September 5, 2025
How New Artists Rise to Fame on TikTok
September 5, 2025
How New Artists Rise to Fame on TikTok
Discover how new artists use TikTok to go viral, build fanbases, and transform music careers with trends, short videos, and viral sounds.
TikTok’s Role in Modern Music Discovery
TikTok thrives on music. The app’s algorithm pushes content based on engagement rather than follower counts, which means even an unknown artist can go viral overnight. What makes TikTok unique is its “sound-first culture.” Unlike other platforms where visuals dominate, TikTok often prioritizes audio.
When a user uploads a video, the sound attached can be reused by thousands of other creators. If that sound happens to be a snippet of an unreleased track, the artist instantly gains free promotion as the sound spreads across the platform. For newcomers, this means exposure at a scale that once required huge marketing budgets.
TikTok also reshapes the way people consume music. Instead of listening to full tracks, users often fall in love with the most memorable 15-second portion of a song. This creates micro-moments of virality where even small clips can turn into global hits.
The Trend Machine: How TikTok Makes Songs Go Viral
One of TikTok’s strongest cultural forces is trends. These can be dances, memes, lip-syncs, or challenges built around a song. The formula is simple: if creators like the beat, they’ll use it in their videos.
Dance challenges: A catchy dance can push a song to mainstream charts. Think of tracks like “Savage Love” or “Renegade” which exploded because of user-generated dance trends.
Genres that thrive: Hip-hop, rap, and pop dominate because they’re rhythmic, upbeat, and easy to clip into bite-sized hooks.
Recycling old hits: TikTok doesn’t just promote new music. It has resurrected classics, bringing older songs back into the charts through nostalgic trends.
For newcomers, the key is timing and creativity. Posting a snippet that creators can latch onto—whether through humor, storytelling, or a beat drop—can spark the chain reaction that drives virality.
Case Study 1: Sombr – From Unknown to Viral Sensation
In 2020, an artist named Sombr uploaded a snippet of his unfinished song “Caroline” to TikTok. The short clip went viral, gaining millions of plays before the track was even officially released.
Two years later, when the song finally dropped, he already had a built-in fan base waiting. What started as an experiment turned into a breakthrough moment, proving how powerful early sharing can be for emerging musicians.
Sombr has since teased new tracks on TikTok, including “Undressed”, which hit 9.5 million views before its release. By leveraging TikTok’s culture of anticipation, he transformed from an unknown to a recognized name in just a few years.
Case Study 2: Jax – TikTok as a Social Movement
Another rising star, Jax, demonstrates TikTok’s ability to merge music with social commentary. Her viral hit “Victoria’s Secret” criticized unrealistic beauty standards and sparked a wave of user-generated videos from young women sharing their stories.
Fans didn’t just listen—they participated. They sang the song at camps, schools, and public events, creating a community movement around the track. The song landed Jax the iHeartRadio TikTok Songwriter of the Year award in 2022, and it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 83.
TikTok didn’t just give her exposure; it amplified her voice, proving the platform can turn songs into cultural statements.
Case Study 3: Flowerovlove – Building a Fanbase with Consistency
At just 20 years old, Flowerovlove is another example of how Gen Z artists use TikTok fluently to connect with fans. She debuted with “Kiss & Chase” in 2020 and quickly built momentum by consistently posting teasers, behind-the-scenes clips, and lifestyle content.
Her 2023 single “A Girl Like Me” became a TikTok hit, with fans using it in their own videos. By 2025, she released “New Friends,” which earned 350,000 Spotify streams in just five days, largely thanks to TikTok buzz.
Flowerovlove’s success lies in her ability to combine music with personality-driven content. Fans don’t just like her songs; they feel like they know her, creating a deeper emotional bond.
Social Media as a Shortcut for Musicians
Traditionally, breaking into the music industry meant securing a record deal, navigating radio promotion, and investing in marketing. Today, TikTok bypasses the gatekeepers.
Direct-to-fan marketing: Artists upload tracks themselves and interact directly with listeners.
Behind-the-scenes storytelling: Sharing studio sessions, personal stories, or even casual daily content builds authenticity.
Community engagement: Responding to comments, duetting fans, or joining trends creates loyalty and trust.
This democratization of fame means anyone with talent and strategy can compete, regardless of their resources.
TikTok vs Instagram vs YouTube: Which Wins?
TikTok: Authentic, trend-driven, and audio-first. Ideal for rapid exposure.
Instagram: Once a favorite for artists, now criticized for being “too curated” and for copying TikTok with Reels. Fans often see Instagram as less authentic.
YouTube: Still a powerhouse with 2.4 billion users, but its strength lies in long-form content. For discovery, it lags behind TikTok since Gen Z prefers short, interactive content.
