TikTok Songs That Trended In 2023

Over the last few years, TikTok has become a major player in breaking new artists and helping emerging acts gain massive fanbases. But the social media platform – and others like it – doesn’t just benefit the up-and-coming. It’s also spurred on the resurgence of many older songs, giving classic tracks new life, exposing cult favorites to a new generation, or simply reminding us of a previous chapter in an artist’s story. Below, we’re compiling the most popular trending songs of 2023 each week.

December 15

Jingle Bell Rock

Bobby Helms’ rockin’ 50s classic is back on the charts and heating up TikTok, with the holiday season in full swing. From Mean Girls reenactments to track breakdowns, the song now has over 2.7 million creates! And now, with an official sped-up version, creators will be rocking well into the new year.

Ariana Grande – Santa Tell Me (Naughty Version)

After Ariana Grande shared a photo of her working in the studio, fans rightly flipped out. To tie them over, the pop diva dropped the “naughty version” of her 2014 song, “Santa Tell Me.” Previously only available on vinyl as a hidden track, the naughty version arrived for streaming this past Monday, December 11, and creators have already run with the track on TikTok. From tightly choreographed dances to fan videos.

December 8

Tom Petty – Love Is A Long Road

Tom Petty’s 80s rocker “Love Is A Long Road” got a turbo boost this week thanks to its appearance in the new trailer for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 game. Since the trailer’s Tuesday release, Spotify reports streams for the track have increased 36,979% compared to this time last week. The game – set for release in 2025 – will take place in Petty’s native Florida in Miami-inspired Vice City. The trailer contains a number of Petty Easter Eggs and marks the second time his music has been used in a GTA game. Gamers on TikTok are already dissecting the trailer and hopefully discovering the greatness of Petty’s solo album Full Moon Fever.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Murder On The Dancefloor

We can’t remember the last time a movie has dominated TikTok this much since last summer’s Barbie-Oppenheimer off, but Saltburn is getting everyone back into theaters. While Jacob Elordi was still riding high from his role in Priscilla, it’s his co-star Irish actor Barry Keoghan that has inspired all of the memes thanks to the ending scene of the film where he dances to the 2001 U.K club hit “Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. “A naked man dancing through the rooms of a stately home…I’ve got a quirky sense of humor, and my main thing was, ‘I’ve got to see that,” Bextor told Variety around approving the sync.

Conan Grey – Heather

It was the song that launched a thousand memes and introduced the shorthand for “Heather” back in 2020 when singer-songwriter Conan Grey first released it during the pandemic. “I still remember the third of December, me in your sweater,” he wistfully sings, and thanks to the specific timing, this song is destined to trend every December.

November 17

Colbie Caillat – Bubbly

TikTok loves a mashup and has gotten ahold of Colbie Caillat’s 2007 hit “Bubbly” and juxtaposed it with other artists’ rowdy live performances, including everyone from Tyler the Creator, Post Malone, Travis Scott, and even KISS. The song is now Top 30 on the TikTok Viral Chart, and even Colbie has gotten on board.

Sir Mix-A-Lot – Ride

Forget GQ Man of the Year, TikTok decides who the new thirst trap of the year is, and that person is Josh Hutcherson. Whether fans are nostalgic for his role in The Hunger Games, with the prequel opening this weekend, or his recent appearance in Five Nights at Freddy’s, the actor is showing up in countless fan videos set to Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1994 hit “Ride.”

Elton John – Step Into Christmas

No need to wait until after Thanksgiving; everyone (along with Mariah) knows the holiday season starts November 1, and creators are sharing their holiday flair with Elton John’s underrated classic “Step Into Christmas.” From JoJo Siwa showing off her impressive display to even Sir Elton serving looks.

November 3

50 Cent – Baby By Me

Fresh off earning his first RIAA Diamond certification for “In Da Club,” 50 Cent is also heating up the TikTok viral charts with his 2009 hit “Baby By Me.” Equipped with a catchy Ne-Yo hook, 50 also made a ballsy move with the track by sampling himself from his 2007 hit “I Get Money.” Fans and other creators are using the track to soundtrack their posts about an ideal partner, set to a Benny Benassi remix that’s even got some Euphoria stars to hop on the trend.

