Top 50 Songs That Went Viral on TikTok

TikTok has totally disrupted the music industry’s old-school hit-making formula. Catchy chorus? Awesome dance? Touching lyric? Before, these could become a 15-second snippet and a global phenomenon overnight.

Old and new songs, from all genres, have gained a second lease on life on the app – via viral dance challenges, memes, or sentimental fan vids. It’s no surprise now for a mysterious teenager’s song to become a chart-topper overnight after going viral on TikTok, or a song from decades ago to become hot again thanks to a single creative clip.

For this list, we’ve scanned 50 most memorable songs that went viral on TikTok. Each one features the song (all English-language choices), and a description on why and how millions on the app noticed them – and, often, a resulting chart impact on the real world.

From contemporary pop staples to old songs revived via a single clip, these songs represent the wild and wonderful ways that TikTok is defining what we all listen to. We haven’t put them necessarily in order; rather, a carefully curated batch spanning various years and genres, all sharing a common trait: TikTok virality.

Savage by Megan Thee Stallion

This thumping anthem triggered one of TikTok’s largest dance crazes during early 2020. Megan Thee Stallion’s Texas rap tune Savage made fans bust out sassy dances from choreographer Keara Wilson in numerous clips. The song’s popularity climbed even higher when Beyoncé hopped on the remix, elevating Savage to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Even off the app, everybody knew they were classy, bougie, ratchet.

Freakum Dress by Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s 2006 song Freakum Dress gained a second lease on life on TikTok over a decade since its initial release. With a dance challenge to this sassy party song, fans posted photos where they were dressed to impress and busting out strong moves under the hashtag #FreakumDressChallenge. The retro throwback proved Queen Bey’s songs can become viral at any point and a fresh generation can get introduced to this anthem of female empowerment.

Lottery (Renegade) by K Camp

Although Lottery reached No. 34 on the Hot 100, TikTok made it a cultural sensation. The viral dance called Renegade, made by a young fan, was to this energetic hip-hop song by K Camp. Millions attempted the simple, arm-swinging dance in 2020 and made Lottery (Renegade) one of the most recognizable songs on the app despite no No. 1 chart placement.

The Box by Roddy Ricch

Roddy Ricch’s The Box was an unstoppable anthem when it debuted in early 2020, buoyed by TikTok. Fans could not resist the song’s signature “eee err” squeaky noise, which ended up on millions and millions of dance videos and memes. The resulting chatter helped push this rap anthem 11 weeks to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making The Box a modern standard born on the Internet.

Up by Cardi B

Party anthem Up by Cardi B had TikTok getting up, well, getting up to dance. When the song was released in 2021, the song was accompanied by a energetic dance choreography (by a young fan) that got viral via the hashtag #UpChallenge. Thousands, from celebrities to regular folks, gave it a shot. The social media heat propelled Up to No. 2 on the Hot 100 when it debuted, and all this Cardi B did was create a phenomenon overnight.

Potential Breakup Song by Aly & AJ

Aly & AJ’s pop-rock tune Potential Breakup Song first came out in 2007, but TikTok brought it roaring back over a decade later. In 2020, the catchy chorus became a popular soundtrack for dramatic lip-syncs and nostalgic throwbacks, racking up tens of millions of views in just weeks. The renewed fame even prompted the sister duo to release an updated, explicit version for longtime fans.

Flowers by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus’s Flowers burst into a viral craze during 2023 when fans made its lyrics of self-empowerment a TikTok phenomenon. Users posted videos toasting independence, self-love and autonomy, often accompanied by the lyric “I can buy myself flowers.” The song’s universally relatable message and memorable hook pushed Flowers to eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Flowers one of Miley’s all-time largest songs.

As It Was by Harry Styles

Harry Styles’ synth-pop smash As It Was took over TikTok and the charts in 2022. The song’s opening line (“Holdin’ me back…”) and title phrase became a soundtrack for nostalgic photo montages and “then vs now” glow-up videos across the app. Buoyed by its TikTok popularity, As It Was debuted at No. 1 and stayed atop the Billboard Hot 100 for 15 weeks, dominating the year.

Material Girl by Saucy Santana

Rapper Saucy Santana’s song Material Girl was a TikTok anthem for all things glamorous. In one video after another, creators sashay through flashy ensembles or unveil makeovers to the song’s confident, buoyant hook, mouthing the cheeky title term over and over. The 2020 song mushroomed on the app and even received a remix from Madonna herself, a testament to the fact that a viral earworm can translate to pop culture monarchy.

