How TikTok Trends are Shaping the Future of Music

Collision of Classics and Viral Trends

I pride myself on appreciating the classics rather than following trendy music on Tiktok or Instagram so I was really surprised when they began colliding. With songs like Radiohead’s Let Down and Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams trending on Tiktok, they found rejuvenation out of nowhere.

Songs that usually lived in the quiet niches of Spotify have exploded into mainstream interest because of some 15 second clip that had it trending. Virality has given songs a second life while also pushing certain new songs to the top of the charts.

Virality’s Double-Edged Sword 

In fact, in 2024, 84% of the Billboard’s Global Top 200 were songs that were first trending on Tiktok. It has begun to influence how music can even be created. With snippets of songs going viral, artists have to find ways to adhere to the algorithm and ensure their music has a virality factor. Whether it be a relatable lyric or a catchy hook, artists need to find ways to incorporate it into their music.

This doesn’t always work though. Music that goes viral and hits the top of the charts soon finds itself irrelevant as the trend wears off. Such is the nature of Tiktok and trends. Some find success, like “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus but others don’t.

Rising Influence of Virality in Music Creation

Even still, it has given opportunities to up and coming musicians who don’t need to stay on top, only need to get their music out there. Going viral from music made in your bedroom is every musician’s dream and now, the platform is there for them.

The link between Tiktok and Billboard charts will only get stronger going forward and the music industry will be forced to take virality into consideration for all their music.

#MusicVirality #TikTokTrends #ClassicSongsRevival #ChartRewind #MusicIndustry