Apple is adding a new layer to music discovery with the launch of Shazam Viral Charts, a tool designed to surface songs that are suddenly catching fire—whether through TikTok trends, TV soundtracks, or cultural flashpoints. Released on May 7, the new charts are available now through both Shazam and Apple Music, offering daily insights into the fastest-rising tracks across the globe.
Unlike traditional music rankings that often reflect established popularity or streaming volume over time, the Shazam Viral Charts are tuned to detect momentum—those tracks that unexpectedly surge into public consciousness. Think Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which reentered charts decades after its release thanks to Stranger Things, or Billy Preston’s “Nothing From Nothing,” which recently spiked after appearing in The White Lotus.
Apple says these charts are about more than just viral social media moments. They’re meant to capture the full scope of how songs rise to prominence today, whether sparked by streaming services, live events, or traditional media exposure. “They capture the full spectrum of how songs are catapulted into the spotlight,” Apple explained in a press release, pointing to the cultural fluidity that defines music virality in 2025.
The feature includes:
- A global Top 50 viral chart, tracking songs gaining traction around the world.
- 42 national charts, each listing the Top 25 viral tracks in their respective countries.
While Apple hasn’t disclosed the exact workings of its chart algorithms, the company emphasizes that the goal is to surface the fastest-moving songs—not necessarily the most played or the most streamed. It’s an attempt to map what’s resonating in real time, especially when discovery happens outside the traditional industry release cycle.
Updated daily, the Shazam Viral Charts can be browsed directly in the Shazam app or within Apple Music, offering a new lens on the ever-evolving relationship between pop culture and music trends. For artists and fans alike, the tool could become a key metric for identifying breakout hits before they make their way to the top of traditional charts.
