How TikTok and Billboard are changing the music industry with their new chart
If you are a music lover, you probably know that TikTok is one of the most influential platforms for discovering new songs and artists. Whether it’s viral dance challenges, lip-sync videos, or creative edits, TikTok users have the power to turn any track into a hit. But how do you measure the popularity of music on TikTok? That’s where Billboard comes in.
Billboard, the leading authority on music charts and trends, has partnered with TikTok to launch the TikTok Billboard Top 50 Chart, a new weekly chart that tracks the most popular songs on the platform in the U.S. The chart is available to all users in the U.S. on TikTok, and Billboard.com.
The TikTok Top 50 Chart is the first official chart in the U.S. to monitor music discovery and engagement on the platform. It is based on a combination of creations, video views, and user engagement by the U.S. TikTok community, and will be released weekly on Thursdays.
The chart gives a clear picture of the music that is being listened to on TikTok, and consequently starting to trend on streaming services and other platforms. It also showcases the diversity of genres and styles that resonate with TikTok users, from pop and hip-hop to country and indie.
The first edition of the chart was released on September 14th, 2023, and it featured some surprising and exciting results. Sexyy Red, a rising rapper from Atlanta, claimed the first number one spot on the chart with her song “SkeeYee”. She also had three more songs on the chart, proving her popularity and influence on TikTok.
Other notable entries on the chart included Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red”, which also topped the Hot 100 that week, Taylor Swift’s “august”, which was part of her surprise album folklore, Dazz Band’s “Let It Whip”, a classic funk song from 1982 that sparked a viral dance challenge, and Tim McGraw’s “I Called Mama”, a heartfelt country ballad that touched many users.
“TikTok is already the world’s most powerful platform for music discovery and promotion, and each week our passionate community of music fans drives songs onto the Billboard charts. It therefore made perfect sense to partner with Billboard to create the TikTok Billboard Top 50 Chart,” said Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music Business Development at TikTok.
“We are thrilled to partner on the first chart on TikTok. At Billboard, we are constantly evolving our charts to reflect how fans engage with music and connect them more deeply with the artists they love. We see a clear opportunity to recognize the way music discovery on TikTok is shaping popular culture and are proud to offer this tool to the industry, while offering brands a new way to engage with music fans at scale. You’re not no. 1 until you’re no. 1 on Billboard,” said Mike Van, President of Billboard.
Sexyy Red also expressed her gratitude and excitement for topping the chart. “I am so excited that so many of my songs are charting on TikTok and Billboard’s new chart. I always knew I would be a #1 type of artist, so I want to thank all my fans on TikTok for running my music up! I’m just being me on TikTok and people love it,” she said.
To visit the chart, simply open the TikTok app, press on the round icon on the bottom corner of the screen and then tap the ‘Music Charts’ button in the top right. Here you will find the TikTok Billboard Top 50 Chart . The chart will also be viewable on billboard.com, updated weekly each Thursday morning.