How Trending Singles Like ‘APT’ Are Influencing Music Apps in 2024

Ever wondered how a single song can take the internet by storm? Wanna be the next one go viral? Let's dive into the world of ROSÉ and Bruno Mars' "APT" to uncover the secrets behind its viral success and the impact it's having on the music industry.

The top trending “how to play …” is “apt korean drinking game”

Search interest for the terms “apt” and the Korean spelling “apateu” are at an all-time high on Google Trends. There’s also a +400% surge in people searching for “what does apt mean,” revealing curiosity about its mysterious lyrics, particularly the line, “meet me at the APT.”

So what is this all about? How it is forming the Internet? Read the following content to know the answers.

What does apt mean? 

In the context of ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ new single, APT refers to an “apartment.” The line “meet me at the APT” is a casual shorthand often used to describe meeting at someone's apartment, making it feel personal and intimate. However, APT has sparked additional interest because it also nods to a popular Korean drinking game called the “Apartment Game,” or Apateu (아파트 in Korean), which involves participants drinking and shouting "apateu" in rhythm, similar to classic social drinking games in Korea.

What Makes "APT" So Special? 

So, the song's lyric not only evokes the idea of a physical meeting place but also taps into a cultural concept, blending Western and Korean references seamlessly. This double meaning—personal space and a nod to Korean culture—has intrigued listeners and contributed to the track’s viral appeal.

The Rise of ‘APT’- Blend of K-pop and Funk 

In an era where pop culture and digital experiences are intricately intertwined, the rise of the single “APT” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars is nothing short of a musical whirlwind. The song is already the UK's biggest trending single, and its chart trajectory is turning heads everywhere. Expected to debut at Number 6 on the Official Singles Chart by October 25th, "APT" is well on its way to securing ROSÉ her highest-ever UK chart placement.

The combination of ROSÉ’s powerhouse vocals and Bruno Mars’ masterful production has resonated deeply with listeners, bringing a blend of K-pop and soulful funk that bridges genres seamlessly. It’s not just another hit; it’s a cultural moment. The song has captivated fans of both BLACKPINK and Bruno, giving them something fresh and unforgettable. And the impact isn’t confined to playlists alone—it’s being reflected in digital behaviors across music apps.

How Trending Songs Impact Streaming Apps 

Every viral single leaves a digital footprint, and "APT" is leaving a colossal one on streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. According to Spotify’s Top 50, “APT” rocketed to the number 1 spot in global streams within 72 hours of its release, amassing over 13 million streams by the time writing. 

Apple Music reported a 25% increase in curated playlist additions featuring "APT" in just three days. These numbers aren't just impressive; they reveal a seismic shift in how consumers engage with music.

Similar Songs and Algorithms Boosted Related Music Styles

Songs like "APT" create ripple effects across digital music platforms. Users aren’t just listening—they’re adding the track to personal playlists, searching for remixes, and discovering related artists. This trend increases not just the volume of streams but also active user engagement metrics. Spotify’s Discover Weekly algorithms, for instance, have shown that songs adjacent to “APT” in genre and style saw a 13% boost in recommended plays. When listeners connect with a trending track, they explore and invest more time in the platform. It’s a cycle that keeps feeding itself.

The Role of Social Media & Music Discovery Apps

The viral essence of “APT” goes beyond streaming. Social media giants like TikTok and Instagram have played a crucial role in amplifying its reach. As of last week, over 200,000 TikTok videos were set to "APT," most of them showcasing creative dance challenges or short skits. A trend that was first sparked by influencers like Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae has now spread to millions globally.

Apps like TikTok are designed to ride the wave of popular music. When a song like "APT" goes viral, it creates an ecosystem of user-generated content that, in turn, fuels further streams. It’s a snowball effect. This also holds true on Instagram, where creators leverage the platform’s Reels feature to loop catchy segments of “APT,” sparking trending hashtags that further boost the song's visibility. The "APT Challenge" has already accumulated over 50 million views, proving the powerful link between trending music and short-form video apps.

Shazam & Music Identification Apps

Shazam, the popular music identification app, is another interesting player in the rise of “APT.” Shazam reported that "APT" is currently its most Shazamed track in October, with over 500,000 hits in just one week. This isn't just curiosity—it's a digital marker of cultural relevance.

Music identification apps don’t just confirm a song’s title; they generate new data points for AI-based music recommendation engines. Shazam's integration with Apple Music and Spotify automatically creates trending playlists based on search volume, ensuring that hits like “APT” don’t just chart—they remain evergreen in listeners' libraries. Furthermore, apps like Musixmatch, which syncs lyrics in real-time, experienced a 30% spike in lyric searches for “APT,” hinting at how listeners are engaging with and connecting deeply to the song.

ROSÉ’s Impact on Fan Apps & Streaming Platforms

BLACKPINK’s fandom—known as BLINKs—is notoriously loyal, and ROSÉ’s collaboration with Bruno Mars is galvanizing this dedicated fan base in full force. Fan-specific apps like Weverse and VLIVE are buzzing with content related to "APT." Fans are using these platforms to share reaction videos, create fan art, and even organize streaming events. In fact, the Weverse community saw a 45% increase in daily active users during the week of the single’s release.

These apps go beyond streaming—they provide fans with direct access to exclusive content, concert details, and merchandise drops. ROSÉ's solo achievements are celebrated and amplified within the BLACKPINK ecosystem, and it’s driving not just streams but app engagement, in-app purchases, and user-generated content at an impressive scale.

How Influencers and Creators Leverage Music Trends

The marriage of trending singles and influencer marketing is a masterstroke of digital synergy. When “APT” hit the airwaves, creators on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and even YouTube Shorts instantly recognized its potential. Music trends have always been a goldmine for content creators looking to boost their visibility and engagement rates.

Influencers, armed with thousands of followers, are using "APT" to create dance challenges, fashion transitions, and lifestyle videos. The numbers back this up: data from HypeAuditor revealed that TikTok influencers using the "APT" audio saw a 17% increase in follower growth during the week of release. This isn’t just organic growth; it’s a strategy rooted in staying relevant to ongoing trends.

The impact isn’t limited to influencers alone. Emerging creators are leveraging “APT” to ride the wave of virality, using editing apps like InShot and CapCut to create polished, professional videos that capitalize on the trend. This intersection of influencers and music trends showcases the powerful, cyclical relationship between trending songs and app engagement.

In Final

The resonance of “APT” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars is reshaping digital landscapes. Its influence spans far beyond music charts—it’s altering how fans, platforms, influencers, and creators engage with music apps in a connected, dynamic way. As the song’s momentum builds, it will undoubtedly continue to serve as a case study in how cultural trends translate to digital trends in the ever-evolving realm of music streaming and social media.