TikTok is witnessing a significant shift in its music landscape, with electronic music emerging as the new favorite among users, surpassing indie sounds in popularity.
The Rise of Electronic Music on TikTok: A New Beat
A Shift in Sound: Views of Electronic Music Outgrow Indie
The music landscape on TikTok is undergoing a significant shift, with electronic music emerging as the new favorite among users. According to recent data, videos tagged #ElectronicMusic attracted over 13 billion views worldwide last year, an increase of 45% on 2023.
Electronic music originated in the early 20th century with the invention of instruments like the theremin and the synthesizer.
In the 1960s, genres such as Krautrock and ambient emerged, influencing the development of electronic music.
The 1980s saw the rise of techno and house music, while the 1990s brought about the popularity of trance and drum and bass.
Today, electronic music encompasses a wide range of styles, from EDM to experimental sounds.
From Techno to House: The Growing Popularity of Electronic Music
The growth of electronic music on TikTok is not limited to a specific genre. Videos created with techno and house music as soundtracks have also seen significant increases in views, growing by more than 100% between 2023 and 2024.
Community-Led and Accessible: Why Electronic Music is Winning on TikTok
TikTok’s head of music partnerships for the UK and Ireland, Toyin Mustapha, attributes the success of electronic music to its accessibility and community-led nature. ‘Dance music has become more accessible and big in the commercial sphere,’ he said. ‘We are seeing the breaking down of boundaries for artists, and TikTok is part of that.’
Mainstream Success: Electronic Artists Taking Over
The rise of electronic music on TikTok is not just limited to online success; it’s also translating to mainstream chart success. British DJs such as Hannah Laing and Billy Gillies have built strong followings on the platform, with their hits reaching the top 10 in the UK charts.
Electronic artists have revolutionized the music industry with their innovative use of technology.
They experiment with synthesizers, drum machines, and software to create unique sounds.
Electronic music genres such as techno, trance, and house have gained immense popularity worldwide.
Notable electronic artists include Aphex Twin, Skrillex, and Daft Punk.
These pioneers have pushed the boundaries of sound, inspiring a new generation of musicians and producers.
A New Era for Music Discovery: The Power of Community
TikTok users are using the #ElectronicMusic hashtag to connect with like-minded individuals and discover new music. ‘TikTok users tend to tag the genres of music, especially genres like electronic music,’ Mustapha said. ‘It shows the community they are trying to build and are part of, and electronic music is very much a community-led thing.’
The Global Reach: Electronic Music on TikTok
The trend towards electronic music on TikTok is not limited to the UK; it’s also global. According to Spotify, streams of dance and electronic music have increased by an average of 18% a year since 2000, while streams of drum’n’bass have risen 94% since 2021.
A Look Back: The Rise of Indie and Alternative
Despite the growth of electronic music on TikTok, indie and alternative remain bigger genres overall among users. However, with the return of Oasis in the summer, indie is likely to get a boost. Meanwhile, the platform has also seen a resurgence in popular back catalogue tunes, with over 19 out of the top 50 tracks in 2024 coming from releases more than five years old.
A New Beat: The Future of Music on TikTok
As electronic music continues to dominate the TikTok landscape, it’s clear that the platform is becoming an increasingly important hub for music discovery and community-building. With its accessibility, community-led nature, and mainstream success, it’s no wonder why electronic music is winning over users on TikTok.
- theguardian.com | Views of TikTok posts with electronic music outgrow those using indie
