The Viral Tracks That Defined TikTok in 2024

The Viral Tracks That Defined TikTok in 2024

How TikTok Turns Songs into Hits TikTok acts as a music launchpad, connecting artists with millions of users worldwide. When a song starts trending on the app, it’s almost guaranteed to gain mainstream popularity. Artists now release music with TikTok in mind, crafting catchy lines, energetic beats, or hooks that inspire challenges and trends. Once a track catches on, creators add their own spin, and it rapidly spreads across the platform.A Business Insider report highlighted TikTok’s music-discovery power: over 67% of TikTok users discover new songs on the app, and 75% of them go on to stream those tracks on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music. This ripple effect not only makes songs popular but also helps artists climb the charts, earning more streams and sales.In fact, TikTok’s influence extends beyond individual songs. The platform has reshaped the music industry, with record labels prioritizing TikTok-ready singles and scouting new talent directly from the app. According to Rolling Stone, TikTok’s algorithms and trends are now central to how labels evaluate an artist’s potential. The Biggest TikTok Songs of 2024 Here’s a closer look at the songs that dominated TikTok in the U.S. this year. These tracks brought us viral challenges, emotional moments, and endless fun.1. “Eclipse” by Nova Rae“Eclipse” was one of the most emotional songs to take over TikTok in 2024. Its soft piano intro and heartfelt lyrics made it a go-to soundtrack for videos about personal growth, heartbreak, and transformation.The trend: People used “Eclipse” for dramatic slow-motion videos …

How TikTok Turns Songs into Hits

TikTok acts as a music launchpad, connecting artists with millions of users worldwide. When a song starts trending on the app, it’s almost guaranteed to gain mainstream popularity. Artists now release music with TikTok in mind, crafting catchy lines, energetic beats, or hooks that inspire challenges and trends. Once a track catches on, creators add their own spin, and it rapidly spreads across the platform.

A Business Insider report highlighted TikTok’s music-discovery power: over 67% of TikTok users discover new songs on the app, and 75% of them go on to stream those tracks on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music. This ripple effect not only makes songs popular but also helps artists climb the charts, earning more streams and sales.

In fact, TikTok’s influence extends beyond individual songs. The platform has reshaped the music industry, with record labels prioritizing TikTok-ready singles and scouting new talent directly from the app. According to Rolling Stone, TikTok’s algorithms and trends are now central to how labels evaluate an artist’s potential.

The Biggest TikTok Songs of 2024

The Biggest TikTok Songs of 2024

Here’s a closer look at the songs that dominated TikTok in the U.S. this year. These tracks brought us viral challenges, emotional moments, and endless fun.

1. “Eclipse” by Nova Rae

“Eclipse” was one of the most emotional songs to take over TikTok in 2024. Its soft piano intro and heartfelt lyrics made it a go-to soundtrack for videos about personal growth, heartbreak, and transformation.

    • The trend: People used “Eclipse” for dramatic slow-motion videos or montages of life changes, such as before-and-after weight loss, glow-ups, or emotional milestones. The hashtag #EclipseChallenge hit over 2 billion views.
    • Why it worked: The song’s emotional vibe resonated deeply, making it perfect for storytelling. Its introspective tone encouraged users to reflect and share their journeys.

2. “Wanna Be” by Jaxon Miles

This upbeat pop-rap track had everyone dancing in 2024. With bold lyrics—“You wanna be like me, but you can’t be me”—and a high-energy beat, “Wanna Be” sparked one of the year’s biggest dance challenges.

    • The trend: The #WannaBeChallenge, featuring sharp, fun dance moves, took over TikTok. Celebrities like Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae joined in, further boosting its popularity.
    • Why it worked: The track was catchy, sassy, and fun. Plus, the dance moves were accessible, allowing almost anyone to participate.

3. “Golden Hour (Remix)” by JVKE ft. Ariana Grande

JVKE’s original “Golden Hour” was already a TikTok favorite, but the 2024 remix featuring Ariana Grande elevated it to new heights. The dreamy blend of piano and vocals became a magical soundtrack for aesthetic videos.

    • The trend: Users filmed during sunset—aka “golden hour”—to create stunning visuals. From romantic moments to scenic landscapes, the hashtag #GoldenHourRemix racked up over 3.5 billion views.
    • Why it worked: The song’s ethereal vibe complemented TikTok’s love for artsy, visually appealing content. Ariana’s feature added star power, drawing in her fanbase.

4. “Slide” by Kiana Love

Kiana Love’s smooth R&B track, “Slide,” became a favorite for romantic TikTok videos. Its flirty lyrics and laid-back vibe made it an instant hit.

    • The trend: Couples showcased cute moments from their relationships, while others created dances to match the song’s rhythm. The hashtag #SlideTrend went viral, especially around Valentine’s Day.
    • Why it worked: Its romantic yet chill tone struck a perfect balance, appealing to love-themed content creators.

5. Run It Up” by Lil Sol & Breezy Banks

This motivational trap anthem was the hype track of 2024. “Run It Up” inspired TikTokers to share their successes, whether it was fitness goals, career milestones, or personal achievements.

    • The trend: Creators lip-synced the lyric, “Let’s run it up, no time to lose,” while showcasing their accomplishments. The hashtag #RunItUpChallenge encouraged positivity and hustle energy.
    • Why it worked: The song’s motivational tone aligned perfectly with TikTok’s love for celebrating wins and personal growth.

6. “Back to You” by Ella Jane

“Back to You” was the indie-pop anthem for nostalgia in 2024. Its bittersweet lyrics and soft melody became a favorite for heartfelt, emotional videos.

    • The trend: Creators used the song to highlight “before and after” moments, from overcoming heartbreak to reconnecting with old friends. The hashtag #BackToYou2024 surpassed 2 billion views.
    • Why it worked: TikTok thrives on emotional storytelling, and this song was the perfect backdrop.

7.  “Neon Nights” by Zara Vibes

Zara Vibes brought retro energy to TikTok with “Neon Nights.” This synthwave-inspired dance track paired perfectly with bold, creative videos.

    • The trend: Users applied neon filters and flashy edits to match the song’s aesthetic. The hashtag #NeonNightsChallenge encouraged artistic expression.
    • Why it worked: The unique retro-futuristic sound and visually striking trends stood out in a sea of TikTok content.

8. “Dumb Love” by Tyler Kane

“Dumb Love” reintroduced pop-punk vibes to TikTok. This track celebrated carefree romance and youthful rebellion.

    • The trend: Users paired the song with nostalgic clips of high school adventures, road trips, and fun with friends. The hashtag #DumbLove2024 gained rapid traction.
    • Why it worked: It balanced nostalgia with a fresh twist, appealing to multiple generations of TikTok users.

9. “Echoes” by Seraphina

“Echoes” captivated TikTok’s creative side with its haunting sound and poetic lyrics. It became a go-to for artistic and introspective content.

    • The trend: Creators filmed serene landscapes, abstract art, or reflective moments paired with the song. The hashtag #EchoesVibes inspired innovative storytelling.
    • Why it worked: TikTok’s artsy community loved how this song elevated their content with its dreamy, emotional tone.

10. “Party Starter” by DJ Blaze & Tasha B.

This EDM anthem was the soundtrack for celebrations in 2024. From festivals to birthdays, “Party Starter” kept the energy alive.

    • The trend: Users shared their best party moments with flashy transitions and slow-motion edits. The hashtag #PartyStarter2024 was a hit for New Year’s Eve.
    • Why it worked: The track’s high energy and celebratory vibe made it perfect for showcasing fun moments.

TikTok and the Music Industry

TikTok’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. Emerging artists like Nova Rae and Kiana Love owe much of their success to the platform, which introduced their music to millions. Meanwhile, established artists are embracing TikTok’s trends to stay relevant.

For record labels, TikTok has become a key strategy for promoting new releases. Songs designed for TikTok success often focus on hooks and beats that lend themselves to creative trends, ensuring maximum engagement. As noted by Variety, some artists now tailor entire marketing campaigns around TikTok.

Final Thoughts

TikTok’s most popular U.S. songs of 2024 weren’t just hits, they were cultural moments. From emotional ballads like “Eclipse” to high-energy tracks like “Run It Up,” these songs brought joy, creativity, and connection to millions of users.

Which TikTok song was your favorite this year? Did you participate in any trends? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Songs gain popularity when users create engaging content like dances, lip-syncs, or storytelling videos. Catchy hooks or emotional lyrics also play a big role.

No, TikTok boosts both emerging and established artists. While new artists can gain massive exposure, popular stars also use the platform to promote their music.

Yes, most TikTok songs are available on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. Many users stream the tracks they discover on TikTok.

Trends like dance challenges, glow-ups, emotional storytelling, and creative edits are common ways songs gain traction on TikTok.

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