What Makes a Good TikTok Song?
1. The Power of a Hook That Sticks
When it comes to TikTok, the hook—typically a 15-30 second snippet of a song—carries the weight of the song's virality. Unlike traditional radio where a chorus might be the centerpiece, TikTok users crave immediacy. They want to be hooked within the first few seconds, often gravitating toward songs with unique intros, catchy beats, or memorable lyrics.
Consider Doja Cat's "Say So" or Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage." Both songs shot to popularity largely because their most addictive parts fit neatly into TikTok's short video format. A hook that stands out can lead to thousands, if not millions, of users adopting it for their content. The key takeaway? Simplicity and memorability reign supreme. A song that allows users to quickly understand its appeal will fare better in the fast-paced world of TikTok.
2. Relatability and Cultural Relevance
TikTok is a platform driven by trends, memes, and cultural moments. Therefore, songs that tap into current events, social issues, or popular culture have a better chance of going viral. When Lil Nas X released "Old Town Road," it became an anthem not just because of its unique blend of country and hip-hop but also because it resonated with a burgeoning meme culture.
Relatability extends beyond lyrics to the beat, rhythm, and overall vibe of the song. If the song resonates with how users feel or aligns with ongoing challenges or trends, it is more likely to be picked up and used in various videos. Artists who keep a finger on the pulse of cultural trends and incorporate those elements into their music are more likely to see their songs go viral on TikTok.
3. Tempo, Beat, and Danceability
Dance challenges have become synonymous with TikTok, and it’s no surprise that songs with a strong, danceable beat tend to perform exceptionally well. Tempo plays a crucial role here. Tracks with a moderate tempo—typically around 100-130 beats per minute—are the sweet spot, giving creators the flexibility to create compelling dance routines that can go viral.
Take "Renegade" by K CAMP or "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd as examples. These songs have an infectious beat that almost begs for a dance challenge. Even if a song isn't inherently about dancing, a strong, steady beat makes it easier for creators to choreograph moves that catch on. A song with a danceable beat serves as a blank canvas for TikTok users to create and inspire.
4. Potential for User-Generated Content (UGC)
A successful TikTok song is one that can be easily used in various contexts—whether it’s for a dance challenge, a comedy skit, or a heartfelt confession. Songs with versatile lyrics and beats offer more opportunities for different types of content creation, increasing their chance of being adopted by the platform's diverse user base.
User-generated content is the lifeblood of TikTok. If a song is adaptable, it has a higher probability of becoming the soundtrack for diverse types of content. Tracks that offer narrative or thematic flexibility, like Cardi B's "WAP" or Olivia Rodrigo's "Drivers License," invite users to create unique interpretations, extending the song’s lifespan on the platform.
5. Emotional Impact and Storytelling
Music that evokes strong emotions—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, anger, or sadness—can significantly impact how often a song is used on TikTok. The platform’s users are not just looking for songs to dance to; they want music that speaks to their personal experiences and stories. Songs like Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved" became staples on TikTok not just because of their melodies but because they provided a backdrop for users to share emotional or vulnerable content.
A song that tells a story or captures an emotion provides users with a powerful tool to express themselves. This emotional resonance is key in driving a song’s popularity, as it allows for deeper connections between the song and the user-generated content.
6. Collaborative and Interactive Elements
Songs that encourage duets, challenges, or remixes often do well on TikTok. The ability for users to interact with a song, add their twist, or directly engage with it by creating a response, can significantly boost a song's engagement levels. TikTok’s duet and stitch features allow users to add their own spin to the original content, creating a chain of viral interactions.
An interactive element can turn a passive listener into an active creator, which is crucial for maintaining a song’s momentum. Tracks that lend themselves to call-and-response formats, like "Savage Love" by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo, invite collaboration and can spread rapidly as users build on each other's creativity.
7. The Role of Influencers and Challenges
Influencers and prominent creators play a pivotal role in determining whether a song will go viral. When influencers with massive followings choose a song for their content, it can quickly gain traction across the platform. These influencers often initiate challenges that rely on specific songs, helping them climb the charts and dominate TikTok’s For You page.
Songs that are easily tied to trends or challenges can gain massive exposure through influencer promotion. Collaborations between artists and influencers, where both parties benefit from increased visibility and engagement, are becoming a common strategy to propel songs to viral status.
8. Short Duration and Catchy Lyrics
TikTok videos are short—between 15 to 60 seconds—which means the songs that do well are often those that can pack a punch in a short amount of time. Songs with punchy, memorable lyrics that make an immediate impression are more likely to be adopted by users. The lyricism should ideally be easy to lip-sync or perform to, fitting well with the visual element of TikTok.
Catchy, easily meme-able lyrics provide ready-made content for TikTok users. Think about "Savage" by Megan Thee Stallion or "Good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo—both songs have strong, easily recognizable lyrics that lend themselves to repeated use.
9. Unexpected Elements or Surprises
Finally, one of the most overlooked elements of a viral TikTok song is the "surprise factor." Songs that incorporate an unexpected twist—whether it’s a sudden beat change, a quirky sound effect, or an unusual lyric—often capture user attention.
Take "Astronaut In The Ocean" by Masked Wolf as an example. The song’s distinctive beat drop and unexpected shifts caught users' attention, leading to a variety of creative interpretations. An unexpected element keeps the listener engaged and encourages them to share or create content, driving further virality.
Conclusion: Crafting the Perfect TikTok Song
Creating a song that goes viral on TikTok is more art than science. It involves a deep understanding of the platform's culture, a knack for catchy and memorable elements, and an ability to tap into the emotions and creativity of the audience. Whether you're an artist looking to launch a new single or a content creator searching for the next big hit, focusing on hooks, cultural relevance, tempo, emotional impact, and versatility will set you on the path to TikTok stardom. As the platform continues to evolve, so too will the criteria for what makes a song TikTok-worthy, but the foundational elements of catchiness, relatability, and surprise will always remain at the core.
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