when you want to discover new music that gets you going, you wouldn’t think of going to tiktok, would you? Normally you would browse curated playlists on Spotify or your favorite artist’s albums on Apple Music. but you can always find hidden gems in the places you wouldn’t normally think to look.
if you’re wondering what songs make the world sing, dance and believe, we’ve compiled a list of 48 of the most popular songs taking over tiktok.
48 popular tiktok songs you should listen to repeatedly:
let’s update your playlists with our list of the most popular songs on tiktok.
1. “alors on dance” by stromae
it’s hard to believe that “alors on danse” is more than 10 years old. but this cool and catchy track made its debut in 2010 and has seen a resurgence on tiktok. today, it’s a slightly different version of the upbeat song. its tempo slows down to around 45 beats per minute, making it an interesting change from the faster songs you’ll find on tiktok.
Tiktokers are often seen dancing in a basic arm-crossing motion, and some users overlay a video with a group for a choreographed experience.
2. “beginning” by måneskin
“beggin’” is a popular choice and the source of karaoke and glitter challenges. You’ll find tiktok users playing the song halfway through the chorus, and with the use of smart camera work, there’s a shift from average everyday clothing to fancier makeup and attire. karaoke challenges are just as fun. tons of people sing along to the music, and in some cases create acoustic and other renditions of the hit.
3. “how you like that” by blackpink
“how you like that” is from blackpink’s album “the album” released in july 2020. to say that this song was well received in the midst of a global pandemic is an understatement. To date, he has amassed over 777 million views on YouTube. on tiktok, it is the quintessential key song. “how you like that” has a chorus that contrasts with his seemingly cute versus. the shift to a more aggressive pace makes it a favorite for everything from flashes to tricks and posing.
4. “play it (remix)” by busta rhymes
“touch it” exploded during the coronavirus pandemic. It was the song to show off your best outfit collection. most of the videos you’ll find share something in common that makes this song and the challenge stand out, and that’s the slow motion effect.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
5. “let out” by jojo & db99
You know that moment when all you want is for the source of your discomfort to go away? well, “leave get out” is the song you need to choreograph your dramatic request. it is well thought out and has been used in a real tiktok way. people enact all sorts of daily struggles that lead to the last straw and the cry of “go, go!”
6. “get yourself the moon” by kina feat. snow
“get you to the moon” is a bit more somber than other songs on our list. on tiktok, it is used to share touching experiences and some not so touching ones. the song is by producer kina in collaboration with snøw, a youtuber who covered many of kina’s songs. together, they created a song guaranteed to strike a chord with you.
7. “astronomy” by chiky dee jay
pallbearers dancing. ring a bell? That’s because “astronomy” might never have wormed its way into your life if you hadn’t seen Ghana’s pallbearers dancing (and yes, with a coffin on their shoulders). they blew up in 2020, and as much as it sounds a bit, it’s something special (in a good way). For the Ghanaian crew and many families in Ghana, it is a fitting way to say goodbye to their loved ones.
Today, “astronomy” is still as popular as ever. is the song that often sees people performing choreographed dances in public.
8. “unlock it (lock it) [jeff premix]” by charli xcx
“unlock it” by charli xcx featuring kim petras and jay park is like so many other songs that seem to have taken over tiktok out of nowhere. Originally released in 2017, it was one that may have missed the tiktok boat back then, but that has changed. today she is very popular and has her own dance popularized by charli. see if you can pull it off.
9. “good 4 u” by olivia rodrigo
“good 4 u” is a breakup song. not in the sense that olivia rodrigo is the one breaking up, more in the sense that she’s not doing so well after that. on tiktok, i doubt he would have imagined that his song would become the anthem that countless tiktokers would play while adding bangs to their hairstyles. and luckily, most attempts look great.
10. “9 pm (until I arrive)” by atb
1999. that’s when the german dj and producer atb released this “9 pm (till i come)”. To say that this tune isn’t one of the catchiest you’ve ever heard would be almost sacrilegious. it is also the choice of many travelers who share their destination on tiktok. From Santorini views in the evening light to tranquil Maldives sunsets, there are enough videos to somehow address your wanderlust.
11. “my type” by saweetie
It seems like it takes a lot of thought and strategy to make a song go viral. and that is absolutely true. on tiktok, that is no exception. For saweetie’s dangerous hit, tiktokers use sound in lip-sync comedy videos where they create captions that specify… their type. It’s that simple.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
12. “I’m just a kid” by simple plan
this song is used for the incredibly popular “flashback challenge” that all tiktok users and fans know and love. The “Flashback Challenge” is a beloved tribute trend where users recreate their childhood images as adults. when the chorus drops, the flashback photo will flash showing the same images, except everyone looks much younger.
