Viral Songs of 2021 on TikTok
1. "Rasputin" by Boney M.
Originally released in 1978, "Rasputin" experienced a massive resurgence in 2021 thanks to its viral success on TikTok. The song's catchy beat and infectious rhythm made it a favorite for dance challenges and lip-sync videos. The hashtag #RasputinChallenge saw millions of users creating their own unique interpretations of the song, leading to a significant increase in streams and chart positions worldwide.
2. "Stay" by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber
"Stay" was another major hit on TikTok in 2021. The song’s upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics made it perfect for short-form content. TikTok users often paired the song with videos showcasing personal transformations, motivational content, and creative editing. The track’s popularity on the platform contributed to its success on mainstream music charts.
3. "Levitating" by Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa’s "Levitating" became a staple on TikTok thanks to its funky beat and catchy chorus. The song was widely used in dance videos and fashion content, helping it to gain traction across various demographics. TikTok’s viral trends and challenges featuring "Levitating" helped to keep the song in the public eye long after its initial release.
4. "Good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s "Good 4 U" was a powerful anthem of 2021, and it didn’t take long for TikTok users to adopt it for their content. The song’s energetic pop-punk style lent itself well to dramatic and humorous videos. Whether users were reenacting breakups or creating funny skits, "Good 4 U" was a go-to track for a wide range of TikTok content.
5. "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X’s "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" was not only a chart-topping hit but also a TikTok sensation. The song’s bold and provocative visuals, combined with its catchy melody, made it a favorite for creative and often surreal videos. The track became synonymous with TikTok trends and challenges that showcased users’ imagination and creativity.
6. "Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat ft. SZA
Doja Cat’s collaboration with SZA, "Kiss Me More," brought a fresh sound to TikTok in 2021. The song’s playful and flirtatious vibe made it popular for romantic and humorous content. TikTok users embraced the track for its fun and upbeat feel, leading to widespread use in videos that celebrated love, friendship, and good times.
7. "Ski Ye" by Skeezy
"Ski Ye" emerged as an underground hit on TikTok in 2021. Its hard-hitting beat and catchy hook made it a popular choice for users looking to showcase their dance moves and athletic skills. Despite its relatively low profile compared to other viral hits, "Ski Ye" garnered significant attention on the platform, contributing to its growing popularity.
8. "Savage Love" by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo
"Savage Love" continued to make waves on TikTok in 2021. The song’s upbeat rhythm and memorable chorus lent themselves well to dance routines and lip-sync performances. The track’s continued success on TikTok was a testament to its lasting appeal and the platform’s influence on music trends.
9. "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals
"Heat Waves" by Glass Animals became a sleeper hit on TikTok, gaining popularity later in the year. The song’s mellow vibe and relatable lyrics made it a popular choice for reflective and personal content. TikTok users embraced the track for its emotional depth and the ease with which it fit into a variety of video themes.
10. "Aesthetic" by Xilo
"Aesthetic" by Xilo captured the essence of TikTok’s visual culture with its dreamy and upbeat sound. The song quickly became a favorite for content creators looking to add a touch of nostalgia and style to their videos. Its success on TikTok highlighted the platform’s role in shaping musical tastes and trends.
Analysis of TikTok’s Influence on Music Virality
TikTok’s algorithm is designed to promote content that is engaging and shareable. This has a significant impact on how songs go viral, as tracks that generate high levels of user interaction are more likely to be featured prominently on the platform. Songs that lend themselves well to dance challenges, lip-syncing, and creative videos tend to perform better, as these types of content encourage widespread user participation.
Table: Viral Songs and Their TikTok Trends
| Song Title | Artist(s) | Main TikTok Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Rasputin | Boney M. | Dance challenges, #RasputinChallenge |
| Stay | The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber | Personal transformations, motivational content |
| Levitating | Dua Lipa | Dance videos, fashion content |
| Good 4 U | Olivia Rodrigo | Dramatic skits, humorous content |
| Montero (Call Me By Your Name) | Lil Nas X | Creative videos, surreal trends |
| Kiss Me More | Doja Cat ft. SZA | Romantic and humorous content |
| Ski Ye | Skeezy | Dance moves, athletic skills |
| Savage Love | Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo | Dance routines, lip-sync performances |
| Heat Waves | Glass Animals | Reflective and personal content |
| Aesthetic | Xilo | Nostalgic and stylistic videos |
Conclusion
TikTok’s influence on the music industry in 2021 was profound, with many songs experiencing viral success due to the platform’s unique culture and trends. From dance challenges to creative video content, TikTok has become a powerful force in shaping the popularity of songs. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how emerging trends continue to impact the music industry and the way we discover new hits.
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