The influence of social media platforms like TikTok and Triller on the music industry has never been stronger. Songs that were released years ago can resurface, sparking viral challenges and generating millions of new streams. Doja Cat’s 2019 hit “Streets” is a prime example: thanks to the TikTok Silhouette Challenge, the song has made a remarkable comeback, climbing several Billboard charts. Now, RCA Records is riding the wave by sending “Streets” to Hip Hop and R&B radio stations for airplay.
‘Streets’ Reignites on the Charts
With the Silhouette Challenge’s popularity, “Streets” quickly gained traction, entering the Top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. According to MRC Data, it saw 18.7 million U.S. streams—all without radio airplay. The song’s organic popularity on social media propelled it to No. 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs and R&B Streaming Songs charts, sitting just behind SZA’s “Good Days.”
Cardi B’s Response to Critics
The trend of creating music with TikTok appeal has led to both praise and criticism. Cardi B recently faced backlash, with some claiming she was crafting songs just to go viral. In particular, her single “Up” was called out for seeming tailored to fit TikTok dance challenges. Cardi quickly shut down the criticism, explaining that choreography has always been part of her music videos and performances—not just a strategy for TikTok.
“Don’t try to play me like I just started this [because of] TikTok,” she wrote. “My last 4 videos I gave choreography & at award shows as well. ‘Please Me,’ ‘Press,’ ‘WAP,’ and ‘Up’ were my last videos.” Cardi also clarified that while fans created the WAP Challenge, she didn’t even know the dance herself, and she emphasized that fans naturally want to dance to certain tracks, not just because artists are “trying” to make them go viral.
The TikTok Effect on Music Careers
Many artists have experienced the “TikTok effect,” with tracks like Erica Banks’ “Buss It” gaining massive popularity through the Buss It Challenge. This viral phenomenon helped her song debut on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured her first No. 1 on the Triller charts. Similarly, Pop Smoke’s singles “What You Know Bout Love” and “Mood Swings” were given new life through TikTok trends, keeping his music on the charts even after his passing.
The current landscape shows that TikTok and other platforms aren’t just supporting artists but creating major opportunities for old and new songs alike to reach broader audiences, reshape careers, and make lasting impacts.
