1.26.2021
TikTok Treats, Week of January 24th
Muni Long Inspires Creators’ Desires for a Time Machine, The Pace Sisters Remind You What Should Know, and Frank Ocean Inspires New Trends
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. From Merengue to English indie pop, check out the tracks and trends that are making waves on TikTok this week:
- The TikTok community appreciates feel-good songs just as much as the moments that they soundtrack. This week, Frank Ocean’s 2012 song “Lost” inspires creators to share what makes them feel good. Garnering over 204.1k+ creations, TikTok users try their hand at a footwork dance dreamt up by creator @flydaddynick. While many creators effortlessly nail the shuffle in heels, others record their attempts of trying to get right. In other creations, TikTok users reveal what makes them happy, including small gestures such as getting their daily iced coffee, enjoying a Friday night in, or being happily single on Valentine’s Day.
- Singer-songwriter Muni Long, who recently took TikTok by storm with her sultry “Hrs & Hrs” (300K+ creations) R&B hit, has a new trend on the rise with her smooth “Time Machine.” The TikTok community is taking to the melodic track as they comedically express how they wish they had a time machine to revisit or redo specific situations and times in their lives. “Time Machine” (21.3K+ creations) is sparking creations from TikTok users who are reminiscing on tasty meals, wishing their motivation kicked in earlier than 3 AM, and missing the days of being an only child. Muni Long is engaging with fans of the song on her own account, even posting some of her favorite creations using the sound. She’s also joined in on the fun of the trend, joking about how she regrets wearing heavy earrings on a night out and admitting she may have embellished her cooking skills on her “Hrs & Hrs” ballad.
- Canadian DJ REZZ is inspiring creators to show off their best video-making skills with her 2016 song, “Edge” (745k+ creations). TikTok users repurpose the track’s eerie beats for an unconventional trend by creator @therealsamhainknights, who sporadically moves his phone to the beat as he records. Some creators participate in the trend with their babies, while others hilariously reenact how pet parents take photos of their furry companions and share POV videos of themselves trying to give water to a tipsy friend. REZZ reacted to the trend, crediting the creator for making the funny challenge.
- Latin music is continuing its ascension on TikTok, with Colombian artist Ryan Castro’s Spanish-language “Mujeriego” leading the way this week. Though Castro sings of his charm and expertise with the ladies on the upbeat, high-energy track, TikTok users are embracing the song for a variety of video creations. From upper body gym days and DIY hair dyeing to appreciating Bad Bunny’s versatility in looks, “Mujeriego” is soundtracking it all. Adding himself to the 449K+ creations under the sound, Ryan Castro is using his own song to call for everyone on TikTok to show off their Merengue skills.
- When it comes to music genres taking off on the app, the TikTok community constantly teaches us to expect the unexpected. Gospel has been having an unexpected major moment on TikTok in recent weeks, sparked by a 1996 live performance of “Act Like You Know” by LaShun Pace of the legendary gospel group The Anointed Pace Sisters. A clip of the live performance, uploaded by TikTok user @zaqrihh, features the gospel singer displaying her vocal prowess along with her sisters and her mother. The user-generated sound (216.3K+ creations) kicked off a lighthearted, humorous trend that sees TikTok creators playing on questions and possibilities that they believe should be obvious. The repetition of the phrase “act like you know” is perfect for when the waiter should already know you want the rolls at Texas Roadhouse, when everyone should know your zodiac sign, and when your significant other should know your Starbucks order. Some of the Pace family even participated in the trend, letting everyone know they’re the originators.
- The TikTok community is always finding new ways to contextualize throwback hits. Breathing new life into English pop duo The Ting Tings’ 2008 hit “That’s Not My Name,” creators reveal their nicknames given to them by others. Boasting over 486k+ creations, the catchy track finds TikTok users sharing the funny nicknames they gave their dog, listing every nickname they’ve had over the years, and revealing what they call their significant other. In other creations, TikTok users make it clear how to spell their name correctly, using the emphatic line, “That’s not my name.” Drew Barrymore even joined in on the trend, reflecting on the iconic roles she’s played throughout her acting career.
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:
“Pushin P,” Papa Roach, “Pompeii” and More Music Trends from TikTok
We Need to Talk About “Bruno,” And Other TikTok Music Trends
TikTok Rings In The New Year with Bad Bunny, Drill Remixes, and R&B Hits
Christmas Songs, Squid Game Remixes, and More TikTok Music Stories
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