TikTok has become a powerhouse for discovering new music and launching the careers of many artists. The platform’s viral trends, challenges, and user-generated content have helped countless musicians break through and gain massive global audiences. Here are some notable musicians who gained significant fame thanks to TikTok:
Lil Nas X
Breakthrough Song: "Old Town Road"
TikTok Impact: Lil Nas X went viral on TikTok with his song "Old Town Road," which was used in thousands of videos featuring people creating memes, dance routines, and even cowboy-themed content. The song became a massive crossover hit, blending country and hip-hop, and it stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 19 weeks.
Legacy: Lil Nas X turned his TikTok fame into a full-fledged music career, with subsequent hits like "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" and "Industry Baby."
Megan Thee Stallion
Breakthrough Song: "Savage"
TikTok Impact: Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" went viral on TikTok thanks to the #SavageChallenge, a dance challenge that was picked up by users, including celebrities like Beyoncé. The song's popularity exploded, and it topped the charts, further fueled by the remix featuring Beyoncé.
Legacy: Megan’s TikTok success helped her establish herself as a top-tier rap artist, and she followed up with other major hits like "WAP" (with Cardi B) and "Body."
Olivia Rodrigo
Breakthrough Song: "drivers license"
TikTok Impact: Olivia Rodrigo skyrocketed to fame on TikTok with her song "drivers license," which became an emotional anthem for many users, particularly those using the song in reaction videos or personal stories about heartbreak. The song broke numerous records, and TikTok played a huge role in building early buzz around her debut album SOUR.
Legacy: Olivia's success on TikTok translated into a global music career, with her next hits, like "good 4 u" and "deja vu," further solidifying her as one of pop’s biggest stars.
Lainey Wilson
Breakthrough Song: "Things A Man Oughta Know"
TikTok Impact: Lainey Wilson leveraged TikTok to grow her fanbase, posting covers and showcasing her deep country roots. Her song "Things A Man Oughta Know" went viral on TikTok, and fans quickly embraced her blend of traditional country and contemporary influences.
Legacy: Lainey’s rise on TikTok helped her sign with major record labels and gain traction in the mainstream country music scene, with her unique style winning over new listeners.
Ava Max
Breakthrough Song: "Sweet but Psycho"
TikTok Impact: Ava Max became a sensation on TikTok thanks to her song "Sweet but Psycho," which users paired with personal stories, dance challenges, and memes. The track hit multiple charts globally and became one of TikTok’s most-played songs.
Legacy: Ava Max has continued to release popular tracks like "Kings & Queens" and "My Head & My Heart," using TikTok’s viral potential to amplify her music career.
Jack Harlow
Breakthrough Song: "Whats Poppin"
TikTok Impact: Jack Harlow’s breakout track, "Whats Poppin," gained massive attention on TikTok through its use in memes and viral videos. The song’s catchy hook and Harlow’s playful lyrics made it a favorite among TikTok creators.
Legacy: "Whats Poppin" led to a major record deal and more hits, including “First Class,” making Harlow a well-known name in mainstream hip-hop.
Breland
Breakthrough Song: "My Truck"
TikTok Impact: Breland's "My Truck" went viral on TikTok, especially as users embraced the track’s fusion of country, hip-hop, and R&B. The song gained traction when TikTokers started using it in videos that showcased both country lifestyle and urban influences. His genre-blending style appealed to a broad audience, and the song's catchy hook made it a TikTok favorite.
Legacy: Since his breakout, Breland has continued to grow his career, releasing other hits like "Cross Country" and collaborating with artists like Dierks Bentley on "Throw It Back."
Priscilla Block
Breakthrough Song: "Just About Over You"
TikTok Impact: Priscilla Block used TikTok as a platform to share her personal songwriting journey, often posting raw, emotional videos about her experiences with heartbreak, relationships, and life. Her song "Just About Over You" went viral, and the accompanying TikTok videos of her singing in her car helped build a strong following.
Legacy: Priscilla’s success on TikTok led to a major label deal, and she has since continued to release songs like "My Bar" and "Sad Girl Summer," resonating with country fans who relate to her candid lyrics.
Parker McCollum
Breakthrough Song: "Pretty Heart"
TikTok Impact: Parker McCollum's "Pretty Heart" gained momentum thanks to TikTok, where fans and creators began using the song for emotional or romantic content. McCollum’s smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics made the song a perfect fit for the platform’s emotional moments, especially when paired with personal stories.
Legacy: The success of "Pretty Heart" helped McCollum chart his way into mainstream country music, with further success with songs like "To Be Loved By You" and "Handle On You."
Chase Matthew
Breakthrough Song: "County Line"
TikTok Impact: Chase Matthew found viral success with his song "County Line," which was popularized through TikTok. Many users embraced the song’s relatable lyrics about small-town life, and it became an anthem for those living outside major cities. His TikTok presence helped him grow a loyal fanbase, and his music took off from there.
Legacy: Thanks to TikTok, Chase Matthew has since released new music, with his blend of traditional country and modern sounds winning him more fans. He's a rising star in the country genre.
TikTok has a lot of artists that have used it to launch their career especially during 2020’s Covoid shut down. This is just a sample list of artists and there are a lot more out there! What artists did you discover with TikTok or another social media platform? (and we didn’t even touch on the songs that have made a huge comeback due to social media! Maybe we’ll cover that next!)
Make sure to listen to your favorite artists on any of our NWKS Radio stations: 100.3 The Ride, RockIt102.5, KXXX 790, FlyOver Country 97.9, and KLOE730 Gold
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