For the first time ever, today TikTok UK & Ireland reveals their predictions for #SongOfTheSummer, with a sneak peek into all the tracks that are set to fill festivals, clubs and house parties around the UK this summer.
With almost half a million video creations for #SongOfTheSummer, TikTok is the home to some of the biggest hits that the community playlists all summer long. With the weather finally getting warmer and days getting longer, summer has officially kicked off, with some seriously hot belters already trending on the platform.
Last year, chart-topping single 'Sprinter' from Dave and Central Cee took the crown as TikTok's Song of the Summer in the UK & Ireland, whilst Mae Stephens, who swapped supermarket shifts for TikTok stardom, topped our global Songs of the Summer list with her smash hit 'If We Ever Broke Up'.
This year, TikTok is forecasting a vibrant mix of pop, rap and electronic music to soundtrack our community this summer. There's singer-songwriter Myles Smith, whose breakthrough single 'Stargazing' has seen a meteoric rise on TikTok, Kabin Krew's high energy drum and bass banger The Spark, to Disclosure's energetic new track 'She's Gone, Dance On', a perfect tune for barbecues and beach parties. Then we have newcomer Tommy Richman, whose massive hit 'Million Dollar Baby' will make you want to sit back and relax by the pool, and Billen Ted and Girl On Couch's 'Man in Finance', which has been going viral on TikTok and being soundtracked by corporate girlies everywhere. And of course, no one can forget Sabrina Carpenter's undeniably catchy 'Espresso', which has been storming the charts and dancefloors as summer holiday season heats up.
Introducing TikTok UK & Ireland's picks for Song Of the Summer
'Espresso', Sabrina Carpenter
Since its release in mid-April, this irresistible shot of nu-disco has rapidly climbed the charts to the top of the UK Official Singles Chart - a position Carpenter has held for the past seven weeks. With its off-kilter lyrics and vintage funk beats, it's easy to see why Sabrina's latest hit has been dubbed an early frontrunner in the #SongOfTheSummer race - and it's already had over 763,000 video creations on TikTok.
Picked by Sheema Siddiqi, Music Partnerships Manager, UK & Ireland
'Stargazing', Myles Smith
Stargazing shot to fame in May after being teased using TikTok's #NewMusic campaign and it's showing no signs of slowing down, charting at #5 on the Official Singles Chart with over 250,000 creations in-app. With Myles' style described as anthemic folk-pop with an alt-country vibe, his driving rhythm and catchy melodies are a sure fire crowd pleaser and make him a big favourite among our music experts. The TikTok community is already using the track to soundtrack their content, from the highs and lows of long distance relationships to bonds with furry friends.
Picked by Adam Read, Music Editorial Lead, UK & Ireland & Nichal Sethi, Head of UK Artist Services at TikTok
'360', Charli xcx
As the first track on Charli xcx's new album Brat, 360 packs a punch. Featuring a heavy dose of electro-pop and empowering lyrics, this undeniably catchy song is destined for summer gatherings and festivals. If that wasn't enough, Charli has shared a remix of 360 with avant-garde Swedish artists Robyn and Yung Lean.
Picked by Kira Ashwin, Music Partnerships Manager, UK & Ireland
'She's Gone, Dance On', Disclosure
Just in time for their festival sets this summer, Disclosure has shared their new single She's Gone, Dance On. Having originally shared snippets on TikTok of themselves testing out the sample track at clubs and parties, the duo have now released it as a fully fledged single. Incorporating a bright beat and sampling lyrics from iconic Italian composer Ennio Morricone’s 1978 track ‘Dance On’, it's a serious contender for #SongOfTheSummer.
Picked by Lisa Skeppner, Music Partnerships Manager, UK & Ireland
'Million Dollar Baby', Tommy Richman
US rapper Tommy Richman released this genre-bending track at the end of April, after teasing snippets of the song on TikTok beforehand. The track made waves in the UK, hitting #1 in the UK Hot 50 on TikTok. As we head into summer, creators are hopping on a global dance trend with its unique and catchy sound. This one's sure to be blasting on your speakers all summer long.
