Since TikTok took over in 2020, it has completely changed the way artists get discovered. Artists are constantly encouraged to make content and "get it out there" because you never know when pressing record could lead to a viral moment, a record deal, and in some cases, an ACM award. Here are some of our favorite artists who have successful careers thanks to going viral.
Videos by Wide Open Country
1. Mackenzie Carpenter
@mackcarpmusic a dozen ? #newmusic #countrymusic ? Dozen Red Flags - Mackenzie Carpenter
Mackenzie Carpenter initially became interested in TikTok in 2021, when a song she co-wrote, "Villain", with Lily Rose and Kyle Clark started going viral on Rose's TikTok account. It wasn't long before she had her own viral moment with "Dozen Red Flags" in 2023, and her audience on the platform began to build. Since going viral, Carpenter has signed a record deal with The Valory Music Co. and has been featured on Spotify's "Hot Country 2024 Artists To Watch" list. She has also opened for artists like Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, and Megan Moroney since her viral moment.
2. Bailey Zimmerman
@bailey.zimmerman Packed your bags in that ole 4Runner... #countrymusic #musicoftiktok #newmusic ? original sound - Bailey Zimmerman
When Bailey Zimmerman first got TikTok, he wasn't planning on using it for his career at all. Back in 2020, Zimmerman would post videos of himself fixing up his GMC, which initially helped him gain significant traction. While filming one of these videos, he recorded a snippet of himself singing "Stay" by Black Stone Cherry and uploaded it to Snapchat. The video reached a broad audience and ultimately led to the release of two singles, "Fall In Love" and "Rock and a Hard Place," which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
3. Warren Zeiders
@warrenzeiders Wait For It ??... #countrymusic #country #warrenzeiders #fyp #foryoupage ? original sound - Warren Zeiders
Warren Zieders first went viral in 2020 when he posted a video of himself singing "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton. This followed the release of his song "Ride The Lightning", which earned him a record deal with Warner Records in 2022. His single, "Pretty Little Poison", released in 2023, became his first No. 1 and was certified double platinum, and he followed this up with several US tours. Reflecting on his career now, it's remarkable to think that it all started with him posting his first video.
4. Tigerlily Gold
@tigirlilygold Get your boots ready to stomp and your shot glasses ready to shoot! "Shoot Tequ!la" comes out January Thirteenth!!??? #shoottequila #tequila #mamadidntriasenoquitter #countryduo #livecountrymusic #nashville #nashvillebroadway ? Shoot Tequila by Tigirlily Gold - Tigirlily Gold access
Also bored during the pandemic and looking for something to do, sister duo Tigerlily Gold first went viral after posting consistently for a while, until their independent single "Somebody Does" took off in 2021. While "Somebody Does" led to them signing with Monument Records, their song "Shoot Tequila" gained significant popularity after its release in 2023, garnering over 43 million views across all platforms. Since their viral moment, the duo has performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than 15 times and also won "Country Duo of the Year" at the ACMs in 2024.
Photo by: Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images
