How to Go Viral on TikTok

Curious about how to go viral on TikTok? 

You're not alone. Achieving viral fame is the ultimate goal for content creators, businesses, and anyone aiming to be internet famous. With over 1.1 billion active users each month, TikTok offers the perfect platform to make your mark on the digital world.

But how exactly do you achieve this elusive viral status? Does TikTok's algorithm favor certain types of content? Or, is it all just pure luck?

In this guide,  we'll explore the answers to these questions and give you 30 tips on how to go viral on TikTok. So, let's get started!

So, let's dive into some tips and tricks on how to go viral on TikTok:

How to Go Viral on TikTok

1. Find Your Niche

TikTok isn’t just a platform for teenagers lip-syncing and dancing. It’s evolved into a diverse platform catering to all ages and interests. From comedy skits to educational content, all types of videos can potentially go viral on TikTok.

When you target a specific niche, you’re creating content that appeals directly to their interests.  People with similar interests are more likely to watch and share your content, increasing its potential to go viral.

2. Invest in Quality Video Recording and Editing Equipment

High-quality content is generally composed of high-resolution videos. The better the video quality, the more likely it is to attract viewers. Using a professional camera or a recent smartphone, combined with good lighting and creative camera angles, can greatly enhance your filming.

It's also essential to invest in good video editing software. There are plenty of free or low-cost options available that offer excellent functions and features you need for creating viral-worthy TikTok videos.

Here's what you can invest in to produce top-notch content:

• Smartphone or camera with high-resolution video capabilities.
• Tripod or phone holder for stable footage.
• Ring light (for well-lighted videos.)
• A microphone (if needed.)
• Editing software like Adobe Premiere, Filmora, InShot, and more.

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3. Grab Your Audience’s Attention From The Get-go

Users scroll through their ‘For You’ page at lightning speed, skipping from one video to the next. This means you only have a few seconds to capture their attention.

To start with a bang and ensure their eyeballs don’t go anywhere, do the following:

• Use an eye-catching thumbnail.
• Start with a strong hook, i.e., a compelling question or statement.
• Use strong visuals, i.e., bold colors or exciting camera angles.
• Get straight to the video's topic without any lengthy introductions.
• Include a text overlay that attracts users, i.e., 'How I lost 10lbs in one week.'

Once you’ve managed to snag their attention, they're far more likely to watch and share your video.

4. Use a Mix of Trending and Niche-relevant Hashtags 

Many people stick common hashtags like #fyp (For You Page) or #tiktokviral. The problem is, these hashtags are highly competitive, causing your video to get lost in the shuffle.

Instead, use trending hashtags and niche hashtags related to your industry. For example, if you're a beauty influencer, use hashtags like #beautyhacks or #makeuptips. This helps TikTok’s algorithm categorize your content and show it to the right users. 

One way to find trending hashtags is to type a keyword in the TikTok search bar and click the 'Hashtag' tab. Alternatively, try using the 'Hashtag' feature in the TikTok Creative Centre. You'll then see a list of trending hashtags, their respective number of posts, views, and other statistics that can help you out.

5. Research and Use Keywords

TikTok's algorithm collects data from your title, description, and video captions, which helps to categorize and suggest your video to relevant audiences. Therefore, you'll want to research relevant keywords and include them in all of the above.

You can do this by searching what keywords other similar videos are using. Alternatively, the TikTok Creative Center's keyword insights tool and see what’s currently trending.

6. Use Trending Music and Sounds

Remember that TikTok is inherently a sound-driven platform. Many challenges, memes, and trends are centered around specific sounds or songs. So when you use these songs, you’re tapping into the trend's popularity and enticing users to watch your video.

When finding trendy sounds, just ensure to use music that best suits your content. If you're making a dancing video, opt for upbeat and catchy tunes. Going for a comedy skit? Use funny sounds or popular movie quotes.

You can even include a trending song over a voiceover. Combining a popular song and your unique spin can give your video even more viral potential.

7. Keep Your Videos 9 to 15 seconds Long

While TikTok allows the use of longer videos, the platform was primarily built around short and snappy content. People love bite-sized videos that are quick and easy to digest.

