My little cousin’s been telling me about this rapper for months. “You’ve got to check out ArrDee,” she kept saying. “He’s brilliant on TikTok.”
I ignored her completely. TikTok rappers? Come on. Then I heard “Body” on Radio 1 and nearly choked on my tea. That was the same kid she’d been banging on about.
Turns out TikTok’s been churning out proper chart-toppers for years now. Here’s ten British artists who proved the platform isn’t just for dancing videos.
1. ArrDee – The Brighton Breakthrough
ArrDee went from uploading 15-second clips to appearing on one of the biggest UK rap tracks ever. Tion Wayne and Russ Millions’ “Body (Remix)” featuring ArrDee was the UK Rap Number 1 on TikTok in 2021.
Started off making funny rap videos in his bedroom. Now he’s got deals and millions of streams. The kid’s got proper talent, not just TikTok gimmicks.
His quick-fire delivery and cheeky personality work perfectly for short videos. But he’s proved he can make full songs that actually chart.
2. Tion Wayne & Russ Millions – The Drill Kings
These two created the template for UK drill going viral. “Body” wasn’t just a TikTok hit; it became a cultural moment.
Every teenager in Britain was doing the dance. The remix brought in ArrDee, Bugzy Malone, and a bunch of other viral UK artists. Suddenly drill music was mainstream.
Both artists had their share of fans prior to TikTok, but the app made them extremely popular. That’s the magic of 15-second clips.
3. Mae Stephens – Pop Princess
Mae Stephens had the number 2 track globally on TikTok in 2023. Not just in the UK, but globally. That’s mental when you think about it.
Her song “If We Ever Broke Up” started as bedroom pop and ended up on every radio station. Classic TikTok story: relatable lyrics, catchy hook, boom.
Now she’s a major-label artist, touring the world. All from posting covers and writing original songs from her flat.
4. Stepz – The TikTok King
Stepz was named the UK’s most viewed artist of 2022 on TikTok and became the first artist featured in TikTok’s Next Gen program for UK rappers.
His comedy rap videos get millions of views. But don’t mistake him for just a comedian. The boy can actually spit bars when he wants to.
Record labels finally caught on. He’s got deals now, and his music’s getting proper radio play. Started with jokes, ended with charts.
5. Central Cee – Drill Goes Mainstream
Central Cee was already making waves in UK drill. But then TikTok turned him into a star. His songs trend on the platform as a matter of routine.
Songs like “Loading” and “Obsessed With You” became TikTok anthems. The algorithm loves his sound. Now he’s one of the biggest UK rappers globally.
He’s smart about it too. Makes TikTok-friendly content without dumbing down his music. That’s how you use the platform properly.
6. KSI – The YouTube Crossover
KSI was already famous from YouTube. But TikTok gave him a new audience for his music. “Really Love,” featuring Craig David, went massive on the platform.
His boxing career helps, but the music stands on its own now. There’s also evidence that TikTok can help established creators, not just new ones, as multiple record deals and chart standings have shown.
Shows that viral UK artists don’t all come from nowhere. Sometimes the platform just magnifies talent that’s already there.
7. Sam Ryder – Eurovision to TikTok
Bit backwards this one. Sam Ryder got famous on TikTok with his covers first. Then Eurovision happened.
His TikTok following helped him become the UK’s best Eurovision result in decades. Now he’s got a proper recording contract and everything.
Proves TikTok isn’t just for young rappers. Good music finds its audience regardless of genre.
8. Anne-Marie – Pop Reinvention
Anne-Marie was already signed and successful. But TikTok gave her a second wind. Her songs keep going viral with new British singers doing covers.
“Psycho” and “Friends” have become TikTok classics. She’s adapted her sound for the platform without losing her identity.
Smart move for established artists. TikTok can revive careers as much as create them.
9. Bugzy Malone – Manchester’s Finest
Bugzy’s been around for years. But joining the “Body (Remix)” made him relevant to a whole new generation. His older tracks started trending too.
TikTok introduced him to kids who’d never heard of UK rap. Now his streaming numbers are mental. That’s the platform’s reach right there.
He’s signed new deals off the back of this viral success. Sometimes you just need the right TikTok moment.
10. Darkoo – Afroswing Queen
Darkoo’s afroswing sound was perfect for TikTok. Her part on “Body (Remix)” introduced her to millions. Now she’s got her own hits charting.
Her solo tracks, like “Gangsta,” keep trending. She’s carved out her own space in UK music. That remix appearance was just the beginning.
Record labels are throwing contracts at her now. Rightfully so, she’s got serious talent.
What This All Means
These viral UK artists prove TikTok isn’t killing music. It’s just changing how we find it.
TikTok reported that over 70 artists who got popular on the platform signed deals with major record labels. That’s not a coincidence.
The platform rewards catchiness and personality. Both things good music needs anyway. These British artists figured that out first.
The New Music Industry
A&R scouts spend their days scrolling TikTok now. Why wouldn’t they? The algorithm does half their job for them.
New British singers don’t need radio play to get noticed anymore. They need views, streams, and viral moments. TikTok provides all three.
Some people moan about attention spans getting shorter. But these artists prove you can make quality music that works in 15 seconds.
What’s Next?
More British artists will crack this code. The ones who understand TikTok isn’t just about going viral; it’s about building genuine fanbases.
Quality still matters. Gimmicks might get you views, but only proper songs get you signed. These ten artists proved that.
TikTok’s not going anywhere. Neither are the talented British artists using it to build careers. The platform’s just another tool, like radio used to be.
The best part? It’s democratised everything. You don’t need industry connections anymore. Just talent, persistence, and maybe a bit of luck with the algorithm.
That’s how bedroom producers become chart-toppers. That’s the TikTok effect.