The Impact of TikTok on the Music Industry

There’s no denying that TikTok has unleashed a barrage of thriving new artists and forged the careers of some of the world’s top trending artists. From Bella Poarch, with her beautifully intoxicating EP, Dolls, to Dixie D'Amelio, with her ironically upbeat hit, Be Happy, TikTok has certainly made its mark on the music industry. 

Going beyond community

Two-thirds (67%) of TikTok users are more likely to seek out songs on music-streaming services after hearing them on TikTok, according to a report by music analytics companies, MRC Data and Flamingo. The study, commissioned by TikTok, also revealed that 75% of TikTok users discover new artists on the platform, emphasising its influential impact on the music industry. 

TikTok is also a place of discovery, with 63% of TikTok users hearing new music that they've never heard before. Reflecting on the findings, TikTok said, “MRC Data's research reveals the power of music on TikTok, shedding light on the importance and impact music has for brands and the creator community alike”.

This goes beyond TikTok’s community, however. The platform has shaped the entire music industry by making music creation more accessible than ever before. Now, aspiring artists can reach global audiences at unprecedented rates, without labels. Yet with so many people putting out songs, the competition is fierce. 

With millions of users creating and sharing content, the sheer volume of new music can make it difficult for even the most talented artists to stand out. In an analysis of 1,000 viral TikTok songs, just 12.5% came from emerging artists. So while it's easier than ever before to create and release music, breaking through the noise and sustaining long-term success is more challenging than ever before.

With hundreds of artists flying to fame overnight, some will inevitably see 15 minutes of fame and one-hit wonders while others will craft best-selling albums and enjoy thriving music careers. To celebrate those who have flourished in such a competitive industry, we’ve analysed the top 100 trending songs over the last 30 days on TikTok Creative Centre alongside Spotify figures to identify the top emerging TikTok artists of 2024.

The top emerging TikTok artists of 2024

 

With 13.4 million monthly listeners, Gigi Perez has been crowned the most successful emerging artist of 2024. After going viral on TikTok for her songs Celene and Sometimes (Backwood), the American singer-songwriter has become well-known for her hypnotic vocals and soothing acoustic melodies. Her recent release Sailor Song is currently the top trending song on TikTok, featuring in almost 250,000 TikTok videos. 

In second place with 6.2 million monthly listeners is North London-based rapper Ndotz, best known for his latest trap single, Embrace It. Featuring in 32,500 TikTok videos, Embrace It has garnered more than 40 million streams on Spotify. Classic country artist, Max McNown comes in third place with 3.4 million listeners. Released on 25th August 2024, A Lot More Free has already been featured in 92,400 TikTok videos and garnered more than 41 million Spotify streams.

Pop sensation, Jenna Raine secures fourth place with 2.4 million listeners. Her single Roses has generated more than 4 million streams on Spotify and has featured in 61,300 videos on TikTok. In fifth place sits indie band Frankie Cosmos with 1.7 million listeners. The band’s song Fool has been featured in a whopping 332,200 TikTok videos and seen more than 143 million Spotify streams.

The artists that have made a comeback in 2024

 

It’s not just new artists that are reaping the rewards of TikTok trends, it’s also established music icons that are once again gracing the spotlight thanks to TikTok. 

The Flamingos, one of the most legendary doo-wop groups in America takes first place, with the trending song I Only Have Eyes For You making a shocking comeback after 60+ decades. This smooth soul number is currently the second top trending song on TikTok, featuring in 143,400 TikTok videos.

The Cranberries, with their 1994 release Zombie comes in second place and features in 67,400 videos on TikTok. Freak Nasty earns third spot with his 1997 release Da’Dip which has been featured in an impressive 662,200 TikTok videos. 

The 2003 release Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs secures fourth place and features in 109,800 videos on TikTok. Finally, the iconic Amy Winehouse also makes the list with her 2006 release, Tears Dry On Their Own which has been featured in 58,800 TikTok videos. 

Methodology 

Using TikTok Creative Centre, we analysed the top 100 trending songs over the last 30 days to identify up-and-coming artists and those who are making a comeback. The team then used Spotify figures to determine the most popular artists that have found fame via TikTok.