{"id":108638,"date":"2026-09-03T10:33:46","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T09:33:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=108638"},"modified":"2026-09-03T10:33:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T09:33:48","slug":"tiktok-song-of-the-summer-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/tiktok-song-of-the-summer-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"TikTok Song of the Summer 2026 revealed: Katy Perry tops the list"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TikTok\u2019s Song of the Summer 2026 is Katy Perry\u2019s \u201cThe One That Got Away\u201d, while Mac Miller, Lenny Kravitz, Zara Larsson and emerging artists also made an impact.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TikTok <\/a>has revealed<\/a> its Song of the Summer 2026, with Katy Perry\u2019s \u201cThe One That Got Away\u201d taking the global top spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2011 hit has enjoyed a major revival on TikTok this summer, while the platform\u2019s wider list highlights everything from catalogue comebacks to emerging artists and K-pop. TikTok has also handed out its Summer Honors, recognising some of the artists, tracks and trends that defined the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For independent artists, there\u2019s plenty to take from the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katy Perry\u2019s \u201cThe One That Got Away\u201d is TikTok\u2019s Song of the Summer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First released as a single in 2011 from Katy Perry\u2019s Teenage Dream album, \u201cThe One That Got Away\u201d has found a completely new audience 15 years later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The track was used in more than 42 million videos this summer, generating over 55 billion video views in the process. Its revival also helped push the song back onto charts around the world, including the Billboard Global 200, where it has spent 21 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The song\u2019s resurgence is another example of TikTok\u2019s ability to give older music a new lease of life. Creators used it for everything from covers and TV edits to personal stories about their own \u201cone that got away\u201d moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a reminder that a song doesn\u2019t necessarily have an expiry date. A track released years ago can suddenly find a new context, audience and cultural moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other biggest songs of summer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Katy Perry may have taken the top spot globally, but TikTok\u2019s US list shows just how varied the platform\u2019s summer soundtrack has been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mac Miller\u2019s \u201cCinderella\u201d featuring Ty Dolla $ign came in at #2, with creators using the track for romantic photos and relationship edits. Lenny Kravitz\u2019s \u201cIt Ain\u2019t Over \u2019Til It\u2019s Over\u201d followed at #3 after appearing in FX\u2019s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Malcolm Todd\u2019s \u201cEarrings\u201d landed at #4, showing that newer artists can sit alongside established names and catalogue favourites when a track connects with TikTok\u2019s community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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US Songs of the Summer
Image credits: TikTok<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Elsewhere, TikTok crowned<\/a> Kyla and DJ Paleface\u2019s \u201cDo You Mind\u201d as the UK’s Song of the Summer. The 2008 UK garage track generated more than 543 million video views from 644,000 creations in the UK and returned to the Official Singles Chart as part of its revival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UK Songs of the Summer
Image credits: TikTok<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

TikTok\u2019s Summer Honors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alongside its main Songs of the Summer list, TikTok has introduced its Summer Honors 2026, celebrating artists and trends that made an impact over the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The honours include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n