K-pop sensation KATSEYE has been crowned TikTok's Global Artist of the Year for 2025, marking a significant milestone for the girl group. The announcement came today, December 9th, as TikTok released its annual year-in-review figures. The group's rapid ascent follows their debut in 2024, quickly establishing them as a major force in the global music scene.
Their music generated over 30 billion views and inspired 12 million unique creations on the platform. This viral success translated into widespread recognition, including two Grammy Award nominations, one for Best New Artist. Two of KATSEYE's singles also entered the Billboard Hot 100 this year, with "Gabriela" reaching an impressive No. 31.
Key Takeaways
- KATSEYE named TikTok's Global Artist of the Year for 2025.
- The group garnered over 30 billion views and 12 million creations on TikTok.
- Received two Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist.
- Single "Gabriela" peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Connie Francis's "Pretty Little Baby" became TikTok's Top Global Song of the Year.
KATSEYE's Explosive Rise to Global Stardom
KATSEYE, comprising members Megan, Yoonchae, Sophia, Manon, Lara, and Daniela, has experienced a meteoric rise since their 2024 debut. Their engagement on TikTok has been a primary driver of their global recognition. The group's ability to connect with a vast audience through short-form video content highlights the platform's influence in shaping music trends and launching careers.
A representative for TikTok stated that KATSEYE has become "one of the biggest bands in the world." This statement underscores the group's impact in a remarkably short period. Their music resonates with millions, leading to widespread adoption in user-generated content.
TikTok's Power in Music
TikTok remains a powerful and influential force in music and entertainment despite strong competition from platforms like YouTube and Meta. By 2024, approximately one-third of U.S. adults used TikTok, with nearly 6 in 10 teens (57%) reporting daily usage. This massive user base provides an unparalleled platform for artists to gain visibility.
Grammy Recognition and Chart Success
Beyond their digital presence, KATSEYE's impact is also evident in traditional music accolades. Their two Grammy nominations signal a significant crossover appeal and critical recognition. Achieving two entries on the Billboard Hot 100 further solidifies their position in the mainstream music landscape.
The success of "Gabriela" reaching No. 31 on such a competitive chart demonstrates the group's ability to produce commercially successful tracks. This blend of viral digital engagement and traditional chart performance highlights a modern blueprint for artist success.
Connie Francis's "Pretty Little Baby" Dominates as Top Global Song
In a surprising turn, the late U.S. singer Connie Francis's 1962 hit, "Pretty Little Baby," was named TikTok's Top Global Song of the Year for 2025. The song also claimed the title of top song in the United States. This resurgence showcases TikTok's unique ability to revive classic tracks and introduce them to new generations.
The global TikTok community used "Pretty Little Baby" in over 28.4 million videos. These videos featured a wide array of content, including family moments, pet antics, and various personal stories. The song's cheerful melody and timeless appeal resonated deeply with users.
"'Pretty Little Baby' averaged 600,000 daily creates on TikTok in the first half of the year, including posts from the likes of Kim Kardashian and North West and Kylie Jenner," a TikTok report highlighted.
A Global Phenomenon
The song's renewed popularity was boosted by a remix from German electronic music duo Lizot. Additionally, the original version became available for the first time in multiple languages, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. Connie Francis herself joined TikTok in June, shortly before her passing in July at the age of 87, adding a poignant layer to the song's revival.
Other Notable TikTok Year-End Achievements
The TikTok year-end review also recognized several other artists and tracks for their outstanding performance. Taylor Swift was named the Global Most-Saved Artist, indicating her immense popularity and fan engagement on the platform. Her songs are frequently saved by users to their music apps.
Sombr's track "back to friends" earned the title of Global Most-Saved Track. Tate McRae's album So Close To What was recognized as the Global Most Saved Album. These categories highlight different facets of user interaction and preference on TikTok, from saving full albums to individual tracks.
Key Music Trends and Songwriters
- Music Trend of the Year: "Anxiety" by Doechii. This reflects the impact of the song's sound and lyrical themes on user-generated content.
- Songwriter of the Year: EJAE. This award acknowledges the talent behind the lyrics and melodies that capture the imagination of millions.
The top 10 global artists list for 2025 featured a diverse array of talent, including Alan Arrieta, ENHYPEN, Bad Bunny, Stray Kids, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Fuerza Regida, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande, alongside KATSEYE. This diverse lineup illustrates the platform's broad appeal across genres and regions.
TikTok's Enduring Influence on Pop Culture
TikTok continues to be a dominant force in pop culture and entertainment. Users engage with the platform for various reasons, including viral music and dances, humor, personal stories, fashion advice, and even product recommendations. While only 5% of U.S. adults use TikTok for news, its primary impact remains in entertainment and cultural trends.
The platform's ability to launch new artists, revive classics, and foster global music trends demonstrates its significant role in the modern music industry. Artists and labels increasingly recognize TikTok as an indispensable tool for promotion and audience engagement.
Top 20 Global Songs on TikTok 2025
- Pretty Little Baby – Connie Francis
- Hold My Hand – Jess Glynne
- Rock That Body – Black Eyed Peas
- Azul – J Balvin
- Dame Un Grrr – Fantomel x Kate Linn
- APT. – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
- Te Quería Ver – Alemán & Neton Vega
- Stecu Stecu – Faris Adam
- Anxiety – Doechii
- Sailor Song – Gigi Perez
- Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix) – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillenbeng, Shenseea
- ocean eyes – Billie Eilish
- No One Noticed – The Marias
- back to friends – sombr
- Sparks – Coldplay
- That’s So True – Gracie Abrams
- Let Down – Radiohead
- Suave – El Alfa
- My Darling – Chella
- We Hug Now – Sydney Rose
The platform's reach among younger demographics, with 16% of teens using it "almost constantly," ensures its continued relevance in shaping future cultural landscapes. The 2025 year-in-review solidifies TikTok's position as a critical player in the music world, capable of transforming artists into global icons and bringing forgotten gems back into the spotlight.