It’s no secret that TikTok has had a huge influence on how artists consider album rollouts, music production, and previewing unreleased records to their fans. It’s a dig when artists are called out by fans for making “TikTok” music. The insinuation is that only a couple of lines or verses become trending sounds, video creators move on to the next song and then find a new bit of a new song. However, some of those “trending sounds” have made a real impact and created opportunities for artists who want or need to participate in the social media game. Artists centering on making music with catchy lyrics and beats, such as Ice Spice, have been able to propel themselves amongst their peers and still get real recognition outside of the apps.
How Has TikTok Helped?
Ice Spice gained popularity after her 2022 hit “Munch” began circulating on social media, and now the song is certified gold with the RIAA. Her newfound success also got her in the studio working with Nicki Minaj (twice I might add), and she also was featured on a remix to Taylor Swift’s “Karma” introducing her to a pop audience. The 23-year-old also won her first award as Best New Artist at the 2023 MTV VMAs earlier this week. She has a bright future ahead.
But TikTok has also aided in the renewal of artist’s discographies. Miguel, who has been a force in music for at least a decade, had his 2010 “Sure Thing” climb to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Pop Airplay. “Sure Thing” was previously atop the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, as well as R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay during its original run for one week in 2011. According to Billboard, the song soundtracked more than 4 million songs on TikTok last year.
After noticing its effect on music, Billboard has created a TikTok chart ranking and has already begun charting its first songs. Unsurprisingly, this week Sexxy Red’s “SkeeYee” claimed the first-ever No. 1 spot on the chart. Following behind the St. Louis rapper is Doja Cat’s “Paint The Town Red.” According to Billboard’s Instagram post, the weekly chart metrics will “reflect current music trends based on a combination of creations, video views, and user engagement.” Take a look at the inaugural chart below:
