How did an art form with centuries of history and tradition find itself trending on a platform known primarily for dance challenges and fifteen-second comedy clips? The answer lies in the surprising renaissance of classical music on TikTok, where the hashtag #ClassicalMusic has grown by 60% over just twelve months, approaching one million posts and reflecting a dramatic shift in how new generations engage with this venerable genre.
The platform has become home to an eclectic mix of virtuoso performers, bedroom composers, remix DJs, and non-traditional classical fans who collectively broaden the appeal of music once confined to concert halls. The Crescendo Program specifically aims to elevate diverse voices in the classical music scene by highlighting performers and composers from varied backgrounds. The program targets a range of creators including performing musicians and composers who can showcase classical music in fresh ways. Gen Z and Millennial users, in particular, have embraced classical compositions as soundtracks for cooking, exercising, and other daily activities, effectively democratizing an art form often perceived as elitist.
Classical music’s digital renaissance emerges as Gen Z transforms elitist traditions into everyday soundtracks for modern life.
Recognizing this potential, TikTok has partnered with London’s Southbank Centre to launch Crescendo, an ambitious UK accelerator program running from January to June 2026. The six-month initiative will select ten creators who will gain unprecedented access to concerts, rehearsals, and behind-the-scenes content, with guidance from established classical figures and industry leaders serving on the judging panel.
The market indicators support this digital push, with global classical music revenue projected to grow from $41.85 billion in 2025 to $52.29 billion by 2030, representing a 4.56% compound annual growth rate. By 2030, the classical music audience is expected to reach 1.1 billion listeners worldwide, fueled largely by streaming platforms and social media engagement. For newcomers to classical music inspired by TikTok trends, learning basic piano skills can provide an accessible entry point to understanding the fundamentals of the genre. Many enthusiasts are finding that playing by ear, rather than relying solely on sheet music, offers a more intuitive way to connect with classical compositions they discover online.
TikTok’s classical music creators, like Andy Morris and Marcin Patrzalek with approximately 4.7 million followers each, demonstrate how innovative digital storytelling can merge classical traditions with contemporary trends. These influencers build personal brands that transcend traditional classical music boundaries, reaching audiences who might never attend a symphony performance.
As classical music finds new expression through short-form video, TikTok’s approach challenges long-held perceptions about accessibility and relevance, potentially rewriting the future of a genre that has weathered centuries of cultural evolution.
