How TikTok Has Shaped the Music Industry
The music industry has undergone a profound transformation, all thanks to TikTok. This social media platform has become a game-changer, propelling emerging artists into the spotlight and making an unmistakable mark on popular music trends. With its ability to democratise the industry, showcase the impact of user-generated content, and shape music production and genres. TikTok has completely reshaped the landscape for musicians and music enthusiasts alike, much the way home recording studios did before it.
When we talk about TikTok’s impact on music, we can’t overlook the power of viral music trends. One prime example of this phenomenon is the journey of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” The song gained initial traction on TikTok and then exploded into record-breaking success. With its unique blend of country and rap, coupled with catchy lyrics, “Old Town Road” was a perfect fit for the platform’s short-form video format. Thanks to TikTok, the song climbed the charts and became a global sensation, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene.
But TikTok’s influence on the music industry goes beyond viral hits—it’s all about democratising the playing field. In the past, artists often had to rely on record labels and industry connections to get their music heard. However, TikTok has changed the game by providing a platform where anyone can create a song that goes viral and attain instant fame. A shining example of this phenomenon is Carley Rae Jepsen’s journey. After years of relative obscurity, her song “The Loneliest Time” went viral on TikTok, propelling her to international stardom and cementing her status as a pop icon.
And it’s not just Carley Rae Jepsen—other artists have experienced the transformative power of TikTok as well. Take Ed Sheeran, for instance. His heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice, and raw talent have struck a chord with TikTok users, catapulting him to new levels of popularity and success. From sharing covers to creating dance routines and lip-sync videos, Sheeran’s music has become a beloved favourite among the TikTok community, solidifying his status as an adored artist on the platform. One of his latest songs “Shivers” has become a line dancing phenomenon, sparking a whole new craze in the dance movement.
But TikTok’s impact on music goes even further—it extends to music production itself. Many songs that gain traction on the platform possess distinctive and catchy sounds that are tailor-made for short-form video content. Just look at Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U” with its high-energy chorus that has captivated TikTok users and sparked countless dance challenges. TikTok has become a breeding ground for innovative sounds and styles that thrive within its unique format.
Not only does TikTok shape individual songs, but it also plays a significant role in shaping entire music genres. The platform has introduced and popularized sub-genres like hyperpop and lo-fi hip hop, giving them a chance to shine in ways they might not have achieved without TikTok’s influence. Doja Cat’s “Say So” is a testament to this phenomenon, experiencing a resurgence in popularity after being featured in a viral TikTok dance routine. It has also influenced the structure of songs, with bridges now becoming crafted to be sound bites designed for viral success, much like in Carly Rae Jepson’s “The Loneliest Time”.
In conclusion, TikTok has revolutionized the music industry on multiple fronts. It spearheads viral music trends, levels the playing field by democratizing access to fame, harnesses the power of user-generated content, shapes music production, and influences popular music genres. The platform paves the way for new artists to break through, introduces novel sounds to the mainstream, and fosters innovative ways of experiencing and sharing music. As TikTok’s influence continues to grow, its role in shaping the future of music becomes undeniable, establishing itself as a powerful force within the industry.