Leave (Get Out) by JoJo

JoJo’s 2004 breakout single Leave (Get Out) unexpectedly returned on TikTok in 2020. Trapped inside during the pandemic, users jokingly re-purposed the teen breakup song – a few clips mocked not getting out anywhere, period. The rediscovery was huge enough that JoJo herself laid down a remix telling fans to stay inside, illustrating that this 2000s jam still has legs years later.

I’m Just a Kid by Simple Plan

Pop-punk band Simple Plan’s 2002 single I’m Just a Kid became the heart of a wholesome TikTok trend nearly two decades later. Families and friends used the song to reenact childhood photos, jumping to the chorus and matching poses from old snapshots. This nostalgia-fueled challenge turned the once-forgotten track into a streaming hit and even earned Simple Plan a Platinum certification years after its original release.

Heat Waves by Glass Animals

Glass Animals, a British group, achieved a sleeper anthem status with Heat Waves – and TikTok supplied the spark. The song’s dreamy chorus (“sometimes all I think about is you”) provided the soundtrack to numerous TikToks, ranging from summer nostalgia montages to tearful tributes. As a result of the app’s takeover of the song, Heat Waves gradually ascended the global charts and topped the Billboard Hot 100’s number one spot in 2022.

About Damn Time by Lizzo

When Lizzo dropped About Damn Time in 2022, TikTok made it the dance phenomenon overnight. The funk bass-driven track and upbeat energy gave birth to a viral dance routine – complete with a signature point-at-the-wrist motion – that everyone was attempting. The song’s use on TikTok gave its No. 1 chart status a boost, and it even won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year, too.

It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by Celine Dion

Celine Dion’s epic power ballad It’s All Coming Back to Me Now was released in 1996, but TikTok brought its magic back decades later. Users have, over the past year, adopted the song’s over-the-top drama – singing the chorus on comedic lip-sync videos and outrageous skits. The classic power ballad is once again riding high on TikTok, and it demonstrates that a dramatic ’90s chorus is timeless.

Unholy by Sam Smith and Kim Petras

“Unholy” is a golden standard of TikTok buzz leading to hot 100 chart fame. The song’s teasers, especially the infamous “Mummy don’t know daddy’s getting hot” refrain, were going around on TikTok even before its 2022 official release. When the song dropped, the dark pop duet topped the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 and topped the playlists all over the world, propelled by its Internet viral popularity.

Kill Bill by SZA

SZA’s Kill Bill was a TikTok sensation thanks to its mix of revenge fantasy and slick R&B sensibilities. Fans on the app were drawn to the sassy lyric “I might kill my ex, not the greatest idea,” and used it everywhere from cheeky skits to anime-inspired edits. The viral exposure propelled the song up the rankings, eventually going multi-Platinum and providing SZA with one of her largest hits to date.

Fancy Like by Walker Hayes

Who would’ve guessed a country tune about Applebee’s could take over TikTok? Fancy Like by Walker Hayes did exactly that in 2021. The singer’s own TikTok video dancing with his daughter to this feel-good song sparked a nationwide trend, with families everywhere copying the moves. The viral craze launched Fancy Like up the charts (it even hit the pop Top 10) and scored Walker a mainstream breakout moment.

ABCDEFU by Gayle

Teen singer GAYLE’s debut single ABCDEFU became a breakup anthem that TikTok simply couldn’t get enough of. Its expletive-laced chorus (aimed at an ex and even their dog) spawned a trend of users venting humorously about things they hate. The raw relatability and catchy hook sent the song skyrocketing: ABCDEFU hit No. 1 in multiple countries and turned the 17-year-old artist into a rising pop star overnight.

Drivers License by Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo’s Drivers License struck a chord with fans right in the emotions – and TikTok intensified those feelings globally. When this piano ballad was released in January 2021, fans used the app to post heartbreak anecdotes, over-the-top car singing performances, and crying lip-sync clips. The sincere craze propelled Drivers License to a record-breaking No. 1 debut on the charts, overnight turning Rodrigo from a Disney starlet to a pop sensation.

Day ‘n’ Nite by Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi’s 2008 trippy anthem Day ’n’ Nite was revived on TikTok when a single lyric was used. Content creators made the introductory line “now look at this” a meme signal – once Cudi sings it, clips switch up to surprising or funny moments. The resulting #nowlookatthis craze introduced a younger generation to the song’s mellow vibe, and Kid Cudi’s seminal song got a revival over a decade since its release.

