How TikTok changed the way I listen to (and think about) music
An entry written by Mina
I never thought I would become the kind of person who discovers new music through a short video app. Yet here we are.
TikTok has changed more than just social media. It has reshaped how we discover, consume, and even create music. I started out avoiding the app, but it has turned into a valuable source for finding artists and genres I might never have encountered.
A few years ago, I found new music through Spotify’s recommendations or from friends. Now my main source is TikTok, and I know many people have had the same shift. Increasingly, especially among younger listeners, songs are first discovered through a dance trend or a short skit, rather than a traditional album release or music video.
Some examples have become part of internet history. Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ returned to popularity after the now-famous skateboarding video with Ocean Spray. Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ became one of the biggest songs of 2022 after being featured in Stranger Things and in countless TikTok edits. I often hear only a short snippet of a song, feel instantly drawn in, and then search for the full track without even knowing the artist’s name.
TikTok’s algorithm has an unusual amount of cultural power. It can turn an unknown track into a global hit simply because users adopt it in creative or funny ways. Doja Cat’s ‘Say So’, boosted by a viral dance challenge, is one well-known example.
This influence has changed not only how listeners discover songs but also how musicians approach songwriting. In the past, a hook might appear in the chorus or bridge. Now many artists place their strongest moment right at the start so the listener is hooked before they scroll away.
TikTok has not only promoted songs, it has shaped how they are structured. Many artists now write with the platform in mind, hoping for a section that can be easily repeated and shared. This has led to shorter introductions, faster hooks, and lyrics designed to connect quickly with an audience.
PinkPantheress is a clear example. Her songs are often just over two minutes, with lo-fi production that suits TikTok’s fast, looping style. “Just for Me” became a viral hit partly because of its brevity and replay value. Genres such as hyperpop and bedroom pop have also grown in popularity on TikTok, where rawness and imperfection can be more effective than highly polished production.
TikTok has made the music industry feel more open. With a phone and a well-produced track, artists can bypass traditional record label systems. Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road began as a meme before becoming an international hit.
However, this kind of exposure also creates new pressures. Artists are now expected to be content creators, marketers, and public personalities alongside their music careers. Songs can feel formulaic when they are built mainly for a “TikTok moment” rather than artistic expression. Viral success can fade quickly, and some artists find it difficult to move beyond the “TikTok artist” label.
It is hard to know if this relationship between TikTok and music is a short-lived trend or a permanent change. Has TikTok made music discovery more exciting, or has it made songs feel more disposable? Have you ever fallen in love with a track just from a 10-second clip? And if so, does it matter if that song was written with virality in mind, as long as it connects with you? Comment your thoughts down below, lets start a conversation !
