What Makes a Song Go Viral: Trends, Tips, and Secrets to Success on TikTok

In today’s world, music doesn’t just stop at the ears - it goes straight to the heart, the dance floor, and yes, even TikTok feeds. Viral songs dominate social media, become the backdrop to our lives, and turn unknown artists into overnight sensations.

But what’s the secret sauce? How do some tracks explode while others stay in the shadows? Let’s explore the trends and learn about tips and tricks that explain what makes a song go viral, turning music from "meh" to "must-share."

The Viral Sounds of 2024: A Global Recap

The year 2024 was a wild ride for music. Songs didn’t just entertain - they sparked movements, fueled dance-offs, and redefined careers. TikTok solidified its role as a music powerhouse, with 13 of the 16 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 songs in 2024 linked to major trends on the platform. The top 10 songs globally on TikTok generated over 200 million video creations and more than 8 billion streams on Spotify, underscoring TikTok’s huge impact on music virality.

But TikTok wasn’t the only player. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts offered creators additional avenues to showcase their music, while Spotify’s Viral 50 playlist bridged short-form video virality with sustained streaming success.

Creators on these platforms all raised the same question: what makes a song go viral? Is it the catchiness of the beat, the power of a dance challenge, or the emotional connection it creates? In 2024, the answer was often “all of the above.”

Before diving deep into trends in viral music, check out our blog on 5 Game-Changing Trends Creators Can’t Ignore in 2025 - it’s a good starting point for creating a good virality strategy.

Trends in Viral Music

Here are the top 5 trends in viral music these days. If you look at any viral sound, it has at least one of the aspects listed here:

Genre Powerhouses

Some genres were born to go viral:

• Pop: Catchy, repetitive lyrics for endless lip-syncs.
• Hip-Hop: Beats that spark choreography challenges.
• Electronic: High-energy tracks for dramatic video edits.

People love feeling good, energetic, and upbeat. We bet it'll reach even more people if you serve them high-quality content with a perfectly matched, fire soundtrack.

Even though the example below falls within the country music genre, it was incredibly well done - upbeat, energetic, and playful. It earned the creator numerous sponsorships, Spotify streams, and the opportunity to share a country masterpiece with the world!

Here is an example of electronic music: so powerful, and it makes us wish it’s summer and we were on the beach - this is what a viral song is all about!

Pro Tip: Blend genres or add modern twists to stand out. Tools like FL Studio or Ableton Live are your best friends here.

Emotional Bangers

Music has the ability to evoke some serious emotions, and tracks like 'Ceilings' by Lizzy McAlpine prove it: vulnerability wins. Listeners didn’t just stream this song; some shared their stories with 'Ceilings' playing in the background, while others took the trend to new creative heights, making it uniquely theirs and showcasing its emotional pull.

What You Can Do: Write lyrics that tap into universal feelings like heartbreak or joy. Collaborate with storytellers to really highlight that emotional pull because this is exactly what makes a song go viral.

Dance and Meme Gold

Remember "Kill Bill" by SZA or "If We Ever Broke Up" by Mae Stephens? These tracks weren’t just songs - they were moments. Everyone wanted to dance or laugh along.

What You Can Do: Partner with choreographers or comedians to create original content around your track. Viral moments need that spark.

Simplicity Is Key

Simple, relatable lyrics are like gold dust. Miley Cyrus’s "Flowers" nailed this with its empowering, feel-good vibes. Even though Miley’s song went viral because, well, she’s Miley, you can still leverage that. Create covers, remixes, or, even better, your own versions—and do them well. Your sound (and video) might just go viral!

Social Movements Drive Impact

Music gets extra power when it aligns with a cause. Take "Labour" by Paris Paloma - it became an anthem for women’s empowerment on TikTok, with users sharing personal stories and rallying around its message. The creation of this song was not just about TikTok music promotion or making a viral song; it was about giving the world something honest and raw.

What You Can Do: Think about the emotions and stories your song evokes. If it connects to a cultural moment, you’ve got a ticket to viral success. You should be careful that if you’re sharing your POV on a certain social movement, you research the topic and understand it.

Tricks to Boost Music Virality

Collaborate Smart

Micro-influencers are the unsung heroes of virality. They’re often more affordable than bigger influencers and have insanely engaged audiences.

Actionable Tip: Platforms like AspireIQ make connecting with influencers in your niche easily.

Ride the Trend Wave

Hashtags are your lifeline to visibility. Find what’s trending and tie your music to it.

What to Do: Use BuzzSumo or Hashtagify to track real-time trends and uncover the best trending TikTok hashtags for your music. Get creative and make your own challenge if none fit your vibe.

Loops and Hooks

Short-form videos thrive on loops. Your track’s hook should stick in people’s heads like glue.

How: Test your track’s "earworm" section with small audiences before releasing it widely. Test it as part of your TikTok music promotion strategy - it is the only way you’ll know if it will stick or flop.

Nostalgia Sells

Nostalgia has a unique way of connecting with listeners by evoking emotions tied to nice memories. Whether it’s a melody that reminds us of the ‘90s or a beat that nods to disco-era grooves, reimagining the past can create powerful, shareable moments. Tracks like "Cupid" by Fifty Fifty bring nostalgic vibes into modern production, making them irresistible to TikTok creators and audiences alike.

Quick Tip: Dig into Spotify’s algorithmic playlists for inspiration on blending old and new, and consider how nostalgic remixes could play into your TikTok music promotion plan.

Toolkit for Creating Viral Music

Nothing would be possible without a solid toolkit! These platforms and tools will not only save you time but also give you the edge to stay ahead of the game. Here’s how each can help:

• ProTunes One: Our AI music search bar should become your one-stop shop for discovering tracks that fit your vibe and sparking inspiration for your own music.
• FL Studio/Ableton Live: Industry-standard software for creating and perfecting tracks. From killer beats to polished production, these tools let you experiment and refine until you’ve got the perfect sound.
• Collabstr/IZEA: Use these platforms to connect with influencers and creators who can amplify your track’s reach.
• Social Blade/TikTok Pro: With these analytics tools, stay on top of your performance metrics. They help you see what’s working, what’s not, and where to tweak your strategy for maximum impact.
• BuzzSumo/Hashtagify: Trending TikTok hashtags are the lifeblood of visibility. These tools help you find what’s hot so you can tie your music to ongoing conversations and challenges.

Although you can make music go viral without tools, it’s certainly easier with a little help!

What’s Next?

Of all the information shared today, this one is the most important - making a viral track isn’t magic - it’s strategy. Understand the trends, lean into storytelling, know how to edit your video and connect with your audience authentically. Whether it’s sparking a dance challenge with your twist or crafting lyrics that resonate, understanding what makes a song go viral could be the key to your next big hit.

 So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make it happen!