The rise of TikTok musicians
TikTok's impact on the music industry is very prominent. Its algorithm pushes creative videos and audio that are proven popular, allowing even unknown artists to reach a large audience.
Viral trends frequently include snippets of songs that rapidly ascend streaming charts on social media daily.
For many, TikTok has served as a launchpad, making it easier to access success without having to struggle as much as artists in the past, writes Music News Blitz’s Lamiya Huda.
The names making waves
Nessa Barrett epitomises the transition from TikTok stardom to musical success. Barrett was first known for her lip-syncing and dance videos.
With her musical debut in 2020, now entering 2025 with a dedicated fanbase and over 4.9 million Spotify listeners each month, her tracks like "die first" and "i hope ur miserable until ur dead" further highlight her artistic development, merging pop and alternative elements and creating a distinct sound identity for herself in the industry.
Addison Rae's rise from TikTok phenomenon to chart-topping musician was a rollercoaster.
Whilst experimenting with acting, Rae released her debut song "Obsessed", which positioned her as a genuine competitor in the music industry.
By 2025, her fanbase is as strong as ever, with her songs like "Diet Pepsi" alone receiving over 328 million Spotify streams.
Rae's collaborations with renowned musicians such as Charli XCX and appearances at big festivals, like Coachella, also further establish her as one of the new faces of Gen Z pop music.
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Rising stars
Beyond individual success stories, TikTok has become a powerful platform for emerging artists worldwide. Creators often use TikTok to showcase their talents.
Myles Smith, a TikToker, released his single "Stargazing", which gained traction for its heartfelt lyrics and acoustic charm, earning him nearly 23 million monthly Spotify listeners by 2025.
This global range encourages smaller artists and creators to publish their creative pieces on the web with the hopes of musical discovery.
Nostalgia and diversity
Among TikTok's most intriguing contributions to music, it includes the capacity to bring back your classic old songs.
Songs such as Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" and Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" became popular yet once again due to TikTok trends, bringing them to a younger audience.
This mix between nostalgia and creativity has resulted in a distinct cultural melting pot.
It’s also broken down geographical and language boundaries to establish a worldwide platform.
Musicians from various backgrounds, including African, Arabic and Spanish music, are reaching new audiences far beyond their native nations.
With viral trends and dancing challenges, this music reaches millions of people worldwide. This exposure not only introduces audiences to a new genre but also promotes a profound appreciation for diversity.
TikTok's impact on the world of music is only getting started, as seen by the success of musicians such as Nessa Barrett and Addison Rae.
As the platform continues to grow and change, it'll continue to be a platform to keep an eye out for the next big stars.
TikTok has proven to indicate the ability that a simple platform can have to link artists and fans in genuinely significant ways.
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