Quality Control, Kodak Black, and Lil Baby – My Dawg

Quality Control: Control the Streets, Vol.1 acts as a time capsule of 2017 when QC ruled the rap roost and a showcase for the label’s established and up-and-coming stars. When of the best cuts off the comp was “My Dawg” led by Lil Baby and Kodak Black, which is now getting a second life on TikTok as creators share a hot take or statement and clap when Baby says “fact.”

Alessi Brothers – Seabird

While TikTok launches old songs back into the mix on a daily basis, sometimes these trends pop up in even more surprising places. That’s certainly the case with the song “Seabird” from identical twin duo and 70s soft-rock favorites The Alessi Brothers. The song is featured in the newly launched Spider-Man 2 game that dropped in October, and it’s been popping up everywhere from TikTok to YouTube and probably your FYP page by now.

Fast Life Yungstaz – Swag Surfin

If you couldn’t tell by the crispness in the air and the smell of freshly cracked hard seltzer cans, it’s homecoming season at HBCUs and beyond this month, and everyone has adopted Fast Life Yungstaz’s 2009 hit “Swag Surfin” as their anthem. New to some but a nostalgic hit for others; some are even swag surfin’ at their wedding reception.

October 27

Willow – Wait A Minute

It only makes sense that a song Willow Smith released when she was 15 is speaking to a generation of teens again, with the resurgence of her 2015 song “Wait A Minute” on TikTok. The track first appeared on her debut album, Ardipithecus, and is being used to soundtrack clips featuring a dimple filter, while others just lip-sync along to the line “You left your diary at my house, and I read those pages, do you really love me, baby?” With over 77K creates and counting, Willow’s wistful and nostalgic track is ready to take over the platform.

Rockin Around The Christmas Tree

It’s not even Halloween, and yet Christmas content is already popping up on TikTok, including Brenda Lee’s perennial classic “Rockin Around The Christmas Tree.” From holiday light shows to a photo-swipe trend, looks like everyone is already over spooky season and ready to bring on the holidays.

The Weeknd – The Party & The After Party

Before sped-up tracks proliferated on TikTok, The Weeknd did it first, on his 2011 debut mixtape House of Balloons. On the single “The Party & The After Party,” he speeds up Beach House’s “Master of None,” building out his own sexy soundscapes out of the moody indie track. Now creators on TikTok are embracing the Weeknd cut again, set to the dramatic “Velocity” Capcut filter, slideshows, and everything in between.

October 20

Jhené Aiko – Sativa

The smooth operator of R&B Jhené Aiko has been busy being a mom, but that doesn’t stop her music from scaling the TikTok charts thanks to a new trend set to her 2018 single “Sativa,” featuring Swae Lee from Rae Sremmurd. Fans are creating videos around the lyrics “But I lasted 10 rounds like a freak,” bringing The Trip single back into the mix with 216K creates and counting.

Calum Scott – Dancing On My Own

TikTok is in full MLB mode, as the two teams are dominating the baseball playoff chatter thanks to their signature anthems.

First up, the Philadelphia Phillies are putting up a good fight against the Diamondbacks thanks to their inspiring anthem, Calum Scott’s cover of the Robyn hit “Dancing On My Own.”

Creed – Higher

Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers are taking us back to Y2K and inspiring a Creed reunion after claiming the 1999 track “Higher” as their team anthem. Rangers pitcher Andrew Heaney mentioned in a radio interview that the team has escaped a season slump by “having fun and playing Creed before games. It even inspired a stadium-wide singalong.

Empire Of The Sun – We Are The People

While Y2K has dominated the TikTok music landscape, the mid-2000s are ready for their moment, kicking it off with Empire Of The Sun’s timeless hit “We Are The People” from 2008. There’s no specific trend, just a generation of people discovering the instant earworm quality from an album stuffed full of hits.

October 6

The Cranberries – Zombie

In 1994, The Cranberries released one of its biggest hits in “Zombie,” a protest song against the then-ongoing Troubles in Northern Ireland. The song was written following the death of two children injured by IRA bombs and captured the anguish and anger of the time. It has gone on to be one of the band’s defining songs and is still having an impact around the world now. It has recently been experiencing a resurgence on TikTok, as part of a trend using an underground stranger filter, soundtracking Peaky Blinders clips, and via its usage as the Ireland Rugby World Cup anthem.

Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like It’s Hot

Produced by the Neptunes, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” gave both Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams their first No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track stayed in the top spot for three weeks and later earned two Grammy nominations in 2005 for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Now, it’s being imagined by a new generation, with one TikTok creator in the Philippines making it trend on the app thanks to their varied remixes of it.

Ingrid Michaelson – You And I

“You And I” appeared on Ingrid Michaelson’s 2008 compilation album Be OK and has since gone on to become one of her most popular releases. The track saw her team up with Dan Romer to share a sweet tale of unity with a loved one. The track is trending on TikTok following friends sharing their unique wedding tradition on the platform.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll A-Trak Remix

“Heads Will Roll” served as the second single from Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ third album It’s Blitz! In 2009. The track took the band into new electronic territory, its synth-pop foundations taking it straight to the dancefloor. Following the original song’s release, Canadian DJ A-Trak remixed it for the film Project X, amplifying its club-ready energy. Now, fans are celebrating the remix on TikTok.

September 29

No Doubt – Just A Girl

As No Doubt prepared to release its third studio album, Tragic Kingdom, it previewed the record with its lead single, “Just A Girl.” Written by Gwen Stefani about growing up as a woman with strict parents, it marked the first time the singer had completed a song without collaborating with her brother. The feminist sentiment of the song struck a chord with fans, sending the track to the Top 10 of the charts in Australia, the UK, Norway, and more. The song has experienced a resurgence on TikTok as it is used in a new POV trend where users share things they do as a girl.

Katy Perry – Harleys In Hawaii

In 2019, Katy Perry returned with a standalone single “Harleys In Hawaii.” The track found the pop star pulling from a palette of reggae, trap and tropical pop as she shared her emotions while riding motorbikes in Hawaii with a lover. The track is trending on TikTok as fans revisit it, lamenting the world for “moving on way too fast.”

Mary J. Blige – Family Affair

Mary J. Blige scored her first and only Billboard Hot 100 No.1 single in 2001 when she released “Family Affair.” The track, which was produced by Dr. Dre, has gone on to consistently be regarded as one of the best of the 2000s. Now, it has become the center of a new trend on TikTok where users dance with a virtual figure.

Niall Horan – This Town

Shortly after One Direction went on hiatus, Niall Horan released his debut solo single, “This Town.” It saw the Irish singer step out with a new artistic identity, mining acoustic guitar pop and sentimental storytelling, and earned him a Top 10 hit in the UK. As the seven-year anniversary of the song approaches, fans have been celebrating it on TikTok.

The Police – Every Breath You Take

“Every Breath You Take” has become one of The Police’s defining songs since it was first released in 1983, when it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. It went on to win two Grammys – Song Of The Year and Best Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals – as well as the Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. Fans have been trending the song online, sharing how it makes them feel in TikTok videos.

September 23

Frank Ocean – Pink Matter

Taken from Frank Ocean’s acclaimed debut album Channel Orange, “Pink Matter” tackles the topic of pleasure in relation to women. “Sensei replied, ‘What is your woman?/Is she just a container for the child?’/That soft pink matter,” the star sings in the first verse of the slow-paced jam, which also features a guest appearance from André 3000. Fans on TikTok have been sharing their love for the track, particularly the moment Ocean cries: “My god, giving me pleasure.”

Nelly – Dilemma (ft. Kelly Rowland)

In 2002, Nelly and Kelly Rowland teamed up for a superstar collaboration that would become a classic pop song of the era. “Dilemma” sampled Patti LaBelle’s “Love, Need and Want You” and captured the feeling of falling in love with someone – despite them already being in a relationship. TikTok users have been celebrating the track and sharing live clips of Nelly performing it for a happy couple at their wedding.

Jhené Aiko – None Of Your Concern

“None Of Your Concern” previewed Jhené Aiko’s third studio album Chilombo and took inspiration from the singer’s own relationship with Big Sean. The rapper featured on the track – alongside Ty Dolla Sign – and helped Aiko detail the process of moving on from an old relationship. The song is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as fans praise Aiko’s lyrics for their “realness.”

