TikTok has exploded onto the platform scene almost from day one. It is a China-owned company, starting over there in 2016, then integrated into the US through iOS and Android in 2017. What really launched the platform though, was the company’s merger with Musical.ly in 2018, and it has been running the most spectacular viral content ever since. More recently, TikTok has also seen an increase in usage from businesses building their brands, utilizing the platform in their marketing strategies to ultimately drive their engagement and results. After all, known for its addictive quality and high levels of participation, the foothold of how the platform works is its “sounds.” Remove them, and most of the content shared will lose its meaning. Below, we have 10+ of the top trending TikTok sounds of recent years. But first things first, let’s go over what a TikTok sound is, and how to find the sounds that are trending in order to use them in your own marketing or personal vids (before the sound’s moment has already passed).
What is a TikTok sound?
A TikTok sound can be originally made, or parts of songs and sounds already created by another person, all condensed into a 15-second clip (or 60-second clip) used to enhance the content one is putting out in the community. TikTok has an easy-to-access library of all sounds, giving the user the ability to search by categories like the genre or new releases. It isn’t hard to figure out what is trending on TikTok, even for those not creating content. Just scrolling long enough will give off clues as to what is hot that day by being constantly repeated. The more you hear it, the more popular it is. But if you are trying to decide which sound to include in your own video clip, there are resources out there to help you find the perfect trending sound.
How to find trending sounds on TikTok
Here are a few ways to find the hottest, most trendy sounds on TikTok.
TikTok Creative Center
If making better content is your main goal, then you can’t go wrong with checking out the TikTok Creative Center. It will give you insights into what songs are popular and are climbing the TikTok charts. Once you are done following the prompts, you will be given 100 top songs of yesterday, or the last 30 or 120 days, depending on your preferences. But keep in mind, by using the Creative Center, you may get the latest ups and downs, but user-generated sounds won’t be included.
TikTok Search Bar
Using TikTok’s search bar won’t be as precise as some of the other options, but using it may just bring up some unexpected sounds that may lead to your next viral video. To find the next trending sound for your video, try searching for things like"viral sounds" or “trending sounds,” and you will be amazed at what comes up.
TikTok Viral
The next option in your search for what’s hot is TikTok Viral. No drawn-out searches and combing the internet—just an in-app playlist that will show you the top 39 songs on the platform. Super easy and quick!
TokBoard
This website gives you two options on how to receive the top sounds on TikTok—either in a weekly or monthly format. TokBoard gives a view count and the number of popular videos using a particular sound for the current week, or in 30-day intervals. Get a more expansive search result through TokBoard—previewing hundreds of sounds at a time, instead of 50 or so tracks that some of the other options limit you to.
TokChart
Tok Chart is similar to TokBoard, but if you are ready to up your TikTok game, then TokChart is the better choice, in both design and functionality. A content creator can encounter more refined details and stats for not only what is trending, but what is growing in the last 24 hours.
10+ of the top trending TikTok sounds of the last few years
Recent years have produced some viral trends that have really blown up. So, we are just skimming the surface with the following 10+ epic sounds from the last few years with our list and corresponding compilation videos.
“Corn Song”
This kid is going places! He loves his corn and the added song element is legitimately so catchy.
“Did I really just forget that melody?”
This sound byte came from a 2019 song from bbno$ & Y2K and has garnered over 1.7 million uses since being posted to TikTok.
“Banana”
This old-turned-new rendition by Conkara and Shaggy of the ’50s hit titled “Banana Boat” (Day-O) by Harry Belafonte has been used in over 30 million videos.
“Savage”
The song by Megan Thee Stallion was not only featured in over 30 million TikTok videos, but eventually remixed by the fabulous Beyoncé—which actually won two Grammy awards.
“I’m just a kid and life is a nightmare”
Back in 2002, Simple Plan’s lead singer released “I’m Just a Kid” as a teenage anthem of sorts, finding popularity with the angsty population about the hardships of being teen parents. Videos using this song have continued to modestly climb from the already 27,000 uses.
“Hard Times”
Paramore’s song “Hard Times” from their 2017 album After Laughter has been a top TikTok sound in recent years. Appearing in over 437K videos and continuing to climb, this one will surely keep Paramore-lovers happy.
“Don’t be suspicious”
When pairing Parks and Recreation and TikTok together, you have a 384,000+ winning sound combination.
“Mama, I’m in love with a criminal”
Who can go wrong with using something from Britney? TikTok gold right here.
“Choose your character”
This 2016 sound has been used to create TikTok magic by users playing their own life versions of a video game. The Super Smash Bros. remix has been uploaded over 538,00 times to TikTok.
“One thing about me”
Using the sound from Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl,” this particular trending TikTok sound is being used to “rap” over with an entertaining, personal story.
“Butakera”
A bit spicy, but this TikTok sound has been number one for the week of October 7th, 2022—it’s been used over 40,000 times already. The above compilation is just a snippet of what is out there for everyone to enjoy. No matter how you use TikTok, there is a large assortment of resources out there for you to find the perfect sound that will either elevate you and the brand you are trying to create or at least keep you informed on all the latest trends! Next up, Shay Mitchell serves important message in witty TikTok video.