TikTok continued its stranglehold on music culture throughout 2025, reaching over a billion monthly users who collectively decided which tracks would dominate streaming charts and shape internet culture.
The platform’s ability to resurrect forgotten classics whilst launching new artists into the stratosphere proved unstoppable this year.
When TikTok published its Year in Music report in December, the results confirmed what we’d suspected all along: nostalgia and cross-genre collaborations ruled the For You Page.
A 1962 soul song topped the global charts. Latin reggaeton tracks powered dance challenges. Indie-pop anthems soundtracked cinematic montages. Release dates meant absolutely nothing.
This guide breaks down the 30 most significant TikTok trends and viral songs of 2025, drawing from TikTok’s official Year in Music data, Buffer’s trend monitoring, and Ramdam’s monthly cultural analysis.
Whether you’re a creator looking to catch the next wave or simply trying to understand why your teenager keeps playing a song from 1962, you’re in the right place.
The Global Viral Songs: TikTok’s Top 20 of 2025
TikTok’s own data reveals which tracks dominated the platform throughout the year. The Top 20 Songs Globally list showcased everything from sixties soul to contemporary collaborations, proving the algorithm cares more about emotional connection than commercial polish. Here are the 15 songs that defined TikTok’s soundscape in 2025:
- “Pretty Little Baby” by Connie Francis
The most bonkers story of the year. A 1962 soul track that spent six decades as a forgotten album cut became TikTok’s Track of the Year and the most-used sound globally.
Users turned Francis’ vintage vocals into the soundtrack for wholesome pet videos and family montages. At its peak, her music generated over 600,000 daily video creations. Gen Z kids discovered her voice for the first time whilst their grandparents heard songs they’d forgotten they loved.
The comment sections became these weird, lovely intergenerational spaces where teenagers and pensioners bonded over trending audio.
- “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne
This uplifting pop track claimed the number two spot globally and topped the UK charts specifically. Glynne’s powerful vocals paired perfectly with feel-good photo montages and friendship celebrations.
The song found new life as creators used it to commemorate meaningful moments, turning what was already a hit into an unstoppable TikTok anthem. Not bad for a track that originally dropped in 2015.
- “Rock That Body” by Black Eyed Peas
The early 2000s dance classic got resurrected for workout videos, transition edits, and high-energy content. That up-tempo beat and infectious hook proved impossible to resist. TikTok users needed music for gym content and transformation reels, and this track delivered exactly what they wanted. Simple formula: energetic beat plus nostalgia equals viral gold.
- “Azul” by J Balvin
Latin music continued dominating TikTok, with J Balvin’s reggaeton track powering dance challenges and travel vlogs. The song’s infectious rhythm made it perfect for choreography, whilst its summery vibe suited vacation content beautifully. Fourth on the global list proved Latin music’s staying power on the platform.
- “Dame Un Grrr” by Fantomel & Kate Linn
This Romanian-Spanish collaboration became the go-to sound for lip-sync videos and beauty transformations. The playful title and catchy hook created countless opportunities for creative interpretations. Beauty content creators particularly loved pairing this track with dramatic before-and-after reveals, helping it secure the fifth spot globally.
- “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
When ROSÉ and Bruno Mars team up, magic happens. This sultry duet became the soundtrack for couples’ content and ‘get ready with me’ videos. The chemistry between the two artists translated perfectly to TikTok, where users created their own romantic moments or simply vibed to the track whilst getting dressed. Sixth on the global chart felt appropriate for this crossover hit.
- “Te Quería Ver” by Alemán & Neton Vega
This corridos-style ballad found its audience through POV storytelling and heartfelt declarations. The emotional delivery and traditional Mexican musical styling created space for vulnerable, authentic content. TikTok users paired the song with relationship narratives and emotional reveals, proving regional Mexican music’s growing influence on the platform.
- “Stecu Stecu” by Faris Adam
Egyptian house music hit TikTok hard with this track. The up-tempo beat powered speed-up transitions, food tutorials, and fast-paced editing. Content creators discovered the song’s infectious energy made boring content watchable and already-good content absolutely addictive. Eighth place on the global list showcased TikTok’s truly international reach.
- “Anxiety” by Doechii
TikTok named this the Music Trend of the Year, and for good reason. Doechii’s hip-hop track tackled mental health head-on, giving creators the perfect soundtrack for self-care narratives and vulnerability. The song’s honest lyrics about anxiety resonated with a generation increasingly willing to discuss mental health publicly. Users created powerful content around therapy, coping mechanisms, and normalising conversations about psychological wellbeing.
- “Sailor Song” by Gigi Perez
This indie-pop anthem became synonymous with nostalgic travel content and cinematic montages. Perez’s dreamy vocals and atmospheric production gave creators the perfect backdrop for wistful, romantic content.
Whether users were documenting actual journeys or just romanticising their daily commute, ‘Sailor Song’ provided the emotional weight they needed.
- “Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix)” by Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillenbeng & Shenseea
Dancehall remix culture exploded on TikTok with this collaboration. The track brought Caribbean sounds to a global audience, powering dance-challenge compilations and energetic content.
Multiple artists collaborating on a remix perfectly suited TikTok’s collaborative culture, where users constantly build on each other’s creative ideas.
- “ocean eyes” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s 2016 breakout ballad got yet another life on TikTok in 2025. Creators used the track for slow-motion transformations and makeup reveals, letting the song’s haunting vocals underscore dramatic visual changes.
Eight years after release, ‘ocean eyes’ proved it still had the power to captivate new audiences. TikTok’s ability to resurrect catalogue tracks knows no bounds.
- “No One Noticed” by The Marias
The Marias brought their signature dreamy indie sound to soft-focus lifestyle content. This track became the soundtrack for aesthetic videos, cosy vibes, and that specific type of content where everything looks impossibly beautiful. The band’s ethereal production style meshed perfectly with TikTok’s love for curated visual experiences.
- “back to friends” by sombr
Break-up anthems never go out of style on TikTok. This track powered relationship POV stories and comedic skits about the awkward ‘let’s just be friends’ conversation. Users found countless creative ways to interpret the song, from genuinely emotional content to absolutely hilarious takes on modern dating disasters.
- “Sparks” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s epic stadium sound found its TikTok audience through motivational reels and sports clips. The song’s soaring chorus and anthemic quality made it perfect for inspirational content. Athletes, fitness creators, and anyone needing a dramatic soundtrack for their achievements turned to ‘Sparks’ throughout 2025.
Trending Sounds from Buffer’s December 2025 Report
Content-planning platform Buffer tracks trending sounds to help creators and brands stay ahead of viral moments.
Their December 2025 analysis revealed emerging trends that hadn’t yet saturated the platform. Here are the songs dominating TikTok as the year closed:
- Original Sound by amai (Billy Joel & Fleetwood Mac Mashup)
@gracienielsonSaw another TikTok saying this and had to spread the word♬ original sound – ☀️
Someone mashed up ‘Piano Man’ and ‘Silver Springs’ and created an emotional bomb. Creators used this tear-jerker with text overlays reflecting on seemingly small life decisions that shaped their entire futures.
That one choice to take a different route home. That random conversation that led to a career. The mashup’s melancholic beauty gave users permission to get properly sentimental about life’s butterfly effects.
- “White Iverson” by Post Malone
@gossiptim3 baby mac✨ || #ahnamac #throwback #beforebaddies #fyp #viral ♬ White Iverson – Post Malone
‘My storage is full, I need to delete some pics’ became one of 2025’s most relatable trends. Users paired Post Malone’s track with before-and-after imagery, contrasting their current selves with high-school flashbacks.
The nostalgia hit hard as creators scrolled through camera rolls filled with years of memories, deciding which moments deserved to stay.
