Justin Bieber’s fans have been eagerly awaiting new music from the pop superstar, who has remained tight-lipped about any upcoming releases. Despite the silence on fresh material, Bieber has proven that his catalog of hits has staying power. In an unexpected twist, his holiday single “Mistletoe” has resurfaced and gained significant traction, thanks to the power of TikTok. The song, released over a decade ago, has found its way onto the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart, showcasing its timeless appeal and Bieber’s enduring influence in pop culture.

This development raises questions about the power of social media in reviving older tracks and the evolving nature of music consumption in the digital age. In this article, we’ll explore the history of “Mistletoe,” its resurgence on TikTok, and what this means for Bieber’s career and the music industry at large.

The History of “Mistletoe”: A Holiday Favorite

Released in October 2011, “Mistletoe” marked Justin Bieber’s foray into holiday music. The single served as the lead track for his holiday album, Under the Mistletoe, which featured a mix of original songs and covers of Christmas classics. “Mistletoe,” co-written by Bieber along with Nasri Atweh and Adam Messinger, became an instant hit, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song’s appeal lies in its catchy melody, romantic lyrics, and acoustic pop sound, which deviated from traditional holiday tunes. With lines like “It’s the most beautiful time of the year, lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer,” “Mistletoe” captured the festive spirit while resonating with Bieber’s younger fanbase. Over the years, it has become a staple in Christmas playlists, cementing its status as a modern holiday classic.

The TikTok Effect: Why “Mistletoe” Is Trending in 2025

Fast forward to 2025, and “Mistletoe” is experiencing a surprising resurgence, this time on TikTok. The social media platform, known for its ability to catapult songs to viral fame, has introduced the track to a new generation of listeners. Here’s why “Mistletoe” is thriving on TikTok:

Seasonal Relevance

With the holiday season in full swing, TikTok users are turning to festive music to soundtrack their videos. “Mistletoe” fits perfectly with the platform’s celebratory content, from decorating Christmas trees to holiday-themed challenges and dances.

Nostalgia Factor

For many Millennials and Gen Z users who grew up with Bieber, “Mistletoe” evokes a sense of nostalgia. TikTok thrives on nostalgic trends, and users often create content that pays homage to earlier eras of music and pop culture.

Romantic Appeal

The song’s romantic lyrics make it an ideal choice for couples sharing holiday moments on TikTok. Videos featuring “Mistletoe” often showcase cozy winter scenes, romantic gestures, and heartfelt captions, amplifying its emotional appeal.

TikTok’s Algorithm

The platform’s algorithm favors songs that resonate with a wide audience, regardless of their release date. As more users interact with “Mistletoe,” its visibility increases, pushing it further up the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart.

Chart Success: “Mistletoe” on the TikTok Billboard Top 50

Debuting at No. 32 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, “Mistletoe” has officially entered the list of the most popular tracks on TikTok. This chart, which measures song popularity based on usage and plays within the app, reflects the impact of user-generated content on music trends.

While this is Bieber’s lowest-ranking placement on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, it’s worth noting that he has only landed two hits on this particular chart. The achievement underscores the staying power of his older material and highlights the unique ways in which songs can find new life years after their initial release.

Justin Bieber and TikTok: A Perfect Pairing

Justin Bieber’s relationship with TikTok has been a fascinating one. The platform has become a key player in the music industry, helping both emerging artists and established stars reach new audiences. For Bieber, TikTok has served as a bridge between his longstanding fanbase and younger listeners who are discovering his music for the first time.

TikTok has also played a role in Bieber’s career beyond “Mistletoe.” In 2020, his single “Yummy” gained significant traction on the platform, thanks in part to viral dance challenges. This symbiotic relationship between Bieber and TikTok underscores how the platform has reshaped the music landscape, allowing artists to connect with fans in innovative ways.

What This Means for Justin Bieber’s Career

The unexpected success of “Mistletoe” on TikTok highlights Bieber’s ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing music industry. Here’s what this resurgence could mean for his career:

Renewed Interest in Older Catalog

The viral success of “Mistletoe” may encourage fans to revisit Bieber’s earlier work, potentially boosting streams for his older albums. This renewed interest could also introduce his music to listeners who may not have been familiar with his holiday releases.

A Strategic Opportunity

Bieber and his team could capitalize on the song’s newfound popularity by re-releasing “Mistletoe” in a special edition or remix. Collaborations with contemporary artists or TikTok influencers could further amplify its reach.

Building Anticipation for New Music

While fans eagerly await new material, the success of “Mistletoe” keeps Bieber in the spotlight. This sustained visibility could create a sense of anticipation, ensuring that his next release garners maximum attention.

The Broader Impact: TikTok and the Evolution of Music Consumption

The rise of “Mistletoe” on TikTok is part of a larger trend in how music is consumed and rediscovered. Platforms like TikTok have democratized music promotion, giving older tracks the chance to re-enter the cultural zeitgeist. This phenomenon has several implications for the music industry:

Longevity of Songs

Songs are no longer confined to their release cycles. With the right combination of timing, user engagement, and cultural relevance, tracks can resurface and achieve success years later.

Audience Cross-Pollination

TikTok facilitates cross-generational appeal by introducing classic tracks to younger audiences while allowing older listeners to revisit their favorites.

Artists’ Revenue Streams

The resurgence of older songs can lead to increased royalties and streaming revenue, providing artists with additional income streams.

Final Thoughts: The Timeless Appeal of “Mistletoe”

Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” is a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song. Over a decade after its release, the track has found new life on TikTok, proving that great music can transcend time and trends. For Bieber, this unexpected success serves as a reminder of his influence and the timeless quality of his artistry.

As fans continue to create and share content featuring “Mistletoe,” the song’s popularity is likely to grow, cementing its place as a modern holiday classic. In the ever-evolving world of music, where trends come and go, “Mistletoe” stands out as a shining example of how a simple tune can resonate across generations, bringing joy to listeners year after year.

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