TikTok And Billboard Arabia Partner To Launch “TikTok Billboard Arabia Top 50” Music Chart

Billboard Arabia and TikTok have announced the launch of the new weekly chart, “TikTok Billboard Arabia Top 50”. The partnership was announced as part of the TikTok’s annual TikTok Awards which honors, recognizes, and empowers emerging talents from the region who achieved remarkable success on the platform over the past year, TikTok and Billboard Arabia announced the “TikTok Billboard Arabia Top 50” chart MENA’, an initiative placing Middle Eastern artists and their creativity at the forefront of global music conversation.

In 2024, TikTok saw a variety of songs go viral, showcasing the platform’s global musical influence. Some of the songs included Haifa Wehbe’s Woseltelha, Eisa Abdullah’s Kit Kati, Khalid Asiri’s YbghalhaFloos, Lbenj’sHwasi, and Lazaro’s Mahboul Ana, which earned him the title of TikTok’s top music artist of the year at the Billboard Music Awards 2024.

The new weekly TikTok chart plays a key role in Billboard Arabia’s strategy to strengthen its music rankings and enhance the overall listening experience. It tracks the number of videos created on the platform using popular artists’ songs, while also highlighting the engagement these artists’ profiles receive.

The launch of the “TikTok Billboard Arabia Top 50” chart aligns with the Billboard global initiative “Top 50 Songs on TikTok,” which features similar charts across multiple markets worldwide. Being the first of its kind for the Middle East and North Africa region, it marks a significant milestone, showcasing the evolving music landscape, the diverse tastes of millions of listeners across generations, and the powerful influence of TikTok in shaping the modern music industry.

Updated weekly, this chart is more than a ranking—it’s a celebration of the region’s most resonant tracks and emerging talents, fueled by the TikTok community based on their engagement and video creations that have reshaped music discovery in MENA. Featuring 50 songs across genres, the chart offers a rare blend of established hits and breakout tracks, with afocus on Arabic music that mirrors the tastes and passions of local audiences.

Commenting on the launch of the new chart, Rami M. Zeidan, Managing Director of Billboard Arabia, stated: “The introduction of the TikTok Billboard Arabia Top 50′ chart is a pivotal strategic partnership that strengthens our position as a leading and influential reference in the music landscape.” He noted that one of the world’s most popular platforms has evolved beyond being just a social media network, now driving global music trends. Zeidan emphasized that the new chart “will offer a unique opportunity to showcase the interactive creativity of content creators in our region while also helping Arab artists expand their reach and connect with a broader, more diverse audience.”

Kinda Ibrahim, Regional General Manager of Operations at TikTok for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan, and South Asia, said: “Music in the Middle East and North Africa has always been a reflection of the region’s soul, and through this chart, we’re making sure they reach new heights,” she adds “The partnership between TikTok and Billboard Arabia demonstrates a shared commitment to transforming the music ecosystem in MENA. For emerging artists, it offers unparalleled exposure and the chance to compete on a level playing field. For audiences, it provides a snapshot of the tracks that are not only charting on TikTok but reshaping the sound of the region.

The “TikTok Billboard Arabia Top 50”chart will uncover untapped potential and give regional artists a platform to shine. By highlighting rising stars alongside established icons, the chart signals a new era where local talent is amplified, celebrated, and shared with the world. Commenting on this, Georges ‘Josh’ Rouhana, Music Partnerships Lead for TikTok in MENA, said: “TikTok is the gateway for emerging artists to reach the Billboard Arabia charts, right at their fingertips. By harnessing the power of our platform, artists of all levels can have unparalleled exposure and the chance to compete on a level playing field”

The first chart featured the top five songs: “Ana Mosh Daylar Ya Hukouma” by Islam Kabonga, who was named “Artist of The Year” for 2024 during the first edition of the Billboard Arabia Music Awards last December, “Wesh Baqa Feni” by Ibraheem Al Sultan, “Yalli Ahbak Mot” by Majid Al Muhandis, “La Tithakirouni Bi Habibi” by Noor Al Zain and “Betrjain” by Rashed Al Majed.