- “Christmas Music Nutcracker (Bass Boosted)” by SNC
@nurse.misdidirx Cat-proof Christmas Tree ⬛⬛ ✨ Meow there cat parents! Here’s a little DIY trick to keep your tree standing nice and tall all Christmas long! Because once you’ve picked the right one, you must secure him down… strings attached! Ha! Grab yourself these supplies at your home improvement store, some you might already have at home! Happy holidays! #christmashack #catparent #catproof ♬ Christmas Music Nutcracker (Bass Boosted) – SNC
Festive content needed its soundtrack, and this bass-boosted version of a Christmas classic delivered. Tree decorating videos, craft tutorials, and holiday haul content all used this track.
The boosted bass gave traditional Christmas music a modern edge that worked perfectly for TikTok’s younger audience.
- “67 Christmas” by Goji Georgie
@dopeslimes.com only 6-7 hours until our BLACK FRIDAY SALE‼️ — 67 this may be the most brain-rot slime we’ve ever made it’s dropping today in our biggest sale of the year! get ready for 25% off all SLIMES!✨ watch out for pics of new slimes + all deals, posting soon! — #sixseven #brainrot #blackfriday #67 #meme ♬ 67 Christmas – Goji Georgie
Brain-rot holiday content found its anthem. This deliberately chaotic Christmas song became the go-to for memes and Black Friday sale teasers.
Brands jumped on the trend, using the track’s unhinged energy for promotional posts. Sometimes the most viral content is the stuff that makes absolutely no sense, and this song proved that point.
- “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash
@myusdiary Me while waiting for Season 5!!! Making Demogorgon chocolate strawberries #strangerthings #demogorgon #strangerthings5 ♬ Should I Stay or Should I Go (Remastered) – The Clash
Stranger Things Season 5 dropped in November 2025, and suddenly this classic rock track was everywhere again. TikTok users paired it with themed snacks, fan art, and show discussions.
The Clash probably never imagined their 1982 song would soundtrack Gen Z’s reactions to a Netflix series, but here we are. Cross-generational appeal at its finest.
- “2 30de (Mega Slowed)” by lagoyo
@wappadoo WE can all relate #night #nightvision #tuff #relateble ♬ 2 30de – Mega Slowed – lagoyo
Hyper-masculine slowed tracks became a whole genre on TikTok. This particular version powered gym edits, car montages, and moody night-drive content.
The slowed and reverb treatment turned already intense music into something properly cinematic. Young men creating content about their cars, workouts, or general stoicism found their soundtrack.
- Original Sound by TYLA (Live Recording of “Chanel”)
@emiliamerneshajahaahajajah♬ original sound – TYLA
Tyla’s live concert audio spawned a challenging dance trend that required participants to ‘get looooow’. The South African artist’s vocals paired with demanding choreography separated casual dancers from serious performers.
Users filmed themselves attempting the challenge, with varying degrees of success. The trend celebrated both musical talent and physical ability.
- “I Don’t Mind” by Usher ft. Juicy J
@treyyskiistarz ♀️ #fyp #viralvideo #fyu #fade #doyouneedthat #fight ♬ I Don’t Mind – Usher
The ‘take the fade’ trend took over, with creators promising to defend loved ones whilst lip-syncing to this R&B track.
These humorous fight-challenge videos ranged from genuinely heartwarming declarations of loyalty to absolutely ridiculous scenarios. Usher’s smooth vocals provided the perfect backdrop for users to playfully assert who they’d throw hands for.
- “I’m Not Bothered By The Rain” by Erin McEntee
@casslayeverydayMen in this generation suck !♬ I’m Not Bothered By The Rain – Eric McEntee
Folk-pop sincerity arrived on TikTok through this track. Users paired McEntee’s song with text overlays listing qualities they wanted in a partner.
