What makes songs go viral? Experts at Washington State University explain The way songs become popular has changed drastically over the years. Now, artists are turning to social media in order to climb the charts. Author: Tim Pham Updated: 8:29 AM PST January 25, 2021 PULLMAN, Wash. — To climb to the top of the charts, artists aren’t turning to the radio anymore. They’re using social media platforms to get noticed. The song Drivers License, which is number one in the world at the moment, became hugely popular on TikTok before it went to the top of the charts. Idaho’s own social media icon Nathan Apodaca was launched to viral fame on the app as well.