SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

  • A new music analysis from TikTok shows that more than one in four songs in the German top 100 single charts in 2023 were first successful on TikTok, including hits from Ayliva, Luciano, Ski Aggu and international stars such as Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles.
  • The tracks were usually listed on the TikTok Hot 50 an average of 12 days before they entered the chart.
  • Both newcomers and long-forgotten hits of every genre have the chance to go viral on the entertainment platform and from there reach the German single charts - as the case study “Forever Young” by Alphaville shows.
  • 89 percent of users are convinced that artists receive more visibility when they are featured on TikTok.
 
It is no longer a secret that TikTok has a major influence on the music industry, but so far the knowledge has been based more on prominent examples than on concrete numbers. This is changing with a new music chart analysis from TikTok, which shows, among other things, that more than one in four songs in the German top 100 single charts in 2023 were first successful on TikTok. In addition, the study clearly shows how the TikTok community creates trends and thus paves the way into the charts for both newcomers and long-forgotten classics.
 
It wasn't that long ago that the German top 100 single charts were made up of songs that had either just been released by well-known stars or caused a stir in films and commercials. The situation has now changed and songs and artists that were only really known or rediscovered through TikTok are increasingly finding their way into the chart.
 

Via the TikTok Hot 50 in the German single charts

As part of an exclusive study, TikTok took a closer look at the German top 100 single charts from last year 2023 and compared them with the results of the TikTok Hot 50. 
 
The platform's top hits are determined in this format every Thursday and announced in the in-app Soundpage and in the music magazine MusikWoche. It turned out that a total of 27 of the 100 most successful songs - and therefore more than one in four titles - were first celebrated on TikTok in Germany before they ended up in the official German charts. The tracks were usually listed on the TikTok Hot50 an average of 12 days before they entered the chart.
 
How big the fundamental overlap is between the German single charts and the TikTok Hot 50 is also shown by the fact that 58 of the 100 songs could be found in both rankings. And because the TikTok Hot 50 is only limited to 50 titles, it can be assumed that the overlap would have been even greater if 100 titles had been recorded weekly. 
 
The artist Ayliva, who celebrated her first successes on TikTok, was represented in the German top 100 single charts with a total of five songs that had previously made it into the TikTok Hot 50. Other German artists like Luciano, Ski Aggu, Nina Chuba and Kontra K and international stars like Raye, Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles followed suit and took the same path: via the TikTok Hot 50 into the German single charts.
 
Ski Aggu says: “Thank you TikTok for democratizing the music market. Through TikTok, everyone can market themselves and is not dependent on large budgets from labels.”
The TikTok community celebrates the songs even before they become chart successes
The TikTok community plays a central role in this context: Using the example of three songs, TikTok analyzed how the community interacted with the titles before they climbed into the German single charts. The songs “eehhhyyy” (4K+ posts) and “how you sometimes miss” (3K+ posts) by Zartmann and Ski Aggu & Dauner became increasingly popular on TikTok several weeks before they entered the charts, which is reflected in both the video views and can be seen in the video uploads in which the tracks were used.
 
This development can be seen even more clearly in the example of Alphaville's “Forever Young” (1+ million posts). The song celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, but because the TikTok community increased the video views and more and more users incorporated the classic into their videos, the German cult band's title actually became a German chart single again. 
 
On TikTok, everyone has the chance to go viral This is exactly what characterizes the music cycle on TikTok: Newcomers as well as past hits or classics of every genre have the chance to go viral on the entertainment platform and from there reach the German single charts.
 
Chartlotte Stahl, Head of Music partnerships, EMEA, at TikTok, says: “TikTok has disrupted the way hits are created and in doing so, in a sense, started a democratization of the music industry. The community decides which artists become and remain successful. We are of course particularly pleased that we can also offer newcomers a stage and, in the best case scenario, help them achieve their breakthrough.”
New music content, especially new songs, artists and albums, is actively searched for and discovered on TikTok. They are among the most searched categories on the platform. 80 percent of all TikTok users say they use the app to discover new music and even 89 percent are convinced that artists receive more visibility when they are featured on TikTok.*
 
Overall, a good basis for continuing to produce the chart-toppers of tomorrow.
 
  • Quelle: TikTok Marketing Science Global TikTok as a Discovery Engine Study 2023 (Germany Results), durchgeführt von Material

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

The FAC and University of Hertfordshire expand their Propeller Sessions project to London’s Jazz Cafe

  Recent Nettwerk signing Olive Jones, a former awardee from the FAC’s Step Up Fund,  is among the latest artists to benefit from free, high-quality video performance footage after recording a Propeller Session To date, more than 20 FAC PRO Members have...more

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Generator launches landmark Japan partnership to put northern music on the global stage

  BACKED BY REGIONAL MAYORS, THE INITIATIVE MARKS A MAJOR STEP FOR THE NORTH’S INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AMBITIONS  FEBRUARY 2026 JAPAN EXCHANGE ANNOUNCED, CONNECTING NORTHERN TALENT WITH JAPAN’S MUSIC INDUSTRY AND THRIVING CREATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE  PARTNERSHIPS ANNOUNCED WITH CUEW, MUSIC CITY COUNCIL OF FUKUOKA AND KEF, WITH COLLABORATION FROM OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY PARTNERS    North-headquartered music development agency Generator has today...more

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Believe UK and Tileyard Music launch new frontline label Tenace Records

Label to be spearheaded by Co-Presidents Charlie Arme & Michael Harwood.  Former Universal Marketing Director Chris Dashwood appointed GM.Globally touring guitar-pop force Pale Waves revealed as debut signing. Believe UK and Tileyard Music have launched a new boutique, frontline label as part...more

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Hannah Karp appointed EVP & Chief Communications Officer for Warner Music Group

Accomplished Journalist and former 'Billboard' Editor-in-Chief Joins WMG’s Executive Leadership Team Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) today announced that highly regarded editor and journalist Hannah Karp has been named EVP & Chief Communications Officer, effective January 26. She joins the company’s executive...more

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Greater China launches Def Jam Recordings China in Chengdu, the capital of Chinese hiphop

Together With Migu, A Leading Digital Content Platform Under China Mobile, UMG Opens Global Pathways for Chinese Hip-Hop Rooted in Local Culture Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced...more

21 Jan 2026 | Press release

Audiotool Launches Multiplayer Cloud DAW and Debuts Nexus, an Industry-First Platform for Building Music Production Tools

Audiotool, the browser-based music production platform with more than 300,000 monthly active users, today announced the open beta launch of its redesigned Audiotool Studio, featuring NEXUS, an open developer platform and API that empowers creators and partners to build custom...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Jacob Alon revealed as this year's BRITs Critics' Choice winner

SUPPORTED BY RADIO 1    THE FIRST WINNER TO BE REVEALED FOR THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARD SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV   The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard have today announced that Jacob Alon is the winner of the prestigious BRITs Critics' Choice award...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

WMA announces Global Promotions and new hires as it celebrates 10 years in the US

As it celebrates its 10th anniversary in the US, global digital marketing and creative agency WMA today announced several new executive hires and key promotions internationally. Marking a decade at WMA herself, Crystina Cinti has been elevated to Global Senior...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Pipeline emerges from stealth and unveils groundbreaking financing platform for independent music sector

Backed by Jamen Capital, Pipeline Raises Over $200 Million to Help Independents Unlock their IP Value, Fund Growth and Compete at Scale Pipeline, a new financing platform focused on music and the wider creative industries, has unveiled its company and offerings...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Sonopress launches ecorecord.org

New platform consolidates information on sustainable record production around EcoRecord Sonopress, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of physical media, has launched ecorecord.org, a new platform dedicated to sustainable record production. The website expands the company’s existing sustainability approach, EcoRecord, and...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Mouth Culture sign publishing deal with Notting Hill Music

Fast-rising Leicester alt-rock outfit Mouth Culture are pleased to announce they’ve signed their publishing with Notting Hill Music. The band have been making waves across the UK and beyond with their undeniable melody and musicianship, which hits hard in a...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

The Other Songs have recruited executive Harri Davies to the team as Head of A&R

Global independent music and entertainment company The Other Songs have welcomed globally recognised executive Harri Davies to the team as Head of A&R. Davies has an extensive record of identifying and breaking world-class talent. Most recently serving as Head of A&R...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

RTÉ Choice Music Prize - Irish Album of the Year 2025 / Shortlist Announcement

Celebrating 21 Years of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize RTÉ Choice Music Prize In association with IMRO and IRMA Irish Album of the Year 2025 - Shortlist Announcement A Week of Announcements on RTÉ 2FM Live in Vicar St, Dublin 5th March - with...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

WIN Elects New Board, Appoints New Chair and Vice Chairs in 20th Anniversary Year

Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), the international network that brings together the global independent music community, has appointed its new board of directors for 2026, with Mark Kitcatt, CEO of Everlasting Records (Spain), as its new chair. Kitcatt has spent over four...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Zoe Ball hosts a new award-winning podcast series

BBC Eras: Phil Collins for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds   Zoe Ball is the host of a new series of the award-winning podcast Eras for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, focussing on the life and legendary career of Phil Collins, who...more

20 Jan 2026 | Press release

Netease Cloud Music and Universal Music Group announce strategic, multi-year licensing agreement for China

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, and NetEase Cloud Music, a leading music streaming service provider in China, today announced a strategic multi-year license agreement for UMG's world-leading music catalog of artists and recordings across NetEase Cloud Music's streaming...more

19 Jan 2026 | Press release

Jerome Porritt named as Head of A&R at RCA Records UK

Sony Music UK today announces the appointment of Jerome Porritt as Head of A&R at RCA Records UK.   Reporting into co-presidents Glyn Aikins and Stacey Tang, Porritt brings over a decade of experience in A&R, and most recently held the position...more

