These days, TikTok songs become viral almost every single day. If you’ve been keeping up with this video sharing app, then you know just how many popular TikTok songs have made it to the charts. It’s got millions of users from around the world and has even helped many find a platform for success.
But, with that in mind, how familiar are you with the app? You might be surprised to learn what it originated from, and how it became the monster it is today.
What is TikTok?
Before the TikTok app, the most popular for short-form videos was Musical.ly. You might remember it as the video streaming and sharing app that came with a multitude of dialogue (dubbing) options and music that could be used to create entertaining videos. During its heyday, there were over a hundred million users on it. It was no different from the popularity Tik Tok is experiencing now.
However, in August 2018 the app was bought by a Chinese company called ByteDance and all of its users were transferred to a newer platform—TikTok. As you might expect, user content was also transferred to this app.
How Did TikTok Become So Popular?
With some thanks to the trend started by Musical.ly or other apps such as Vine, people were already on-board the short-form video format. However, the TikTok app changed the game for many and its popularity is far more impressive compared to its predecessors. As of October 2018, it was officially the most downloaded video and photo app in the Apple store, and still records over 500 million monthly users. In the US alone, it has been downloaded over 80 million times!
So what’s the secret to its success? Aside from viral TikTok songs and TikTok dances, the biggest factor is celebrity endorsement. You must have noticed by now that some of the biggest driving forces behind any trend are the TikTok influencers who incessantly promote the product. TikTok was marketed no differently. Some of the early TikTok users include the likes of Jimmy Fallon, but the app also tapped into paid partnerships with celebrities from select countries to introduce the product to local audiences. It’s a strategy that has proven effective, considering just how popular the TikTok app is right now.
TikTok Ban and Censorship
It’s not all Tik Tok songs and viral videos on this app, however. TikTok has been the subject of censorship in certain regions and there was even a proposal for it to be banned in the United States altogether.
2019 Ban – India
It was in 2019 when a provisional ban was imposed on the TikTok app, citing that it “encourages pornography” and other “inappropriate content.” Aside from these concerns, they also noted that the minors who were using the app could be put at risk and targeted by predators. After all, while TikTok challenge songs and videos are entertaining, they cannot regulate who is watching them.
A spokesperson for Tik Tok stated that they were abiding by local laws and motioned for a reconsideration of the ban, but the courts could not be moved. In fact, during this period, TikTok was said to have removed over 6 million videos that violated the existing guidelines. On April 25, 2019, the courts finally reversed its order, though India’s ban did cost the app over 15 million new users.
2020 Ban – India
The lifting of this ban was short-lived, though. On June 29, 2020, a total ban on TikTok and 223 other Chinese apps was passed by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This ban, however, was in response to a clash between the Indian and Chinese military troops stationed at a disputed territory along the border shared by both countries.
United States TikTok Shut Down
In 2019, American think tank, Peterson Institute for International Economics, deemed Tik Tok as a threat to national security. This is because the app had an ability to send information about the user’s location, biometric data, and images to its parent company in China. Its popularity with Western users, thanks to the catchy EDM TikTok songs and social media aspect, and the fact that ByteDance cannot legally refuse sharing their data with the Chinese Government, raised plenty of concern.
Most experts, however, are divided over whether the TikTok app can be used to spy on users or not. Some people have also argued that shutting down the app was nothing more than a ploy or a way of censoring negative opinion when it came to the Trump Administration. It must be noted that the peak of these talks occurred while Trump was still president.
Fortunately for TikTok users in the United States, the ban never really came into fruition and they still get to enjoy the app’s services.
Viral TikTok Songs and Videos
What makes TikTok songs or videos go viral? There are two key factors: fun choreography and a catchy song. Just think about all of the music that was popular on the app before it even hit mainstream. Even some of the world’s biggest artists, such as Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande have turned to Tik Tok when it comes to marketing their latest releases. With over 1.7 billion downloads to date, it’s not difficult to see why.
Over the past few years, TikTok has proven itself to be quite the force when it comes to pushing songs to the top of the charts. We have seen it happen to artists like Lil Nas and Doja Cat. The viral nature of TikTok videos isn’t limited to just a single genre either. Just take the way it revived the popularity of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”, which jumped back to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 – decades after it was released!
List of TikTok Songs
What are the famous TikTok songs? Here are our Top 50 based upon Spotify and Deezer charts, as well as the number of times the track has been used in a TikTok video. We hope this TikTok songs compilation helps get you into the spirit of what the app stands for: FUN!
