As we see with all technology and all forms of communication, music has evolved over the years. From live music performances, to vinyl, to CDs, to streaming iPods, to streaming platforms, and now at the center of many social media sites. In particular, TIkTok. TIkTOk actually started under a different name: Musicly. The idea of the app was to lip sync and or dance to popular songs. The app has evolved into something much bigger than that. Yet, still based on the premise of recording a video to a certain sound. 

The songs heard on TikTok often become famous because of who is posting the videos using the sounds or because of the creative dances made for the songs. As the songs go viral on the platform, they also become extremely popular across many platforms. TikTok videos usually quickly transfer to Instagram and Facebook. The songs also rise in the chart, are played more on the radio and go up in streams across streaming platforms. 

This has created an interesting phenomena where songs are gaining interest and popularity based on something more than just the song itself. Additionally, the song is often more linked to the TikTok trend or famous TikToker who started the trend, rather than the songs artist themself. 

This is similar to the advancements in technology that occurred at the end of the 20th Century. As mass communication increased, fans were able to gain greater insight into music artists lives. Because of this, there was a shift from music being appreciated for how it sounds itself to who was creating the music and what they were like. Is the artist attractive? Is the artist interesting? Does this artist have a lot of drama going on in their life?  None of these things mattered when your only access to music was the radio. Now, these artists are seen as idols and hold a greater social status because of their music ability alone. 

The recording abilities and streaming abilities for music are only increasing and becoming more advanced. And I think a lot of music is advancing along with the technology. However, the interesting point is that these artists are not necessarily getting as much recognition as before. 

With all of that said, I am only focusing on the TikTok songs. The advancements in technology and streaming has also resulted in a greater abundance of artists and songs available. There are many songs that don’t have anything to do with social media. 

My final thought on music is this: Unlike many other forms of entertainment, communication, or technology, I can confidently say that music will never become obsolete.