In just four years, TikTok, the short-form video-sharing app, has gone from a popular fad to a Gen Z cultural touchstone. In the last year or so it’s become something else as well — one of the best things that can happen to an up-and-coming musician, especially one with eyes on the Spotify Viral 50.

And for one aspiring Atlanta artist with a penchant for sweaters and Cardi B, he owes a big debt to TikTok for making a splash on Spotify.

Lil Shordie Scott’s “Rocking A Cardigan In Atlanta” is currently in the Top 20 of both the U.S. and Global Viral 50 playlists on the streaming service. That’s almost purely on the weight of its TikTok presence, proving that the platform is becoming as indispensable to emerging artists as radio play was to what your elders knew as “rock ‘n’ roll.”

TikTok omnipresent and ever-changing dance trends have certainly helped a fair share of established names such as Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat remain on the popstar A-list, but it’s helped the careers of more than a few obscure acts as well. “How You Like That” by Blackpink, “Beggin” by Måneskin, and “Astronomia” by Chiky Dee Jay are just a few of the many songs that have had a spotlight shined upon them by TikTok virality.

In the case of Lil Shordie Scott — according to his YouTube page, he’s a “youngin from the southside of Atlanta with a different style and vision” — it took two months for “Rocking A Cardigan In Atlanta” to go from debuting on his SoundCloud account to becoming a TikTok dance jam.

The track seemed to take off, according to Scott’s genius.com page, following a cover video by TikTok user @runuppercy. The video, admittedly quite different from Scott’s flow, gathered over one million likes (and counting) and, more importantly, sent users in search of the original.

The song got another unexpected TikTok boost when Jenelle Evans, star of Teen Moms 2, posted herself twerking to Scott’s original version of the song following her revelation that she was suffering from fibromyalgia. In the video, Evans dances along to the song using moves that have gone viral in one of the platform’s many dance trends. Users across the platform have posted their own videos — generally featuring more than one person dancing— all following the same steps.

Of course, virality doesn’t guarantee last fame, but Lil Shordie’s fairly distinctive flow and vocalization, pitched many times above most of the raps coming out of Atlanta right now, may prove a key to success. (That piano intro’s pretty fantastic as well.)

Time will tell whether his time as a TikTok trend was a momentary supernova of infatuation, or if he’s here to stay in the firmament for a while.

Image via Pixabay

In a statement released on March 29, video-sharing app TikTok announced an exciting new feature it calls “Library.” Library is an in-app creation tool that will integrate material from GIPHY, the searchable online database of GIFs, clips, and memes, allowing users to splice the content into their own videos.

According to the statement, Library will allow users to utilize “clips from their favorite shows, GIFs, memes and more by seamlessly integrating them into their TikTok videos.” Library will initially be populated with material directly available from GIPHY including GIPHY clips – GIFs that also feature audio content. Users will be able to grab content directly from Library and “incorporate it into their unique storytelling on TikTok.”

Clips available upon launch will include:

Reactions: much like GIFs, content that captures a raw emotional reaction and are relatable to users make perfect Clips

Quotes: memorable catchphrases and quotable moments from notable personalities

People: fandom is real, and people look for their favorite celebrities, athletes, etc. to help express themselves

Iconic moments: whether it’s an awards speech, beloved TV characters, or game-changing play, these big moments are bound to be shareable conversation starters

– via TikTok’s statement

TikTok hopes to expand Library’s content over time and grow to include “additional content sources, audio and sounds, text templates, creator content, and more, as we continue to innovate and spark creativity for our community.”

TikTok began rolling out the feature on Tuesday. If you don’t currently have it, expect the service to become available on your TikTok app very soon.

Once Library is available, there are only four steps required to use it:

1. Launch TikTok, and click the ‘Record’ button to open the camera.
2. Click the ‘Library’ icon in the sidebar. This opens the Library function.
3. Now use the search bar to find content. You may also scroll through the trending content to see popular content being used in other clips.
4. Make your selection and trim the clip to the desired length, then return to the shoot page to continue capturing content.

Have fun and good luck! Your next video clip interaction may just be the new TikTok trend.

Trends on TikTok come in all different flavors, from goofy dance trends to eye-rolling dad jokes, to jaw-dropping filters and everything in-between. The latest to hit the app just may bring a few happy tears to your eyes. Users across the video-sharing service are using a new app called TravelBoast to virtually reunite themselves with boyfriends, besties, and loved ones that have moved away. Coast to coast, users are reminiscing about relationships that will never be taken for granted.

The trend uses three ingredients. First, is the TravelBoast app, which is a cartoon mapping app that lets you make an animated video showing a route to any location on the globe featuring virtual cars and planes. Second, an assortment of photos of a user and a loved one currently living far apart from each other — sometimes even continents away! Lastly, Coldplay’s “Paradise”, or at least that seems to be the traditional sound clip for the trend. Users have been combining the three elements into videos that can be just as heartwarming as they are heartbreaking.

If you want to join in on the trend it’s easy. You will have to download the TravelBoast app to make your map though. After that, it’s just a matter of tracking down some of your favorite memories and posting the video to TikTok. Just follow the steps below:

1. Download the TravelBoast app compatible with your phone’s platform
2. Open the TravelBoast app on your phone.
3. Click ‘Start point’ in the top left corner, and type in the first location – generally your hometown.
4. Next, click ‘Destination’ in the top right corner, and enter your second location – the city where your SO, BFF, or family member currently lives.
5. Tap on the orange line and drag it to create a new dot. This will make the animated trip seem more dynamic and lifelike.
6. To change your vehicle, for example, to a train or airplane, just press and hold the car icon at your starting point, and select the appropriate vehicle then click the back button.
7. Once you’ve mapped your route, just press the play button on the bottom of the screen.
8. After the app your video is created, just select ‘Save video to camera roll.’

Now that you have your travel video, just upload it to TikTok and add whatever photos or footage you like to enhance it. You can add any music you like – although as stated, “Paradise” has been the hands-down favorite choice for the majority of trending videos.

Once you’ve posted, sit back and bask in the nostalgia. Share it with your absent person and enjoy the memories. Who knows? Your travelogue may be the next to go viral!