George Strait – Here For A Good Time

The title track from country icon George Strait’s 27th studio album, “Here For A Good Time” was a family affair for the star. He co-wrote the single – the 92nd of his career – with his son Bubba and frequent collaborator Dean Dillon and brought the motto “here for a good time, not a long time” to life. TikTok users have been using the song as the soundtrack to montages of capturing that same spirit and having a good time with friends.

Although Black Eyed Peas’ 2005 single “My Humps” sparked some controversy with its lyrics, it has gone down as a celebrated song of its era. It won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2007 and is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as fans highlight it as one of the best songs of its time.

September 15

Floetry – Say Yes

In 2003, English R&B duo Floetry shared “Say Yes,” the second single from its debut album Floetic. It was the pair’s only hit single, peaking at No.24 in the Billboard Hot 100 the same year of release and getting nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Fans on TikTok have been giving the track an online revival of late, sharing how relaxed and soothed the serene song makes them feel.

Lil Yachty – Flex Up

On his 2020 track “Flex Up,” Lil Yachty and collaborators Playboi Carti and Future do exactly what the song’s title suggests and flex their lifestyles. “Six speeds, Bentleys, APs, that s__t light/Two-piece, FNs, red dots, chop your height,” he raps in his verse. The track is at the centre of a new dance trend on TikTok that sees users on the app teaming up with a friend to bust some moves to the song.

Ashanti – Foolish

With “Foolish,” her 2002 debut single, Ashanti gave herself a big introduction. The track spent 10 consecutive weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the Top 10 in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It earned nods at the 2003 Grammys for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and was named one of the best songs of the 2000s by Billboard. Its legacy still lives on, with TikTok users sharing the impact specific parts of the song have on them.

September 8

Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville

In 1977, Jimmy Buffett released his single “Margaritaville,” which would go on to be his defining song. It peaked at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and, at the end of that year, ranked at No.14 on its Pop Singles of 1977 chart. The track went on to be a reference throughout Buffett’s career and pop culture at large, lending its name to his Meet Me In Margaritaville: The Ultimate Collection compilation album, the 2017 musical Escape To Margaritaville, and many commercial ventures, including his restaurant chain of the same name. After the sad death of Buffett, the track has been trending online as fans share their fond memories of the icon.

Smash Mouth – All Star

Taken from Smash Mouth’s second studio album Astro Land, “All Star” achieved acclaim and success upon its release in 1999. It was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the Grammys and hit the top of the charts around the world. Two years later, it featured on the soundtrack for Shrek, launching it to stratospheric status. Following Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell’s tragic death, fans have been paying their respects online, sharing their love for the track.

Rihanna – If It’s Lovin’ That You Want

“If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” appeared on Rihanna’s debut album, Music of the Sun, in 2005 and found the then-rising star sharing a message to potential suitors. “[It’s] basically telling a guy, ‘If it’s lovin’ that you want, you should make me your girl because I’ve got what you need,” she told MTV at the time. The song has been experiencing a resurgence as fans recreate some body-rolling choreography on TikTok – or, in the case of Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg, put their own spin on it.

September 1

Rae Sremmurd – Throw Sum Mo

When Rae Sremmurd was still a fledgling rap duo, they scored big with their third single from debut record SremmLife. “Throw Sum Mo” boasted appearances from Nicki Minaj and Young Thug – and it performed fittingly well. The track peaked in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, laying more solid foundations for a glorious career to come. Nearly a decade since its release, fans on TikTok are sharing it again, recommending it to those who have yet to hear it.

Rihanna – Breakin’ Dishes

“Breakin’ Dishes” might not have been an official single from Good Girl Gone Bad, but it still managed to impact the charts. The track, which found Rihanna fronting up to her partner about their cheating, soared to No.4 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs. Fans on TikTok have been using the song to soundtrack edits of movies like Jessica Alba’s Honey.

Migos – Need It

Migos’ 2020 single “Need It” found the rap trio teaming up with YoungBoy Never Broke Again and served as the lead single for the group’s fourth album, Culture III. On the track, it sampled 50 Cent’s “Get In My Car” and detailed the lifestyles the four artists led and their lengths to protect themselves. The track is now being used as the soundtrack for a POV trend on TikTok.

Limp Bizkit – Behind Blue Eyes

In 2003, Limp Bizkit covered The Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes,” putting their own rap-rock spin on the 1971 single. Its version featured a new verse, an extra chorus, and extra flourishes and embellishments. It went on to achieve huge success worldwide, particularly in Europe. TikTok users have been helping the song to trend on the app by sharing videos based on how hearing the song makes them feel.

The La’s – There She Goes

Considered one of the greatest indie songs of all time, The La’s‘ “There She Goes” was originally released in 1988 before being re-issued in 1990 to huge success. It placed at No.13 on the UK’s Official Singles Chart and has, in decades since, been hailed by the likes of Noel Gallagher, Eric Clapton, and Ben Gibbard. The song has been reaching a new audience on TikTok, with fans sharing their own covers of the track.

August 25

Corinne Bailey Rae – Put Your Records On

In 2006, Corinne Bailey Rae released “Put Your Records On” as the second single from her self-titled debut album. It went on to huge success, peaking at No.2 on the Official UK Singles Chart. It also was nominated for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year at the Grammys the following year. Users on TikTok have been celebrating the song on the platform by posting their own versions and Rae’s live performances of it.

Taylor Swift – Cruel Summer

When Taylor Swift’s Lover was originally released in 2019, one of its standout tracks, “Cruel Summer,” was not put out as a single. In the years since, fans have campaigned for it to be given its flowers, finally succeeding in 2023. With the track making an appearance at Swift’s Eras tour, fans have been sharing live videos of it on TikTok, helping boost its resurgence further.

Chrisette Michele – Epiphany (I’m Leaving)

The first track to be taken from Chrisette Michele’s second album, “Epiphany (I’m Leaving)” gave the singer her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track detailed Michele’s experiences in different relationships in her life, sharing lessons learned along the way. A new dance trend set to the song is sweeping TikTok, with fans twerking in videos shared on the app.

Sir Mix-A-Lot – Bark Like You Want It

“Woof, bark like you want it, woof, bark like you want it, baby,” Sir Mix-a-Lot commands on “Bark Like You Want It,” a track taken from his penultimate album, Return Of The Bumpasaurus. TikTok users are now sharing videos of themselves lip-syncing to the song.

Keyshia Cole – Love

In 2005, Keyshia Cole released the single “Love” from her debut album, The Way It Is. It became the most successful track on the record, peaking at No.19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Fans on TikTok have been sharing clips of Cole performing the song at recent concerts nearly two decades later, helping it trend on the app.

August 18

Big Sean – I Don’t F__k With You

Big Sean’s 2014 single “I Don’t F__k With You” interpolates two songs from the 70s in its framework – D.J. Rogers’ “Say You Love Me One More Time” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” It also saw the rapper team up with E-40 and Top 20 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in the process. Nearly a decade after its release, the song is now at the center of a trend, which sees users on TikTok lip-syncing to the track while using a filter that spins their image in a circular frame.

Chief Keef – Hate Bein’ Sober

In 2012, Chief Keef recruited 50 Cent and Wiz Khalifa for “Hate Bein’ Sober,” the follow-up to his hit single “Love Sosa.” Released as the third single from his debut album Finally Rich, the track went on to become yet another success in his arsenal, now certified double platinum in the US. TikTok users are now soundtracking a new trend with the song in which they share videos with different scenarios that would make their morning or night good.

Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman

The title track from Ariana Grande’s 2016 album, “Dangerous Woman” saw the star work with songwriters Johan Carson, Ross Golan, and super-producer Max Martin. Already no stranger to massive hits, it added another to her catalog, entering the upper echelons of the charts in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. The song is central to a new trend on TikTok that sees fans sharing pictures from their childhood juxtapositioned with a photo of their “glow up” later in life.

August 11

Luke Bryan – Move

In 2016, country star Luke Bryan penned “Move,” a song about a woman moving to the American South and becoming more attractive to the narrator thanks to adopting Southern ways. As well as making a big impact on the country scene, it also scored some crossover success in the mainstream, landing at No.50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fans on TikTok are now sharing videos that combine both a dance trend and a transition that sees them switch outfits.

Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It

“This Is How We Do It” served as the lead single to singer-songwriter Montell Jordan’s debut album of the same name in 1995. It featured a sample from Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story” and took on the world – taking over the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 spot from Madonna and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Users on TikTok are now sharing funny videos set to the track detailing relatable parts of daily life.

Frank and Nancy Sinatra – Somethin’ Stupid

Although originally recorded by C. Carson Parks and his wife Gaile Foote in 1966, the most famous version of “Somethin’ Stupid” arrived a year later courtesy of Frank and Nancy Sinatra. The song has since become a staple of pop culture, appearing in movies and TV shows from Joy to Breaking Bad, The Simpsons to Gilmore Girls. Users on TikTok have been sharing their own covers of the song in tribute to the classic.

Enigma – Sadeness

In 1990, German outfit Enigma explored the “sexual desires of Marquis de Sade” and scored a huge hit in its home country. The track made it to the top of the German charts faster than any other song in history at the time, thanks to radio play and its success in clubs. Its usual mix of electronics and Gregorian chants has inspired TikTok users to share their reactions to it in videos on the app.

August 4

The Cardigans – Lovefool

In 1996, Swedish band The Cardigans released one of the most iconic earworms of all time with “Lovefool.” The lead single from its third album, First Band On The Moon, the track had a slow-burn to hit status, propelled by its feature on the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Nearly three decades later, the song is still finding popularity with new audiences and is having a resurgence on TikTok as users make it the soundtrack of a new trend that shows what they’re listening to as they play video games.<

Tame Impala – Let It Happen

For its third album, Currents, Tame Impala returned with a lead single that clocked in at nearly eight minutes. “Let It Happen” introduced the 2015 record in an epic expanse of laser-like synths and infectious beats, while its lyrics dealt with themes of personal transition. Fans on TikTok are using the track as a way to express how they dance like no one’s watching.

Dazz Band – Let It Whip

Released in 1982, “Let It Whip” gave the Ohio R&B and funk outfit Dazz Band its biggest hit. The track topped the US R&B chart for five non-consecutive weeks and peaked at No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also went on to win a Grammy that same year for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Now, it’s become the center of a new trend on TikTok, which sees users perform majorette dance moves to the song.

July 28

Spiderbait – Black Betty

In 2004, Australian alt-rock trio Spiderbait covered Lead Belly’s 1939 work song “Black Betty,” following in the footsteps of US rockers Ram Jam to give the track their own spin. Released as the lead single from its sixth studio album, Tonight Alright, Spiderbait’s take became a hit worldwide, but particularly in the band’s home country, where it topped the charts and is now certified double platinum. Users on TikTok are now using the song to soundtrack videos of them racing through the streets for different reasons.

Ariana Grande – Everyday

In 2016, Ariana Grande teamed up with Future on her Dangerous Woman single “Everyday.” Although it presented more explicit topics than the star had previously touched on before then, the track soared to the Top 20 of the Billboard Mainstream Top 40. Now, fans are using it to soundtrack a variety of videos, from cute clips with their partners to videos of favorite K-pop idols.

Justin Bieber – Beauty And A Beat

The third single from Justin Bieber’s 2012 album Believe, “Beauty And A Beat” found the pop icon teaming up with Nicki Minaj as he sang about taking a lover to the club. It peaked at No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been certified quadruple platinum in the US. The song is central to a “body rock trend” on TikTok, in which users dance to a sped-up version of the track.

July 21

Ne-Yo – Because Of You

Released in 2007, “Because Of You” went on to become US singer-songwriter Ne-Yo’s second most successful song, bested only by “So Sick.” It was produced by Stargate and became a hit around the world, entering the Top 10 in Ireland, Japan, and the UK, while peaking at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track is now experiencing a resurgence thanks to a viral video on TikTok, which sees the song edited into a clip of a man trying to break a car window.

Playboi Carti – Magnolia

Taken from Playboi Carti’s self-titled debut commercial mixtape, “Magnolia” sampled The Jamie Foxx Show, while the video featured cameos from the song’s producer Pi’erre Bourne and A$AP Rocky, the A$AP Mob, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and many more. Fans on TikTok are now using the track as the soundtrack for a variety of funny videos.

