TikTok Crowns KATSEYE as 2025 Global Artist
KATSEYE has made a significant impact in the music industry, as highlighted by TikTok’s announcement of the 2025 Global Artist of the Year. The short-form video platform revealed its year-in-review on December 9, naming KATSEYE the top artist.
KATSEYE’s Rapid Rise to Fame
Debuting in 2024, KATSEYE has quickly become one of the premier girl groups globally. Over the year, they amassed over 30 billion views and 12 million user-generated creations featuring their music on TikTok. This surge in popularity has translated into mainstream recognition, including two Grammy nominations, one for Best New Artist.
Chart Success
- KATSEYE’s single “Gabriela” peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The group’s achievements were recognized with the 2025 TikTok Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Global Rankings and Notable Mentions
Alongside KATSEYE in TikTok’s global rankings are Alan Arrieta and ENHYPEN. Other celebrated artists featured in the top ten include Bad Bunny, Stray Kids, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga.
Top Global Song of the Year
The late Connie Francis’s “Pretty Little Baby” was named the top global song of the year. The song received over 28.4 million uses on TikTok, often accompanying videos featuring family moments and pets. Additionally, the song averaged roughly 600,000 daily creations during its peak in the first half of the year.
The Legacy of “Pretty Little Baby”
Originally released in 1962, “Pretty Little Baby” saw renewed interest thanks to a remix by the electronic duo Lizot. The original version was also translated into multiple languages, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Swedish. Francis, who joined TikTok in June 2025, unfortunately passed away on July 17 at the age of 87.
Additional Highlights from TikTok’s Year in Music
- Taylor Swift recognized as the global most-saved artist.
- sombr honored for the global most-saved track, “back to friends.”
- Tate McRae’s “So Close To What” named the global most-saved album.
- Doechii received accolades for the music trend of the year.
- EJAE was awarded songwriter of the year.
TikTok’s Continued Influence
Despite growing competition from platforms like YouTube and Meta, TikTok remains a powerful influence in music and entertainment. Research indicates that by 2024, over one-third of U.S. adults used TikTok, with 57% of teenagers using the platform daily.
The diverse content on TikTok includes popular culture, music trends, comedy, fashion advice, and even news, demonstrating its vast reach and impact on various audiences.
Top Music Trends and Artists of 2025
According to TikTok’s Year in Music 2025, the following songs and artists stood out globally:
| Top 10 Global Songs |
|---|
| Pretty Little Baby – Connie Francis |
| Hold My Hand – Jess Glynne |
| Rock That Body – Black Eyed Peas |
| Azul – J Balvin |
| Dame Un Grrr – Fantomel x Kate Linn |
| APT. – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars |
| Te Quería Ver – Alemán & Neton Vega |
| Stecu Stecu – Faris Adam |
| Anxiety – Doechii |
| Sailor Song – Gigi Perez |
KATSEYE’s rise in 2025 is a testament to the evolving landscape of music and the significant role TikTok plays in shaping artists’ careers. Their achievements mark a new chapter in the global music scene.
