TikTok’s 2025 music awards have just been announced, and the results are nothing short of groundbreaking. From a viral pop sensation to a legendary '60s icon, this year’s winners are redefining what it means to dominate the music scene. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a platform like TikTok truly crown the next big thing in music, or is it just a fleeting trend factory? Let’s dive in.
This year, TikTok didn’t just spotlight music—it made music. Take Katseye, the Los Angeles-based girl group that snagged the title of TikTok’s Global Artist of the Year. With over 30 billion views and 12 million creations using their music, these six women—representing the U.S., Philippines, South Korea, and Switzerland—have become a global phenomenon. Their song “Gnarly” alone inspired 2.4 million videos, including ones from Camila Cabello and K-pop heavyweights like Enhypen and Le Sserafim. And this is the part most people miss: their track “Gabriela” didn’t just earn a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance—it also sparked a TikTok dance trend with 2.8 million creations and 9.8 billion views. Even their collaboration with Gap, set to Kelis’s “Milkshake,” went viral, racking up 151 million views.
But Katseye isn’t the only one making waves. Connie Francis, the late '50s and '60s singing legend, joined TikTok just a month before her passing in July 2025. Her 1962 hit “Pretty Little Baby” became TikTok’s Global Song of the Year, with users creating over 28.4 million videos and generating a staggering 68.6 billion views. Kylie Jenner’s video featuring the song with her daughter Stormi? It’s been watched over 132 million times. This isn’t just a revival—it’s a full-blown cultural resurrection, proving that TikTok can breathe new life into timeless classics.
And then there’s Taylor Swift, TikTok’s Global Most-Saved Artist of 2025. Millions saved her songs, including tracks from her latest album “The Life of a Showgirl,” to their streaming libraries. But here’s the kicker: Swift’s dominance on TikTok raises questions. Is her success here a testament to her enduring appeal, or is it a sign that even the biggest stars need TikTok to stay relevant? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Beyond the big names, TikTok’s awards highlight a diverse range of talent. Sombr’s “Back to Friends” was named the Global Most-Saved Track, while Tate McRae’s album “So Close To What” took home the title of Global Most-Saved Album. Ejae, a member of HUNTR/X, was crowned Top Songwriter for co-writing hits like “Golden,” which earned three Grammy nominations. And let’s not forget Doechii’s “Anxiety,” which sparked a dance trend even Will Smith couldn’t resist, generating 10.4 million creations and 51.6 billion views.
But here’s the real question: Is TikTok the future of music discovery, or just a temporary playground for trends? Tracy Gardner, TikTok’s global head of music business development, argues that the platform is “the industry’s most powerful engine for music discovery,” especially for women, who dominated TikTok’s music scene in 2025. Yet, skeptics wonder if this success translates to long-term careers or just 15 minutes of fame.
As we wrap up, here’s a thought to ponder: If TikTok can turn a 60-year-old song into a global sensation and launch a new group to Grammy-nominated status, what does that mean for the traditional music industry? Is this the democratization of music, or just another chapter in the digital gold rush? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take.
TikTok’s Top 10 Global Artists of 2025:
1. Katseye
2. Alan Arrieta
3. Enhypen
4. Bad Bunny
5. Stray Kids
6. Taylor Swift
7. Lady Gaga
8. Fuerza Regida
9. Billie Eilish
10. Ariana Grande
TikTok’s Top 10 Global Songs of 2025:
1. “Pretty Little Baby” – Connie Francis
2. “Hold My Hand” – Jess Glynne
3. “Rock That Body” – Black Eyed Peas
4. “Azul” – J Balvin
5. “Dame Un Grrr” – Fantomel x Kate Linn
6. “APT” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
7. “Te Quería Ver” – Alemán & Neton Vega
8. “Stecu Stecu” – Faris Adam
9. “Anxiety” – Doechii
10. “Sailor Song” – Gigi Perez
For more trending news, follow Mike Snider on Threads, Bluesky, X, or email him at msnider@usatoday.com. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop!