Akon – Right Now (Na Na Na)

The lead single from Akon’s third album Freedom, “Right Now (Na Na Na)” gave the singer yet another hit. It reached No.6 in the UK while, in the US, it peaked at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100. TikTok users have helped the track trend again by sharing videos celebrating its lyrics.

July 14

Jessie J – Price Tag

Only the second single from Jessie J’s debut album Who You Are, “Price Tag” already cemented the British singer-songwriter as a formidable force. The track went straight to No.1 on the UK Singles Chart, while it also made a huge dent in the Billboard Hot 100 at No.23. Featuring US rapper B.o.B, the infectious song went on to be the best-selling collaboration of 2011 in the UK. Over a decade since its release, it’s still having an impact online, with TikTok users putting a sped-up version of it at the center of a new dance trend.

Katy Perry – Firework

In 2010, Katy Perry harnessed the upbeat genre of dance-pop to craft a new self-empowerment anthem – one that would have the world exploding in declarations of being a firework. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the Top Five in 20 charts around the world, and has since been certified a massive 12-times platinum by the RIAA. The song is now trending on TikTok following a July 4 surge for the song.

Drake – Passionfruit

Taken from Drake‘s 2017 mixtape More Life, “Passionfruit” boasted an unlikely Hollywood A-list addition, with Zoë Kravitz providing additional vocals for the track. A Top 10 hit in the UK, US, Canada, and more, the track’s mix of tropical house, R&B, pop, and dancehall proved contagious upon release, with a wealth of artists covering the song in the time since, including Paramore, John Mayer, and Mabel. Fans on TikTok have been sharing how the song makes them feel.

Black Eyed Peas – My Humps

The third single from Black Eyed Peas’ 2005 album Monkey Business, “My Humps” found Fergie singing and rapping about using her natural assets to get ahead. The track stirred some controversy over its subject matter but went on to win the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 2007 Grammys. The track is being used in videos across TikTok, including users remembering one The X Factor contestant performing the song while dressed as Mary Poppins.

Rob Zombie – Dragula

Rob Zombie’s signature solo song, “Dragula,” was based on the drag racer DRAG-U-LA from The Munsters and samples a piece of Christopher Lee’s dialogue from the 1960 movie The City Of The Dead. The song is trending on TikTok as users play it over a scene from Matilda, pulling together an unlikely combination that somehow works.

James Bay – Let It Go

In 2014, when James Bay was still a rising star, the English singer-songwriter released “Let It Go.” It was later re-released as part of his debut album Chaos And The Calm a year later, giving it the exposure it deserved and sending it into the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart. Users on TikTok have been sharing their own versions of the heartfelt song on the app.

July 7

Juvenile – Back That Azz Up

Juvenile’s 1999 single “Back That Azz Up” – his biggest hit until 2004 – has had a long-lasting impact on pop culture. The Lil Wayne-featuring track featured the lyric “drop it like it’s hot,” which was later re-popularized by Snoop Dogg, while Weezy repeated his verse from it on 50 Cent’s “Lollipop” and Drake sampled the track on his 2011 song “Practice.” Thanks to Juvenile’s recent appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk – during which he performed an orchestral version of the hit – “Back That Azz Up” is now experiencing a resurgence alongside other tracks like “Slow Motion” and “Bounce Back.”

Tears For Fears – Head Over Heels

The fourth single from Tears For Fears’ second album, Songs from the Big Chair, “Head Over Heels” gave the duo its eighth Top 40 hit in the UK, peaking at No.12. In the US, meanwhile, the searching love song fared even better, landing at No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Decades after its original release, the track is trending on TikTok as part of a trend where users explain the things that make them fall head over heels.

June 30

Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face

When Billy Idol released “Eyes Without A Face” in 1983, it followed the more upbeat “Rebel Yell” in previewing his second album. Softer, sparser, and dreamier, the new track took its inspiration from the 1960 French film Les Yeux sans Visage and detailed a relationship on the rocks. It became a hit for the rock star, peaking at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing him his first Top 10 track in the US. Forty years later, the song is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as users soundtrack a new trend with it, in which they share videos of how they think they look in certain situations, only to then show the comical reality.

Mariah Carey – Touch My Body

The lead single from her 2008 album E=MC², “Touch My Body” made history for Mariah Carey. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 – not an unusual feat for the star – giving the singer her 18th No.1 and making her the solo artist with the most No.1 singles in US chart history. The song’s impact is still being felt, not least on TikTok, where it is part of a new dance trend.

The All-American Rejects – Swing Swing

In 2002, The All-American Rejects struck gold with its debut single “Swing Swing.” The first taste of its self-titled debut album, the track surged into the Top 10 of the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and scored success with a Top 20 finish on the Official UK Singles Chart. Decades later, the song is trending on TikTok, with users on the app soundtracking videos of a little girl dancing that are captioned with different funny or relatable situations.

Clairo – 4Ever

Taken from her 2018 EP diary 001, “4ever” was written the night before a big change in Clairo’s life – ahead of her moving away to college. Capturing the confusion of starting a new chapter in your life, the song won praise for its coming-of-age story. With the singer-songwriter currently on tour, the track has been trending on TikTok as users share live performances of the song on the app.

Creed – Higher

The lead single from Creed’s second album Human Clay, “Higher” became the band’s first song to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would go on to spend a whopping 57 weeks on the chart – the longest for any Creed track – and was certified gold by the RIAA. Its influence continues to show itself as the song trends on TikTok, with it appearing in funny videos of cats flying via the power of a filter.

June 23

Ne-Yo – Closer

Ne-Yo’s “Closer” was originally released on his 2008 album Year of the Gentleman, and the Stargate-produced track immediately made its presence felt on the Billboard charts, peaking at No.7. Now, the song has found renewed interest thanks to TikTok. Though there isn’t one uniting theme among the many creators, some users, like @sagethomass, jam out to the cut, lamenting that music like this isn’t made any more.

Mariah Carey – Touch My Body

Mariah Carey’s iconic “Touch My Body” emerged as a hit and was propelled by an excellent music video co-starring Jack McBrayer from 30 Rock when it was first released in 2008 as a part of her album E=MC² . Now, the track has become a viral sensation thanks to a TikTok dance trend in which creators showcase some seductive and sultry moves.

Gwen Stefani – What Are You Waiting For?

Gwen Stefani is making waves across the music industry with her new single, “True Babe,” but one of her older hits is causing quite a storm as well. Her pop-rap anthem “What You Waiting For?” from her debut album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. signaled that the No Doubt frontwoman would have a sterling solo career. Two decades later, the track has been reinvigorated thanks to a trend in which creators use emojis to recreate the song lyrics, “Look at your watch now/ You’re still a super hot female.”

Lil Wayne and Ty Dolla $ign – Scared of the Dark

Lil Wayne and Ty Dolla $ign’s 2018 collaboration “Scared of the Dark” was an integral part of the Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse soundtrack, and thanks to the success of the new Spider-Man film and soundtrack, the song is getting a much-deserved resurgence across social channels. Wayne sums up the song’s philosophy during his first verse when he raps, “Tunechi/ I ain’t never scared and I ain’t never horrified/ I just look down at my Rolex, it said it’s the darkest times.”

June 16

Jhené Aiko – Promises

Taken from Jhené Aiko’s 2014 debut album Souled Out, “Promises” was a family affair. The song featured vocals from not just the R&B star herself but her late brother Miyagi and her daughter Namiko. The track itself was dedicated to both of her relatives, with Aiko promising them that she’ll “be alright.” Fans on TikTok have been using the song to soundtrack manifestation videos or clips reassuring themselves of Aiko’s message.

Nicki Minaj – Black Barbies

On “Black Barbies,” Nicki Minaj took Rae Sremmurd and Gucci Mane’s “Black Beatles” and flipped it to be about herself, taking down her competitors and gassing herself up in the new lyrics. The track is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as it soundtracks a new trend based around a Barbie transformation filter.

Post Malone and Swae Lee – Sunflower

In 2018, Post Malone and Swae Lee teamed up to work on the soundtrack of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, coming up with the mega-hit “Sunflower.” It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is now the highest-certified song ever by the RIAA, with 18 times platinum status in the US. With the release of the Spider-Man sequel Across The Spider-Verse and Post Malone and Swae Lee performing the song on Post’s recent tour, the song is now trending on TikTok with edits and live performances.

Justin Bieber – Company