- “What You Know Bout Love” by Pop Smoke
- “Supalonely” by BENEE feat. Gus Dapperton
- “Rags2Riches” by Rod Wave feat. ATR Son Son
- “The Box” by Roddy Rich
- “Tap In” by Saweetie
- “Say So” by Doja Cat
- “WAP” BY Cardi B. feat Megan Thee Stallion
- “Out West” by JACKBOYS and Travis Scott feat. Young Thug
- “Savage Remix” by Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé
- “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)” by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo
- “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo
- “Good Days” by SZA
- “Shower” by Becky G
- “34+35” by Ariana Grande
- “Desperado” by Rihanna
- “Dreams (2004 Remaster) by Fleetwood Mac
- “Bartier Cardi” by Cardi B. feat. 21 Savage
- “Mad at Disney” by Salem Ilese
- “Prom Queen” by Beach Bunny
- “Without You” by The Kid Laroi
- “Roses (ACTEK Remix)” by SAINt JHN
- “Love Story (Disco Lines Remix)” by Taylor Swift
- “Cannibal” by Kesha
- “Where Is The Love?” by Black Eyed Peas
- “Therefore I Am” by Billie Eilish
Fun Fact: The top 20 songs on our list have been used in TikTok videos over a million times!
- “How You Like That?” by Blackpink
- “Bored in The House” by Curtis Roach and Tyga
- “Positions” by Ariana Grande
- “It’s M to the B” by Millie B.
- “Potential Breakup Song” by Aly and AJ
- “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles
- “Any Song” by ZICO
- “I’m Just A Kid” by Simple Plan
- “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
- “Pew Pew Pew” by Auntie Hammy
- “I Like Him” by Princess Nokia
- “23” by Mike WiLL Made-It feat. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J
- “Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat
- “You’re a Mean One, Mr.” by Tyler The Creator
- “Mom” by Meghan Trainor
- “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
- “ROXANNE” Arizona Zervas
- “Habits (Stay High)” by Tove Lo
- “Trampoline” by Shaed
- “The Nights” by Avicii
- “Stunnin” by Curtis Waters feat. Harm Franklin
- “It’s Tricky” by Run DMC
- “Lo Vas A Olvidar” by Billie Eilish and ROSALIA
- “Best Friend” by Saweetie feat. Doja Cat (top best friend songs on TikTok!)
- “Dynamite” by BTS
The thing with Tik Tok songs is that you get to know indie artists, usually before they gain popularity in the mainstream. There are TikTok downloadable songs, but the best way to listen is through Spotify. You can listen to the full track and not just a snippet of it, all while supporting the artist as well. Unsurprisingly, Spotify Wrapped also featured many popular songs used in different TikToks.
The Most Popular TikTok Songs and Dances
The thing with TikTok content is that it encompasses a lot of things. There are beauty tutorials, cosplays, socio-political content, life hacks, and even sex ed. However, few can argue what the app is best known for: trendy TikTok dance songs. We’ve already shown you the popular songs that became hits thanks to TikTok, now let’s look at some of the challenges and trends that helped boost their popularity.
“Say So” by Haley Sharpe (@yodelinghaley)
Out of the best TikTok songs, this one has proven its longevity, considering it is still quite popular at present. The dance caught attention during the latter part of 2019 and got a boost in 2020 onwards, thanks to the music video that featured Haley Sharpe herself.
“Cut The Check” by Mahak Hamid (@mahakhamidd)
Songs ruined by TikTok? Not this one! Hamid created this viral dance that really embodies everyone’s need to get that cash flow going in 2021. If the grind is getting you down, give this one a try. Hamid has an easy to follow tutorial, too, to get you dancing in no time.
“Out West” by Nicole Bloomgarden (@nicolebloomgarden)
New TikTok users will definitely enjoy this one. It’s easy to follow yet fun—it’s even been done by celebs like Kylie Jenner! Created by Nicole Bloomgarden, it should only take you a few minutes to get the choreography down. No wonder it’s one of the more popular TikTok dances!
“Captain Hook” by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)
She’s got plenty of trending TikTok songs to her name, but there’s no stopping Megan Thee Stallion. 2021 is the year of the Hot Girl so who better to usher in a new TikTok dance challenge than the original herself? It’s a simple yet cute routine.
“Candy Shop” by Lesley Gonzalez (@yodamnmomma)
Think Millennials can’t get a piece of the action? Well, give this one a shot. Lesley Gonzalez’s TikTok dance is a mash-up of the most memorable throwback moves from the past decade. This one requires no technical skill so even the newest of TikTok users can pull it off well.
Honorable Mention:
“The Vivi Trend” feat. Vivi from Loona
TikTokers welcomed 2021 with this fun new viral dance, featuring the song “YRN (EZRA Remix)” by Migos feat. Young Thug. The song was then edited onto a video of Loona member Vivi dancing to the Red Velvet song “Russian Roulette.” Call it a collision of genres, one that might be confusing to some, but it has since hit a million views and counting. Celebs like Nicole Scherzinger have also posted their own version of it.
