Many of today’s hottest Latin artists were discovered on social media, including Bad Bunny who began creating his tunes on Soundcloud and Lele Pons who rose from Vine to Latin music star.
Spanish crooner Pablo Alborán, Brazilian sensation Anitta, and up-and-coming JD Pantoja all leaped to fame after kicking off their careers on YouTube.
In addition, many Latin songs are getting on the radar fueled by their success on TikTok, including Juanfran’s “Como Llora,” Nio Garcia’s “La Jeepeta” in collaboration with Brray, Juanka, Anuel AA and Myke Towers, and Grupo Firme’s “El Guero” featuring Marca MP, which have all secured spots on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart this year.
The internet and social media are wonderful resources for both emerging and established artists. That’s why Billboard highlights a couple of Latin songs that have been inspired by different apps. Check out the list below:
J Balvin – “Snapchat”
Snapchat was one of the hottest apps in 2016 and J Balvin, who has very active on it, paid tribute with his song “Snapchat,” part of his album Energia. The song is about a girl who sends private photos to her crush at night time.
Micro TDH – “Amor de Red Social”
Produced by Ovy on the Drums, “Amor de Red Social” by Venezuelan urban crooner Micro TDH is a sensual funk that spotlights the reality of most couples today, a love that’s not real and only exists on social media.
Don Omar feat. Wisin & Yandel – “Myspace”
Before TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, there was Myspace, the ultimate social media page of the early 2000s. In 2006, Don Omar, in collaboration with Wisin & Yandel, dropped “Myspace,” about a girl who ghosted him.
Brytiago – “Tik Tok”
Part of his debut studio album, Organico, reggaeton artist Brytiago included a song dubbed “Tik Tok,” which narrates the story of a man who deletes all the memories with his ex from the app.
Karol G, Anuel AA – “Follow”
Born during quarantine, Karol G and Anuel AA dropped “Follow,” which is a fusion of old-school reggae roots and sensual urban melodies about two people who like each other on social media but are playing hard to get.
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, David Guetta, Daddy Yankee, Afro Bros & Natti Natasha – “Instagram”
“Instagram,” the EDM-Latin bop by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, David Guetta, Daddy Yankee, Afro Bros & Natti Natasha, is about a girl who’s not impressed by a man’s money or celebrity status on social media.
Justin Quiles – “Instagram”
In 2017, Justin Quiles detailed the story of a man and woman who had an unforgettable night of passion after meeting on Instagram. Coined “Instagram,” the song forms part of his album La Promesa.
Alaina Castillo – “el mensaje”
Bringing to the forefront her contemporary sound and emotive lyrics, Alaina Castillo’s “el mensaje” is about a couple who breaks up through voice notes on the phone.
Arcangel – “Video Llamada”
In “Video Llamada,” part of his studio album Historias de un Capricornio, Arcangel penned sultry lyrics about a man and woman who get kinky on a video call.
Micro TDH – “Desamor (#TweetCancion)”
In the midst of quarantine, Micro TDH asked fans on Twitter to send him one-word tweets. In the order he received the words, he created his song “Desamor” or better known as the “tweet” song.
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho – “Con Cartitas y Whatsapp”
Four years ago, Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho dropped a heartfelt ranchera called “Con Cartitas y Whatsapp,” detailing the love story of a couple who met and fell in love through letters and chat.
Esteman – “No Te Metas a mi Facebook”
Back in the days, before the TikTok and Instagram fads, Esteman dropped a 50’s-inspired rock song called “No Te Metas a mi Facebook.” The song is about a person who’s warning their significant other to not spy on their Facebook.
Stey – “Redes Sociales”
Up-and-coming Miami-based Venezuelan artist, Stey, recently dropped his single “Redes Sociales,” where he gets real about social media and the internet taking a toll on our mental health.
Los Socios del Ritmo – “Amor de Internet”
In the early 2000s, Los Socios del Ritmo, from Campeche, Mexico, opened up about a long-distance relationship in their catchy rock-infused cumbia song “Amor de Internet” (Internet Love).
El Alfa – “Facetime”
Three years ago, found in his Disciplina album, El Alfa included a song called “Facetime.” In the raunchy tune, the Dominican star sings about making an affair public on Facetime.
