In the continuous growth of the use of the internet and the evolving digital space, TikTok has become one of the most impactful platforms, particularly playing a large role in shaping modern music culture. What started as a simple social media app with dances and funny videos has become an incredible tool for exploring new genres and artists. The app has popularized everything from old classics to the debut tracks of underground artists. Millions of users come across songs every day while scrolling through their For You page, failing to realize how their listening habits are being influenced. TikTok has opened up musical knowledge for others and drastically changed how musical trends evolve.
One of the most significant aspects of TikTok is how it introduces users to songs they may have never heard before. For many teens, TikTok has replaced music streaming apps or the radio as the primary way they find new music. Every scroll brings a new, fresh sound that is pleasing and enjoyable to their ears.
Seneca Valley High School freshman Mia Chavez explained that she often finds new songs through social media and the people around her. “Usually, I just go on my For You page and I see small artists,” she said. “Also, my friends make music, so I just get my music from them.”
Her experience indicates TikTok’s reach, as the app allows people to discover both mainstream songs and smaller creators who may not be noticed otherwise. As opposed to other music platforms, TikTok doesn’t need fame for a song to be promoted, as a single clip that goes viral can change the life of an underground artist.
Seneca Valley sophomore Justine Tong shared that her playlists are formed by the app.“Most of my playlists are from TikTok,” she said.
This response represents a trend among many teens and young listeners. The social media app’s ability to turn songs into top hits has made it one of the biggest influences in the music world today.
The question is though, does TikTok really help people discover new music, or does it just expand the influence of already popular songs? This question is answered with mixed reactions. Chavez points out that a user’s algorithm can make a huge difference.
“I think it depends on what side of TikTok you’re on, because if you’re on the mainstream side of TikTok, you’re gonna see popular songs and you’re gonna see artists being boosted,” she said.
Her answer demonstrates an important part of TikTok’s algorithm, as it personalizes what users see based on what they interact with. Some users may come across content that helps them learn about genres, music theory or songwriting, while others may see popular dances or memes that have trending music. This highlights how TikTok’s effect on knowledge of music can be different for every person.
Tong adds onto this, sharing an approach with both sides of the argument.
“I feel like it’s good for both. I mean, most of the time, yeah, it makes songs popular, but it’s also a way for smaller artists to use a platform to advertise their music because a lot of people are on TikTok,” she said.
TikTok allows smaller artists more access to larger audiences, without needing other extra things such as record labels or marketing budgets. Musicians can post a snippet of their song, and if it resonates, they can witness their work being spread worldwide. TikTok has essentially normalized exposure and put control in both the artist’s and users’ hands.
When asked whether TikTok has changed the kind of music that becomes popular today, both Tong and Chavez agree that it has.
“I mean, most people kind of describe some music as like TikTok music. Sometimes it kind of ruins it because it’s so overplayed, but yeah,” she explained.
These responses reflect the growing trend in how people talk about and view songs today. Some listeners say that certain songs fit the “TikTok” style or are made specifically for TikTok. The app is created in a way that rewards songs that get attention fast, usually within the first few seconds. As a result, many artists are starting to write songs that are designed to go viral, putting their most catchy lyrics or beats in the first few seconds of the song to fit the app’s format.
This has changed listeners’ expectations, although it allows for creative experimentation. Songs that don’t immediately hook the user are usually skipped, and older forms of music storytelling are likely to not trend.
Chavez’s and Tong’s perspectives make one thing clear: TikTok has changed the way music is shared and how people interact with it. For some, it’s a way to discover new genres of music and artists. For others, it’s a machine that cycles through songs faster than they can adapt to. Either way, TikTok has changed how we hear music, what we hear, and how quickly we move on from one hit to the next.
Written by Miley Thomas
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons