TikTok has transformed the music industry. The popular social media app has become a launchpad for the latest song trends and dance crazes. TikTok’s unique format allows users to create short videos set to music, making it easy for songs to go viral seemingly overnight. As we approach 2023, a new set of tunes is emerging as the platform’s most popular tracks. Read on to discover the hottest TikTok songs that will define music this year.
What Makes a TikTok Hit?
So what exactly catapults a song from obscurity to TikTok fame? Catchy beats, repetitive lyrics, and danceable rhythms help. Songs that inspire trends and challenges on the app also gain traction. But perhaps the most important factor is TikTok’s community of users. Trendsetters, influencers, and creators on the platform have immense power to popularize songs. Their collective taste in music leads to hits.
TikTok analytics tools like Kalo allow brands to identify and leverage trending songs for marketing. Monitoring hashtags and dance challenges related to top tracks provides valuable insights into what resonates with TikTok’s audience. As such, record labels now plan music releases around TikTok’s viral formula. They either make strategic songs designed for TikTok or retroactively market existing songs that gain organic popularity.
Earworm Tunes Dominating TikTok
Based on current trajectories, these catchy, upbeat songs will be all over your FYP (For You Page) this year:
“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Pop star Miley Cyrus wrote this break-up anthem after ending her high-profile marriage. The empowering lyrics and singalong chorus have sparked a viral dance routine on TikTok. Users are embracing “Flowers” as a self-love mantra and breakup recovery song.
Related hashtags: #MileyFlowers, #FlowersDance
“Made You Look” by Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor’s funky retro track has exploded thanks to its “TikTokable” beats. The song inspired a dance challenge that users have adapted to showcase talent and creativity. Meghan Trainor herself has even duetted with several popular renditions.
Related hashtags: #MadeYouLookChallenge, #MadeYouLookDance
“Unholy” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras
This provocative club banger makes the perfect edgy soundtrack for TikTok videos. The song dwarfed all competitors upon release and remains a staple sound on the platform. TikTok seems to have accelerated both the song and Petras’ rise to fame.
Related hashtags: #UnholyTikTok, #UnholyDance
“Die For You” by The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s early 2022 hit has enjoyed a resurgence thanks to TikTok. Its dramatic lyrics and pulsating rhythm inspired a popular dance trend where users embody the song’s intense emotion. The track is also a fixture on profile playlists.
Related hashtags: #DieForYouChallenge, #DieForYouDance
“About Damn Time” by Lizzo
This feel-good track has been inescapable on TikTok since its April 2022 release. Lizzo’s lyrics promote self-confidence and self-love, resonating strongly with users. The song’s catchy hook and upbeat melody continute fueling dance and lip-sync videos.
Related hashtags: #AboutDamnTimeChallenge #LizzoDance
Viral Sounds Shaping Music Trends
In addition to full-length songs going viral, certain instrumentals, beats, and audio clips have also emerged as popular background sounds on TikTok. These viral sounds often get sampled into official remixes.
- The “wildberryfaygo” beat behind Playboi Carti’s “Faygo Dreams”
- Saweetie’s song “Closer” featuring H.E.R.
- Masked Wolf’s “Astronaut in the Ocean” instrumental
- Doja Cat’s “Woman” remix by KAYTRANADA
- Megan Thee Stallion’s “Plan B” beat
- The “no bones” sound clip from TikToker @oehmoment
TikTok Breathing New Life Into Older Songs
TikTok has a knack for reviving old songs and introducing Gen Z users to classics. Here are some blasts from the past gaining new popularity:
- “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Rasputin” by Boney M.
- “Irisdescent” by Poolside
- “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve
- “Mr. Loverman” by Ricky Montgomery
- “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush
Users setting these throwback tracks to modern dance trends creates an entertaining blend of past and present. The app allows younger generations to reshape and reclaim nostalgic music.
The Anatomy of a Viral TikTok Song
Analyzing tracks that succeed on TikTok reveals distinct patterns. Songs that go viral often contain:
- An instantly recognizable or catchy opening hook that grabs attention within 5 seconds.
- A simple, repetitive chorus that’s easy to memorize. This makes it perfect for lip-syncing and duets.
- Lyrical hooks and one-liners that easily become inside jokes or meme audio.
- A danceable beat with sensational rhythms tailored for choreography.
- An overall positive or carefree vibe.
- Nostalgic elements that resonate with Millennial and Gen Z audiences.
- Lyrics about confidence, independence, and self-love that users can adopt as mantras.
The Impact of TikTok Fame
A song going viral on TikTok now leads to real world success. Top tracks on the platform often end up on global music charts and get radio play. Up and coming artists can gain worldwide recognition almost instantly from TikTok exposure. Even major labels and artists now cater to the platform by promoting new music via dance challenges and hashtags.
TikTok has proven its power to influence mainstream music and pop culture. Trending platform-specific songs highlight how technology and social media are changing how music is marketed, consumed, and created. In 2023, TikTok will continue to shape musical tastes and sounds across generations.
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