The trend celebrated patience and high standards in relationships, with creators sharing that they’d rather wait for genuine connection than settle for mediocrity. Wholesome dating content in 2025? Revolutionary.
- “Black Lambo (Instrumental)” by The808Wizrd
@jennabandy21 No way that happned!! #football #nfl #trickshot ♬ Black Lambo (Instrumental) – The808Wizrd
Hip-hop instrumentals provide the perfect background for content where you want music but don’t want vocals overpowering everything else. Sports highlights, trick shots, and hype videos all used this beat. T
he energy remained high without competing with commentary or other audio elements, making it perfect for creators who needed sonic atmosphere without distraction.
Creative Trends from Ramdam’s Cultural Analysis
Marketing platform Ramdam analyses how creators transform audio snippets into memes, challenges, and storytelling formats.
These five trends captured social attention throughout 2025, demonstrating TikTok’s evolution from simple lip-sync app to sophisticated creative platform:
- “Say Your Stupid Line” (Tame Impala)
@chamberlin_kevin♬ original sound – yumeuria
Self-roast culture reached new heights with this trend. Users lip-synced the calm verse from ‘The Less I Know the Better’ before hard-cutting to a dramatic demonstration of their signature catchphrase.
‘So come on Superman, say your stupid line’ became the perfect setup for revealing those phrases people overuse without realising. We all have them. This trend made everyone confront their verbal tics publicly.
- “Lush Life Dance” (Zara Larsson)
@mekonnenknife This is my new favourite dance @Zara Larsson ♬ origineel geluid – Samantha Feeke ☆
A fan performing full choreography on stage during Zara Larsson’s Midnight Sun tour inspired this carefree dance trend.
Users showed up ready to perform the entire routine, celebrating living their best lives through energetic movement.
The trend captured pure joy and the specific freedom of dancing without caring who’s watching. Sometimes TikTok trends are just about having fun.
- “Things I’d Want for Christmas If I Didn’t Already Have Them”
@gekfits 2025 christmas wishlist ideas ⛷️☃️ #christmasgiftideas #christmaswishlist #christmas #giftguide #fyp ♬ original sound – grace karle
Product recommendations got a clever twist. Instead of traditional gift guides, creators shared items they already owned but loved enough to recommend repeatedly.
The format worked beautifully for 1 to 1.5 minute videos with mini-reviews. On-screen text listed specific reasons why each item deserved purchasing.
The personal touch made these videos feel genuine rather than sponsored, even when creators included affiliate links.
- “You’re So Funny” (5 Seconds of Summer)
@michaelcliffordsigh♬ THAT IM SO DOWWWWNNN – nottotallysure
Dark humour found its soundtrack through ‘She Looks So Perfect’. This trend overlaid ‘You’re so funny!’ on happy clips before revealing self-deprecating punchlines about how trauma shaped comedic personalities.
Over 800,000 uses of the sound paired upbeat music with lighthearted trauma dumping. Gen Z’s ability to joke about genuinely difficult experiences whilst still processing them created content that was simultaneously hilarious and concerning.
- “Raise Your Ya Ya Ya” (Voice Coaching Remix)
@jodielangel Raise your ya ya YA never dies!!! TikTok is BACK!!! #vocalcoach #fyp #raiseyouryayaya #yayaya #singinglessons #singing #theatrekid ♬ original sound – Jodie Langel
Voice coach Jodie Langel never intended her vocal exercise to become a viral sensation, but TikTok had other plans.
Someone remixed her ‘Ya Ya Ya’ coaching clip with Playboi Carti’s ‘Evil Jordan’, creating an unexpected mashup that powered glow-up videos, dramatic TV reactions, and transition edits.
Hundreds of thousands of uses later, the remix proved perfect for before-and-after storytelling. The juxtaposition of instructional audio and trap production created something genuinely unique.
What These Trends Reveal About TikTok Culture in 2025
Looking across all 30 entries, several patterns emerge that define TikTok’s musical landscape in 2025. First, nostalgia absolutely dominated.
