TikTok Is Changing How We Discover Music

The music industry is constantly changing and evolving. Recently, the social platform TikTok has been making a big impact on how we engage with music!

TikTok is changing the game when it comes to discovering new artists and bringing back forgotten hits.

We’ve put together a list of a few different artists and songs that have come into (or back into) the spotlight thanks to TikTok. In this article, you’ll find artists who had their big break because of the app, nostalgic music that we’re enjoying once again, songs that were used in viral challenges, and even music that we literally haven’t heard in full yet!

And if you want to join in on the fun, just click on the links below to see the sheet music arrangements!

Newly Discovered Artists and Music:

TikTok helped push these artists and their music into the spotlight! Since their breakthrough, some of these artists have even been nominated for Grammy Awards, including Doja Cat and Barlow & Bear:

• Barlow & Bear: “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical”
• Alexander 23: “IDK You Yet”
• Arizona Zervas: ‘ROXANNE”
• Beebadoobe: “death bed (coffee for your head)”
• Benee: “Supalonely”
• Claire Rosinkranz: “Backyard Boy”
• Doja Cat: “Say So”
• GAYLE: “abcdefu”

Old Songs Going Viral Again:

Even though TikTok is a relatively new platform, the music that goes viral on it doesn’t have to be current! Content creators on the app have been able to bring back incredible music from the past, whether it’s been just a couple of years or a few decades:

• “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
• “Beggin’” by Måneskin
• “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks
• “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” by ABBA
• “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” by Celine Dion
• “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” by Edison Lighthouse
• “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
• “Rasputin” by Boney M.
• “River Deep – Mountain High” by Glee Cast

Songs with Viral Challenges:

When a new challenge starts up, we get the chance to see incredible performances from TikTok users all across the globe! Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell even decided to take on the “Grace Kelly” challenge:

• “Grace Kelly” (Harmonizing challenge)
• “Snowman” (One breath challenge)
• “Wellerman” (Sea shanty; “duet” with others)

Next Up (Songwriting, Album Releases, and More):

Not only has TikTok allowed musicians to share great music that’s already been released, but we can also get an inside look at new arrangements before they’re even out!

• Charlie Puth’s “Light Switch” Series: Fans have the chance to go behind-the-scenes in the songwriting process as Charlie creates the song “Light Switch”
• “Surrender to Me”: This series began when Zach discovered a recording of his dad’s music from the 70s. Now, they’re in the process of releasing it to the world!

Be sure to follow us on TikTok for exclusive interviews and performances with your favorite artists and songwriters!

Published on January 14, 2022