From Wordplay to Trendsetters - How Sabrina Carpenter and Other Artists Turn Songs into TikTok Trends
From Wordplay to Trendsetters: How Sabrina Carpenter and Other Artists Turn Songs into TikTok Trends
In the world of TikTok, music has become a powerful tool for promotion, creativity, and viral trends. Hooks, clever lyrics, and distinctive beats are the lifeblood of the platform's short-form video style. What, however, distinguishes one song from another in this vast landscape? One key factor is clever wordplay - turning lyrics into social media gold that users can latch onto, remix, and repurpose.
Artists like Sabrina Carpenter have mastered the art of playful lyrics, making their songs the perfect soundtrack for the latest TikTok trends. But why do these clever turns of phrase make music so irresistible to TikTok creators? Let’s break it down.
One of the most effective ways music gains traction on TikTok is through repeatable and shareable lyrics. For instance, Sabrina Carpenter's songs are perfect for the creative community on TikTok because she incorporates funny, relatable, and clever lines into them. Consider the following line from her song "Nonsense": "This song's catchier than chickenpox is." This clever pun is sure to turn heads and is a great match for the platform's inclination towards humour and silliness. Users create content, such as lip-syncing or skits, set to these lyrics, which increases the song's visibility. Lyrics that are easy to relate to or have a light-hearted tone have a better chance of becoming a trend on TikTok.
TikTok is all about creativity, and users want to feel like they’re part of a larger cultural conversation. Songs with clever wordplay provide a foundation for that creativity. Artists like Doja Cat and Olivia Rodrigo also tap into this trend, offering lyrics that spark viral challenges, dances, or even storytelling through video. Doja Cat, with her clever and often playful lyrics, is a perfect example of this phenomenon. In her hit "Say So," the line, "Didn't even notice, no punches left to roll with," led to a viral dance challenge that took over TikTok. The playful nature of the lyrics gave users the chance to not only dance but create fun, dynamic content that invited others to participate. This type of engagement fuels virality, helping the song spread across the platform.
One reason why clever wordplay does so well on TikTok is that it frequently draws on situations that people can relate to. For instance, Sabrina Carpenter's lyrics are so light-hearted that they seem like an inside joke. Users are more inclined to incorporate a song's sound into their own videos if the lyrics speak to their personal experiences, be it in relationships, social situations, or just day-to-day living. Olivia Rodrigo’s "drivers license" became a viral sound on TikTok because its lyrics struck a chord with users' real-life emotions. Though not overtly playful, the way she weaves relatable storytelling into the song creates a deep emotional connection. TikTok users jumped on the opportunity to share their own stories, amplifying the song’s reach across the platform.
TikTok’s music-driven trends show that the right combination of clever wordplay, relatable content, and an engaging beat can turn a song into a viral sensation. Sabrina Carpenter, along with other artists like Doja Cat, Lizzo, and Olivia Rodrigo, have harnessed this formula to make their music not just heard but experienced in creative and communal ways. On TikTok, music isn't just background noise—it's the heartbeat of a trend. By creating lyrics that are catchy, clever, and easy to engage with, artists can use TikTok as a powerful promotional tool, driving their songs up the charts and into the ears of millions around the world. Whether it’s through playful wordplay or relatable storytelling, music and TikTok are shaping the next generation of viral moments.
by Heather McMillan - Content Executive at Pique Agency.
