Most Viral Songs on TikTok in 2022

As the year comes to an end, we take a look back at the songs that dominated TikTok in 2022.

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter // Frazer Harrison // Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Despite the fact that some folks in Congress are trying to ban TikTok in the United States, the social media app’s popularity only grew larger in 2022, thanks to these songs that went viral.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
‘Origin’ Star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: Ava DuVernay Is “A Freedom Fighter Posing As A Director”

“Cuff It” – Beyoncé

Queen Bey had plenty of hits on her 2022 album, Renaissance. But this was arguably the one that most resonated with fans on TikTok. Users everywhere made videos of themselves with friends or family doing the trendy dance.

“Doja” – Central Cee

Central Cee is a British artist whose 2022 song was in heavy rotation in the minds of every TikTok user, thanks to the opening line on the track. Instead of writing it out, I think you’ll understand what I’m saying once you hear the song. Even though it was a popular song in the United States, it became a smash hit in the UK, charting at number 2.

“Billie Eilish” – Armani White

The Philadelphia rapper’s most popular song to date is partly due to the name of the track, which takes after the talented singer. Thanks to the popularity of the song on TikTok, it peaked at 58 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Sensual Seduction” – Snoop Dogg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA5bh8YyPQM

Not every popping song on TikTok is new. This 2008 hit from Snoop Dogg had a resurgence on the app thanks to its smooth opening beat, which had a fun trendy “challenge” to go along with it.

“In My Head” – Lil Tjay

Although this song was released much earlier in the year, it eventually became a hit on the app thanks to its catchy drill beat, which makes it easy to dance to.

“WAIT FOR U” – Future

This song didn’t inspire one trendy dance or “challenge;” people just enjoyed the hell out of it thanks to its soulful sample of Tems, and the duet of Drake and Future, who never disappoint.

“Just Wanna Rock” – Lil Uzi Vert

Lil Uzi Vert just has a knack for making songs go viral on TikTok. This one in particular, and the viral dance that went along with it, could be seen all over. Quite frankly, the music video for this song feels like one long TikTok video. This track is just a banger.

“Bad Habit” – Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy’s 2022 album, Gemini Rights, became a hit this year thanks to people constantly using this song in particular on the app, remixing both sped-up and slowed-down versions of the tracks. Interestingly enough, though, at his live shows many fans could only sing the song’s chorus and none of the verses.

“I Hate U” – SZA

Although this song was well-known by hardcore fans long before it was officially released on streaming services near the end of 2021, this song became a banger on TikTok mostly due to SZA’s incredible singing. Not every song is about dancing; TikTokers just like good music.

“United In Grief” – Kendrick Lamar

While this song was excellent, the use of this song on TikTok was less about the chorus and more about the opening line where K. Dot says, “I’ve been goin’ through somethin’/One-thousand eight-hundred and fifty-five days/I’ve been goin’ through somethin’/Be afraid.” People used this time to reflect on how much they’ve changed since Kendrick’s last album, Damn., was released.

“Super Freaky Girl” – Nicki Minaj

Everyone loves a good “freaky” song on TikTok, and Nicki Minaj gave us exactly that with this track that details her various sexual encounters.

“Jimmy Cooks” – Drake

This song is just dope as hell. Period. It’s Drake and 21 Savage: what else do you need to know? The popularity of this track on TikTok and in real life fueled the desire for a collaboration album from the two rappers.

“Miles” – skaiwater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doO9TUkvBHs

The original song is good, but the version where it’s sped up and features Lil Uzi Vert is absolutely addictive. People could not stop dancing to this song, especially when he says, “Oh my God!” halfway through the song.

“Speak Up” – is0kenny

This popular YouTuber walked into a social media hit, thanks to the song’s solid beat and catchy lyrics.

“L$D” – Luclover

If you’re 25 or younger and haven’t heard the first 19 seconds of this track, I’ve got questions. The opening line to this song was a constant all over the app for people to do the popular dance associated with it.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

'Sinners' Cast: Where Are They Now?

‘Sinners’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Now that Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic ‘Sinners’ has officially won the 2026 Awards season, let’s take a look at the next major moves for Michael B. Jordan and the cast! …
These 13 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

These 13 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

From John Wayne to Doris Day, these 13 Hollywood stars have been accused of being racist …
Black Snape Actor Recalls Death Treats From Harry Potter Fans 

Black Snape Actor Recalls Death Treats From Harry Potter Fans 

British star Paapa Essidu is finally responding to the racist backlash he’s received since signing on to portray this classic Harry Potter anti-hero …
Hey Timothy Chalamet! Ballet is Alive, and Black Women are Sustaining It

Hey Timothy Chalamet! Ballet is Alive, and Black Women are Sustaining It

Timothée Chalamet may think ballet is dead, but these Black women have used their talent and artistry to keep Alvin Ailey’s commitment to the genre alive …
Black Models on 'The Price is Right' Share Shocking Experiences

Black Models on ‘The Price is Right’ Share Shocking Experiences

Kathleen Bradley and Claudia Jordan, two of the few Black models working on ‘The Price Is Right’ is spilling all the sordid details about their time working on the show! …
A Sad Ending to the Breonna Taylor Case

A Sad Ending to the Breonna Taylor Case

Officers accused of faking court documents for the “no-knock” warrant leading to Breonna Taylor’s killing have now received good news …
Meagan Good Finally Reveals Wedding Photos to Jonathan Majors

Meagan Good Finally Reveals Wedding Photos to Jonathan Majors

Meagan Good and Jonathan Major wed during a private ceremony in March 2025. And now we’ve got a look at their love-filled day! …
Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Bodycam Is Finally Out, and It’s Hilarious

Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Bodycam Is Finally Out, and It’s Hilarious

Newly released bodycam footage shows Justin Timberlake during his 2024 Hamptons arrest for driving while intoxicated, capturing his interactions with Sag Harbor police and fans’ reactions online …
You Won’t Believe This Black Chicago Mom’s Real-Life Goldilocks Nightmare

You Won’t Believe This Black Chicago Mom’s Real-Life Goldilocks Nightmare

Imagine coming home to strangers naked in your bed. That’s what happened to one Chicago mom, whose nightmare was just getting started …
A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

From a coin with Trump’s face on it to renaming several buildings in his honor, here’s everything President Trump has named or renamed after himself …
Meet the Trailblazing Black Woman Who Made FaceTime and Zoom Possible

Meet the Trailblazing Black Woman Who Made FaceTime and Zoom Possible

Exclusive: The Root caught up with Dr. Marian Rogers Croak, a trailblazer who leads Google’s work in human-centered AI and machine learning …
Black Americans Have Strong Reactions to Trump's Deployment of ICE Agents at U.S. Airports

Black Americans Have Strong Reactions to Trump’s Deployment of ICE Agents at U.S. Airports

Trump announced ICE agents will be stationed at airports across the country starting on March 23, and you can bet Black folks had plenty of thoughts …
 Doja Cat's Father Blames Her White Mother for 'Deadbeat' Claims

 Doja Cat’s Father Blames Her White Mother for ‘Deadbeat’ Claims

After making allegations about her parent being a deadbeat and trolling him on social media, Doja Cat is now embroiled in a messy back and forth with her own father! …
100 Years After Black Family Is Run Out of White California Town, Their Descendants Claim What's Rightfully Theirs

100 Years After Black Family Is Run Out of White California Town, Their Descendants Claim What’s Rightfully Theirs

Sidney Dearing and his family became the first Black people to ever buy a home in Piedmont, Calif. Then, they were chased out within a year …
All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

Nene Leakes in finally heading back to Bravo! And now, the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is sharing her feelings about it …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Chadwick Boseman's Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor's Cancer Journey

Chadwick Boseman’s Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor’s Cancer Journey

Simone Ledward Boseman is getting candid in a new interview about the late, beloved actor Chadwick Boseman and his health journey …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …