Ride the trend! Songs released in the 2020s that went viral on TikTok

Heralding springyama

yama – Harbinger of Spring (Official Video)

Released in 2020, the song drew major attention as yama’s debut work.

Born from a collaboration with Kujira, it skillfully portrays the loneliness and sense of loss in urban life, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

With over 300 million streams, it has earned broad support.

Included as a bonus track on the album “the meaning of life,” it captivated many fans.

It’s also popular as a graduation song, cherished for accompanying young people at pivotal moments.

With moving lyrics and a neutral, husky voice, it’s a heartfelt pop tune that truly resonates.

The Dog and the Stupid Catsekando bakka

Second Bucker “Dog and Dumb Cat” Official Music Video

Second Backer is a rock band that has won overwhelming support from the younger generation with lyrics that portray a down-to-earth worldview.

Released as a single in July 2025, this song is a bittersweet love ballad about missed connections with someone you care about and the frustration of not being able to be honest.

Despite its pop-infused band sound, the lyrics—filled with regret over unspoken words—tighten the chest and will likely resonate with many listeners.

On TikTok, a dance incorporating an “elbow jab” went viral, cementing the song’s popularity.

It’s a sentimental pop tune.

My cutest partFRUITS ZIPPER

[Dance Practice] FRUITS ZIPPER 'My Cutest Part – Watashi no Ichiban Kawaii Tokoro'

This is FRUITS ZIPPER’s signature song that gained momentum after becoming a huge hit on TikTok.

The lyrics, which express a wish for the person you love to notice the cutest part of you, radiate a charm that boosts your self-esteem.

It depicts a happy relationship between idols and fans, and just listening to it makes you feel cheerful.

Recognizing the song’s success, the group won the Best New Artist award at the 65th Japan Record Awards in December 2023.

The easy-to-follow choreography is perfect for school festivals and party performances, and if everyone dances together, it’s sure to get the crowd hyped!

StarmineDa-iCE

Da-iCE / “Star Mine” Music Video

Da-iCE’s song, which uses fireworks as a motif to depict the brilliance of life, went viral on TikTok and became a hot topic.

Released on August 22, 2022, their 22nd single won the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

The beautiful harmonies woven by their four-octave twin vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Its message, encouraging you to keep trying again and again like “fall down seven times, get up eight,” is sure to give a push to anyone chasing their dreams.

It’s a refreshing, feel-good pop tune that’s perfect for hyping up a karaoke session or when you need an energy boost.

Blue JeansHANA

HANA / Blue Jeans -Music Video-

Produced by Chanmina, HANA is one of today’s most talked-about girl groups.

When their debut single “ROSE” was released in April 2025, it topped the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100.

Among HANA’s songs, the one I especially recommend is their second single—the group’s first mid-tempo ballad love song.

The highlight of this track is, above all, its lyrical world.

You want to stay true to yourself like a pair of well-worn jeans, yet in front of the person you like, your confidence falters and jealousy creeps in.

It paints a picture of those bittersweet late-night feelings of love.

Many listeners will likely relate to the anxious thought of not knowing when you’ll see each other next.

It’s a stylish and emotional piece that also features a collaboration with the casual brand DIESEL.

anger markchou ☆ yankīsu

anger mark

@da_ice_sotahanamura

I'm mad because I want to get featured. Yep.#da_ice#Sota Hanamura#blackandwhite#dance#I tired dancing

Angry Mark – Super☆Yankees

This hit by Super☆Yankees, which has exploded in popularity on TikTok, is a track that captures everyday irritation and anger from a unique perspective.

The distinctive lyrics and performances by $hintaindahouse and Betty have become a hot topic on social media and are widely used in dance videos.

Released in March 2025, the track became the first in a series of subsequent hits, followed by “TATTOO,” “Entenka,” “Bikkurimark,” and “Once Again ~Ima nara~.” Its straightforward lyrics and rhythmic beat spread rapidly through TikTok dance videos.

Strong Wind Slicked-Back (feat. Kaai Yuki)Yukopi

Yukopi – Strong Wind Slicked-back Hair (feat. Kaai Yuki)

Despite being a 2023 release, this character—a grade-school girl with a randoseru backpack playing a recorder—still pops up frequently as an internet meme on social media.

Yukopi’s 2023 track “Strong Wind All Back” became hugely popular for its lyrics that single-mindedly sing about how windy it is, its comically limp-sounding recorder, a video packed with surreal gags, and spot-on animation that even features the Vocaloid character Kaai Yuki.

It also spawned many parody videos.

The melody doesn’t demand any particularly tricky vocal runs, and the song includes handclap sections at just the right moments, so doing it together at karaoke with everyone clapping along will make it even more exciting!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem