Sped-up version of Sia’s 2017 Christmas ballad “Snowman” that became TikTok’s seasonal favorite, resurging annually with winter aesthetic content and holiday trends.
Original Song Context
“Snowman” was released November 2017 from Sia’s Christmas album Everyday Is Christmas. The ballad used snowman melting as a metaphor for temporary love and mortality — an unusually melancholic take on Christmas music.
The song gained moderate popularity but didn’t become a holiday standard initially.
Sped-Up TikTok Trend
In December 2021, a sped-up version of “Snowman” went viral on TikTok, matching the platform’s preference for fast-paced audio. The trend included:
- Winter aesthetic videos (snow, cozy vibes, holiday lights)
- Ice skating and snow activities
- Christmas decoration showcases
- Romantic winter date content
- Year-end reflection videos
- The melancholic “don’t you cry when I’m gone” lyric resonating emotionally
Annual Resurgence Pattern
Unlike most TikTok sounds that peak and disappear, “Snowman” established a seasonal pattern, resurging every November-January with consistent viral content. This made it one of few TikTok sounds with predictable cyclical popularity.
The annual return introduced new cohorts of users to the trend each winter.
Streaming Impact
The TikTok trend drove “Snowman” to chart status years post-release, reaching Billboard Hot 100 in December 2021. Spotify streams jumped 500%+ during viral periods, making it a rare example of delayed commercial success.
Sia’s Christmas catalog overall benefited from the renewed attention.
Emotional Resonance
The song’s sad undertones contrasted with typical cheerful Christmas music, appealing to users seeking emotional depth rather than forced holiday cheer. This positioned it alongside “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as a Gen Z holiday standard.
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