DOZENS OF CHART-TOPPING ARTISTS IN 2020 OWE SUCCESS TO TIKTOK
Although known for short videos, TikTok has become a hotspot for music sharing reporting “in the past year over 70 artists that have broken on the platform have received major label deals, including Claire Rosinkranz, Dixie D’Amelio, Powfu, Priscilla Block and Tai Verdes, and dozens more have charted on Rolling Stone’s Breakthrough 25.”
The report is divided into various subsections including:
Real Quick: The Fastest Songs To A Billion: Of the 176 songs to reach a billion video views through TikTok, “Toosie Slide” by Drake took the title in only three days according to the report, followed by Cardi B’s “WAP” ft. Megan Thee Stallion, that followed suit in two weeks. Of these 176 songs, 90 entered the Billboard Top 100 chart in the US with 15 reaching the number one spot.
Pick Your Sound: Top Genres: TikTok reports Hip-Hop/Rap to be the most popular genre by over 50%, followed by Pop, R&B/Soul, Electronic, Indie/Alternative, Latin, Reggae, Rock, Soundtracks, and Country.
They’ve Got The Hits: Top Artist Catalog: The most viewed artist catalog in the past year was Megan the Stallion, assisted by her most viral songs “Savage” and “WAP.”
The Come Up: Emerging Artists: lists viral musicians launched into the public eye just as their songs became hugely popular on TikTok. This list includes 24kGoldn, whose single “Mood” reached number one on Billboard and gathered 2.5 million video creations (TikTok videos with the song played in it). Flo Milli’s “May I” inspired 1.3 million video creations and propelled her debut album “Ho, Why Is You Here” onto Billboard 200. Ppcocaine earned 3.5 million followers on the platform and a record deal with Columbia.
The report continues with five other subsections including Down The Rabbit Hole: Unexpected Hits and Niche Discoveries, TikTok LIVE: 2020’s Essential Music Moments; Celebrating Culture With Music, Iconic: Legendary Acts On TikTok, and lastly Remember These? Songs Revitalized On TikTok.
Global Head of Music at TikTok Ole Obermann said. " It has been inspiring to watch our community bring new talent to the forefront, help send songs up the charts, and use music to create an oasis of joy during a trying time. We will continue to work hard to make TikTok a platform that supports artists and encourages musical engagement and discovery.”
Although in September 2020 the Trump Administration discussed bans on the use of TikTok, these restrictions seemed to have lapsed for the time being and now at the beginning of 2021. TikTok remains a strong force and brags in the report to be “America’s go-to platform for music discovery.”