Whether through actual classic tracks or new music deliberately evoking older sounds, creators and audiences both craved connections to the past.
Connie Francis, The Clash, Billie Eilish’s earlier work, and countless others proved that release dates matter far less than emotional resonance.
Genre diversity exploded beyond previous years. Latin music, Egyptian house, corridos, dancehall remixes, folk-pop, and indie all claimed space on the same platform without conflict.
TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t privilege any particular genre, which democratises music discovery in ways traditional radio never could.
A track from Romania can compete directly with a stadium anthem from Coldplay, and both can succeed simultaneously.
User participation in reviving older songs became more sophisticated. Early TikTok simply brought songs back through dance trends.
Now creators build elaborate narratives, visual concepts, and emotional frameworks around their chosen audio.
The ‘Piano Man’ and ‘Silver Springs’ mashup worked because users paired it with genuinely thoughtful reflections on life choices. The platform matured from pure entertainment into something closer to storytelling infrastructure.
Mental health content normalised further. ‘Anxiety’ by Doechii becoming the Music Trend of the Year signals a major shift. Gen Z uses TikTok not just for escapism but for processing difficult emotions publicly.
The vulnerability might make older generations uncomfortable, but this openness arguably serves mental health better than previous generations’ silence.
Finally, trends became more format-specific. It’s not enough to just use a viral sound. Creators need to understand the associated format, whether that’s the hard cut in ‘Say Your Stupid Line’, the text overlay structure for product recommendations, or the before-and-after framework for transformation content.
TikTok literacy now includes understanding not just what’s trending but how to execute the trend properly.
Tips for Creators and Brands Wanting to Leverage Trending Audio
If you’re trying to catch viral moments rather than watch them pass by, here’s what actually works in 2025:
Check TikTok’s Creative Center regularly. The platform publishes data on trending sounds, hashtags, and formats. This free resource shows what’s gaining traction before it saturates completely. Getting in early matters more than perfect execution.
Use royalty-free versions for business accounts. Copyright strikes happen fast on TikTok. If you’re running a brand account, pay for properly licensed music or stick to TikTok’s commercial music library.
The platform explicitly separated creator and business music licensing in 2024, and they enforce those distinctions.
Study the format, not just the sound. Viral trends have specific structures. Attempting a trend without understanding its format results in content that feels off.
Watch multiple examples of any trend before attempting your own version. Notice the timing, the camera angles, the text placement, the reveal moments.
Don’t force trends that don’t fit your content. Not every viral sound suits every creator. Jumping on something irrelevant to your audience reads as desperate. Choose trends that genuinely connect to your existing content strategy.
Remember that authenticity still matters. TikTok users can smell inauthenticity instantly. The most successful trend participation comes from creators who found genuine ways to interpret trending sounds through their unique perspective. Copy the format but add your specific voice.
What Happens Now?
TikTok’s influence over music culture shows no signs of slowing. The platform turned a 1962 soul song into the year’s biggest hit whilst simultaneously launching new artists and reviving catalogue tracks.
Genre boundaries dissolved. Generations connected over shared soundtracks. Mental health conversations normalised. Creative formats evolved beyond simple lip-syncing into sophisticated storytelling.
Looking ahead to 2026, expect even more cross-generational discoveries as Gen Alpha starts making their own musical choices on the platform.
The nostalgia cycle will likely reach even further back, with tracks from the 1950s and earlier potentially finding new audiences. Regional music from underrepresented countries will continue breaking through as TikTok’s truly global reach expands.
The most important lesson from 2025’s trends? Release dates mean nothing. Quality, emotional resonance, and creative potential matter infinitely more than newness.
Whether you’re an artist, creator, or just someone trying to understand why teenagers keep playing your grandmother’s favourite songs, that’s the reality TikTok has created.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go learn the Lush Life dance before it stops trending. Some of us still have dignity to lose on the internet.
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