Songs That Have Gone Viral on TikTok

TikTok has become a powerful platform for music discovery, with countless songs going viral and catapulting artists to fame. The app's unique algorithm and massive user base allow tracks to gain popularity almost overnight. In this article, we'll explore some of the most notable songs that have gone viral on TikTok, examining the factors that contributed to their success, the impact on the artists, and how TikTok continues to shape the music industry.

1:Old Town Road by Lil Nas X
The viral sensation that is "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X is perhaps one of the most famous examples of a song that gained immense popularity on TikTok. Released in 2019, the track initially gained traction on the app through the "Yeehaw Challenge," where users dressed in cowboy attire and danced to the song's catchy hook. The song's blend of country and hip-hop resonated with a wide audience, leading to its viral status. Eventually, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 19 weeks. Lil Nas X's success story is a testament to TikTok's influence in turning a relatively unknown artist into a global superstar.

2:Savage Love by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo
"Savage Love" became a global hit thanks to a viral dance challenge on TikTok. The song originally featured a catchy beat by Jawsh 685, a New Zealand-based producer, which caught the attention of pop star Jason Derulo. He added lyrics to the beat, and the track was released as "Savage Love." The dance challenge, where users performed a simple yet catchy choreography, quickly spread across the platform, amassing millions of views and engagements. The song's success on TikTok translated into commercial success, topping charts worldwide.

3:Say So by Doja Cat
Doja Cat's "Say So" became one of the defining songs of 2020, largely due to its popularity on TikTok. The song's retro vibe and catchy chorus made it a favorite among TikTok users, who created and shared a dance routine to the track. The dance challenge was started by TikTok user Haley Sharpe (yodelinghaley), and it quickly went viral, with millions of users participating. Doja Cat capitalized on the song's success by incorporating the dance routine into her official music video. "Say So" eventually topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking Doja Cat's first number-one single.

4:Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
"Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd is another song that achieved viral status on TikTok, thanks to the "Blinding Lights Challenge." The challenge involved users recreating a specific dance routine that featured energetic movements in sync with the song's upbeat tempo. The 80s-inspired sound and catchy rhythm made the song perfect for TikTok, where it became the soundtrack for countless videos. The success of "Blinding Lights" on TikTok contributed to its commercial success, helping it become one of the best-selling digital songs of all time.

5:Lottery (Renegade) by K CAMP
The "Renegade" dance challenge, set to K CAMP's song "Lottery," is one of the most iconic trends in TikTok history. The dance was created by then-14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon, who initially did not receive credit for her choreography. However, after the dance gained popularity, Harmon was eventually recognized for her work. The "Renegade" dance became so widespread that it transcended TikTok, with celebrities and influencers joining in. The viral nature of the challenge propelled "Lottery" to new heights, earning K CAMP significant recognition and increasing the song's streaming numbers.

6:WAP by Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's "WAP" sparked a viral dance challenge on TikTok that took the platform by storm. The song's provocative lyrics and catchy beat made it an ideal choice for TikTok users looking to create bold and attention-grabbing content. The "WAP" dance challenge was embraced by users of all ages, leading to millions of videos being shared on the platform. The viral success of "WAP" on TikTok contributed to the song's massive commercial success, including topping the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking streaming records.

7:Stunnin' by Curtis Waters feat. Harm Franklin
"Stunnin'" by Curtis Waters became a viral hit on TikTok in 2020, thanks to its catchy hook and relatable lyrics. The song's upbeat and feel-good vibe resonated with TikTok users, who used it as the soundtrack for a wide range of videos, from fashion showcases to comedic skits. Curtis Waters, an independent artist, gained significant exposure through TikTok, and the success of "Stunnin'" led to a major-label record deal. The song's popularity on TikTok demonstrates how the platform can serve as a launchpad for emerging artists.

8:Supalonely by BENEE feat. Gus Dapperton
BENEE's "Supalonely" became a quarantine anthem during the COVID-19 pandemic, with TikTok users embracing the song's melancholic yet catchy vibe. The song gained traction on the platform through a dance challenge, with users creating videos that reflected the song's themes of loneliness and self-reflection. The viral success of "Supalonely" on TikTok helped the song chart internationally and introduced BENEE to a global audience. The track's success highlights how TikTok can amplify a song's reach during challenging times.

9:Levitating by Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa's "Levitating" saw a resurgence in popularity on TikTok thanks to a viral dance trend. The song, which features a disco-inspired beat and catchy lyrics, became the soundtrack for countless TikTok videos. Users created a dance routine that perfectly matched the song's upbeat tempo, and the trend quickly spread across the platform. The renewed popularity of "Levitating" on TikTok helped the song climb the charts once again, showcasing the platform's ability to breathe new life into tracks that may have initially flown under the radar.

10:Astronaut In The Ocean by Masked Wolf
"Astronaut In The Ocean" by Australian rapper Masked Wolf became a global hit after going viral on TikTok. The song's hard-hitting beat and introspective lyrics resonated with users, who used it as the soundtrack for a variety of videos, from motivational clips to intense workout routines. The viral success of the song on TikTok led to Masked Wolf signing with a major record label, and the track eventually charted in multiple countries. "Astronaut In The Ocean" is a prime example of how TikTok can elevate a relatively unknown artist to international fame.

TikTok's influence on the music industry is undeniable, as it continues to be a powerful platform for music discovery and promotion. The app's ability to turn songs into viral sensations has made it an essential tool for artists and record labels alike. As TikTok continues to evolve, we can expect to see more songs and artists rise to fame through the app, further shaping the landscape of the music industry.