13. “lalala” by y2k & bbno$
“la la la” made its way into the minds (and maybe hearts) of tiktok users. the song, when used in tiktok videos, begins with the spoken word sample: “did i really forget that tune?” before descending into the “hand emoji” challenge. To carry out the challenge effectively, users need to match the shapes of the hand emojis on their screens to the beat of the song without missing a movie. just like dance-dance revolution but for your hands.
14. “blinding lights” by weekend
“Blinding Lights” is part of an exhilarating dance challenge that gets you moving, creative and “blinds you” for fun. In order to participate in the challenge effectively, you will need at least two other participants and a lot of energy.
the trend has become a family favorite on tiktok, especially during the quarantine. Families, roommates and more love the experimentation and bonding involved in the fun re-enactment of the dance routine.
15. “wap” by cardi b feat. Megan you stallion
this hilarious song broke the internet in its own right, fairly and honestly. and when the internet broke, the pieces went to social media platforms like tiktok and went viral from there. “wap” accompanies a lively yet cardio-heavy dance routine that really gets you moving.
This song contains explicit lyrics.
16. “bored in the house” by curtis roach
We all know what it’s like to be stuck at home during quarantine. content creator curtis roach felt everyone’s pain and made a fun song with a catchy and addictive beat. roach wrote and composed the bop after being in lockdown thanks to covid-19. Since the song went viral on tiktok and internet, a new version with tyga was released on spotify.
17. “supalonely” by benee feat. gus dapperton
Have you been wanting to find a new song that you can play over and over again during your workout at the gym or while driving home from work? “supalonely” is exactly what you need to hear on repeat, no matter where you are. while the song is at the top of the charts all over the world, it is in the top trends on tiktok.
18. “pew pew pew” by aunt hammy
Aunt hammy’s tiktok song “pew pew pew” became a trend with users using tiktok’s facial effects to create fun balloon versions of their faces. check out david dobrik and kevin hart in their own video above.
“pew pew pew” is part of a hilarious tiktok trend that involves exploding people’s heads. we are kidding! The trend involves tiktokers using tiktok’s facial recognition effects to create funny balloon versions of their faces. Aunt Hammy’s song became so popular that even celebrities like David Dobrik and Kevin Hart had to join in on the fun.
19. “out west” by jackboys & amp; travis scott feat. young thug
Tiktokers love to dance the “give up west,” a dance trend choreographed by nicole bloomgarden that has since gone viral. The song is so popular that it has been used in nearly 16 million tiktok videos! you have to admit it makes you shake your head, even a little.
20. princess nokia “likes”
Princess Nokia’s “like” can turn anyone from a simple Joan into a bad Beatrice. Users have used the song to showcase their boyfriends, husbands, wives, girlfriends, celebrities in love, and even strangers. you can’t help but admire the unique way this song was used on a video platform!
21. “boss bitch” by doja cat
“boss bitch” may take a couple of listens to get into, but it takes off with its deliciously addictive chorus. the song is shared on different kinds of tiktok videos of users fangirling with k-pop groups, showing off their fiercest lewds, making fun of themselves, pulling pranks, and more, all in a chorus. you can literally feel the cheek coming out of you.
This song contains explicit lyrics.
22. “wild remix” by megan thee stallion feat. beyonce
queen bey really knows how to rap. so megan thee stallion took advantage of that. (See what we did there?) Her genius collaboration practically broke the internet. the accompanying dance (surprisingly challenging!) blew up on tiktok, resulting in it being used on over 600,000 tiktoks!
This song contains explicit lyrics.
23. cookie kawaii “vibe”
“vibe” makes you vibrate, all right. it’s impossible not to move your shoulders when you listen to this song during your tiktok spree. The New Jersey artist’s hit song, Cookie Kawaii, began blowing up on Twitter before going viral on Spotify. the song made the cookie a literal overnight sensation.
This song contains explicit lyrics.
24. “prom queen” by beach bunny
“prom queen” has a funky beat but the lyrics tell a completely different story. that is why this song makes it ideal for many tiktok users to add to videos with more personal and heavy themes. the lyrics deal with difficult issues like low self-esteem and disordered eating habits. However, many motivational tiktok users use “prom queen” as inspirational background videos that promote their healthy living habits.
This song contains explicit and potentially triggering lyrics.
25. “sober” by ajr feat. cuomo rivers
“sober up” is, oddly enough, considered a positive song despite the lyrics. no wonder tiktokers enjoy using this song as background music for their relatable videos. the song opens with a cheerful cello that maintains a constant rhythm that makes you have to shake your body. Better yet, this upbeat track had the perfect foot-tapping cue while making fun of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This song contains explicit lyrics.
26. “Roxanne'” from Arizona Zervas
“Roxanne” is the perfect fun song for summer vacation. It gives off chill and fun vibes as you chill in the sun with your best friends on a hot beach. when the song gained traction on tiktok, it started to be used in all kinds of videos. dance trends, background music for studying and cleaning, snuggling with babies and puppies, and much more.
