TikTok’s Revitalizing Effect on Music: Old and New Artists Benefit

The music industry has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with TikTok playing a crucial role in the rediscovery of old songs and the emergence of new artists. A notable example is the resurgence of Connie Francis’s 1959 song “Pretty Little Baby,” which gained over 120 million streams on Spotify and reached number 5 on TikTok’s global Song of the Summer list. This phenomenon has been observed with other songs, including “Rock That Body” by the Black Eyed Peas, “Let Down” by Radiohead, and “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush, which reentered the charts nearly four decades after its initial release.

TikTok’s algorithm has a unique ability to make old songs feel new again, connecting artists and the music business with fans in innovative ways. According to Clive Rozario, TikTok’s global music program manager, the platform allows users to rediscover songs and introduces new fans to iconic artists. This has led to a renewed interest in catalog music, with 84% of songs that entered the Billboard Global 200 in 2024 going viral on TikTok first.

The platform has also become a launching pad for emerging artists, who use TikTok to build their fan base and test their music before releasing it officially. Artists like Lil Nas X, Erica Banks, and Doechii have leveraged TikTok to gain popularity, with some even earning significant income through TikTok Live. The DIY era of music discovery has enabled artists to connect directly with their audience, fostering a sense of community and creativity.

TikTok’s influence on the music industry extends beyond discovery, with the platform driving billions of streams on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. The company’s “Add to Music App” feature has been used to save over three billion tracks, demonstrating the platform’s role in shaping music consumption habits.

As the music industry continues to evolve, it is clear that TikTok will remain a key player in shaping the future of music discovery. With its algorithm-driven approach, the platform has redefined the way we discover and interact with music, blurring the lines between old and new, fame and fandom. As the industry looks to the future, one thing is certain – the symbiotic relationship between TikTok and the music industry will continue to drive innovation and creativity.