In short, TikTok is the fastest path to fame for newcomers, while YouTube and Instagram serve as complementary platforms for longevity and depth.
The Double-Edged Sword of TikTok Fame
While TikTok offers massive opportunities, it comes with challenges.
Trends are fleeting: What’s hot today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Algorithm dependence: Success often relies on TikTok’s unpredictable recommendation engine.
Pressure to stay relevant: Artists feel the need to constantly produce content, which can lead to burnout.
For sustainable success, newcomers must balance viral moments with long-term strategies, such as building email lists, growing on multiple platforms, and eventually touring or signing with labels.
The Future of TikTok in the Music Industry
Will TikTok remain the king of music discovery? For now, yes. Its combination of algorithm-driven exposure and user participation makes it unrivaled in launching careers.
However, as media evolves, artists should avoid putting all their energy into one platform. Instead, TikTok should be used as a springboard—a place to spark interest before channeling fans to streaming platforms, concerts, and merch.
The next generation of stars won’t just be those who go viral once, but those who learn to convert short-term fame into long-term music careers.
The New Blueprint for Fame
TikTok has rewritten the rules of the music industry. From Sombr’s viral snippets to Jax’s cultural movement and Flowerovlove’s steady rise, the app proves that newcomers no longer need labels to make an impact.
With creativity, consistency, and connection, artists can turn a few seconds of audio into millions of streams and a loyal fan base. For aspiring musicians, the message is clear: TikTok isn’t just a platform—it’s the new stage for success.
Book a free strategy call with our team today and let us help you make your Shop Tab presence your strongest sales channel.
Also read:
TikTok’s Role in Modern Music Discovery
TikTok thrives on music. The app’s algorithm pushes content based on engagement rather than follower counts, which means even an unknown artist can go viral overnight. What makes TikTok unique is its “sound-first culture.” Unlike other platforms where visuals dominate, TikTok often prioritizes audio.
When a user uploads a video, the sound attached can be reused by thousands of other creators. If that sound happens to be a snippet of an unreleased track, the artist instantly gains free promotion as the sound spreads across the platform. For newcomers, this means exposure at a scale that once required huge marketing budgets.
TikTok also reshapes the way people consume music. Instead of listening to full tracks, users often fall in love with the most memorable 15-second portion of a song. This creates micro-moments of virality where even small clips can turn into global hits.
The Trend Machine: How TikTok Makes Songs Go Viral
One of TikTok’s strongest cultural forces is trends. These can be dances, memes, lip-syncs, or challenges built around a song. The formula is simple: if creators like the beat, they’ll use it in their videos.
Dance challenges: A catchy dance can push a song to mainstream charts. Think of tracks like “Savage Love” or “Renegade” which exploded because of user-generated dance trends.
Genres that thrive: Hip-hop, rap, and pop dominate because they’re rhythmic, upbeat, and easy to clip into bite-sized hooks.
Recycling old hits: TikTok doesn’t just promote new music. It has resurrected classics, bringing older songs back into the charts through nostalgic trends.
For newcomers, the key is timing and creativity. Posting a snippet that creators can latch onto—whether through humor, storytelling, or a beat drop—can spark the chain reaction that drives virality.
Case Study 1: Sombr – From Unknown to Viral Sensation
In 2020, an artist named Sombr uploaded a snippet of his unfinished song “Caroline” to TikTok. The short clip went viral, gaining millions of plays before the track was even officially released.
Two years later, when the song finally dropped, he already had a built-in fan base waiting. What started as an experiment turned into a breakthrough moment, proving how powerful early sharing can be for emerging musicians.
Sombr has since teased new tracks on TikTok, including “Undressed”, which hit 9.5 million views before its release. By leveraging TikTok’s culture of anticipation, he transformed from an unknown to a recognized name in just a few years.
Case Study 2: Jax – TikTok as a Social Movement
Another rising star, Jax, demonstrates TikTok’s ability to merge music with social commentary. Her viral hit “Victoria’s Secret” criticized unrealistic beauty standards and sparked a wave of user-generated videos from young women sharing their stories.
Fans didn’t just listen—they participated. They sang the song at camps, schools, and public events, creating a community movement around the track. The song landed Jax the iHeartRadio TikTok Songwriter of the Year award in 2022, and it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 83.
TikTok didn’t just give her exposure; it amplified her voice, proving the platform can turn songs into cultural statements.
Case Study 3: Flowerovlove – Building a Fanbase with Consistency
At just 20 years old, Flowerovlove is another example of how Gen Z artists use TikTok fluently to connect with fans. She debuted with “Kiss & Chase” in 2020 and quickly built momentum by consistently posting teasers, behind-the-scenes clips, and lifestyle content.
