Katseye Named TikTok’s Global Artist of the Year

TikTok's 2024 Year in Music report has declared the multinational girl group Katseye its Global Artist of the Year. The platform's data placed the ensemble, which was formed through a joint survival show by Hybe and Geffen Records, at the pinnacle of worldwide listenership. They were followed closely by artist Alan Arietta in the number two slot. The remainder of the global top ten showcased a diverse mix of talent, from K-pop giants like Enhypen and Stray Kids to established Western stars such as Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Ariana Grande. This outcome highlights TikTok's significant influence as a launchpad, capable of propelling new artists to immediate international fame.

Perhaps the most telling trend from the data is the platform's power to redefine a song's cultural moment. The number one song globally and in the United States was not a contemporary release but Connie Francis's 1962 classic "Pretty Little Baby." Its massive resurgence demonstrates TikTok's unique ability to resurrect decades-old music, granting it a new life and audience. Jess Glynne's "Hold My Hand," which previously topped TikTok's Songs of the Summer list, secured second place worldwide and in the U.S., while also leading the United Kingdom's chart. This pattern underscores that a track's potential for virality is now less about its release date and more about its emotional weight and utility as a soundtrack for user-generated content.

Beyond raw plays, TikTok's "Add to Music App" feature provided deeper insight into listener intent. Taylor Swift was named the most-saved artist of the year, a metric that tracks how often users exported her songs to external streaming services. Industry analysts consider this a key indicator of sustained commercial success, as it reflects a desire to integrate music into a personal library beyond a temporary trend. The breakout artist sombr earned the title for most-saved individual track with "Back to Friends," while Tate McRae's album "So Close to What" was the most-saved album.

The platform also honored specific creative contributions, awarding EJAE as its songwriter of the year. The music trend of the year title went to Doechii's "Anxiety," recognized for its widespread use in videos where creators candidly discuss mental health. As media sociologist Dr. Lena Shaw noted, "These lists have transcended mere popularity charts. They now function as a real-time ethnography of digital culture, showing how music is weaponized for self-expression, community building, and navigating contemporary anxieties." This analytical shift reveals TikTok's evolving role from a content hub to a cultural barometer.

The full charts paint a picture of a remarkably eclectic sonic ecosystem. Alongside the top two viral hits, the global song ranking included everything from Black Eyed Peas' "Rock That Body" to Billie Eilish's early track "ocean eyes." The U.S. list featured entries like PLUTO & YKNIECE's "WHIM WHAMMIE," while the UK chart saw Radiohead's 1997 deep cut "Let Down" sharing space with Rihanna's "Breakin' Dishes." This flattening of music history into a single, dynamic playlist is a defining characteristic of the TikTok era, where a 60-year-old ballad can compete directly with a track released just last week.