The TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart welcomes a new champion for the fourth consecutive week, as Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ iconic track “Maps” claims the No. 1 spot on the Oct. 12-dated survey.
Riding the Viral Wave
“Maps” ascends to the peak position after debuting at No. 20 on the Oct. 5 chart. This surge in popularity is largely attributed to a captivating new trend on TikTok. Users are leveraging a filter that erases their facial features, only to have them dramatically reappear, often with surprisingly distorted results. The trend has resonated widely, propelling “Maps” to the forefront of TikTok’s soundscape.
Beyond the Filter
This recent surge is not the first time “Maps” has captivated TikTok users. In September, a sped-up version of the song became popular, providing the soundtrack for a trending dance challenge. This dual-trend success highlights the enduring appeal of “Maps” and its ability to connect with diverse audiences on the platform.
Revisiting a Chart-Topping Legacy
Originally released in 2003 as part of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ debut album Fever to Tell, “Maps” reached No. 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2004. The song’s resurgence on TikTok has translated into a significant increase in streams, with Luminate reporting a 40% rise in official U.S. streams, totaling 1.5 million for the week ending Oct. 3.
A Month of TikTok Chart-Toppers
The ascent of “Maps” marks the fourth consecutive week with a new No. 1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. Previous chart-toppers include Alphaville’s “Forever Young” (Oct. 5), BabyChiefDoit’s “Rollin’” (Sept. 28), and Surf Curse’s “Disco” (Sept. 21), each reigning for one week.
Other Notable Chart Movements
This week’s chart reflects the influence of emerging trends and cultural moments:
NLE Choppa and 41’s “Or What” Climbs to No. 2: Primarily driven by lip-sync videos, the track’s popularity on TikTok has translated to a 79% surge in official U.S. streams, reaching 5.7 million and earning a No. 91 debut on the Hot 100.
Girl in Red’s “We Fell in Love in October” Returns: As October commences, so does the annual resurgence of this seasonal favorite. This year, the song re-enters the chart at No. 4, its highest position yet, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
J. Cole’s “She Knows” Debuts at No. 7: This 2013 track has found new life on TikTok, fueled by its use in videos discussing conspiracy theories surrounding the arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The song’s lyrics about the pitfalls of fame have resonated with those following the story, resulting in a 133% increase in streams, reaching 2.8 million.
Milli Vanilli Returns to the Chart: “Blame It on the Rain” and “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” debut at Nos. 34 and 37, respectively. The inclusion of these tracks in the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has sparked renewed interest in the duo’s music.
The TikTok Billboard Top 50 continues to provide a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic interplay between music, social media trends, and cultural events. As new trends emerge and old favorites resurface, the chart reflects the ever-evolving landscape of popular music consumption.
