In a year that witnessed the rise of new stars and the revival of old classics, TikTok redefined the music landscape with its Global Artist of the Year 2025, KATSEYE. Formed just two years ago with members from different corners of the globe, this six-member band achieved an almost-impossible feat: becoming a global phenomenon overnight.
KATSEYE's meteoric rise was fueled by their infectious energy and their ability to connect with fans across cultures. Their track "Gnarly" became one of TikTok's Songs of 2025, while their collaboration with Gap, soundtracked by Kelis' "Milkshake," racked up over 150 million views on the platform.
However, what's equally remarkable is the way an older song was also making waves on the platform. Connie Francis, a legendary artist who passed away in 2013, had recorded a sweet pop tune called "Pretty Little Baby" in 1962. The track, which Francis herself described as "a dream come true," became TikTok's most unexpected viral phenomenon of the year.
Francis' song was paired with wholesome pet videos, family moments, and tender relationship clips, catapulting her to number one on the TikTok Top 50 in both the U.S. and UK, and becoming her most-streamed song ever with 130 million streams on Spotify. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Shaq, and Jimmy Fallon also joined the trend.
This phenomenon highlights the power of TikTok to bridge generational gaps and introduce new music to new audiences. The platform's algorithm doesn't care about release dates; it only cares if you connect with people. As KATSEYE put it, "the EYEKONS who showed up for us every single day" made their songs, moments, and chaos into something truly global.
This year also saw the emergence of new talent through initiatives like Behind the Breakthrough, which shines a light on emerging artists who got their big break on TikTok. Ravyn Lenae's 'Love Me Not', which went to number five on the Billboard Hot 100, is just one example of this.
TikTok's influence on music and culture cannot be denied, but what's remarkable about 2025 is that it offered a compelling answer to critics who have long questioned whether the platform is influencing music in a healthy and diverse way. KATSEYE and Connie Francis' success proves that when you connect with people across cultures, old rules simply don't apply anymore.
KATSEYE's meteoric rise was fueled by their infectious energy and their ability to connect with fans across cultures. Their track "Gnarly" became one of TikTok's Songs of 2025, while their collaboration with Gap, soundtracked by Kelis' "Milkshake," racked up over 150 million views on the platform.
However, what's equally remarkable is the way an older song was also making waves on the platform. Connie Francis, a legendary artist who passed away in 2013, had recorded a sweet pop tune called "Pretty Little Baby" in 1962. The track, which Francis herself described as "a dream come true," became TikTok's most unexpected viral phenomenon of the year.
Francis' song was paired with wholesome pet videos, family moments, and tender relationship clips, catapulting her to number one on the TikTok Top 50 in both the U.S. and UK, and becoming her most-streamed song ever with 130 million streams on Spotify. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Shaq, and Jimmy Fallon also joined the trend.
This phenomenon highlights the power of TikTok to bridge generational gaps and introduce new music to new audiences. The platform's algorithm doesn't care about release dates; it only cares if you connect with people. As KATSEYE put it, "the EYEKONS who showed up for us every single day" made their songs, moments, and chaos into something truly global.
This year also saw the emergence of new talent through initiatives like Behind the Breakthrough, which shines a light on emerging artists who got their big break on TikTok. Ravyn Lenae's 'Love Me Not', which went to number five on the Billboard Hot 100, is just one example of this.
TikTok's influence on music and culture cannot be denied, but what's remarkable about 2025 is that it offered a compelling answer to critics who have long questioned whether the platform is influencing music in a healthy and diverse way. KATSEYE and Connie Francis' success proves that when you connect with people across cultures, old rules simply don't apply anymore.
Can u believe how fast KATSEYE took off?! They're literally breaking barriers with their music and bringing people together like never before 
. I love how their energy is infectious - it's no wonder they became a global phenomenon so quickly 
And OMG, who would've thought that Connie Francis' 60s song was gonna go viral on TikTok?! It just goes to show that TikTok's algorithm really does care about the content, not just the release date 
. The fact that new talent like Ravyn Lenae is getting discovered through Behind the Breakthrough initiative is amazing too - it's proof that TikTok can be a launching pad for artists from all backgrounds 
and KATSEYE's story is so inspiring - i love how they're all about spreading joy and energy, it's infectious 
I'm also loving the new initiative to shine a light on emerging artists through Behind the Breakthrough... Ravyn Lenae's 'Love Me Not' is already one of my fave songs this year 
, while Ravyn Lenae's 'Love Me Not' hit number five on the Billboard Hot 100 
- that's some serious crossover power 
.
. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to watch cute pet videos and wholesome family moments set to "Pretty Little Baby" 
?
And can you believe an 80s song is now on top of the charts again? It just goes to show that music is timeless and should be accessible to everyone. I'm also loving how the community is coming together to share their favorite moments, whether it's wholesome pet videos or heartfelt relationship clips - it's like one big happy family! 
and it's amazing how they connected with fans from all over the world 
️! I love how Connie Francis' old song became a viral hit 
, it just goes to show that music knows no age limits 
. It's awesome that initiatives like Behind the Breakthrough are shining light on emerging artists who got their big break on TikTok 
! Ravyn Lenae's 'Love Me Not' is an amazing example of this 
!
really made their songs and moments into something truly global 
it's all about connectin with people, not just releas dates. and btw ravyn lenae's 'love me not' is fire 
. And let's not forget KATSEYE's meteoric rise, their energy and ability to connect with fans from all over the world is something to be admired 
! But what really got me is how Connie Francis' old song became a viral hit 
. It's like the internet had a way of bringing people together across generations 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned nostalgic vibe? 
it's literally the cutest thing ever! and katseye is like totally not even that new band... they're literally just 2 yrs old lol what's next, tiktok makin us discover the beatles? 
i mean, "pretty little baby" is a classic and all but come on... it's not every day you see someone from the 60s making waves on the platform 
. can't wait to see what 2026 brings!