Introduction
TikTok, the global phenomenon that has captivated millions of users worldwide, has proven its power extends beyond viral dance challenges and funny pranks. Music is a fundamental part of the TikTok experience, and the platform has become a premier launching pad for new songs. But perhaps more fascinating is its ability to revive songs that were long forgotten or overlooked. This phenomenon, known as "The TikTok Effect," has breathed new life into dormant songs, catapulting them back into the spotlight, often years after their initial release.
For instance, the Fleetwood Mac's 1977 track "Dreams" regained popularity in 2020 following a viral TikTok video of a man skateboarding to the song. The video's popularity had a domino effect, causing a surge in streams and downloads for the track, which led to it climbing the charts again after decades. This is just one example of how TikTok is reshaping the music industry's landscape.
The Power of Virality
TikTok's primary strength lies in its ability to rapidly spread content far and wide. Users can pick up on a trend and replicate it, each adding their unique spin. This ability to disseminate content quickly has profound implications for music, especially for songs that have been dormant for some time.
Take the case of Matthew Wilder's "Break My Stride," a 1983 hit that found a new audience in 2020, thanks to a TikTok trend. The song's catchy, uplifting lyrics proved perfect for a viral challenge, and soon thousands of users were creating videos with the track, leading to a significant spike in streams and chart performance.
Unearthing Hidden Gems
TikTok also has a knack for uncovering hidden gems – songs that never achieved significant mainstream success but resonate with the platform's audience. Benny Blanco's "Eastside" is a prime example. While the song was moderately successful upon its 2018 release, it didn't reach its peak popularity until it became a TikTok sensation in 2021.
Similarly, "Opaul" by Freddie Dredd, initially released in 2018, was relatively unknown until a TikTok trend in 2020 propelled it to viral status. The song's unique combination of lo-fi production, soulful samples, and Dredd's distinctive flow made it a favorite among TikTok users, leading to millions of streams and a place on the Billboard charts.
The Influence on Music Production
The TikTok Effect is not only reviving old songs but also influencing how new music is produced. Given TikTok's preference for short, catchy snippets, many artists are now tailoring their music to fit this format in hopes of going viral. This trend has led to a noticeable shift in song structure, with more emphasis on crafting memorable hooks and choruses.
An example is the song "Lottery" by K CAMP, which became a viral sensation due to its catchy line "Renegade." The success of this line led to the creation of one of TikTok's most popular dances, proving that the right combination of lyrics and music can lead to unprecedented virality.
Conclusion
As TikTok continues to dominate the social media landscape, its influence on the music industry shows no signs of slowing down. By giving new life to forgotten songs and shaping how new music is produced, TikTok has become a powerful force in determining what we listen to and how we interact with music. The TikTok Effect demonstrates the platform's incredible ability to create cultural moments, highlighting music's enduring power to connect, entertain, and inspire.
From Fleetwood Mac to Matthew Wilder, Benny Blanco to Freddie Dredd, one thing is clear: no song is ever truly dead on TikTok. And for music lovers and artists alike, that's an exciting prospect.
CATEGORY ASSIGNMENT: Entertainment