Her 2023 single “A Girl Like Me” became a TikTok hit, with fans using it in their own videos. By 2025, she released “New Friends,” which earned 350,000 Spotify streams in just five days, largely thanks to TikTok buzz.
Flowerovlove’s success lies in her ability to combine music with personality-driven content. Fans don’t just like her songs; they feel like they know her, creating a deeper emotional bond.
Social Media as a Shortcut for Musicians
Traditionally, breaking into the music industry meant securing a record deal, navigating radio promotion, and investing in marketing. Today, TikTok bypasses the gatekeepers.
Direct-to-fan marketing: Artists upload tracks themselves and interact directly with listeners.
Behind-the-scenes storytelling: Sharing studio sessions, personal stories, or even casual daily content builds authenticity.
Community engagement: Responding to comments, duetting fans, or joining trends creates loyalty and trust.
This democratization of fame means anyone with talent and strategy can compete, regardless of their resources.
TikTok vs Instagram vs YouTube: Which Wins?
TikTok: Authentic, trend-driven, and audio-first. Ideal for rapid exposure.
Instagram: Once a favorite for artists, now criticized for being “too curated” and for copying TikTok with Reels. Fans often see Instagram as less authentic.
YouTube: Still a powerhouse with 2.4 billion users, but its strength lies in long-form content. For discovery, it lags behind TikTok since Gen Z prefers short, interactive content.
In short, TikTok is the fastest path to fame for newcomers, while YouTube and Instagram serve as complementary platforms for longevity and depth.
The Double-Edged Sword of TikTok Fame
While TikTok offers massive opportunities, it comes with challenges.
Trends are fleeting: What’s hot today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Algorithm dependence: Success often relies on TikTok’s unpredictable recommendation engine.
Pressure to stay relevant: Artists feel the need to constantly produce content, which can lead to burnout.
For sustainable success, newcomers must balance viral moments with long-term strategies, such as building email lists, growing on multiple platforms, and eventually touring or signing with labels.
The Future of TikTok in the Music Industry
Will TikTok remain the king of music discovery? For now, yes. Its combination of algorithm-driven exposure and user participation makes it unrivaled in launching careers.
However, as media evolves, artists should avoid putting all their energy into one platform. Instead, TikTok should be used as a springboard—a place to spark interest before channeling fans to streaming platforms, concerts, and merch.
The next generation of stars won’t just be those who go viral once, but those who learn to convert short-term fame into long-term music careers.
The New Blueprint for Fame
TikTok has rewritten the rules of the music industry. From Sombr’s viral snippets to Jax’s cultural movement and Flowerovlove’s steady rise, the app proves that newcomers no longer need labels to make an impact.
With creativity, consistency, and connection, artists can turn a few seconds of audio into millions of streams and a loyal fan base. For aspiring musicians, the message is clear: TikTok isn’t just a platform—it’s the new stage for success.
Book a free strategy call with our team today and let us help you make your Shop Tab presence your strongest sales channel.
Also read:
Discover how new artists use TikTok to go viral, build fanbases, and transform music careers with trends, short videos, and viral sounds.
TikTok’s Role in Modern Music Discovery
TikTok thrives on music. The app’s algorithm pushes content based on engagement rather than follower counts, which means even an unknown artist can go viral overnight. What makes TikTok unique is its “sound-first culture.” Unlike other platforms where visuals dominate, TikTok often prioritizes audio.
When a user uploads a video, the sound attached can be reused by thousands of other creators. If that sound happens to be a snippet of an unreleased track, the artist instantly gains free promotion as the sound spreads across the platform. For newcomers, this means exposure at a scale that once required huge marketing budgets.
TikTok also reshapes the way people consume music. Instead of listening to full tracks, users often fall in love with the most memorable 15-second portion of a song. This creates micro-moments of virality where even small clips can turn into global hits.
The Trend Machine: How TikTok Makes Songs Go Viral
One of TikTok’s strongest cultural forces is trends. These can be dances, memes, lip-syncs, or challenges built around a song. The formula is simple: if creators like the beat, they’ll use it in their videos.
Dance challenges: A catchy dance can push a song to mainstream charts. Think of tracks like “Savage Love” or “Renegade” which exploded because of user-generated dance trends.
Genres that thrive: Hip-hop, rap, and pop dominate because they’re rhythmic, upbeat, and easy to clip into bite-sized hooks.
Recycling old hits: TikTok doesn’t just promote new music. It has resurrected classics, bringing older songs back into the charts through nostalgic trends.
For newcomers, the key is timing and creativity. Posting a snippet that creators can latch onto—whether through humor, storytelling, or a beat drop—can spark the chain reaction that drives virality.