Collaborations Between Musicians and TikTok Creators
TikTok creators are a dime a dozen on the app, but there are a few stand out ones who really start the trends. Just take Keara Wilson, the dancer who created the viral dance for Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Savage.” It only took her an hour to create one of the most viral TikTok dances on the platform. Since it was posted, the video has garnered over 50 million views. Even celebs like Jessica Alba, Hailey and Justin Bieber, and even Megan herself have all done it.
Aside from helping boost the song’s popularity, going viral has also had a positive impact on Wilson’s life. She has worked with brands like NYX and Lysol, and has even come out with her own merch. So, the next time someone tells you that Tik Tok is nothing but a waste of time, you’ll know better.
In Doja Cat’s case, however, it’s “life imitating art.” The choreography for her Grammy-nominated track “Say So” was partially created by TikToker Haley Sharpe. The creator even scored an appearance in the song’s music video!
Nathan Apodaca (@420doggface208) aka The Ocean Spray Juice Guy
What’s so interesting about a guy drinking cranberry juice straight from the box that his video alone got over 70 million views on Tik Tok? It’s not one of those trendy TikTok dance songs, but it put Fleetwood Mac back on the charts again and if you ask anyone who’s seen it, they probably wouldn’t be able to give you a single answer as well.
Thanks to his video and TikTok meme songs, Nathan Apodaca’s life has taken on a 360-turn. He now has over 5.7 million views and found some very popular new besties. He’s been hanging out with Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, with the latter sharing TikTok videos of them skating together.
Where do TikTok songs come from? From the most unexpected of artists, in Apodaca’s case. Fleetwood Mac is far from the EDM-laced tunes that is popular on Tik Tok. Perhaps the biggest blessing to come from this experience is the fact that he went from living in an RV with no electricity or water, to finally moving into his very own home. A great start to his newlywed life, if you ask us.
Apodaca’s story is just one of the many that show all the ways a viral video and TikTok songs can change a life. A 20-second video of you just “vibin” could be your ticket to stardom—imagine that!
TikTok Songs and the Egirl Trend
What is an Egirl? Egirls are part of a subculture based in online platforms such as TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram. The TikTok egirl is just one in the many different categories that comprises this group. If you’ve ever seen the viral videos called “E-girl juice” or “E-girl factory” then you already have some idea of who they are, and what they represent. While the egirl trend started before Tik Tok came to be, the app remains one of the biggest platforms with the most number of egirl users on it.
Top 10 Most Followed TikTok Celebrities and Influencers
There’s no single formula that can guarantee an individual’s success online. Sure, some might argue that looks play a big factor in it, but most people look for entertaining content instead. In this list, we’re going to look at the most popular TikTok celebrities and influencers. ou might be surprised to learn that only a handful of them are actual celebrities, and they have still managed to get on the list of most followed accounts on TikTok somehow.
- Charli D’Amelio (@charlidamelio) – 107m Followers – 8m+ Likes
- Addison Rae (@addisonre) – 75.3m Followers – 5m+ Likes
- Zach King (@zachking) – 55m Followers – 700,000+ Likes
- Bella Poarch (@bellapoarch) – 54m Followers – 1m+ Likes
- Spencer Polanco Knight (@spencerx) – 51m Followers – 1m+ Likes
- Loren Gray (@lorengray) – 51m Followers – 3m+ Likes
- Dixie D’Amelio (dixiedamelio) – 49m Followers – 3m+ Likes
- Will Smith (@willsmith) – 48m Followers – 300,000+ Likes
- Michael Le (@justmaiko) – 45m Followers – 1.3m+ Likes
- Riyaz Aly (@riyaz.14) – 44m Followers – 2m+ Likes
Honorable Mentions:
- Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo) – 42m Followers – 1m+ Likes
- James Charles (@jamescharles) – 34m Followers – 800,000+ Likes
- JoJo Siwa (@itsjojosiwa) – 32m Followers – 1m+ Likes
- Dwayne Johnson (@therock) – 31m Followers – 200,000+ Likes
- BTS (@bts_official_bighit) – 28.3m Followers – 500,000+ Likes
- Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) 23.2m Followers – 70,000+ Likes
In Closing
TikTok songs tend to divide people when it comes to opinion, but we can’t deny that it comes with plenty of good merits too. If you’re looking for things to do when bored, then this is a pretty harmless way to pass the time. Aside from this, the TikTok app can also become an outlet for self-expression. It can even turn it into an income stream. So, before you dismiss it as yet another teen fad, give the app a try. Better yet, listen to some of the best TikTok songs on our list. You just might change your mind about the app sooner rather than later.
