1.12.2022
TikTok Treats, Week of January 10th
Encanto Takes Over the Charts, Classic Songs by Nico and Men At Work Make Their Mark, and More From the World of Music on TikTok
The News:
Each week, the TikTok Treats newsletter gives a snapshot of the state of music on TikTok, touching on trending hits, emerging artists, superstar moves, ascendant memes, and much more. This month, as the holiday season wound down and Christmas songs began to exit the charts, TikTok’s status as a major commercial force in music reasserted itself in the Billboard charts. Trending songs can be found all over the Hot 100, including GAYLE’s “abcdefu” (#11), CKay’s “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” (#29), and Emmy Meli’s “I Am Woman” (#74). Below, check out the latest music trends that might result in the next smash hit song, including one trend that already helped a certain song to a chart milestone:
- Ever since its release over the holidays, the new Disney animated film Encanto and its Lin-Manuel Miranda-penned soundtrack has been taking over TikTok. Five different songs from the movie have trended on TikTok, most notably “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” a soft-spoken tango that has become one of the most successful Soundtrack songs in TIkTok history. With over 145k video creations and over 470 million video views, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” inspired fans to praise the representation in the film, search for hidden easter eggs, and even add their own vocals to the animated sequence (they get points for trying). Encanto’s creative team is emerging from behind the scenes, including actress Stephanie Beatriz and, @Kai_Martinez__, one of the film’s choreographers, gave fans a peek behind the scenes at the choreography for “Bruno” and some of the film’s other musical numbers. Propelled by the TikTok community, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” jumped 45 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, clocking in at #5, marking the highest placement for a Disney song since “Let It Go” from Frozen in 2014. Currently sitting at #1 on the Billboard 200, four other songs from the Encanto soundtrack are also charting on the Hot 100: “Surface Pressure” (#14, 49k video creations), “The Family Madrigal” (#62, 46k creations), “What Else Can I Do?” (#67, 19k creations), “Waiting On A Miracle” (#82, 7.3k creations), and “Dos Oruguitas” (#83, 9.3k creations).
- Another week, another star joins TikTok and makes his presence felt. Late last night, the platform marked the arrival of Mr. Solo Dolo himself, Kid Cudi. In his first video, which already has over 1.7 million video views, Cudi profanely greeted his fans on the app, goofed around with silly voices, and sang along to Haddaway’s classic “What Is Love.” Given time, there’s no doubt that Cudder will become a formidable force on the platform.
- Australian rock band Men at Work’s 80s hit, “Down Under” recently received a remix makeover by Aussie producer Luude, and creators can’t seem to get enough of it. Boasting over 81.3K platform and user-generated creations, the song connects creators across the globe as they do the Philly-originated #ShakeDat dance to singer Colin Hay’s emphatic line, “He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich/And he said, I come from a land down under.” In other recent creations, creators use the melodious flute-heavy track as background music for their painting videos, innovative exercise ideas, and documenting their days in COVID-19 isolation. Luude’s “Down Under” remix is currently charting on Australia’s ARIA pop charts and in the Top 40 of the UK’s Official Charts.
- TikTok provides a space for creators to showcase their artistic sides and clever senses of humor in equal measure. In recent weeks, a new “draw yourself” trend, soundtracked by German chanteuse Nico’s 1967 folk-pop classic “These Days,” (615.6K+ creations) has taken off on the platform. In most creations, such as in Billie Eilish’s (110 million views), as well as Rico Nasty and her adorable son’s, creators look into the camera and trace a sketch of their face on the screen as the tune’s somber string arrangement plays. In other creations, TikTok users add a touch of humor to the trend as they sketch away their third wheel blues and admit they didn’t know they were supposed to draw themselves for the trend.
- The TikTok community is, quite literally, making strides this week, as they strut their stuff to the tune of psychedelic funk musician Thundercat’s Isley Brothers-sampling “Them Changes.” After initially trending in 2020, the sound is regaining steam as creators are using a distorted video filter that makes their stride appear extra wide while they walk in different locations to the groovy track. With over 210.7K total creations, including more than 23K creations in the past week alone, the song is inspiring creations from those who enjoy taking strolls around the city, excitedly walk through the house as their dad films, and hilariously attempt to walk to the bathroom while they’re intoxicated.
- This week, Caroline Polacheck of former indie pop band Chairlift is the source of a bubbling dance trend on TikTok. Inspired by a video of her dancing to her 2019 pop song, “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings” (29.7K+ creations), the TikTok community share their own renditions of the lively dance. While many rise to the occasion by showing off their best moves and ability to balance, others share their hilarious mishaps as they try to attempt the routine. Additionally, the upbeat song soundtracks creators’ home improvement projects, book recommendations, and baking videos.
- Canadian singer-songwriter Elijah Woods built a large audience on TIkTok with his songwriting skills and cheeky sense of humor. He made the jump from bedroom TikToks to late night TV with his latest song, which takes James Corden’s romantic story about meeting his wife and turns it into a punchy banger. “Nothing Into Something” became an instant hit, racking up over 400k views and earning the attention of Corden, who demanded a full version, supported the song on Twitter, and blessed Elijah with a follow, putting him in elite company. Elijah is currently preparing to release the full song onto DSPs, but in the meantime, he’s creating songs based on romantic stories by other celebrities, and gently suggesting to his new follower James Corden that he should be the next guest on Carpool Karaoke.
