In the age of digital media, music has a remarkable ability to resurface long after its initial release. A song that was once overlooked can suddenly gain millions of streams, climb the charts, and become a cultural phenomenon. But why does this happen? From TikTok trends to nostalgic revivals, several factors contribute to a song’s unexpected resurgence. Understanding these triggers can shed light on how music, old and new, finds its way back into the spotlight.
Songs like Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush or Dreams by Fleetwood Mac have experienced viral rebirths decades after their original release. These sudden spikes in popularity are not just coincidences—they result from a mix of digital influence, cultural shifts, and emotional connections. Here’s a closer look at the key reasons why some songs go viral years later.
1. Social Media and Viral Trends
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have become powerful tools for reviving old songs. A short clip featuring a catchy chorus or an emotional lyric can turn a forgotten track into a trending sound. Users create dance challenges, lip-sync videos, or nostalgic remixes, leading to massive exposure.
For instance, Dreams by Fleetwood Mac saw a resurgence in 2020 after a viral TikTok video of a man skateboarding while drinking cranberry juice. The clip’s effortless vibe, paired with the song’s mellow tune, resonated with millions, reigniting interest in the classic hit. Social media algorithms further amplify these trends, pushing the song to new listeners. Once a song becomes a viral sensation, it can re-enter music charts, stream millions of times, and even introduce younger generations to older music.
2. Film, TV, and Commercial Placement
Entertainment media plays a significant role in bringing old songs back to life. When a song is featured in a popular movie, TV show, or commercial, it often sparks a new wave of appreciation. Viewers connect with the scene’s emotions, leading them to search for the song on streaming platforms.
A perfect example is Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill, which exploded in popularity after being featured in Stranger Things Season 4. The emotional depth of the scene, combined with the song’s haunting melody, audiences and led to a surge in streams. Similarly, classic songs like Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen have repeatedly re-entered the charts after being featured in films, proving that visual media has a lasting impact on music discovery.
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac (image via Getty)3. Nostalgia and Generational Resurgence
Music often triggers strong emotional memories, making nostalgia a powerful driver in a song’s resurgence. People love revisiting tracks that remind them of their youth, significant life moments, or past eras. As new generations discover music from previous decades, some songs naturally regain popularity.
Streaming platforms and playlist culture have made it easier for nostalgic tracks to resurface. For example, the ‘80s and ‘90s music revival has brought songs like Take On Me by A-ha and Careless Whisper by George Michael back into mainstream conversations. Additionally, Gen Z listeners, known for exploring retro sounds, contribute to the revival of forgotten hits by sharing them across social platforms and playlists.
Careless Whisper by George Michael (image via Getty)4. Memes and Internet Culture
Sometimes, a song gains viral status due to its association with internet humor, memes, or ironic appreciation. The internet thrives on recontextualizing content, turning obscure or underappreciated songs into cultural phenomena through comedic or unexpected uses.
A prime example is Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley, which became the centerpiece of the “Rickrolling” meme. Originally released in 1987, the song became an internet prank in the mid-2000s, where users were tricked into clicking a misleading link that led to the music video. This phenomenon breathed new life into the song, making it a timeless internet sensation. Memes have the power to introduce older tracks to a global audience, often with an ironic or playful twist.