Music has been a driving force on TikTok since the early days of the social media platform. Most popular tracks first go viral on the app — from sped-up songs to sounds used as memes and artists promoting their work. TikTok unveiled the top music that drove the algorithm this year.
“Year on TikTok 2023 is a way for us to honor some of the standout moments that have happened on TikTok throughout the year,” Adam Presser, Head of Operations, TikTok, said in a press release. “It’s a window into stories that have inspired, entertained and educated over 1 billion people around the world. Thank you for another year of bringing joy to our community and sharing your creativity with us.”
2023 showed that new life can be brought into older releases. Justine Skye’s 2014 song “Collide” topped the U.S. song list when a sped-up version of the track went viral. PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “Her Way” also came out in 2014 and was revived via a sped-up version of the song that went viral.
@justineskye Thanks to the tiktokiverse #fyp
Rapper Toosii showed how artists can use the platform to interact with their fans. The sped-up version of “Favorite Song” launched the song on the Billboard Hot 100.
Some songs were used as sounds for memes and funny videos. It was the case with Young Nudy’s “Peaches & Eggplants,” which featured 21 Savage and was later remixed to include Sexyy Red and Latto.
The list of famous artists on the app included established figures in the music industry, such as Cardi B, Lizzo and NLE Choppa.
The list would not be complete without Ice Spice, who has experienced a meteoric rise to fame in 2023. “In Ha Mood” and “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” with PinkPantheress landed both songs on the charts and gave way to viral trends and videos.
@basementgang THAT BOYS A LIYAAAAA!!!
Doechii also occupied the fourth spot on the world list with her single “What It Is,” which marked her first Billboard Hot 100 chart appearance.
