In 2025, TikTok isn’t just about dances, lip-syncs, or comedy skits anymore—it’s the birthplace of a new musical obsession: Bardcore. From chainmail-wearing creators to lute-backed remixes of pop hits, the platform is buzzing with the sounds of Medieval Music. What started as a niche trend during the 2020 lockdowns has evolved into a full-blown revival, blending digital creativity with ancient vibes. Welcome to the age of the Neo-Medieval Sound, and at its core is Bardcore.
What Is Bardcore?
Bardcore is the art of transforming modern songs into Medieval Music masterpieces. Think Beyoncé’s “Halo” performed with harpsichords and flutes, or Drake’s “Hotline Bling” with Gregorian chants. It’s a fusion of the old and new—where the bard meets the beat.
The word “Bardcore” itself is a playful mashup: “bard” (a poet or singer in medieval times) and “hardcore.” The genre applies medieval instrumentation, language, and mood to modern pop, rock, and hip-hop tracks. The result is often humorous, sometimes haunting, and always captivating.
The Bardcore Boom on TikTok
While Bardcore had its humble beginnings on YouTube and SoundCloud around 2020, it found a powerful new home on TikTok. Short-form videos gave creators the perfect format to showcase 15–30 seconds of beautifully reimagined tracks. As TikTok Trends 2025 continue to favor niche aesthetics and nostalgia, Bardcore sits perfectly at the intersection of both.
Medieval cosplay, green-screened castles, and candle-lit reenactments accompany the sound. Creators like @SirSongsmith, @TheLuteWitch, and @ModernMinstrel have gone viral with their renditions. Some even compose original Bardcore songs in Middle English or Old French, adding linguistic flair to musical throwbacks.
Why Is Bardcore Trending in 2025?
Three words: aesthetic, escapism, and evolution.
- Aesthetic Appeal
The #Cottagecore and #Fairycore trends opened the door to romanticized pasts. Now, Bardcore pushes it further—offering an audio escape into ye olde times. Candlelight, stone walls, and parchment scrolls are the new filters. - Digital Escapism
In a world full of screens and AI-generated content, people crave something that feels handcrafted. Bardcore brings that with its lute melodies, hand-drummed beats, and poetic language. - Cultural Evolution
From video games like Elden Ring to fantasy series like The Witcher, medieval storytelling has always fascinated modern audiences. Bardcore simply gives this fascination a modern soundtrack.
These elements have aligned to make Bardcore one of the biggest TikTok Trends of 2025.
The Sound of the Middle Ages—Reinvented
Bardcore doesn’t just remix pop—it revives the past. Artists dive deep into medieval scales, modal harmonies, and instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, rebec, lute, and psaltery. While the tone often feels authentic, Bardcore creators aren’t afraid to add modern flair.
Many Bardcore hits feature:
- Authentic medieval instrumentation (digitally or live-recorded)
- Rewritten lyrics in archaic English or Latin
- Visual themes inspired by knightly courts, jesters, and feasts
- Digital filters that mimic vintage illustrations or tapestry textures
As the genre matures in 2025, collaborations between digital composers and classical musicians have deepened its roots in real Medieval Music theory—making Bardcore more than just a parody trend.
Top Bardcore Creators on TikTok
These standout creators are shaping the Bardcore wave:
- @SirSongsmith – Known for his impeccable baritone voice and flawless Middle English translations.
- @TheLuteWitch – Fuses witchy vibes with medieval instrumentation and folklore tales.
- @ModernMinstrel – Combines Bardcore covers with humorous storytelling and fantasy roleplay.
Their TikToks average millions of views and have sparked fanbases that dive deep into medieval history, language, and musicology. With fan duets, remixes, and cosplay tributes, the Bardcore fandom is one of the most creative on TikTok today.
From Viral to Viable: Bardcore in the Music Industry
What was once viral is now viable. Record labels are catching on. In early 2025, indie label “Minstrel Mode” signed three Bardcore artists for full-length albums. Spotify playlists titled “Neo-Medieval Vibes” and “Bardcore Ballads” now boast millions of monthly listeners.
Even mainstream artists are jumping in. Taylor Swift’s surprise Bardcore version of “Love Story” went viral in March, while The Weeknd is rumored to be collaborating on a Bardcore concept EP later this year.
From TikTok soundbites to full concert performances, Bardcore is shaping a fresh chapter in both pop and Medieval Music.
The Role of AI and Music Tech
Tech also plays a massive part in the Bardcore revolution. AI-generated medieval instruments, vocal effects mimicking chants, and remix tools help even novice musicians create Bardcore tracks at home.
Some creators use AI voice filters to sound like monks or lords. Others remix Bardcore tracks with lo-fi beats, creating subgenres like “Medieval Chillhop.” These innovations push Bardcore beyond just covers—into full musical storytelling experiences.
Bardcore as a Lifestyle
In 2025, Bardcore isn’t just music—it’s a lifestyle.
You’ll find it influencing:
- Fashion: Capes, corsets, tunics, and goblets
- Art: Digital tapestries, illuminated manuscript posts
- Language: People casually saying “Hark!” or “Prithee” in comment sections
- Memes: “Thou shalt not ghosteth thy crush” is trending
Communities like #BardcoreTok and #NeoMedieval have sprouted, offering a digital tavern where enthusiasts exchange music, lore, and laughs. Some creators even host TikTok Live “banquets” with live music and costume contests.
What’s Next for Bardcore?
TikTok Trends 2025 prove that nostalgia and novelty can thrive together. And Bardcore? It’s just getting started. Here’s what’s coming next:
- Bardcore Musicals: Expect indie productions with medieval plots and full Bardcore soundtracks.
- Festivals: Virtual and IRL Renaissance-inspired music fests.
- Brand Collabs: Fashion and beverage brands are already tapping into the Bardcore aesthetic.
- Educational Spin-offs: Teachers are using Bardcore remixes to make history lessons engaging.
As TikTok continues to be a cultural compass, Bardcore will keep evolving—dragging the Middle Ages into the modern day, one lute riff at a time.
Final Thoughts
The rise of Bardcore in 2025 proves one thing: creativity knows no timeline. By merging the beauty of Medieval Music with today’s digital flair, TikTok creators have forged a sound that’s oddly timeless. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, music history, or viral trends, Bardcore offers something oddly comforting—and wildly entertaining.
