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
Hidden Symbolism in Ryan Coogler’s Masterpiece Sinners

“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

The Best Black Fashion From Coachella Weekend 1

The Best Black Fashion From Coachella Weekend 1

We’re taking a look at how Teyana Taylor, Karrueche, and the festival crowd are showing off their style on and off the Coachella stage …
The Best Musical Biopics to Stream This Weekend

The Best Musical Biopics to Stream This Weekend

Grab your favorite microphone and get ready to sing along with our curated list of legendary music movies, from “The Jacksons” to “Purple Rain.” …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Black mothers are disproportionately affected by postpartum depression, but often go without proper diagnosis or care. During Black Maternal Health Week, we highlight the urgent gaps in maternal mental health support …
The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

Even after a death sentence forced former Congolese President Joseph Kabila back into exile, his story is not over yet …
Why Parents of the 'Black-ish' Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

Why Parents of the ‘Black-ish’ Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

As more parents rethink what college readiness looks like, historically Black colleges and universities are emerging as a preferred path in today’s shifting educational landscape …
Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Greg Mathis told his fans and followers that he was going to do whatever it took to get his wife back. Now, it looks like his efforts have finally paid off! …
NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

As President Trump’s approval rating continues to drop, there is a growing call for his removal from office from both sides of the aisle …
Everything You Need to Know About Jackie Young, The WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Player

Everything You Need to Know About Jackie Young, The WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Player

The Las Vegas Aces guard made history as the league’s first seven-figure player …
Video of Black Houston Mom Wrongfully Held at Gunpoint by Police Will Make You Angry

Video of Black Houston Mom Wrongfully Held at Gunpoint by Police Will Make You Angry

A Black woman in Houston is raising alarms after she was wrongfully detained in front of her kids. Police, however, are telling a different story …
New Updates on Rapper Offset After FL Shooting Incident, Here's What We Know

New Updates on Rapper Offset After FL Shooting Incident, Here’s What We Know

We’re keeping our eye on the latest news about Offset, Cardi B’s Ex, who was shot at a casino in Hollywood, Florida …
The Real Story Behind Why Marques Houston Left 'Sister, Sister'

The Real Story Behind Why Marques Houston Left ‘Sister, Sister’

‘Go home, Roger!’ may be a beloved cultural phrase now, but for Marques Houston—it holds bittersweet memories. Let’s get into it! …
Meet the Black Women Responsible for Launching Artemis II

Meet the Black Women Responsible for Launching Artemis II

Black women have played “hidden” roles at NASA since the 1940s. Now, their work is finally being recognized with the Artemis II mission …
Coco Gauff Responds To The Hate She Received For Her 4c Hair In Viral Miu Miu Campaign

Coco Gauff Responds To The Hate She Received For Her 4c Hair In Viral Miu Miu Campaign

After receiving criticism for her hair in a recent Miu Miu campaign, Coco Gauff is calling out the haters for being insecure …
R&B Royalty Usher and Chris Brown Announce a Joint Tour, and Fans are Losing It!

R&B Royalty Usher and Chris Brown Announce a Joint Tour, and Fans are Losing It!

Is Usher or Chris Brown the King of R&B? We’re all about to find out thanks to their upcoming joint tour and fans can’t get enough! …
Trump Under Fire from Former Republican Allies as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Candace Owens Call for New Leadership

Trump Under Fire from Former Republican Allies as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Candace Owens Call for New Leadership

Former GOP allies Marjorie Taylor Greene and Candace Owens blast Donald Trump, calling for new leadership …
Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over Alleged Racial Bias that Led to a Black Man on Death Row

Supreme Court Hears Arguments Over Alleged Racial Bias that Led to a Black Man on Death Row

A now-retired Mississippi DA is at the center of the case before the Supreme Court alleging racial discrimination …
The Truth About the New Stage in Trump's Immigration Crackdown

The Truth About the New Stage in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Bombshell headlines surrounding DHS and ICE have quieted… But is that all a part of Trump’s greater plan? …
Professor: Why Jay-Z Is Wrong. Black People Need More Than Just A Seat At The Table.

Professor: Why Jay-Z Is Wrong. Black People Need More Than Just A Seat At The Table.

OPINION: Jay Z Says a business that Black people own 1% of should be called Black owned. That sounds good until you realize it buys you almost no power …
New Report Shows Less Support for Black Nonprofits Since 2020 Racial Reckoning

New Report Shows Less Support for Black Nonprofits Since 2020 Racial Reckoning

According to a new report, promised funding for Black-led nonprofits ended sooner than expected, and the consequences are alarming …