TikTok Announces Weekly Top 30 Popular Songs on Melon
As short-form content consumption rapidly increases, centered around platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, a distinct music chart has emerged that tracks songs frequently used and popular in short-form content, separate from the 'listening-type' music that gains popularity on major music platforms.
As music tracks play a crucial role in delivering fun and impact within short-form content of about one minute, distinctive charts are emerging as certain parts of songs that capture the essence of entertaining short-form content gain popularity. [Photo by TikTok]
Since music is one of the key elements to provide fun and impact within short-form content lasting about one minute, parts of songs that effectively capture entertaining short-form content elements have gained popularity, leading to the creation of an independent chart.
Examples include the addictive chorus of "Maratang Huru," the butler concept song "Jal Jayo Agassi," Japanese singer-songwriter Imase's "Night Dancer," and EXO's "First Snow," which topped music charts for the first time in 10 years. The commonality among these songs is that they gained popularity on short-form platforms and subsequently became popular music tracks as well.
Pop music is no exception. Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" exploded in popularity on TikTok through a cowboy-themed challenge, then entered the top ranks of Spotify and Apple Music charts. It later set a record by holding the No. 1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks, becoming the longest-running No. 1 song in history. Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo's "Savage Love" also gained attention through a dance challenge on TikTok before being officially released as a single. It subsequently reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving mainstream success.
Recognizing this widespread influence, TikTok releases a weekly playlist called the "TikTok Weekly Chart" through the 'TikTok' account on Melon's MelonDJ service, featuring 30 songs that have gained popularity on its platform.
Looking at the music chart for the fourth week of October, the No. 1 spot was taken by BLACKPINK Ros?'s new song "APT.," which has sparked a global sensation. Other popular K-pop artists' latest songs such as Yena's "Nemo Nemo," Jennie's "Mantra," and SEVENTEEN's "LOVE, MONEY, FAME" also ranked on the chart.
If you select Ros?'s 'APT.', which ranked first on the 'TikTok Weekly Chart' in the Melon app, you can check out TikTok short-form content made using this song. You can also create videos using the track immediately. [Photo by TikTok]
On the other hand, songs that are rarely seen on major music platforms also stand out on the chart. Many of the songs ranked are frequently used in popular TikTok challenges and content, such as Han Iseo's "Currently in Progress," NMIXX Haewon's "Maru is a Puppy," the children's animation "Tinyping Song," Aespa Winter's OST for the movie "Love's Hatchuping" titled "The Moment I First Saw You," and Maritang's "The Prettiest Star for You," which has been used in over 2 million short-form videos.
Additionally, international tracks such as Odetari's "KEEP UP," used in over 1.4 million videos, and Beltran's "Smack Yo," the background music for the Ombre Dance that recently started in Brazil, are also featured.
Through this chart, users can easily check popular songs in domestic and international short-form content. Selecting detailed information about a song links to the "View TikToks made with this song" menu, allowing users to see currently trending short-form content and challenges. Furthermore, users can directly shoot videos using the selected song, making it easy to create videos utilizing popular music.
TikTok, which recently formed a partnership with Melon, has added a new feature called "Add to Music App." This feature allows users to save songs discovered on TikTok to the Melon app for streaming.
An industry insider predicted, "The formation of an independent music chart centered on short-form content will provide emerging artists, who previously found it difficult to enter top charts due to major label and promotion budget issues, with opportunities to grow into stars and showcase their creativity. Just as unique beats, underground genres, or music from specific cultures often gain attention and popularity through short-form content rather than being one-off challenges, this trend is expected to lead to diversification of music genres and styles, creating a more open music ecosystem."
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