Recapping a busy year of music on the platform, TikTok shared its “Year On TikTok: 2021 Music Report” in mid-December, offering data and in-depth analysis about the platform’s biggest songs and most impactful trends. View the full report here: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/year-on-tiktok-music-report-2021
Check TikTok’s newsroom for more noteworthy stories: newsroom.tiktok.com
For more info, please contact:
Michelle McDevitt, Kerry Harrison, Destiny Riley, T’Keyah Hayes, Audible Treats
Leah Linder, TikTok
The Background:
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Their mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.
TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Links:
TikTok’s Newsroom: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us
Check out previous editions of TikTok Treats, a weekly newsletter about the most interesting music happenings on TikTok:
For Your TikTok Turkey Day Soundtrack: Taylor Swift, Regina Spektor, and More
Taylor Swift Turns TikTok ‘Red,’ ‘Tis Mariah Carey’s Season, Lady Gaga Makes A Grand Arrival & More
On TikTok: U2 Closes Out #Rocktober as Kanye West and Afropop Lead New Trends
Led Zeppelin Joins TikTok, While Adele and Luke Combs Spark New Trends
Dwayne Johnson, George Michael, and Jack Stauber Inspire New TikTok Trends
On TikTok: A Bee Gees Remix, A Very Juggalo Halloween, and Some Rising Hitmakers
Rosalía, Coi Leray, and MCR Highlight the Week in TikTok Music
Balvin, Doja, and Mariah Lead a Star-Studded Week on TikTok
Sam Smith, Ciara and Breakout PinkPantheress Highlight the Week on TikTok
Lizzo Starts “Rumors,” bbno$ Eats “edamame,” and More Hip-Hop TikTok Stories
#AltTikTok, Alt-J, and All-Time Rap Classics Define Music on TikTok This Week
Cats, Babies, & Vietnamese Techno Highlight the Week in TikTok Music
On TikTok: Normani, Reba, and a Gas Station Star
The Kid Laroi Meets Bieber, Drake Runs Thru The 6, and More From TikTok
BIA Meets Nicki, Stromae Slows Down, and More TikTok Trends
On TikTok: Music Trends Inspired by Kanye, Young Nudy, and…Meryl Streep?
Avril Lavigne, Bo Burnham, and Gucci Mane Lead The Week in TikTok Trends
TikTok Summer Madness: Lorde Leads a Pack of New Trending Songs
Swae Lee, WILLOW, Mitski & More Inspire Trends on TikTok
Only On TikTok: Lil Durk & City Girls Trend Alongside…The Backyardigans?
On TikTok: BTS Army Takes Over, Carti Demands Silence, and Fans Anticipate F9
Olivia Rodrigo Catches Fire, Miguel Helps Users Catch Feelings, and More TikTok Stories
Saweetie, Calvin Harris, and Bella Poarch Highlight The Week in TikTok
Another One? DJ Khaled, Lizzo, and More Make the Week in TikTok
Doja Cat, Little Simz, and El Alfa Inspire TikTok Trends
Britney Spears, Chloe Bailey, and Diplo Make Waves on TikTok
Dua Lipa, Drake, and Bell Biv DeVoe Make Waves on TikTok
DMX Gets His Flowers, Silk Sonic Reaches #1, and More TikTok Stories
TikTok Unveils Music-Powered Filters, Lil Nas X Debuts At #1, and More TikTok Stories
Bieber Tops The Charts, Young Thug Premieres New Music, and More TikTok Stories
Demi Lovato Kicks Off TikTok’s New Livestream Series Headstream
Rock Music Thrives on TikTok, Just Ask Yungblud, Beach Bunny, and More
Shania Hops On Board, Kid Cudi Tosses and Turns, and More TikTok Stories
On TikTok: Kali Uchis and Coi Leray Hit the Charts as Bobby Shmurda Comes Home
Rihanna, Brent Faiyaz, and Giveon Lead TikTok’s R&B Moment
T-Pain, Hyperpop, and Anti-Valentine’s Anthems Take TikTok By Storm
Cardi Goes Up, Uzi Goes Down (to Sleep), and More TikTok Stories
Black History Month Kicks Off, Mark Ronson Duets, and More Music Stories From TikTok
Cardi Goes Up, Uzi Goes Down (to Sleep), and More TikTok Stories
Dave Grohl, Migos, Miley, and More Happenings on TikTok
This Week on TikTok: Olivia Rodrigo Hits #1 as Memes & Mashups Flourish
New Year, New TikTok Trends: Alicia Keys, Remembering MF DOOM & More
Paul McCartney, Holiday Celebrations, and New Year’s Eve Live on TikTok
TikTok Releases First U.S. Music Report: Here Are Some Key Insights
How TikTok’s Top 10 Songs of 2020 Impacted the Industry