Case Study 1: Sombr – From Unknown to Viral Sensation
In 2020, an artist named Sombr uploaded a snippet of his unfinished song “Caroline” to TikTok. The short clip went viral, gaining millions of plays before the track was even officially released.
Two years later, when the song finally dropped, he already had a built-in fan base waiting. What started as an experiment turned into a breakthrough moment, proving how powerful early sharing can be for emerging musicians.
Sombr has since teased new tracks on TikTok, including “Undressed”, which hit 9.5 million views before its release. By leveraging TikTok’s culture of anticipation, he transformed from an unknown to a recognized name in just a few years.
Case Study 2: Jax – TikTok as a Social Movement
Another rising star, Jax, demonstrates TikTok’s ability to merge music with social commentary. Her viral hit “Victoria’s Secret” criticized unrealistic beauty standards and sparked a wave of user-generated videos from young women sharing their stories.
Fans didn’t just listen—they participated. They sang the song at camps, schools, and public events, creating a community movement around the track. The song landed Jax the iHeartRadio TikTok Songwriter of the Year award in 2022, and it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 83.
TikTok didn’t just give her exposure; it amplified her voice, proving the platform can turn songs into cultural statements.
Case Study 3: Flowerovlove – Building a Fanbase with Consistency
At just 20 years old, Flowerovlove is another example of how Gen Z artists use TikTok fluently to connect with fans. She debuted with “Kiss & Chase” in 2020 and quickly built momentum by consistently posting teasers, behind-the-scenes clips, and lifestyle content.
Her 2023 single “A Girl Like Me” became a TikTok hit, with fans using it in their own videos. By 2025, she released “New Friends,” which earned 350,000 Spotify streams in just five days, largely thanks to TikTok buzz.
Flowerovlove’s success lies in her ability to combine music with personality-driven content. Fans don’t just like her songs; they feel like they know her, creating a deeper emotional bond.
Social Media as a Shortcut for Musicians
Traditionally, breaking into the music industry meant securing a record deal, navigating radio promotion, and investing in marketing. Today, TikTok bypasses the gatekeepers.
Direct-to-fan marketing: Artists upload tracks themselves and interact directly with listeners.
Behind-the-scenes storytelling: Sharing studio sessions, personal stories, or even casual daily content builds authenticity.
Community engagement: Responding to comments, duetting fans, or joining trends creates loyalty and trust.
This democratization of fame means anyone with talent and strategy can compete, regardless of their resources.
TikTok vs Instagram vs YouTube: Which Wins?
TikTok: Authentic, trend-driven, and audio-first. Ideal for rapid exposure.
Instagram: Once a favorite for artists, now criticized for being “too curated” and for copying TikTok with Reels. Fans often see Instagram as less authentic.
YouTube: Still a powerhouse with 2.4 billion users, but its strength lies in long-form content. For discovery, it lags behind TikTok since Gen Z prefers short, interactive content.
In short, TikTok is the fastest path to fame for newcomers, while YouTube and Instagram serve as complementary platforms for longevity and depth.
The Double-Edged Sword of TikTok Fame
While TikTok offers massive opportunities, it comes with challenges.
Trends are fleeting: What’s hot today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Algorithm dependence: Success often relies on TikTok’s unpredictable recommendation engine.
Pressure to stay relevant: Artists feel the need to constantly produce content, which can lead to burnout.
For sustainable success, newcomers must balance viral moments with long-term strategies, such as building email lists, growing on multiple platforms, and eventually touring or signing with labels.
The Future of TikTok in the Music Industry
Will TikTok remain the king of music discovery? For now, yes. Its combination of algorithm-driven exposure and user participation makes it unrivaled in launching careers.
However, as media evolves, artists should avoid putting all their energy into one platform. Instead, TikTok should be used as a springboard—a place to spark interest before channeling fans to streaming platforms, concerts, and merch.
The next generation of stars won’t just be those who go viral once, but those who learn to convert short-term fame into long-term music careers.
The New Blueprint for Fame
TikTok has rewritten the rules of the music industry. From Sombr’s viral snippets to Jax’s cultural movement and Flowerovlove’s steady rise, the app proves that newcomers no longer need labels to make an impact.
With creativity, consistency, and connection, artists can turn a few seconds of audio into millions of streams and a loyal fan base. For aspiring musicians, the message is clear: TikTok isn’t just a platform—it’s the new stage for success.
Book a free strategy call with our team today and let us help you make your Shop Tab presence your strongest sales channel.
Also read:
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Other Blogs
Other Blogs
Check our other project Blogs with useful insight and information for your businesses
Other Blogs
Other Blogs
Check our other project Blogs with useful insight and information for your businesses