Katseye Takes Top Spot as TikTok’s Global Artist of the Year
If you’ve spent even five minutes scrolling through your phone this year, you’ve likely heard their harmonies or seen their choreography. It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, they were the “new kids on the block.” But as we wrap up 2025, one thing is abundantly clear: this was the year Katseye officially took over the world, and they have the title to prove it.
In its annual year-in-review released today, TikTok officially crowned the six-member girl group as the platform’s Global Artist of the Year. It’s a massive achievement that signals a shift in how we discover and fall in love with music today. But beyond the accolades, their rise feels like a genuine Cinderella story for the digital age.
Katseye and the Power of Connection
Comprising members Megan, Yoonchae, Sophia, Manon, Lara, and Daniela, Katseye represents a diverse, global sound that clearly resonated with audiences everywhere. It wasn’t just about catchy hooks; it was about a community. According to representatives from the platform, the group has transformed into “one of the biggest bands in the world” in record time.
The numbers are frankly staggering. We are talking about over 30 billion views. That isn’t just people watching; that is people engaging, dancing, and listening. There were over 12 million unique video creations using their music. Whether it was teenagers in their bedrooms learning the moves to “Gabriela” (which peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100) or moms sharing sweet montages of their kids, Katseye provided the soundtrack to our lives this year.
This digital love has translated into real-world prestige, too. The group snagged two Grammy Award nominations, including a nod for Best New Artist. It’s a heartwarming reminder that talent, combined with the right platform, can skyrocket artists to stardom faster than ever before.
A Bittersweet Tribute to a Legend
While Katseye dominated the new school, TikTok also gave us a beautiful, nostalgic moment that bridged the gap between generations. The top global song of the year wasn’t a modern pop anthem, but “Pretty Little Baby” by the late American singer Connie Francis.
Originally released way back in 1962, the track found a second life in 2025. It started as a ripple and turned into a tidal wave of wholesome content. Over 28 million videos were made using the song—everything from parents showing off their babies to pet owners filming their “fur babies.” It was the kind of pure, feel-good trend that makes you smile at your screen.
The story has a bittersweet ending, however. Connie Francis joined the platform herself in June to witness this incredible resurgence of her work, seeing her voice reach a generation that wasn’t even born when she first recorded the hit. She passed away just a month later in July at the age of 87, leaving behind a refreshed legacy that proves great music is truly timeless.
The Trends That Defined Our Year
Of course, the year on TikTok wouldn’t be complete without the usual heavy hitters. It comes as no surprise to anyone that Taylor Swift was the Global Most-Saved Artist. Her ability to connect with fans through songwriting remains unmatched. We also saw major engagement for artists like Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Stray Kids, proving that our musical palettes are becoming increasingly global and eclectic.
We also saw new stars rising from the feed. Doechii captured the “Music Trend of the Year” with “Anxiety,” a track that resonated with so many of us navigating a hectic world. Meanwhile, Tate McRae continued her ascent, having the most saved album globally.
Why We Are Still Scrolling
Despite competition from other apps, TikTok remains a daily ritual for millions of us. It’s estimated that a third of all U.S. adults are on the app, and for teenagers, it’s practically a utility—with 57% using it daily.
But why do we stay? It’s not just for the viral dances or the news anymore. It’s for the connection. It’s seeing a grandmother in Japan dancing to the same Katseye song as a teenager in Brazil. It’s rediscovering a Connie Francis classic that reminds you of your own childhood. In 2025, our feeds became a little more musical, a little more global, and perhaps, a little more human.
As we look toward 2026, we can only wonder: who will be the next big star to capture our hearts? If this year is any indication, they are probably already on your “For You” page, just waiting to be discovered.
