What TikTok users were listening and watching in 2023

• TikTok has become one of the most used social media platforms in the world, with more than 1.5 billion users.
• For many users, TikTok is not just a platform for consuming and creating short videos, but also for discovering new music.
• Here are some of the most popular videos and music on TikTok of 2023.

TikTok has become one of the most used social media platforms in the world, with more than 1.5 billion users. The scale of its popularity can be seen in South Africa too. For many users, TikTok is not just a platform for consuming and creating short videos, but also for discovering new music.

South Africans consumed various types of content on the platform, from dancers, musicians, makeup artists and comedians.

"TikTok is a platform that celebrates creativity and unites people globally. Its community-driven essence means anyone can become a creator and share their stories with a global audience," said Bianca Sibiya, head of content operations for Sub-Saharan Africa.

READ MORE | 'Fascinating trends': Data reveals SA's most searched TikTok life hacks

Most watched videos

In terms of content that reached the widest popularity among South Africans, a video uploaded by @lastsightings showing a Rhino chasing down a vehicle in a nature reserve was ranked number one by TikTok.

The video has 5.4 million likes and over 50 000 comments.

The second spot in this category went to a video uploaded by the user @hallebberry. The user's handle is inspired by the actor Halle Berry, who notably played Storm in the X-Men film series. The user's real name is Galaletsang Robinson.

In her viral video, with 4.5 million likes, Robinson parodies how certain male content creators behave in their cooking videos – often in an overly sexualised and cringeworthy manner.

The number three slot was a video by the user @dezz_lee, where he lip-syncs to a song that is a parody of 'If you are happy and you know it'. The words are replaced with lyrics about being single.

Music on TikTok

TikTok's place in the music industry cannot be understated. Due to the visual component of the app, people consume and engage with music differently than on Apple Music, Spotify or even YouTube.

Tyla was TikTok's most popular artist in SA for 2023. Other than her hit song Water climbing international charts, the viral dance challenge that accompanied the song had creators from around the world participating - #tylawaterdance has over 106 million views on the app.

Pabi Cooper was the second most popular artist. Cooper is known for her dancing, which is an essential part of her brand.

The amapiano producer Mr JazziQ was TikTok's third most popular artist, followed by Uncle Waffles and Kamo Mphela.

The most popular songs mostly followed what charted in SA this year. Just like on Spotify, Mnike by Tyler ICU and Tumelo_za was TikTok's most popular track. More than 178 000 videos used the song, spawning a viral dance challenge.

The second most popular song was Umbayimbayi by Inkabi Zezwe, Sjava and Big Zulu. The song is more toned down than Mnike; it has a danceable rhythm, but it's usage in videos is more for background music.

Yahyuppiyah by Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo and Justin99 was the third most popular song on the platform.

READ MORE | That's a wrap: Local artists dominate the charts as Spotify reveals SA's top tunes for 2023