Get ready to be amazed, because the music world has a new queen in town! KATSEYE has been crowned TikTok's Global Artist of 2025, and this is just the beginning of their meteoric rise. But here's where it gets controversial: can a platform like TikTok truly determine the 'biggest' artist of the year? Let's dive into the details and you decide.
On December 9, 2025, TikTok unveiled its year-in-review, and KATSEYE emerged as the undisputed champion. This all-girl group, consisting of Megan, Yoonchae, Sophia, Manon, Lara, and Daniela, debuted in 2024 and quickly became a global phenomenon. With over 30 billion views and 12 million creations using their music on the app, they've captured the hearts of millions. Their viral success translated into mainstream recognition, earning them two Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Singles like 'Gabriela' soared to No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying their place in the industry.
But is TikTok's influence on the music industry a blessing or a curse? Some argue it democratizes fame, while others claim it prioritizes trends over talent. What do you think?
KATSEYE's victory tops a global podium that includes Alan Arrieta and ENHYPEN, with icons like Bad Bunny, Stray Kids, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga also making the top 10. The group's success is further cemented by their 2025 TikTok Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
And this is the part most people miss: TikTok's impact extends beyond new artists. The platform resurrected 'Pretty Little Baby' by the late Connie Francis, originally released in 1962. This nostalgic tune became the top global song of the year, with over 28.4 million uses in videos featuring families, pets, and more. A remix by Lizot and new language versions (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Swedish) breathed new life into the classic. Francis joined TikTok in June 2025, only to pass away the following month at 87, leaving a lasting legacy.
TikTok's dominance in music discovery is undeniable, despite competition from YouTube and Meta. By 2024, a third of U.S. adults and 57% of teens used the platform daily, with 16% on it 'almost constantly.' It's not just about music; users engage with pop culture, humor, fashion, and even news. But with great power comes great debate: Is TikTok shaping culture or merely reflecting it?
Here's a breakdown of TikTok's 2025 music highlights:
Top 20 Global Songs:
1. Pretty Little Baby - Connie Francis
2. Hold My Hand - Jess Glynne
3. Rock That Body - Black Eyed Peas
4. Azul - J Balvin
5. Dame Un Grrr - Fantomel x Kate Linn
6. APT. - ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
7. Te Quería Ver - Alemán & Neton Vega
8. Stecu Stecu - Faris Adam
9. Anxiety - Doechii
10. Sailor Song - Gigi Perez
11. Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix) - MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillenbeng, Shenseea
12. ocean eyes - Billie Eilish
13. No One Noticed - The Marias
14. back to friends - sombr
15. Sparks - Coldplay
16. That’s So True - Gracie Abrams
17. Let Down - Radiohead
18. Suave - El Alfa
19. My Darling - Chella
20. We Hug Now - Sydney Rose
Top 10 U.S. Songs:
1. Pretty Little Baby - Connie Francis
2. Hold My Hand - Jess Glynne
3. WHIM WHAMMIE - PLUTO & YKNIECE
4. Rock That Body - Black Eyed Peas
5. Doot Doot (6 7) - Skrilla
6. We Hug Now - Sydney Rose
7. No One Noticed - The Marias
8. Bunna Summa - BunnaB
9. Anxiety - Doechii
10. Love Me Not - Ravyn Lenae
Top 10 Global Artists:
1. KATSEYE
2. Alan Arrieta
3. ENHYPEN
4. Bad Bunny
5. Stray Kids
6. Taylor Swift
7. Lady Gaga
8. Fuerza Regida
9. Billie Eilish
10. Ariana Grande
Additional Honors:
- Global Most-Saved Artist: Taylor Swift
- Global Most-Saved Track: 'back to friends' by sombr
- Global Most-Saved Album: So Close To What by Tate McRae
- Music Trend of the Year: 'Anxiety' by Doechii
- Songwriter of the Year: EJAE
As we celebrate KATSEYE's triumph, it's worth asking: What does it mean to be an artist in the age of TikTok? Is it about talent, timing, or trendsetting? Share your thoughts below—let's spark a conversation!
