The phrase “everything old is new again” has never felt more accurate than on TikTok. The short-form video app has resurrected hit after hit, but few decades have enjoyed a renaissance quite like the 1970s. With just fifteen to sixty seconds of audio, TikTok creators have propelled vintage tracks back onto global charts, introducing Gen Z to songs their parents spun on vinyl. Let’s dive into the stories behind the 70s songs popular on TikTok and explore why these golden-age tunes resonate with a digital audience.
1. “Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
A man gliding on a skateboard, sipping cranberry juice, and mouthing Stevie Nicks’s soothing vocals became a cultural touchstone in 2020. Nate Apodaca’s carefree video was shared millions of times, pushing “Dreams” back into the Billboard Hot 100 after forty-two years. Streams on Spotify doubled in a week, and the band’s iconic album Rumours re-entered the charts worldwide.
Why TikTok Loves It: The opening drum shuffle and airy vocal give creators a chill soundtrack for anything from sunset drives to study montages. The song’s laid-back vibe matches TikTok’s slice-of-life format perfectly, making it a background anthem for positivity.
2. “Rasputin” – Boney M. (1978)
What began as a quirky dance challenge quickly snowballed into a global trend. Users mastered the energetic footwork while lyrics about Russia’s infamous mystic played overhead. Within weeks, “Rasputin” saw streaming numbers jump by hundreds of percent, and Boney M. received fresh radio play for the first time in decades.
The Viral Factor: The driving beat and flamboyant storytelling invite theatrical choreography. TikTok thrives on visual flair, and “Rasputin” brings disco-era drama that pairs well with costumes, historical memes, and comedic edits.
3. “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” – ABBA (1979)
ABBA’s glittering disco number became a staple for transformation videos and comedic lip syncs. Its catchy synth hook also inspired mashups with modern pop hits, giving the track new dimensions. When TikTokers layered Madonna’s “Hung Up” (which samples the same hook) over the original, it sparked cross-generational playlists and introduced ABBA to millions who had never heard of Swedish euro-disco.
Why It Resonates: The instantly recognizable riff hits at the five-second mark, ideal for TikTok’s quick cuts. Themes of longing and late-night adventures resonate with nighttime vlogs and get-ready-with-me content.
4. “Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra (1977)
Often labeled one of the happiest songs ever written, “Mr. Blue Sky” became TikTok’s go-to soundtrack for wholesome montages. Users stitched footage of pets, travel highlights, and before-and-after clips with the euphoric chorus. The result: a streaming surge so strong that ELO’s back catalog enjoyed a widespread revival.
Feel-Good Hook: Bright strings and layered vocals build anticipation in the first verse, then burst into a jubilant refrain perfect for celebratory reveals. TikTok’s algorithm rewards upbeat content, and this tune practically radiates sunshine.
View TikTok videos featuring this song ❯
5. “Heart of Glass” – Blondie (1979)
Debbie Harry’s cool vocals and the song’s disco-punk pulse found new life in fashion edits and slow-motion hair flips. A sped-up remix fueled makeup transitions, while the original tempo underscored retro outfit reels. Chart data showed a sharp rise in streams among listeners under twenty-five.
What Keeps It Trending: The mix of rock attitude and disco shimmer suits both edgy and glamorous aesthetics. TikTok creators crave versatility, and “Heart of Glass” slides smoothly behind beauty tutorials, thrift hauls, and cinematic edits.
Check out this viral hit on TikTok ❯
6. “Hooked on a Feeling” – Blue Swede (1974)
Guardians of the Galaxy reintroduced this hit in 2014, but TikTok catapulted it further with humorous “Ooga-Chaka” lip syncs and pet reaction videos. Dogs bobbing their heads, toddlers pulling funny faces, and montage humor aligned perfectly with the chant-like intro.
Instant Smile Factor: The novelty of the “Ooga-Chaka” chant grabs viewers in the crucial first three seconds. That immediate payoff translates to strong watch time, pushing the audio onto more For You pages.
7. “More Than a Woman” – Bee Gees (1977)
This smooth disco ballad surfed the wave of roller-skating revival content. Skaters layered seamless spins and neon lighting over the Bee Gees’ silky harmonies. Popular lifestyle influencers used the track for date-night vlogs, reinforcing its romantic aura.
Groovy Appeal: The steady groove sets an easy tempo for skating or slow-mo dance, while the chorus line delivers an emotional hook ideal for couple videos and nostalgic aesthetics.
Catch the clips on TikTok now ❯
Why Gen Z Keeps Spinning 70s Tracks
- Authenticity: Analog recordings give these songs warmth absent in many digital productions. Younger listeners crave that vintage feel.
- Visual Aesthetics: Retro clothing, film filters, and vinyl collections trend heavily on TikTok, and 70s songs supply an authentic soundtrack.
- Storytelling Hooks: Lyrics from the era often tell vivid stories, making them prime material for narrative skits.
- Dance-Friendly Beats: Disco and funk grooves provide a steady tempo that invites choreography.
TikTok’s algorithm rewards originality and quick emotional impact. Seventies music delivers both, making it fertile ground for creators hunting the next viral audio.
Tips for Brands and Artists
- Jump on Nostalgia: If your brand aligns with retro vibes, incorporate classic 70s tracks in short promos or behind-the-scenes clips.
- Collaborate with Cover Artists: Modern covers of 70s hits can bridge generations and dodge licensing hurdles.
- Encourage Challenges: Launch a dance or transformation trend using a vintage song. User-generated content drives organic reach.
Old Hits, New Ears
The wave of 70s songs popular on TikTok proves that great music never expires. With a hooky intro and the right creative spark, a track recorded fifty years ago can dominate playlists today. TikTok is more than a fleeting trend machine; it is a time machine, spinning vinyl gold into digital art for millions of fresh ears.
So next time you scroll past a teenager lip syncing to Fleetwood Mac or dancing to ABBA, remember that history repeats itself on a twenty-second loop, and every loop has room for a little vintage magic.