Vibe (If I Back It Up) by Cookiee Kawaii

It can take a matter of seconds to explode on TikTok. Take, for instance, Vibe (If I Back It Up) by Cookiee Kawaii. The abridged, bass-heavy Jersey club anthem became a viral sensation when, in 2020, fans bounced to its sassy hook (“if I back it up, is it fat enough?”). The track birthed a minimal dance craze and propelled the previously obscure musician to internet fame.

Pope is a Rockstar by SALES

Indie duo SALES’ chill 2016 tune Pope Is a Rockstar found unexpected popularity on TikTok in 2021. Its dreamy, circular chorus was a favored background for all types of clips — specifically calm cat clips and artsy montages. Some fans sang along under the false lyrics as “pope is a rockstar,” which only increased its eccentric appeal. TikTok helped turn this chill indie anthem a viral cult classic.

Say So by Doja Cat

Doja Cat’s disco-infused hit Say So owes a big part of its success to a viral TikTok dance. Teen TikToker Haley Sharpe choreographed a fun, hip-swaying routine to the song, and suddenly everyone was doing it. The trend became so widespread that Doja Cat even featured Haley’s moves in the official music video. Fueled by TikTok love, Say So eventually climbed to No. 1 on the charts.

Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head) by Powfu ft. Beabadoobee

Occasionally a song on TikTok is the ultimate mood. Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head), a calm lo-fi tune by Canadian rapper Powfu featuring Beabadoobee, was one such song that went viral during 2020 as a soundtrack to comfy morning habits, couples films, and emotional montages. The soft beat and contemplative lyrics resonated on the app, propelling Death Bed on to the mainstream charts and on to numerous chill playlists.

Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat) by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo

This song began its life as a bare instrumental on TikTok and became a worldwide pop smash. New Zealander Jawsh 685’s catchy Laxed (Siren Beat) tore through the app in 2020 via an uncontrollable dance craze. Pop singer Jason Derulo heard about it and made the beat into the song Savage Love. The TikTok-driven song went viral and actually reached No. 1 on the charts, illustrating the strength of a social media song.

Own Brand Freestyle by FelixThe1st and Dreya Mac

British rap song Own Brand Freestyle by FelixThe1st and Dreya Mac went viral on TikTok. Its sassy line “I ain’t never been with a baddie” was the call for dressing-up clips – fans edited from chill to sophisticated on that line. The craze was so immense that celebrities themselves joined in (like JoJo Siwa), making that hitherto underground track a surprise hit.

Buss It by Erica Banks

The #BussItChallenge erupted on TikTok during early 2021, propelling Erica Banks’s song Buss It to overnight fame. Participants in the challenge start off in laid-back attire busting a move to a slowed Nelly sample, before dropping down in flashy attire when the music flips to Banks’s energetic hook. The enormous TikTok buzz even propelled Buss It onto music charts, a career breakthrough for the Dallas rapper.

Supalonely by Benee ft. Gus Dapperton

Singer BENEE’s song Supalonely, featuring Gus Dapperton, was a quirky pandemic anthem on TikTok during 2020. Its funky pop beat and cheeky lyrics about loneliness spawned a viral dance that was both goofy and relatable. People stuck inside on TikTok participated en masse, garnering hundreds of millions of views. The attention made Supalonely a global hit and brought BENEE to a worldwide audience.

Old Town Road by Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road is the ultimate TikTok-to-chart success story. In early 2019, this country-rap earworm went viral on TikTok as part of the Yeehaw Challenge, which saw users suddenly transforming into cowboys and cowgirls. The social media buzz launched the track into the mainstream. Old Town Road hit No. 1 and stayed there for a record 19 weeks, all kickstarted by its TikTok fame.

Roxanne by Arizona Zervas

Roxanne by Arizona Zervas was a sleeper hit pushed to popular stardom by TikTok. The chill, 2019 hip-hop anthem about a crazy party girl inspired millions and millions of clips — fans lip-synced its catchy “all she wanna do is party all night” hook in lighthearted, frequently comedic contexts. The viral buzz pushed Roxanne to No. 5 on Billboard and gave its previously-unknown creator a major-label recording contract.

