The revolution TikTok has created in the music world is undeniable. The platform has become more than just a space for dance trends and viral videos—it now influences music production itself. Musicians and producers often see success on TikTok as a key achievement. But this raises an important question: Are artists truly expressing their creativity, or are they being pushed to make “TikTok-friendly” songs?
How TikTok Changes Music
With its short-form content, TikTok captures listeners’ attention quickly. A few seconds of a song can go viral and instantly boost an artist’s career. Here are some famous examples:
- Lil Nas X – “Old Town Road”: Went viral on TikTok and completely changed his career.
- Doja Cat – “Say So”: Became a global hit thanks to a dance trend.
- Fleetwood Mac – “Dreams”: A 1977 classic that went viral again through a skateboarding video, becoming a hit with new generations.
Pressure on Artists
TikTok’s algorithm brings both opportunities and pressure. Artists now feel the need to create short, catchy parts in their songs that can trend on the platform. This has changed the way some music is made:
- Short and Catchy Sections: Artists design parts of their songs (like the hook or chorus) specifically for TikTok.
- Repetition and Simplicity: Songs are made easier to sing along to, with simple and repetitive lyrics.
- Viral Pressure: Musicians, especially new ones, feel pressure to create tracks that can go viral. Songs like Olivia Rodrigo’s “good 4 u” or Sabrina Carpenter’s “Nonsense” became popular due to their memorable TikTok-friendly moments. But this raises the question: does this format help or hurt the artist’s overall musical identity?
What Are Artists Doing for TikTok?
Some musicians go beyond just making music—they embrace TikTok’s fun and visual nature.
- Meghan Trainor made “Made You Look” with a dance trend in mind, which boosted its popularity.
- Sam Smith’s “Unholy” features parts designed to work well with TikTok trends.
However, making music mainly for TikTok can be risky. If fans feel that artists are sacrificing originality, it may hurt their long-term loyalty.
Art or Commercial Product?
Is TikTok turning music from an art form into a commercial product? The answer depends on the artist’s goals and place in the industry.
Artists like Billie Eilish focus more on artistic integrity than going viral. On the other hand, more commercial artists use TikTok as a way to gain visibility and success.
Pros and Cons of TikTok for Music
Pros:
- Discovery of New Artists: TikTok helps independent musicians reach a wide audience. Artists like Loren Gray and Tate McRae gained global attention this way.
- Reviving Old Songs: The platform brings old classics back to life, bridging nostalgia with modern tastes.
Cons:
- Limits on Creativity: The pressure to go viral can make artists feel they must follow trends instead of being original.
- Short-Term Success: Viral songs often fade quickly and don’t leave a lasting impact.
A Choice or a Must for Artists?
TikTok can be both a creative tool and a source of pressure. Some artists, like Lizzo, use it to connect with fans and promote their work naturally. But others—especially newer ones—may feel forced to create music just to fit the TikTok formula.
Conclusion: The Balance Between Art and Algorithms
TikTok brings both risks and rewards to the music industry. While success on the platform can boost a career, the real challenge lies in maintaining musical quality and originality.
In the end, true music lovers will always value emotion and artistic depth over how viral a song becomes. Whether TikTok’s influence will grow or fade remains to be seen—but its impact on modern music is already clear.