This song contains explicit lyrics.
27. “lottery” by k camp
“renegade challenge” was born on tiktok in january 2020. the challenge is set in a small section of k camp “lottery” where the word “renegade” is repeated over and over again.
“lottery” is possibly one of the most addictive songs on tiktok. the challenge choreography was invented by jalaiah harmon (@jalaiahharmon) on instagram in september 2019 before it was posted on tiktok.
This song contains explicit lyrics.
28. “stunnin'” by curtis waters feat. harm franklin
Have you ever heard a song that made you want to kick back on your couch and relax with your favorite show? this song will take you there.
“stunnin” went viral on tiktok thanks to its extensive and intensive use for variations on the “what would i wear like…” trend where users would transform into different outfits for different trends. Created by North Carolina indie pop artist Curtis Waters, “Stunnin” became so popular that multiple record labels immediately offered Waters record deals. But according to her Rolling Stone article about his newfound viral fame, he admitted to choosing to reject labels and remain independent.
This song contains explicit lyrics.
29. “roses (imanbek remix)” by saint jhn and imanbek
this fun viral tiktok song with catchy rhythms and upbeat harmonies really took off when different users started a challenge that involved intense coordination with their hands and slowly rotating their bodies. The song that took over TikTok is actually a remix of Saint Jhn’s much slower “Roses” (the video itself is incredibly powerful to watch on its own).
This song contains explicit lyrics.
30. “laid back (siren bang)” by jawsh 685
created by New Zealand producer jawsh 685, better known as joshua stylah, this funky dance beat has been used all over tiktok for a very special reason. the song is used in a trend where users display traditional outfits from their respective cultures. Doesn’t the rhythm make you move your hips and dance with your favorite person?
The smooth, hip-shaking song became so popular that entertainer Jason Derulo even remixed it into his hit song, “Savage Love.” Though he initially used it without jawsh 685’s permission, the 17-year-old producer and the “whatcha say” singer eventually worked it out and reached a mutual agreement.
This song contains explicit lyrics.
31. polo g pop out (featuring lil tjay)
taurus tremani bartlett, better known as rapper polo g, ranks 20th with “pop out”. The song, a collaboration with lil tjay, was released earlier this year on the album die a legend and has generated more than 89 million views on youtube to date.
the “pop out” combination of autotuning vocals and a simple bass line make it an easy song to warm up and add to your playlist.
“Pop Out” reached number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
32. ponyo on the cliff by the sea by noah cyrus & Frankie Jonas
released on the official soundtrack of the movie of the same name, this song is just over a decade old. The film is an adaptation of the Japanese film about a five-year-old boy who develops a relationship with Ponyo, a young goldfish princess. After falling in love with him, the goldfish prince longs to become a human.
The plot of the movie seems sad, but the song is full of energy and upbeat. While it’s on tiktok’s global hit list, it might not make it to your playlist, unless you often transport kids who need music for a drive.
33. mike will made-it 23 (with miley cyrus, wiz khalifa and juicy j)
miley cyrus is no stranger to collaborating with hip-hop and rap artists. On “23” she teams up with Mike Will Made-It and Wiz Khalifa to deliver a track with an addictive chorus. The song is a non-album single and spent 30 weeks on Billboard’s Streaming Songs, peaking at number three.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
34. bad for luh kel
“wrong” was released in early 2019 by artist luh kel. is the quintessential heartbreak song for all relationships struggling to find their way. “Wrong” has amassed over 25 million views on YouTube to date.
35. cribs per suburban
Looking for something that evokes melancholy mixed with a sense of nostalgia? “cribs” will do the trick. Also released in 2019, the song has gained momentum on Spotify with over 14 million streams.
36. kerwin frost scratch that by caash
“kerwin frost scratch that” might confuse you a bit when you hear the first few seconds. artist matt ox uses the opening sequence of the game of thrones theme song. What follows is something fans of hip-hop and rap will appreciate.
ox’s rapping style is raw and offers just the right amount of energy to keep your head bobbing.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
37. shaed springboard
Few artists are able to strike a balance between various genres and produce something great. Shaed turns out to be one of the chosen few. The Washington-based trio’s music is a mix of alternative/indie and dance/electronica. your feet will definitely start tapping for “springboard”.
the song is from his 2018 album melt.
