
Riding the wave of her first viral song, "Munch (Feeling U)", this new TikTok trending song by Ice Spice and PinkPantheress sounds both fast and sluggish, new and old. It features cute keyboard sounds reminiscent of an early-2000s DVD menu, perfect for nostalgic TikTok users.
But most importantly, it has all the other magic formulas needed to create a guaranteed trending song on TikTok; it’s short, catchy, and quickly gets to the point.
"Doja" by Central Cee
Fresh off our Spring 2023 Highsnobiety Issue, the UK sensation Central Cee is everywhere on TikTok and beyond as his song "Doja" can’t seem to stop being viral. I guess that intro will last a long time.
"Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor
"Made You Look" is two minutes and 14 seconds long. Why try to make a song any longer when you already are a TikTok star and have made your most recent success since. Combine it with a catchy doop-woop rhythm, lyrics centered on self-love and body positivity, and there you have it. One of the most popular TikTok songs out there.
"Everything I write I'm like ‘Yo, TikTok’s gonna eat this up,’ like I truly am focused on like, my fans on TikTok [...] I just have many more friends on TikTok and like, that's my home and I'm writing for TikTok.” She said during an interview for Entertainment Tonight.
"Bloody Mary" by Lady Gaga
With this entry, we have another glimpse into the changing landscape of the music industry. Lady Gaga’s slept-on song “Bloody Mary”, released on her album Born This Way in 2011, saw a huge rebirth when Netflix released the new series Wednesday.
The lead character, and FRONTPAGE interviewee Jenna Ortega, performs an iconic routine at a school dance, and it quickly took over the internet. Originally, Ortega’s moves were soundtracked by the punk band The Cramps and their old tune “Goo Goo Muck,”. Everything changed when one TikTok user took the video and changed out the music, swapping The Cramps for a sped-up version of Gaga’s decade-old "Bloody Mary".
After that upload went viral, people began using “Blood Mary” and replicating Wednesday Addams’ moves, all over the world.
"Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift
Another artist who has been able to transition from the standard notoriety to TikTok fame is Taylor Swift. Not unfamiliar with catchy radio hits, she is destined to become a constant when it comes to popular TikTok songs, TikTok dances, TikTok challenges, and everything in-between.
A great song to start is "Anti-hero". WithThe #TSAntiHeroChallenge asks fans to acknowledge their unique traits, yes, even the more chaotic ones, in a fun way.
"Mayonaka no Door〜stay with me" by Miki Matsubara
It’s no surprise that Japanese music slaps. What better than to dig up an oldie from the 80s so that our feed is full of young sons and daughters showing their Japanese mothers how the song is back from the past.
"Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington, Jr.
There are definitely some questionable turns and consequences to the music scene TikTok a created over the years. Still, one thing is for sure: it's a great way to make a young generation of users discover the legends of the past. And if it takes some meteoric rise and devastating falls of musicians and personalities to let them find out Grover Washington, Jr.'s "Just the Two of Us", then so be it!
"Mother" by Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor is no stranger to viral songs, as I am sure we all remember her debut single in 2014, "All About That Bass" being played on all radios and seemingly every party. After this hit, she didn't disappear but found a solid career and became an artist, frequently championing themes of womanhood, body image, and personal empowerment. It's only fitting that her song "Mother" has become viral for all things related to funny mom videos on TikTok.
"Irish Jig" by the Irish Pub Society
For anything related to Ireland and its culture. And I mean literally anything.
"Material Girl" by Madonna
TikTok users have taken this iconic Madonna song for videos with the messages “My father/father-in-law/etc rejected many girls back in the day”. Same for mothers/mothers-in-law of course. So go ahead and help dig out some old analog pics of your parents.
"Big Boy" by SZA
Unless you’ve lived under a rock all this time, you must have heard SZA’s "Big Boy" before. Probably got stuck in your head, and now you can’t seem to live without it.
Tip: if you have a boyfriend who is taller than you, then this TikTok song is just right for you.
Umbrella Lofi(remix) by Rihanna
Another excellent example of how TikTok is reshaping old classics to cater to a new taste. Remixing is one of it, and proof of that is how (a perfectly great song if you ask me) Rhianna’s "Umbrella" is getting a new twist. I wonder what other of her best songs might end up getting the same treatment.
"Players" by Coi Leray
Officially released as 2 minutes 19 seconds song, Coi Leray’s catchy lyrics and melody on "Players" show us exactly why it is more than enough time to release a viral song on TikTok and get your dance moves off.
"Kill Bill" by SZA
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned revenge story? SZA’s "Kill Bill" is a coded reference to Quentin Tarantino’s 2003 film, starring Uma Thurman. SZA takes Tarantino’s bloody storyline about an ex-bride getting revenge on her boss and translates it to her life and career.
"Sure Thing" by Miguel
Whether sped up, slowed down, or untouched, if you even attempt to complete this dance challenge, Miguel's "Sure Thing" will be a guaranteed new obsession on your TikTok songs playlist.
"Escapism" by RAYE
If you ever had to deal with some ‘dumb decisions’ (didn’t we all) and needed an escape from reality after a heartbreak, "Escapism" by Raye and Shake070 is here for you. The song becoming viral on TikTok transformed the course of the singer’s life as she went from being stuck with a record label that refused to release her album for 7 years to being an independent artist who’s hitting #1 on the charts.
"Flowers" by Miley Cyrus
More on self-love and positive affirmations, we have Miley Cyrus. She is now viral on TikTok with one of her best songs to date, and Charli D'Amelio approved. If you are going through a breakup, or divorce, and need some inspiration, this song is made for you.
For more TikTok-related content, check out how the platform is making eye shapes trendy, or it's deinfluencing trend on viral products, or the trending seasonal colour suggestions.
