13 Trending Songs on TikTok in September 2026 (+ How to Use Them)

I don’t know about you, but my earworms are pretty much exclusively trending songs from TikTok at this point. (Even the non-music sounds from TikTok tend to get stuck in my head, but I digress…)

The catchiness of these tunes is incredibly powerful for creators and brands on the social media platform to tap into, because not only do users remember the song; chances are, videos that featured the track will probably stick in their minds, too.

Beyond memorability, of course, is the algorithmic effect of being right on the cusp of a trending TikTok song. And who would say no to a little boost for the content they worked so hard on?

In this post, I’ll share the most viral songs and sounds on TikTok in September 2026 — and how to use them to boost your content.

Why trending TikTok sounds matter

Since you’re here, I probably don’t need to tell you that using a hot sound on TikTok can increase your chances of landing on the For You page, especially if you’re early to the trend.

TikTok’s algorithm often prioritizes familiarity and repeatability, so when a song is on the rise, jumping on it can give your post more visibility.

For example, if I’m scrolling through my FYP and watch a video with a particular audio, the TikTok algorithm will likely test the waters with another video that uses the same sound a couple of videos later. The algorithm wants to understand exactly why I lingered on the first video. Was it the music?

If yes, boy, does the FYP have more where that came from.

The right TikTok sounds or songs can instantly set the tone, spark emotion, or cue a punchline for your audience, particularly if the sound, like many of the ones below, has been used in a specific way.

The songs or sounds that become so viral they turn into a moment in internet culture are the really special ones.

All that said: you don't need to spend hours scrolling to find the right audio for your next post. Here are the most popular TikTok songs and audio right now, updated in 2026. We’ll keep this list regularly updated, so do be sure to bookmark this page and come back if you need more inspiration!

How to find trending songs on TikTok

• Browse TikTok’s Creative Center: Visit the Creative Center to see top trending songs by region and time period (above). It’s TikTok’s built-in trend tracker for sounds, creators, and hashtags. Note: TikTok Creative Center trends lists are currently undergoing some changes, and no trending audio is available for now. Watch this space for updates.
• Use TikTok’s search bar: Search phrases like “viral sound” in the TikTok app, tap the Sounds tab, and scroll through the most-used tracks labeled popular.
• Get personalized recommendations from TikTok: When you upload a video, TikTok will suggest music that matches your content, a great shortcut for finding relevant sounds.
• Discover playlists curated by TikTok: Tap Add Music > Discover more sounds to browse playlists by genre, category, or what’s hot in your region.
• Check out Tokchart: Tokchart shows the fastest-rising TikTok sounds from the past 24 hours, updated in real time. You'll need a paid account to get all the details.
• Look for trending audio on Instagram: Instagram Reels often feature songs that cross over to TikTok. Tap the music icon in the r
• eels editor and check the Trending tab for current hits.

💡 Bonus tip: Always preview how a sound is being used. Tap the sound name on TikTok to watch example videos — this gives you the context you need to ride (or remix) the trend.

13 trending TikTok songs and sounds

Updated September 2026

1. FREAKED OUT

This track by fatpapimusic&Shushy is being used for the “Reasons to Get a Bob” trend, which often features people showing off their cropped locks. My personal favorite, though, is the spin-off trend of parents jokingly showing why they'll never cut their children's hair, thanks to the (generally less than flattering) bobs the parents sported when they were young.

🎧 Get the song

2. original sound by Glee on TikTok

This original audio from Glee is giving creators a chance to channel their inner Sue Sylvester. TikTok users are reworking the iconic "I will no longer be carrying photo ID" line to jokingly announce their own rise to fame, whether they've gone viral or just think they're kind of a big deal.

🎧 Get the song

3. Beat It

Beat It by Michael Jackson is the soundtrack to the stair trend, which showcases people's best fake trap doors, staged tumbles, and the now-iconic fake escalator. It's an easy trend to replicate, but nailing the skill is a lot harder than it looks!

🎧 Get the song

4. original sound by NEMZZZ

This original audio by NEMZZZ is the perfect excuse for everyone who's been ignoring their notifications. Creators are using the lyric "I've been ghosting you because I'm working" to jokingly explain their disappearing act, whether they've been terrible at replying or absent from social media.

🎧 Get the song

5. original sound by migorengmedia

This original audio by migorengmedia uses Candi Staton's Young Hearts Run Free as one of the backing tracks for the viral "kinda chic" trend. Creators are putting the butter-yellow text overlay on ordinary moments to turn everyday life into something worth celebrating or romanticizing. It's super easy to hop on this one — simply take a snippet of your day and give it some recognition.

🎧 Get the sound

6. Mind Blank

Mind Blank by OTE is one of those trending sounds that you can use for almost any content (without overthinking it), from travel edits to outfit videos, aesthetic vlogs, and lifestyle content. It's an easy go-to when you want a feel-good soundtrack without having to follow a specific trend.

🎧 Get the song

7. Muscle Drive

Muscle Drive by Wbsound is a low-key techno track that works well when you want the visuals to do the talking. Of course, creators are using it as a backdrop for workout clips, but it works for everything from fashion content to everyday lifestyle posts.

🎧 Get the song

8. Velvety Captor

Velvety Captor by DJ BAI is a smooth instrumental piano track that brings the feels without saying a word. It works particularly well as a backdrop for travel content, beautiful scenery, and brand reels where you want the visuals to take center stage.

🎧 Get the song

9. u + me = <3

u + me = <3 by Olivia Rodrigo is becoming the soundtrack to some of TikTok's sweetest photo carousels. Creators are pairing the lyric "I know everybody changes, but I hope that we don't" with friendship, family, and relationship content. Even Lara Raj and Sophia Laforteza of KATSEYE went in on the trend with this cute video.

🎧 Get the song

10. petal

petal by Ariana Grande is topping the music charts and making the rounds on TikTok. Creators are using the track for everything from fan edits to fashion, food, and felines.

🎧 Get the song

11. Eat Me Better

Eat Me Better by nimino is a brand-new single that's already picking up steam on TikTok. Creators are using the upbeat track for everything from cooking clips to DJ sets, fit checks, and humor.

🎧 Get the song

12. I Heard

I Heard by Young Fathers is having a moment on TikTok thanks to its simple percussion sample. The stripped-back sound works as a versatile background track for all kinds of content, letting the visuals or voiceover take the lead.

🎧 Get the song

13. Makes No Difference

The Rose Hips' new release Makes No Difference is picking up steam on TikTok with its cool, mellow sound and reflective lyrics. The line "I can't tell you how to live your life" also makes it a natural fit for thoughtful text overlays.

🎧 Get the song

⚡Pro tip: For business use on TikTok, only use songs from TikTok’s Commercial Music Library or tracks you have a royalty-free/commercial license for. Using personal-use music in ads or branded content can get your videos muted or removed, so always double-check the license before posting.

Found a track for your next TikTok?

When you're creating content for your business or personal brand, staying on top of TikTok's audio trends can help you reach new audiences and keep your content fresh.

Start with one or two of the methods we discussed to find popular sounds, and don't forget to save your favorites for later.

If you've created a TikTok post with audio from this list, we'd love to see it. Tag @bufferapp on TikTok so we can find you!