38. addicted to my ex by m city jr
as catchy as it is, “addicted to my ex” is a comedic revenge song. m city jr describes all the ways he gets back at his ex for treating him badly. And while the idea seems a bit reckless, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself singing halfway through the song.
the song is off the album of the same name and reached a peak position of 41 on billboard’s hip-hop songs chart in 2016.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
39. you are bad, mr. by tyler the creator
tyler creator is considered one of the most controversial artists of our time. In 2015 he was forced to cancel a UK tour due to the lyrics of his music. the authorities believed that his concerts could foster violence and intolerance towards homosexuality.
so hearing her voice in a nursery rhyme seems kind of weird. rest assured, this song is free of swear words and quite fun to listen to.
the song is part of the dr. seuss’ the grinch soundtrack and grows on you.
40. vic mensa reverse (feat. g-easy)
“reverse” enters at number 9 and we are convinced that its chorus has everything to make its position. there’s an unmistakable pause that you can’t help but want to respond to right before the chorus, easily making the song an earworm.
“reverse” is part of vic mensa’s 2018 collaboration album hooligans featuring g herbo, jesse and ty dolla $ign.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
41. avicii’s nights
Songs you identify with are often among the most successful. “nights” is a journey. avicii combines wise wisdom along with an energetic ensemble of instruments, creating a high-tempo listening experience you’ll want to have more than once.
“Nights” is part of avicii’s 2015 album stories and reached 10th place on the billboard dance chart in 2015.
42. old town road by lil nas x (feat. billy ray cyrus)
chances are high you’ve heard of “old town road” by lil nas. this hit was released earlier this year and quickly hit the charts all over the world. as a collaboration, it achieved what some never imagined possible.
The country appeal of “old town road” also caused a stir after Billboard dropped it from the country chart for “not embracing enough elements of today’s country music.”
however, this song is a favorite because it is easy to listen to and sing along to and has also been nominated for several awards.
43. hey julie kyle (feat. lil yachty)
it’s easy to see why “hey julie” peaked at number six as one of the best songs on tiktok. combines a snappy melody with background vocals from a children’s choir, giving it sing-along appeal.
“hey julie” was released in 2018 and has received over 11 million views on youtube.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
44. land by lil dicky
released three days before earth day, “earth” is lil dicky’s version of a plea for unity and environmental awareness. “earth” also features megastars justin biener, ariana grande, snoop dog, sia and kevin hart.
true to the lil dicky genre of music, “earth” is full of humorous lyrics and references that will make you laugh.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
45. englewood glass dolphin
while englewood’s music is classified as hip-hop, “crystal dolphin” is more dance/disco. and that is absolutely fine. It’s a fun and upbeat song.
“crystal dolphin” was released on the 2017 album crust fm.
46. mom by meghan trainor
thank you songs for mom will always be winners. Meghan Trainor’s “Mom” peaks at number three on tiktok’s global hit chart. like most of her music, she is energetic and carries the melody with her infectious voice.
“mom” was released in 2016 on trainor’s album thank you. it peaked at position 15 on the billboards lyricfind us chart.
47. carolina by amine
“caroline” was launched in 2017. you will be among many fans if you experience its instant appeal. It has a strong bass line that plays well with Aminé’s vocals. it’s a catchy tune overall, which makes it easy to understand why tiktok users love it so much.
“caroline” was released on aminé’s 2017 album good for you.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
48. kyle ispy (feat. lil yachty)
if you’ve been following kyle’s music, chances are you’ve noticed his ability to produce upbeat hip-hop/rap songs. “ispy” is another nice track and kyle draws life experiences from him, weaving them into lyrics that you’ll be able to grasp.
“ispy” was released in 2016 on an album of the same name. It was also nominated in America for an MTV Video Music Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Video in Europe.
this song contains explicit lyrics.
the list of the best tiktok songs changes regularly. there’s no telling what will favor the world as more amazing music is released. If you’re looking for a collection of songs to add to your playlist, be sure to check them out.
in conclusion
music tastes and styles vary drastically on tiktok. but dramatically like a great French opera. they are sophisticated, moving, poetic and grand in their own way. that is what makes them shared with others. Platforms like tiktok make success possible for different types of creative artists, musical or not.
in terms of music artists, here is a quick list of 20 of the most popular tiktok songs:
- “laid back (siren blast)” by jawsh 685
- “roses (imanbek remix)” by saint jhn and imanbek
- “stunnin'” by curtis waters feat. harm franklin
- “lottery” by k camp
- “Roxanne'” from Arizona Zervas
- “sober up” by ajr feat. cuomo rivers
- “prom queen” by beach bunny
- “wild” by megan thee stallion
- “boss bitch” by doja cat
- like princess nokia
- “out west” by jackboys & travis scott
- Aunt Hammy’s “pew pew pew”
- “supalonely” by benee feat. gus dapperton
- “bored in the house” by curtis roach
- “wap” by cardi b feat. megan you stud
- “blinding lights” for the weekend
- “lalala” by y2k and bbno$
- “I’m just a kid” by simple plan
- “my type” by saweetie
- “then go away” by beat king feat. staying come
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