3 of the First Major Hit Songs That Went Viral on TikTok

With over one billion active users, TikTok is one of the most popular apps available. The platform has content for just about anyone and anything. But one of the arenas where TikTok has proven to be hugely influential is music. Songs often go viral on the app, renewing interest in old favorites and even launching new releases to the top of the charts. According to the 2024 TikTok Music Impact Report, “84 percent of songs that entered the Billboard Global 200 in 2024 went viral on TikTok first.” TikTok even got its own Billboard chart, although it was short-lived. That chart was discontinued after less than two years.

TikTok’s popularity has made it a valuable tool for artists, especially new ones. Artists now often use it to tease new music, building hype before a release. And although not all songs that go viral land on the official charts, those that are a testament to the app’s influence.

Lil Nas, “Old Town Road”

Lil Nas’ hit “Old Town Road” spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at No. 1 after gaining traction on TikTok. The song was used as part of a trend of users posting videos of themselves transforming into cowboys. “It’s been incredible to watch ‘Old Town Road’ grow from its start on TikTok in February – as the backbone of an accessible and engaging meme that generated millions of creations and billions of views – to a record-breaking smash hit that has all walks of life listening on repeat,” TikTok US General Manager Vanessa Pappas said at the time.

Lizzo, “Truth Hurts”

Lizzo’s breakout hit “Truth Hurts” was first released in 2017. However, it became a hit 18 months later after being featured in the movie Someone Great and going viral on TikTok, thanks to its lyrics and #DNATest. It was then re-released as a single and hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart. There, it stayed for seven weeks, then went on to win the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance. Its success also led to more hits for Lizzo, although not without controversy. Songwriters Justin and Jeremy Raisen claimed they were uncredited for the role in crafting its lyrics.

Doja Cat, “Say So”

After a dance challenge helped Doja Cat’s “Say So” go viral, the track was released as the fifth single from her album Hot Pink in early 2020. It hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, giving the singer her first Top 10 hit, although it only stayed there for one week. The popular TikTok dance was even featured in the official video for the song. But Doja Cat was no stranger to viral content–in 2018, she went viral with her song “Mooo!”

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