19 Jan 2026 | Press release

Nick Bright to join KISS

  KISS is turning up the heat with the announcement that Nick Bright is joining the station, bringing one of the UK’s most exciting broadcast voices to the KISS line-up. Former BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter Nick, will be on air from Monday 2nd February as he takes...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group launches UK pilot of global education initiative ‘Sound Generation’

Sound Generation kicks off with UK pilot featuring a set of tailored music education resources for primary school The free, online programme will be piloted across all Camden primary schools before rolling out nationwide later this year This builds on UMG UK’s...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

2026 MOBO Awards: Nominations announced for Manchester ceremony

EUROPE’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC AND CULTURE COMES TO CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON 26 MARCH   TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - VISIT MOBO.COM/TICKETS  2026 MARKS 30 YEARS OF THE MOBO ORGANISATION, THREE DECADES OF SHIFTING CULTURE, CHAMPIONING TALENT AND CREATING ICONIC MOMENTS SHOW HOSTS, SUPERSTAR PERFORMERS AND SPECIAL HONOUREES...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

AYO Music Group Grows Roster and Catalog, Expands Gapfinder Tool, and Releases Reissue of Rare Joe Washington Vinyl

  Since its official launch in 2024, AYO Music Group, an active copyright administrator offering global administration of publishing, neighboring rights, and recordings, continued to grow throughout 2025 with new additions to their roster, further development of their Gapfinder tool, and upcoming...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

BMG launches SYNC+ 

A Unified Global Music-for-Media Powerhouse      BMG announced today the launch of SYNC+, a new global service uniting Commercial Sync, Production Music, and Media Services under one integrated brand.  SYNC+ combines BMG’s world-class repertoire, creative expertise, and strategic music services to deliver a seamless,...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Youth Music reveals the next generation of diverse music talent in ‘Ones to Watch 2026’

  Youth Music unveils 20 emerging artists tipped to shape the future of the UK music industry  Alumni from Youth Music’s Ones to Watch lists, including ALT BLK ERA, JayaHadADream and Mali Hâf, have gone on to win MOBO awards and perform at Glastonbury  Youth Music’s Ones to Watch list is powered by Wingstop for...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Open letter from WIN to European Commissioner Dombrovskis: “Europe as a beacon of fair competition”

With just a few weeks until the European Commission’s final decision on the Universal/Downtown deal, WIN wrote to Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to warn that the proposed remedies will not mitigate the grave risk that the merger poses to fair competition...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Modern Women have signed to One Little Independent Records

Modern Woman, the London art-rock outfit fronted by primary songwriter Sophie Harris, are set to release their anticipated debut album ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ on May 1st 2026 via their new label One Little Independent Records. ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ represents the culmination of...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

TMRW Music Group Joins LabelWorx for Global Distribution and Label Services

LabelWorx, the leading global distribution and label services provider for independent electronic music, today announced a new partnership with TMRW Music Group, one of Australia’s most respected and influential electronic music companies. Under the new agreement, LabelWorx will provide full...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Atlantic Screen Group Secures $30m from Corrum Capital to Accelerate Film, TV Score and Music Catalogue Acquisitions

  Atlantic Screen Group (ASG) is pleased to announce that it has secured up to $30m in funding from Corrum Capital. The investment will enable ASG to continue its strategic acquisition of film and television scores, while also providing additional capital...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Amazon Music Unveils Global 2026 Artists to Watch Campaign

The initiative spotlights breakout artists poised to shape music in 2026, including Destin Conrad, Seyi Vibez, EJAE, Max Styler, PRESIDENT, NewDad, MEOVV, and Adam Klobi across 28 key playlists worldwide The program also includes seven new Amazon Music Originals from VENGAYO,...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

First details revealed for BRITs Fringe with Brighter Sound

BRING ON THE BRITs WITH MASTERCARD: THE 2026 NOMINATIONSWATCH ON WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY FROM 5PM ON THE BRITs’ INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK WHATSAPP ANNOUNCED AS 2026 OFFICIAL VOTING PARTNER THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARDSATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV   In a...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Mercury Prize shines global spotlight on Newcastle and the North East

New figures have shown the region's economy received a boost of more than £1.4 million by hosting the 2025 Mercury Prize.  A new report commissioned and published by Newcastle City Council has highlighted the huge impact the awards ceremony and fringe activity had...more

21 Jan 2026

  •  Music Venue Trust annual report highlights ongoing issues, and optimism (see News)

20 Jan 2026

  • Do Spotify’s AI Playlists change how algorithmic discovery actually works? (see Features)

19 Jan 2026

  • A&R 2026: We lost "R" (see Opinion)

16 Jan 2026

  • Do most artists peak with their first album? (see Analysis)

15 Jan 2026

  • Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)

  • Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)

14 Jan 2026

  • Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)

13 Jan 2026

  • Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)

12 Jan 2026

  • Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)

  • Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)

09 Jan 2026

  • Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)

  • Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)

08 Jan 2026

  • Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)