What Makes Music Trend on TikTok?

The impact of TikTok on the music industry is undeniable. As a platform that combines music and short-form videos, TikTok has become a powerful tool for promoting new tracks and reviving old hits. With songs going viral almost overnight, it's crucial to understand what makes music trend on TikTok and how artists can leverage this platform to gain visibility. In this article, we will explore the factors contributing to the virality of songs on TikTok, examine some of the most successful "tik songs," and discuss strategies for artists to get their music trending.

The Mechanics of Virality on TikTok

Every successful song on TikTok has a distinctive blend of elements that contribute to its virality. TikTok’s unique format of short, looping videos encourages users to create content based on specific sound bites, and this creates a fertile ground for music to spread like wildfire. Some of the core factors that aid a song in trending include:

• Catchy Hooks: The fragment of the song used in TikTok videos plays a significant role. Catchy hooks or memorable snippets often become earworms that users want to repeat and share.
• Memorable Lyrics: Lyrics that are easy to remember and resonate with a broad audience can make a song more likely to be picked up by TikTok users.
• Danceability: Tracks that inspire dance challenges or can be paired with creative choreography often gain traction quickly.
• Relatability: Songs that users can relate to or that align with popular themes and trends on the platform are more likely to go viral.

Examples of Successful Tik Songs

Several songs have catapulted to fame solely through TikTok. These tracks often rely on the platform’s trends and features to resonate with users. Let's take a look at some examples:

"Say So" by Doja Cat

This track became a TikTok phenomenon thanks to a viral dance challenge. Users flocked to the platform, creating and sharing their versions of the dance, which helped the song climb the charts and become a mainstream hit.

"Savage Love" by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo

Originating from a simple beat by Jawsh 685, the song took off when Jason Derulo added lyrics and shared a dance challenge. The catchy beat and dance made it irresistible for TikTok users.

"Lottery (Renegade)" by K CAMP

This song is perhaps one of the most famous examples of a TikTok success story. It became widely popular due to the "Renegade" dance that went viral, further cementing the song in TikTok lore.

Strategies for Getting Your Music Trending on TikTok

As an artist, breaking into the TikTok music scene can feel daunting, but there are tried-and-true strategies that can increase your chances of going viral:

1. Collaborate with Influencers

Influencers on TikTok have a massive following and can help push your song to their audience. Collaborating with them, whether by paying for promotions or working together on content, can give your track the boost it needs.

2. Create a Dance Challenge

Dance challenges are one of the most effective ways to get your song noticed. By creating a simple, fun, and engaging dance routine to go with your track, you can encourage users to participate and share their versions.

3. Leverage Hashtags

Hashtags are powerful tools on TikTok. By using trending hashtags or creating a unique hashtag for your song, you can make it easier for users to discover and engage with your content.

4. Engage with Users

Engagement is key on TikTok. Responding to comments, liking user-generated content that features your song, and participating in trends can increase your visibility on the platform.

5. Utilize TikTok Ads

Investing in TikTok ads can ensure your song reaches a wider audience. Using TikTok’s ad platform, you can target specific demographics and interests, maximizing your track’s exposure.

The Influence of TikTok on the Music Industry

The influence of TikTok on the music industry extends beyond just trending songs. The platform has changed how people discover music, how artists promote their work, and even how songs are created. Here’s a deeper dive into its impact:

Change in Music Discovery

Traditional radio and streaming services are no longer the primary sources for discovering new music. TikTok allows users to uncover new tracks through organic content, often leading them to follow artists and listen to their full catalogs on other platforms.

Evolution of Music Promotion

Artists now have direct access to millions of potential fans. By actively promoting their music on TikTok, artists can bypass traditional gatekeepers like record labels and radio stations. This democratization has allowed independent artists to achieve success that would have previously been out of reach.

Impact on Songwriting and Production

Knowing the potential for a song to go viral on TikTok impacts how music is written and produced. Producers and songwriters often consider how snippets of the song can be used in 15-second videos, ensuring that the most impactful parts are concise and memorable.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving landscape of music promotion, TikTok stands out as a pivotal platform. Understanding what makes music trend on TikTok can empower artists to craft their strategies to harness this virality. Artists aiming to make the most out of TikTok should focus on creating catchy and relatable content, collaborating with influencers, and actively engaging with their audience. By doing so, the chances of their music trending on TikTok, and subsequently achieving mainstream success, significantly increase.

If you're an artist looking to get your music noticed, consider using SoundOn for your marketing and distribution needs. SoundOn helps you build a career and find new fans through platforms like TikTok and other digital streaming services. Sign up now to take the first step toward your music career success!

SoundOn