TikTok, the short-form video-sharing app, has taken the world by storm, and its impact on music is undeniable. The platform has introduced us to a plethora of viral TikTok songs, transforming the music industry and creating new trends. Let's delve into the most viral TikTok songs and explore their impact on pop culture.
TikTok's 'For You' page algorithm has the power to propel songs into the mainstream, often launching them into the Billboard charts. These viral TikTok songs often start with a creator using a snippet of a song in their video, which then catches on, leading to a wave of similar content. Here are some of the most viral TikTok songs that have taken the world by storm.
Songs that Launched Dance Trends
The Renegade dance, choreographed by Jalaiah Harmon, is one of the most iconic TikTok dance trends. The song behind it, "Lottery (Renegade)" by K Camp, became a viral TikTok song, with millions of users creating their own versions of the dance.
Similarly, "Savage" by Megan Thee Stallion became a global phenomenon after TikTok users started creating their own choreography to the song. The official music video, featuring Beyoncé, was even inspired by these TikTok dances.
Renegade: The Dance that Launched a Career
Jalaiah Harmon, a 14-year-old from Atlanta, created the Renegade dance in late 2019. When the dance started gaining traction on TikTok, Harmon was initially unaware of its popularity. However, once she realized her creation had gone viral, she started posting her own videos using the hashtag #Renegade.
Her dance was eventually picked up by other TikTok users, including popular creators like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae, who further propelled the trend. K Camp's "Lottery (Renegade)" became a viral TikTok song, and Harmon was finally recognized for her creation, appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and even collaborating with the song's artist.
Savage: The Song that United TikTok and Beyoncé
Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" was released in March 2020, but it wasn't until TikTok users started creating dances to the song that it gained widespread attention. The #SavageChallenge took off, with users creating their own choreography to the track.
In April 2020, Beyoncé jumped on the trend, releasing a remix of "Savage" featuring herself and Megan Thee Stallion. The official music video for the remix was heavily inspired by the TikTok dances, featuring cameos from several TikTok creators. The song became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance.
Songs that Sparked Viral Challenges
TikTok challenges are another way songs go viral on the platform. These challenges often involve users creating videos based on a specific theme or using a particular prop, with the song serving as the backdrop.
One of the most iconic TikTok challenges is the "Don't Start Now" challenge, which involved users creating videos set to Dua Lipa's hit song. The challenge helped propel the song to even greater heights, with it eventually becoming one of the biggest hits of 2019.
The "Don't Start Now" Challenge
Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now" was released in August 2019, but it wasn't until the following year that it became a viral TikTok song. The "Don't Start Now" challenge involved users creating videos that transitioned from one look or activity to another, with the song's beat drop serving as the perfect timing for the transition.
The challenge took off, with users creating increasingly creative and elaborate transitions. The song became a staple on TikTok, and its popularity helped it reach new heights on the charts. "Don't Start Now" eventually became Dua Lipa's first number-one single in the US, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance.
TikTok's impact on the music industry is undeniable, with viral TikTok songs often becoming mainstream hits. As the platform continues to grow, it will be interesting to see which songs and trends emerge next. So, keep an eye on your 'For You' page, and who knows? You might just discover the next big hit.