TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat: Social Media platforms are commonplace in modern society. The impact these apps have on most people influences how they live their lives. Many benefits and consequences come along with the growth of social media. However, social media’s growth, specifically the booming platform of TikTok, has provided new and underground artists with the opportunity to break away from mainstream media. Short video clips of songs go viral on TikTok, with millions of users tuning in and using them in videos. However short these clips are, the exposure to millions of listeners, even for just a few seconds, allows these artists to gain a following and new listeners. 

For multiple artists, the app TikTok has played a special part in making their careers. One significant example of this is Lizzy McAlpine. Lizzy McAlpine is an American singer and songwriter who went viral on TikTok for her song “Ceilings” in January. The impact of these songs going viral has accumulated many fans for Lizzy and allowed her to have a successful and sought-after tour this year. Yorba Linda High School students Katie Ruoo and Kailey Dinh recently attended her concert in Los Angeles after discovering her. Kailey Dinh (11) says, “the concert down in San Diego was amazing, and hearing Lizzy perform live was such an amazing experience, especially because she sounded just like the studio versions of her songs.” This experience of seeing Lizzy on tour might not have happened if it had not been for TikTok and Lizzy’s significant rise to fame. 

All in all, the impact that social media has on modern media and our lives has significantly increased with the rise of TikTok. Although this use of social media could be negative, I think it is important to consider how many talented artists are receiving recognition now because of the app. Not only is Lizzy reaping the benefits of TikTok, but artists like Dylan Conrique, JVKE, and even Olivia Rodrigo have received many of their fan bases because of the app. Yorba Linda High School student Kaylie Cao (11) shares her experience with this in her statement that “some of my favorite artists are singers I discovered from viral TikTok sounds,” which sums up how influential and important social media can be to a singer’s career. Overall, TikTok and its popularity have allowed larger audiences to hear about artists and discover what kind of music and sounds they like, which makes it a positive influence on the music industry, in my opinion.