The summer of 2025 has witnessed a dynamic and varied soundtrack, as platforms like TikTok and Spotify confirmed the songs that have defined the season for millions. Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand,” originally released in 2015, emerged as the runaway global favorite on TikTok, while a broader mix of new and nostalgic tracks marked summer listening trends worldwide.
TikTok users propelled “Hold My Hand” to new heights this summer, using it as the background for over nine million videos capturing everything from travel misadventures to lighthearted animal moments. The song has accumulated more than 80 billion views on the platform, involving celebrities such as Jeff Goldblum and Mariah Carey in its viral reach. Jess Glynne expressed excitement about the song’s renewed success, stating it was “surreal” to see her track bring together so many happy moments worldwide. The song’s co-writer, Jin Jin, was also recognized this year for her significant role in major hits across genres.
TikTok’s top summer playlist shows just how eclectic tastes have become. The Black Eyed Peas’ decade-old “Rock That Body” took the number two spot globally, with tracks like “Dame Un Grrr” by Fantomel and Kate Linn making waves for inspiring creative transitions. Older classics saw a resurgence, with Connie Francis’s “Pretty Little Baby” becoming the go-to soundtrack for heartfelt pet and family videos.
Meanwhile, Spotify’s global editorial team’s picks for Songs of Summer 2025 showcased a softer, introspective side, with Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” topping streaming charts. Hits like “Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae and “back to friends” by sombr offered listeners a more personal and emotionally nuanced listening experience. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” continued her string of summer successes, while new international anthems crossed borders, reflecting the global nature of music discovery. Dancehall track “Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea charted in over 45 countries, highlighting the season’s international flavor.
While many look for a single dominating hit, summer 2025 defied easy consensus. Critics and cultural figures named a diverse array of tracks as their personal summer favorites: from Justin Bieber’s catchy “Daisies” and Laufey’s “Lover Girl” to Tyler, The Creator’s energetic “Big Poe” and CMAT’s viral “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me.” Even decades-old anthems like Sly & the Family Stone’s “Hot Fun in the Summertime” found renewed affection. This year, instead of one clear winner, a kaleidoscope of eras and genres defined the season.
Music industry leaders and editors noted that summer 2025 was unique for its lower-energy, more relaxed hits but also celebrated the way platforms gave both emerging stars and older acts fresh audiences. From romantic ballads fueling wedding and relationship videos to upbeat dance tracks energizing parties around the world, the season’s soundtrack captured the many moods of summer and proved the enduring power of music to unite listeners everywhere.
