Music and social media have had a complex and intertwined relationship since the early days of the internet. Platforms like MySpace and Soundcloud allowed artists to share their music directly with fans, and the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music made it easier for people to discover and listen to new music.
But in recent years, social media platforms like TikTok have had an increasingly influential role in shaping music trends. TikTok, which is a video-sharing app that allows users to create and share short videos set to music, has launched numerous songs and artists to viral fame.
One example of this is the song “Lottery (Renegade)” by K Camp, which gained popularity on TikTok in late 2019 and eventually went on to become a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The app has also been credited with popularizing hits like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and Doja Cat’s “Say So,” both of which became viral sensations on TikTok before reaching mainstream success.
The influence of TikTok on music trends can be attributed to the app’s unique features, which make it easy for users to discover and share new music. The app’s algorithm recommends songs to users based on their previous listening history and the content they engage with, and users can also browse through various genres and trending tracks.
But TikTok’s influence on music goes beyond just promoting individual songs and artists. The app has also helped to popularize certain genres and sounds, such as emo rap and bedroom pop. It has also given rise to a new type of artist, known as a “TikTok star,” who gains fame primarily through the app and may not have a strong presence on other social media platforms.
There are some who have raised concerns about the impact of TikTok on the music industry, as the app’s algorithms can sometimes prioritize certain songs over others, potentially leading to a homogenization of music trends. Some have also criticized the app for not adequately compensating artists for the use of their music in user-generated content.
Despite these concerns, it’s clear that TikTok has had a significant impact on the music industry. In addition to launching individual songs and artists to fame, the app has helped to shape and popularize certain genres and sounds. As social media platforms continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how they will continue to influence music trends in the future.