The music industry is no longer just about radio airplay and album sales. In today’s digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become powerful tools for artists to reach new audiences and even revive fading careers. With millions of users constantly engaging with trending sounds, TikTok has helped musicians breathe new life into their old hits or reintroduce themselves to the public.
Artists who once struggled to stay relevant have discovered that a well-timed viral moment can spark a resurgence in popularity. Whether through dance challenges, lip-syncing trends, or nostalgia-driven revivals, many musicians have found a second wind thanks to TikTok’s dynamic ecosystem. Here are four artists who successfully leveraged TikTok to relaunch their careers.
1. Jason Derulo – Mastering the TikTok Formula
Jason Derulo is perhaps one of the best examples of an artist who used TikTok to his advantage. After experiencing a lull in mainstream success, Derulo embraced the platform’s trend-driven culture and became one of its most-followed musicians. By actively participating in viral challenges and creating his own engaging content, he reconnected with younger audiences.
His song Savage Love became a massive hit in 2020, fueled by a TikTok dance challenge. The track, which featured New Zealand producer Jawsh 685, quickly dominated global charts. By consistently posting entertaining videos, Derulo didn’t just promote his music—he reinvented himself as a social media star. His TikTok presence has since kept his career thriving, proving that adaptability is key in today’s music industry.
2. Fleetwood Mac – A Classic Hit Finds New Life
Few could have predicted that a simple video of a man skateboarding while drinking cranberry juice would catapult Fleetwood Mac back into the charts. Yet, that’s exactly what happened in 2020 when TikTok user Nathan Apodaca (@420doggface208) set the internet ablaze with his laid-back vibe and Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams playing in the background.
The video’s effortless coolness led to millions of recreations, prompting a resurgence in streams for Dreams and a renewed interest in Fleetwood Mac’s discography. The song re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 after decades, proving that TikTok can revive even the most classic tracks. Band members Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks even joined in on the trend, further cementing the song’s place in modern pop culture.
Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” (image via Getty)3. Bebe Rexha – A Viral Sensation Sparks a Comeback
Bebe Rexha had enjoyed a steady career with hits like Meant to Be, but her presence in the mainstream had waned in recent years. That changed when her 2015 track I’m Gonna Show You Crazy unexpectedly blew up on TikTok in 2023. The song’s empowering lyrics and catchy melody resonated with a new generation of users, leading to millions of videos featuring the track.
Seeing the renewed interest, Rexha actively engaged with fans on TikTok, performing live snippets and sharing behind-the-scenes content. The resurgence not only boosted her streaming numbers but also reintroduced her as a relevant pop artist. This phenomenon showcased TikTok’s ability to bring older tracks back into the limelight and create opportunities for artists to capitalize on past work.
Bebe Rexha – I’m Gonna Show You Crazy (image via Getty)4. Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten Gets a Second Wind
Natasha Bedingfield’s 2004 hit Unwritten was already a beloved pop anthem, but TikTok took it to new heights. The song became the soundtrack to the viral “shoulder dance” trend, inspiring countless videos of people performing energetic, carefree moves to its uplifting chorus.
Bedingfield embraced the newfound attention, posting her own TikTok videos and interacting with fans. The trend not only drove up streams of Unwritten but also introduced Bedingfield to a younger audience who may not have been familiar with her previous success. Her willingness to participate in the TikTok culture demonstrated how artists can stay relevant by engaging with the platform’s community-driven nature.