Billboard, the iconic music publication known for its influential charts, has joined forces with TikTok, the popular social media app that took the world by storm with its short-form videos. Together, they aim to capture the essence of what makes a song go viral and create a chart that reflects the current musical zeitgeist.
With the rise of social media, music has become more accessible than ever before. Platforms like TikTok have given aspiring artists a chance to showcase their talents to a global audience, catapulting them to stardom overnight. By harnessing the power of Tik Tok’s massive user base and the data it generates, Billboard is able to track the popularity of songs in real-time and create a chart that truly represents the pulse of the music industry.
The creation of the Tik Tok Top 50 chart was no easy feat. It required a deep understanding of the platform, its users, and the way music spreads virally. Billboard’s team of music experts worked closely with Tik Tok to develop an algorithm that takes into account various factors, such as the number of video creations, engagement, and overall popularity of a song on the app.
Songs that gain popularity on TikTok quickly find their way onto the Billboard charts, as seen with Doja Cat’s ‘Paint The Town Red‘ and Ice Spice’s catchy track ‘Deli‘. These artists, previously unknown to many, have now garnered widespread recognition thanks to their TikTok-fueled success. Check out The TikTok Billboard Top 50 here.
Furthermore, TikTok has proven to be a powerful tool for reviving old songs and introducing them to a new generation. One prime example is Kate Bush‘s 1985 single ‘Running Up That Hill‘. After gaining traction on TikTok, the song reached the top spot on the UK charts last year. This resurgence can be attributed to its prominent feature in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, which led to an increase in interest and subsequently its viral success on TikTok. This demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between streaming platforms, television shows, and social media apps like TikTok in shaping music trends.
This week, the TikTok Billboard Top 50 features a mix of genres and eras. Dazz Band’s 1982 release ‘Let It Whip‘ has made a surprising comeback, capturing the attention of TikTok users and landing a spot on the charts. The resurgence of this track reflects TikTok’s ability to introduce older songs to a younger audience and ignite a newfound appreciation for timeless classics. In addition to Dazz Band, country tracks from Zach Bryan and Tim McGraw have gained traction on TikTok, demonstrating the platform’s ability to bridge the gap between genres and expose users to a diverse range of music. R&B artist Charlie Wilson and emo band Pinegrove round out the TikTok Billboard Top 50, showcasing the app’s influence on a wide array of musical styles.
TikTok has revolutionized the music industry by giving rise to viral sensations, reviving old classics, and democratizing music discovery. As the TikTok Billboard Top 50 continues to evolve each week, we can expect to see more diverse genres and unexpected hits making their way onto the charts. This ever-changing landscape presents exciting opportunities for artists, listeners, and the industry as a whole. So, next time you find yourself scrolling through TikTok, take a moment to appreciate the app’s undeniable impact on the music we love.