Apple Music launches new ‘Viral’ playlist fueled by Shazam activity

Apple acquired Shazam nearly seven years ago, and since then the music discovery service has had a number of integrations with Apple Music. The latest: a ‘Viral Chart’ playlist for Apple Music users that’s powered by daily Shazam data.

Daily Shazam data populates new Apple Music ‘Viral’ playlist

Shazam has just launched its Viral tracks list on the web, but Apple Music users will want to go straight to the playlist version inside the Music app.

Essentially, Apple is taking live Shazam data from each day and funneling it into the new playlist.

That means the Viral Chart playlist will be updated daily, so it always features the top 50 songs that Shazam users are discovering within a given 24-hour period.

Here’s the official Apple Music playlist summary:

Forget everything you thought you knew about viral music. Shazam’s new Viral Chart playlist doesn’t just track TikTok hits—it captures the full spectrum of songs blowing up right now, whether through streaming, socials, TV placements, or that random 2004 banger suddenly resurfacing at bars and baseball games. Here, you’ll find today’s fastest-growing sounds from around the world, identified by millions of curious listeners frantically hitting that Shazam button. Check back every day for updates.

You can find the Viral Chart playlist on Apple Music via this link.

This new feature is exactly the kind of thing I’d hoped Apple Music would add after the Shazam acquisition closed. Here’s hoping this is just the first of many new uses for Shazam’s valuable data ahead.

Do you plan to check Apple Music’s new Viral Chart playlist often? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone accessories

• AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
• MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
• HomeKit smart plug 4-pack
• 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack
• 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging