Title: Top Musicians Embracing TikTok's Spotlight Before the U.S. Ban
Preparing for the uncertain future, as TikTok hangs in the balance with a pending nationwide ban set for January 19, 2025, in the United States, it's impossible to overlook the platform's dramatic influence on music and pop culture.
Following a heated Supreme Court hearing, where judges seemed sympathetic to the prospect of enforcing a law calling for TikTok's sale to a U.S. corporation, the app's destiny remains shrouded in doubt. Although President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of a 90-day extension to postpone the ban, millions of users and creators across the nation are bracing for the impact, eagerly awaiting updates.
On the eve of the potential ban, on Saturday, January 18, many U.S. users reported seeing this message on their account:
"We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We're working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Stay tuned."
Estimates put the number of U.S.-based TikTok users at an impressive 170 million, making the app a cornerstone for launching viral music trends and amplifying artists' global reach. From its Musical.ly origins, early pioneers like Loren Gray, Mackenzie Ziegler, and Jacob Sartorius got their start on the platform, building enduring fanbases. Today, TikTok is a veritable powerhouse for musicians, with some amassing tens of millions of followers.
With international superstars BTS promising a long-awaited reunion in 2025 and pop sensation Billie Eilish fueling her sky-rocketing career through TikTok, it's evident that the app has played a pivotal role in shaping music culture. In light of the potential ban, let's pay tribute to TikTok's impact and its Musical.ly roots by spotlighting its most-followed musicians.
1) Bella Poarch (@bellapoarch) - 94.2 Million TikTok Followers
Gaining fame with the most-liked video on TikTok, as well as being the most followed person from the Philippines, Bella Poarch released her debut EP titled Dolls in 2022 and scored a platinum-certified single with "Build a Bitch" reaching the No. 56 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Just recently, Poarch dropped her "Sweet Delusion" single (above) and rumors circulate that it might feature on her upcoming full-length album.
2) Addison Rae (@addisonre) - 88.6 Million TikTok Followers
Nearly a year prior to the ban, Addison Rae hadn't posted on her TikTok account since November 2024, but took to her followers to share, "I don’t know the words that will suffice. Transformative arc in the story of my life...accept my endless gratitude."
Rae, like Poarch, transformed her following into a successful music career in 2024 with her single "Diet Pepsi" reaching No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also being hailed as one of the best tunes of the year by outlets ranging from Rolling Stone to Pitchfork. Rae teamed up with fellow breakout talents like Charli xcx and producer A.G. Cook, even performing the track during Charli's Sweat Tour with Troye Sivan.
3) Kim Loaiza (@kimberly.loaiza) - 83.2 Million TikTok Followers
While Poarch and Rae found their followings on TikTok, Mexico native Kim Loaiza introduced herself on YouTube, where she has amassed over 45 million subscribers. Quitting music and the internet following a series of controversies, Loaiza raced back into the music scene in 2023 with her X Amor II album and the emotional single "La Mejor Decisió́n."
The anticipated TikTok ban in the United States could have severe repercussions, both for the music industry and its influential artists. From loss of revenue for record labels to disrupted marketing strategies, the ripple effects of the potential ban could leave lasting marks on the music landscape.
Without the viral algorithmic advantages of TikTok, rising talents might struggle to gain traction, making it impossible for them to replicate their past successes. Impacted influencers and creators may also find it difficult to monetize their roaring fanbases, threatening the value of their brands and endeavors.
Finally, the cultural impact on youth culture and digital socialization would be profound, potentially leading young people to seek alternative spaces for connection and self-expression. The void left by TikTok could take some time to fill, if at all.
[1] "Why the TikTok ban could spell disaster for the music industry." https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/6/21358566/tiktok-ban-music-industry-universal-record-labels-revenue-loss-entertainment
[2] "TikTok Ban: Music Retailers and Streamers Brace for Impact." https://www.billboard.com/business/tiktok-ban-music-impact-streamers-retailers-merchandise-12944126/
[3] "What a TikTok Ban Losing Access to the App means for Musicians and Influencers." https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/what-a-tiktok-ban-losing-access-to-the-app-means-for-musicians-and-influencers/
[4] "How a TikTok ban could reshape the music industry." https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxg9jx/how-a-tiktok-ban-could-reshape-the-music-industry
- Despite the potential TikTok ban, some of the most followed musicians on the platform, such as Bella Poarch with 94.2 million followers, have already made a significant impact on music culture.
- Addison Rae, who has 88.6 million TikTok followers, used her platform to transition into a successful music career, with her single "Diet Pepsi" reaching No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Even outside of TikTok, musicians like Kim Loaiza, with 83.2 million followers, have leveraged their popularity on the platform to gain traction in the music industry.
- As we await the outcome of the TikTok ban, several popular musicians, including BTS with their massive TikTok following, are continuing to contribute to the evolution of music through the platform.
