Love, TikTok, and Tunes: The Viral Love Songs Dominating the 2020s
4 February 2025
[Image:Instagram]
Writer: Toriola Olawale.
Download TSA Episodes On Mdundo.com
The 2020s have seen a unique evolution in the way music captures hearts and dominates playlists, with TikTok and Instagram reels serving as the new arbiters of global taste. Viral love songs, in particular, have thrived on these platforms, reshaping how music spreads and creating stars in the process. Here are five love songs that rode the wave of social media virality to become cultural phenomena.
CKay’s "Love Nwantiti"
CKay’s "Love Nwantiti" is a shining example of TikTok’s power as a global music marketplace. Originally released in 2019, the track gained traction nearly two years later when TikTok users started creating content around its infectious rhythm. DJs from across continents added their remixes, amplifying the song’s appeal. Over six million videos—featuring everything from dance challenges to romantic montages—cemented its place in the hearts of millions. CKay’s bittersweet lyrics and melodic beats found universal resonance, proving that love knows no borders.
Oxlade’s "Kulosa"
Oxlade’s "Kulosa" owes its meteoric rise to an intimate and electrifying performance on Colors Studios. The video, where Oxlade’s gestures mirrored the sensuality of the song’s lyrics, sparked a TikTok trend. With over 250,000 recreations of his moves, fans around the globe embraced the track’s enchanting rhythm. "Kulosa" didn’t just make Oxlade an international star; it showcased how a single authentic moment can ripple through social media and transform into a global sensation.
Rema and Selena Gomez’s "Calm Down"
"Calm Down" by Rema, later featuring Selena Gomez, transcended the confines of viral trends to make streaming history. It became the first Afrobeats song to surpass a billion streams on Spotify. While TikTok was instrumental in propelling its early success, with countless users vibing to the song’s irresistible rhythm, it was a reminder of how the platform can launch songs into enduring fame. Even though Universal Music Group removed the track from TikTok’s catalog, its legacy as a viral love anthem remains unshaken.
Camidoh’s "Sugarcane"
Camidoh’s "Sugarcane," especially its 2022 remix featuring Mayorkun, Darkoo, and King Promise, became a TikTok darling. The Ghanaian singer’s soulful delivery, paired with an addictive beat, inspired thousands of dance and lip-sync videos. The song debuted at number 16 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 and climbed to number 4 within weeks. Internationally, it reached number 18 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, showcasing the global reach of a track boosted by social media’s dynamic energy.
Wizkid and Tems’ "Essence"
When Wizkid and Tems released "Essence," they crafted more than a song—they delivered an immersive love story. The sultry lyrics, underscored by Tems’ ethereal vocals, struck a chord with listeners worldwide. TikTok amplified the track’s success, with users curating heartfelt montages and recreating its intimate vibes. Dubbed the “Song of the Summer” by numerous critics, "Essence" earned a Grammy nomination and solidified its position as a defining love anthem of the decade.
These tracks highlight the transformative influence of TikTok and Instagram on music. They’ve turned moments of intimacy, passion, and connection into viral trends that resonate across generations and continents. In the process, these platforms have redefined what it means for a love song to be timeless, proving that in the age of social media, love and music are more intertwined than ever.
Leave your comment