Picked by Clive Rozario, Global Music Program Manager
'Everything Is Romantic', Charli xcx
Featuring shades of Brazilian funk, Charli XCX previewed this track during her show at Primavera Sound. It's already been gaining traction on TikTok, with music fans sharing their clips of Charli performing the song live, and our music experts at TikTok saying that it's their favourite one from her new album Brat.
Picked by Alice Razack, Music Partnerships Manager, UK & Ireland
'Band4Band', Central Cee & Lil Baby
Released at the end of May, Central Cee & Lil Baby's latest track has already been making an impact globally - not only is it the only UK rap single to break into the Top 10 this year, but it is also the fastest-selling rap single of the year to date. With already over 208k creations on TikTok, could this be the viral #SongOfTheSummer?
Picked by James Underwood, Global Music Programs Lead
'LUNCH', Billie Eilish
LUNCH is the second track from Billie's third studio album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, exploring themes of queerness, identity, confidence, and questioning. The song was first revealed during Coachella 2024 and since then has shot into the TikTok UK Hot 50, after Billie launched a TikTok takeover, featuring challenges for fans that unlocked exclusive artwork and the chance to be featured on Billie’s TikTok homepage.
Picked by Parris OH, Artists Partnerships Manager - TikTok & SoundOn
The Spark, Kabin Krew
They've got the energy, they'll tell you all about it. This high energy drum and bass banger was created by Cork's Kabin Studio, a not-for-profit youth and community-based studio in Cork's Northside. With a chorus that's bursting with confidence and passion for embracing creativity, there's every reason to believe that the track could be the #SongOfTheSummer.
Picked by Kelli Slade, Commercial Music Licensing Manager - EMEA Lead
Man In Finance, Girl on Couch, Billen Ted
Using the viral spoken word audio from @girl_on_couch, Billen Ted have remixed it into a club track which will have you hitting the dancefloor. Whether it's elaborate dance choreographies or what they're looking for in a date, one thing is for sure, TikTok is already using this banger to soundtrack their summer.
Picked by Tara Brady, Music Publishing Partnerships, EMEA
Miss Me Too, Griff
With poignant lyrics set to her signature electro-pop sound, Griff's single Miss Me Too is a powerful reflection on finding yourself after heartbreak. The TikTok community have been using the song to soundtrack the old parts of themselves that they miss the most, and given the sun tinged nostalgic feel of Miss Me Too, it's bound to be on summer playlists over the next few months.
Picked by Andy Salker, Commercial Music and Creative Licensing, EMEA
Cartwheels, Soft Launch
This track well and truly lives up to its title, with its twisting, turning and tumbling lyrics and melody which invokes the early days of indie pop. The band got their first spin on radio earlier this year, and with video creations for Cartwheels climbing on TikTok, could this be the summer that they go stratospheric?
Picked by Rachel Young, Product & Distribution, EMEA
Good Luck, Babe, Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan's latest single - which they say is all about "wishing good luck to someone who is denying fate" – has smashed into the UK Top 20. With its distinctive chorus, catchy tune, and heavy dose of synth it's exactly the sort of track that could be crowned #SongOfTheSummer.
Picked by James Lightfoot, Global Music Partnerships
Stereo, Baobei
Baobei is a versatile music powerhouse – singer, songwriter, producer & DJ - infusing UK dance genres like DnB and garage, mixed with a pop/RnB flair. Her recent track Stereo is an energetic summer bop and a playful response to the rejection of love. The British-Chinese artist has also released a Mandarin version, which has been a hit on FYPs across the UK.
Picked by Josh Mateer, Head of A&R, SoundOn
Nichal Sethi, Head of UK Artist Services at TikTok said: "From Central Cee & Lil Baby's newly released Band4Band, to Billie Eilish's hugely anticipated LUNCH, it's amazing to see the variety of genres, artists and songs which are shaping up to be this year's #SongOfTheSummer on TikTok. Bright electro pop beats and quirky lyrics feature heavily in the chosen tracks, so it's clear that our community is after a dopamine hit when it comes to their summer playlists. The team at TikTok will be keeping a close eye on the songs our community are connecting with over the next couple of months and look forward to seeing the results!"
New to TikTok and want to explore all things #SongOfTheSummer on TikTok? Getting involved couldn’t be easier, simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.