TikTok Viral 2021: Hottest New Songs You Need To Hear

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the absolute hottest tracks that blew up on TikTok in 2021? You know, the songs that had everyone and their grandma doing the same dance moves? 💃🕺 Well, buckle up because we're about to explore the sounds that dominated our FYPs (For You Pages) and became instant earworms. Get ready to update your playlist with these bangers!

The Rise of TikTok Music

Before we jump into specific songs, let's chat about why TikTok became such a massive music discovery platform. It's not just about the short-form videos; it's about the way music is integrated into the experience. A catchy 15-second clip can launch a song into the stratosphere, and suddenly, everyone's using it, remixing it, and creating their own content around it. This creates a snowball effect that traditional radio just can't replicate.

Think about it: TikTok democratized music promotion. You don't need a huge record label budget to get your song heard. If it's catchy and relatable, it has the potential to go viral overnight. This opened doors for independent artists and genres that might have otherwise remained underground. Plus, the algorithm is so good at figuring out what you like that you're constantly being exposed to new sounds.

And let's not forget the challenges and trends! These are the lifeblood of TikTok virality. When a song is paired with a popular dance or meme, it becomes instantly recognizable and shareable. It's like a modern-day version of the Macarena, but on steroids. The collaborative nature of TikTok means that users are constantly building on each other's ideas, creating a vibrant and ever-evolving musical landscape. The platform has effectively changed how we discover, consume, and interact with music. What a time to be alive!

Top Viral TikTok Songs of 2021

Okay, let's get to the good stuff. Here are some of the most unforgettable viral TikTok songs from 2021. These are the tracks that were stuck in our heads for months, the ones we couldn't escape (and secretly didn't want to). Get ready for a trip down memory lane!

1. "Astronaut in the Ocean" - Masked Wolf

This track was everywhere in early 2021. Its deep bass and almost spoken-word verses made it perfect for lip-sync videos and dramatic edits. The lyrics are introspective and a bit dark, which resonated with a lot of users who were going through tough times. But let's be real, it was the beat that got everyone hooked. It's the kind of song that you can't help but nod your head to, even if you don't know all the words.

"Astronaut in the Ocean" is a great example of how TikTok can revive a song. It was originally released in 2019, but it didn't gain traction until it went viral on TikTok. This shows the power of the platform to give older tracks a second life and introduce them to a new generation of listeners. The song's success also highlights the importance of having a unique sound that stands out from the crowd. Masked Wolf's distinctive voice and the song's unconventional structure helped it cut through the noise and capture the attention of millions.

2. "drivers license" - Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo absolutely dominated the charts in 2021, and "drivers license" was the song that started it all. This emotional ballad about heartbreak and teenage angst resonated with millions of young people around the world. The lyrics are raw and honest, and Olivia's vocals are incredibly powerful. It's the kind of song that makes you want to cry along, even if you've never been through a breakup yourself.

What made "drivers license" so popular on TikTok? Well, aside from being a great song, it also sparked a lot of discussion and speculation about the real-life events that inspired it. Users dissected the lyrics, analyzed Olivia's social media posts, and created countless videos sharing their own interpretations of the song. This level of engagement helped to fuel the song's virality and turn Olivia Rodrigo into a household name. The song's success is a testament to the power of authenticity and vulnerability in music. When an artist is willing to be open and honest about their experiences, it creates a deeper connection with their audience.

3. "Up" - Cardi B

Cardi B is no stranger to viral moments, and "Up" was no exception. This high-energy banger is all about confidence and self-love, and it's impossible not to feel empowered when you're listening to it. The song's catchy hook and infectious beat made it perfect for dancing and creating hype videos. Plus, Cardi's signature ad-libs and larger-than-life personality made it even more memorable.

"Up" became a TikTok sensation thanks to its dance challenges and its use in various comedic skits. The song's upbeat tempo and empowering message made it a perfect fit for the platform's fast-paced and creative environment. Cardi B's active presence on social media also helped to amplify the song's reach and engage with her fans. She often reposted her favorite TikTok videos featuring "Up," which further incentivized users to create their own content. The combination of a great song, a popular artist, and a supportive online community made "Up" an unstoppable force on TikTok.

4. "Adderall (Corvette Corvette)" - Popp Hunna

This song was another massive hit on TikTok, thanks to its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo. It's the kind of song that gets stuck in your head for days, whether you want it to or not. The lyrics are a bit nonsensical, but that didn't stop it from becoming a viral sensation. It was often used in comedic videos and dance challenges, adding to its popularity.

"Adderall (Corvette Corvette)" benefited from its simplicity and its ability to be easily remixed and adapted. TikTok users created countless variations of the song, adding their own verses, beats, and dance moves. This collaborative approach helped to keep the song fresh and relevant, even as its initial popularity began to wane. The song's success also highlights the importance of having a memorable hook that grabs listeners' attention and encourages them to share it with their friends. The hook is definitely what made this song blow up, lets be real.

5. "Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)" - Doja Cat

Doja Cat is a TikTok queen, and "Kiss Me More" was one of her biggest hits on the platform. This smooth and sensual track is perfect for slow-motion videos and flirty edits. The collaboration with SZA added another layer of appeal, and the song's playful lyrics made it a hit with couples and friends alike.

"Kiss Me More" was particularly popular on TikTok due to its use in creative transitions and its ability to be easily synchronized with video footage. Users created elaborate videos that seamlessly transitioned between different scenes, outfits, and locations, all set to the song's infectious beat. Doja Cat's quirky personality and her willingness to engage with her fans on social media also helped to boost the song's popularity. She often participated in TikTok trends and created her own challenges, which further incentivized users to create content featuring her music. In short, Doja Cat knows how to dominate the TikTok game, and "Kiss Me More" is a prime example of her success.

The Enduring Impact of TikTok on Music

So, what's the takeaway from all of this? TikTok has fundamentally changed the music industry. It's no longer enough to just have a great song; you need to have a song that's TikTok-ready. This means it needs to be catchy, shareable, and adaptable to various trends and challenges.

The platform has also given power to independent artists and creators who might have been overlooked by traditional media outlets. It's a place where anyone can have their voice heard, and where a single video can change your life overnight. While the music industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: TikTok is here to stay, and it will continue to shape the way we discover, consume, and interact with music for years to come. So keep creating those videos, sharing those songs, and dancing like nobody's watching!

What were some of your favorite TikTok songs from 2021? Let us know in the comments below!