Lalala by Y2K & bbno$

Remember the viral “Did I really just forget that melody?” line? That’s from Lalala by producer Y2K and rapper bbno$, a song TikTok rocketed to meme status in 2019. Users loved pairing the track’s quirky intro and booming drop with comedic reveals and clever edits. Thanks to its infectious “la la la” hook and constant plays on the app, Lalala became a streaming hit around the world.

Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

1977 classic Dreams by Fleetwood Mac stood the test of time when one TikTok video propelled it back up the charts in 2020. A participant videotaped himself skateboarding and peacefully drinking cranberry juice to the laid-back beat of the song – and resonated with millions. The chill atmosphere of the clip went viral and elicited numerous copies (even Fleetwood Mac’s drummer participated). Dreams climbed music charts again more than 40 years since its first release thanks to one TikTok moment.

Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate Bush

Kate Bush’s 1985 hit Running Up That Hill had a remarkable comeback in 2022, thanks largely to nostalgia on TikTok. After the song’s feature in a hit TV show, a new generation flocked to TikTok to share dramatic edits, emotional tributes, and other creative videos set to its soaring sound. The renewed love online pushed Running Up That Hill to the top of charts worldwide nearly four decades after it first premiered.

Astronomia by Vicetone & Tony Igy

Astronomia by Vicetone & Tony Igy is most famous as the theme music behind the 2020 viral coffin dance meme. When a TikTok clip went darkly funny or a person’s mistake was presented, the video would cut to this energetic EDM song as pallbearers danced and lifted a coffin. The meme was ubiquitous, making 2010 electronic song Astronomia one of 2020’s most familiar songs.

Blinding Lights by The Weeknd

The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights was not only a radio staple of 2020 – it was also behind one of TikTok’s biggest family dance trends. The song’s retro upbeat energy inspired a viral routine where friends and relatives performed a high-kicking, shuffling dance together. That wholesome trend swept the platform while Blinding Lights topped charts worldwide, showing how TikTok can help push a hit song into pop culture history.

Dance Monkey by Tones and I

Australian singer Tones and I’s breakout hit Dance Monkey went absolutely everywhere in 2019 – TikTok included. The song’s quirky vocals and bouncy beat spawned endless dance videos, glow-up transformations, and comedic skits on the app. All that exposure helped Dance Monkey top charts in over 30 countries and become a global earworm. TikTok played a big part by turning a street-performer anthem into an international sensation.

Stunnin’ by Curtis Waters ft. Harm Franklin

Independent singer Curtis Waters found inadvertent fame on TikTok via his song Stunnin’. The DIY pop-rap song’s laid-back swagger was perfect for TikTok one-upmanship. Users, in 2020, matched clips of wardrobe transformations, newfound hair cuts, and makeovers to the song’s sassy chorus (“I’m a pretty boy, I’m stunning”). The cocky, feel-good vibe was irresistibly universal and made Stunnin’ a summer viral anthem, shooting Waters from relative anonymity to a recording contract.

Banana (feat. Shaggy) [Minisiren Remix] by Conkarah

A tropical TikTok dance challenged brought this song out from oblivion. Banana by Conkarah ft. Shaggy – particularly the energetic DJ FLe Minisiren Remix – went viral in 2020 via the #BananaDropChallenge. TikTok creators would dance on the spot and freeze before abruptly dropping to the ground in perfect timing to the tune’s catchy beat drop. The phenomenon was all about having a good time and went global, providing Conkarah and this festive remix a shot of worldwide fame.

Montero (Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X hit digital gold again in 2021 with Montero (Call Me By Your Name), a song that had TikTok humming before its official release. When the track and its suggestive music video were released (including a notorious pole-dancing scene), TikTokers returned the favor with dance recaps of epic proportions, devil-inspired makeup tutorials, and other imaginative creations. The resulting digital chatter propelled Montero to No. 1 and kept it trending for months.

WAP by Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion

Few tracks illuminated TikTok during 2020 as much as Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s duet WAP. Despite (or, indeed, because of) its frank lyrics, the song gave birth to a viral dance challenge that saw people breaking out into splits and executing body rolls on camera. The fearless choreography took off like wildfire. WAP proceeded to take over the charts (leaping into No. 1) and become a pop culture phenomenon, and was driven in part by TikTok.

Streets by Doja Cat

Doja Cat’s slow-burn track Streets wasn’t a single at first, but TikTok turned it into a sensation via the Silhouette Challenge. In early 2021, users would pose innocently in a doorway until the beat of Streets dropped, at which point the video cut to a red-lit silhouette of them striking a pose. The trend exploded, and all those viral videos helped Streets climb the charts – proving the power of a TikTok challenge.

Adderall (Corvette Corvette) by Popp Hunna

Philadelphia rapper Popp Hunna’s Adderall (Corvette Corvette) was equated to a viral TikTok dance towards the end of 2020. The song’s catchy chorus (“Corvette, Corvette”) spawned a playful routine where fans mimed driving and bobbed up and down to the music. The dance went viral and even spawned a remix by Lil Uzi Vert. Corvette Corvette was not a huge radio sensation but was evidence that a TikTok jam can make an underground rapper a star overnight.

Middle of the Night by Elley Duhé

Elley Duhé’s 2017 single Middle of the Night became viral when, in 2022, its haunting chorus was discovered on video edits by TikTok creators. They paired the ambient track up against all sorts of edits, from neon-lit cuts to anime scene tributes, and the song achieved a complete different kind of dramatic significance. Its unexpected viral breakthrough brought Middle of the Night to the ears of millions of unfamiliar ears – a validation that a catchy hook can have its shine on TikTok years after its initial release.

We Don’t Talk About Bruno by the Encanto Cast

Disney’s Encanto spawned a surprise TikTok hit when We Don’t Talk About Bruno hit the platform. By 2022, the ensemble singing anthem was an earworm the TikTokers could not escape. People of all ages lip-synched the song’s numerous character roles and created comedic skits to its addictive tune. The viral mania propelled “Bruno” to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, showing even a show tune from a Disney show can top the charts thanks to a sprinkle of social magic.

Jiggle Jiggle by Duke & Jones and Louis Theroux

“My money don’t jiggle jiggle, it folds.” That catchy line – rapped by British journalist Louis Theroux – became a TikTok anthem in 2022 once remix duo Duke & Jones set it to music. Users turned Jiggle Jiggle into a dance craze, wiggling their arms to the quirky beat. The goofy trend was embraced by everyone (even celebrities gave it a go) and made Jiggle Jiggle the unlikeliest earworm of the year.

Bored in the House by Curtis Roach and Tyga

Few phrases summed up quarantine mood in early 2020 better than Bored in the House. Curtis Roach’s catchy TikTok rap was nothing other than a repeated refrain of “bored in the house, and I’m in the house bored,” and millions stuck inside loved it. The clip went viral as fans created endless lockdown skits to it, and the phenomenon swelled to the point where Tyga hopped on a legitimate remix.

Beggin’ by Måneskin

Måneskin’s gritty rock cover of Beggin’ became an unlikely TikTok favorite in 2021. The Italian band’s high-energy track sparked a trend where users showed off outfit transformations, slick footwork, or simply lip-synced with attitude to the song’s raspy vocals. TikTok’s exposure gave Beggin’ a massive boost internationally. The song not only topped charts across Europe but even cracked the U.S. Top 20, proving that rock can go viral in the age of social media.

Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo

Rodrigo’s pop-punk anthem Good 4 U ignited a TikTok wave, making its bitter breakup lyrics a source of both anger and comedy. Some uploaded tongue-in-cheek cheerleader dances to the song’s sizzling chorus, embracing its high school feel. Others made comedic rants on the song about daily frustrations. With its catchy vibe and universally relatable rage, Good 4 U went viral on the app and shot all the way up to No. 1 on the charts.

Cannibal by Kesha

Kesha’s 2010 deep cut, Cannibal, was given a second lease on life on TikTok late in 2020. The pop singer’s sassy electro tune gave birth to a dance challenge where the users snapped their arms and struck hilarious monster attitudes during its chorus (”I’ll eat you up…”). The campy dance went viral — Kesha even joined on TikTok. Before long, Cannibal climbed its way back up the lists nearly a decade since its first release, courtesy of that viral dance craze.

Best Friend by Saweetie ft. Doja Cat

Best Friend by Saweetie featuring Doja Cat Saweetie and Doja Cat’s energetic collabo Best Friend was a TikTok anthem for BFFs. When released in 2021, besties from all over joined together for the #BestFriend challenge – strutting, high-fiving, and getting each other hyped to the song. The song’s catchy hook for elevating your best friend made its perfect tune for these feel-good clips. The whole TikTok hype paid off and brought Best Friend into the Top 20 and cemented its status as a girl-power friendship song.