EDM Surges on TikTok
The digital music world is witnessing a seismic shift, and nowhere is this more evident than on TikTok. In 2024, EDM surged on TikTok, overtaking indie in views for the first time. A milestone that signals a new era for both creators and fans. As the hashtag #EDM and its related tags rack up billions of views, the genre’s high-energy beats and collaborative spirit redefine what it means to go viral in the age of short-form video.
The Numbers Behind the EDM Boom
EDM’s growth on TikTok is nothing short of explosive. Videos tagged with #EDM and #ElectronicMusic have seen year-on-year global growth of up to 70% in terms of video creations, with subgenres like drum & bass up 50%, techno up 63%, and trance soaring by 73%. These figures reflect not just a fleeting trend but a cultural momentum, as EDM surges on TikTok and becomes the go-to soundtrack for everything from dance challenges and gaming highlights to travel vlogs and fashion reels.
Why EDM Resonates
EDM’s success on TikTok is rooted in its infectious energy and adaptability. The genre’s driving beats and euphoric drops provide the perfect backdrop for the platform’s fast-paced, creative content. Whether users are showcasing dance moves, sharing snippets from gaming sessions, or curating aesthetic montages, EDM amplifies the mood and keeps audiences engaged.
But it’s more than just sound. TikTok thrives on community, and EDM’s culture of remixing, collaboration, and genre-tagging fits seamlessly into the app’s ethos. Users frequently tag their videos by subgenre, building micro-communities around shared tastes and helping new artists break through. This sense of belonging has turned TikTok into a launchpad for both established DJs and rising producers, democratizing music discovery for a global audience.
Artists and Trends Fueling the Surge
The EDM surge on TikTok has propelled a new generation of artists into the spotlight. DJs and producers are leveraging the platform to share live set snippets, behind-the-scenes moments, and unreleased tracks. Driving massive fan bases and moving their music up the charts. Breakout stars and established acts are finding new audiences as their tracks become the soundtracks to viral trends and challenges.
Subgenres like drum & bass, techno, and trance are experiencing unprecedented growth, with video creation and engagement numbers climbing rapidly. These trends reflect a more profound shift in how young listeners engage with music, favoring immersive, high-energy sounds that translate well to festival fields and digital feeds.
Streaming and Festivals
The impact extends far beyond the app itself. Streaming platforms report double-digit annual increases in EDM streams, with viral moments on TikTok often translating to chart success and festival bookings. Major events like Tomorrowland and Amsterdam Dance Event are seeing their highlights go viral, with millions of fans sharing and remixing clips to celebrate the genre’s biggest moments.
TikTok’s expansion of its #ElectronicMusic hub globally has further cemented the platform’s role as a tastemaker. It provides fans with a dedicated space to discover new sounds and connect with artists worldwide. This synergy between TikTok virality and streaming success reshapes festival lineups and official charts, with EDM acts now headlining major events and dominating playlists.
Music Discovery
As EDM surges on TikTok, it’s clear that the genre’s influence is only set to grow. The combination of community-driven discovery, creative freedom, and cross-platform momentum has made EDM the heartbeat of a new digital generation. For artists, adaptability and engagement are now essential. For fans, the endless stream of new sounds and trends ensures that the party never stops.
This shift is especially significant in the world of gaming and music. The same high-energy tracks fueling TikTok trends are now powering gaming soundtracks and esports highlights, blurring the lines between genres and media. As TikTok continues to shape the sound of tomorrow, one thing is certain: EDM is the soundtrack of a generation.