According to TikTok experts, the sweet spot for video length is 9 to 15 seconds. This allows for enough time to capture attention and deliver your message without boring or overwhelming viewers.

8. Keep Longer Videos Engaging Throughout

While shorter videos are generally recommended, there are some exceptions. If you have highly engaging and interesting content requiring a longer video, go for it! 

Below are types of long-form TikTok videos that often go viral:

• Mukangs 
• Tutorials
• Morning routines
• Daily Vlogs
• DIYs
• Educational content
• Behind-the-scenes footage

Just ensure to focus on quality over quantity. You don’t unnecessarily extend your video for the sake of it. Keep the content engaging and interesting throughout.

9. Tell a Story

Great stories aren't just engaging; they're memorable. Storytelling can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and create a lasting impression.

Some tips for incorporating storytelling into your videos:

• Use dialogue and characters to tell a story.
• Choose a relatable or emotional topic.
• Use visuals, music, and sound effects to enhance the story.
• Have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• It’s ok to make it about you and be the author of your story!
• Don’t be so predictable - it's ok to subvert expectations to keep your audience intrigued.

When viewers relate to your story, they’re investing into your content and are more likely to share it with others. TikTok is a platform where creativity thrives, so it’s ok to think outside the box and tell your story in a unique way.

10. Incorporate Interactive Storytelling

Interactive storytelling lets your audience participate in the story you're telling. This could include asking your viewers what they want to see next, creating polls or challenges for them to participate in, and getting their feedback on your content. 

11. Create a Mini-series

Try building a series of short, interconnected stories or themes over multiple videos. This can keep your audience coming back to see the next part of the story, creating a mini-series effect.

For instance, you can start with a simple premise, like a mystery object found in an old attic. Each video reveals more about the object's history or mysterious powers. Use cliffhangers at the end of each video to pique curiosity and ensure viewers return for the next installment. 

12. Get Inspired by Your Competitors

Your competitors are more than just your rivals. They’re also a source of inspiration for your own TikTok content creation. Look at their viral videos and ask yourself what made them so popular - was it the music, captions, visuals, storyline, or something else?

Once you have identified what made them viral on TikTok, try to incorporate some of these elements into your own videos.

If you’re a business looking to make your ads go viral, you can use the MagicBrief and access our Ad library to collect and analyze trending TikTok ads. This will give you insights into what kind of content resonates with your target audience and help you create viral-worthy ads.

But remember, don't straight up copy their content. Instead, think of how you can make it unique and add your personal touch to it.

13. Collaborate with Other TikTok Users

Influencer partnerships can help you gain massive exposure as you’ll be tapping into their audience. As a result, you’ll expand your audience and potentially go viral.

Some ways to collaborate on TikTok:

• Participate in TikTok trends and challenges with other users.
• Create a duet or reaction video with another user's content.
• Join forces and create a joint video together.

When collaborating, choose influencers who appeal to similar audiences. However, if you believe your content can cross over to a different audience successfully, then you can collaborate with users outside of your niche.

For example, Zach King and Chipotle, created a Halloween-themed video that gained 4 million likes and nearly 88 million views​. While both exist in different niches, the collaboration was successful because it appealed to both audiences.

14. Share Advice,  Tips, and Hacks

People always want to improve their lives or learn new things. By sharing advice, tips, and hacks on TikTok, you’ll provide value and establish yourself as an expert in your niche.

Here are a few video ideas to get you on the right track:

• Tutorials or how-to videos.
• Life hacks or productivity tips.
• Professional advice on a specific topic relevant to your niche.

Even giving your opinion on a popular topic can spark conversation and audience engagement. This is why controversy and hot topics often go viral on TikTok.

15. Include a CTA (Call-To-Action) to Turn Viewers into Followers

If you get video views, you want to ensure they stick around. 

One way of doing this is to include a CTA.

CTAs are prompts or instructions that make viewers take a specific action:

• "Follow for more tips and tricks!"
• "Like this video if you found it helpful!"
• "Leave a comment letting me know what other topics you'd like me to cover!"
• "Follow me for part 2 of this tutorial!"

Remember that viewers typically won't take action unless you ask them to, so be sure to include CTAs in your videos!

16. Say Things that Naturally Encourage Engagement

The truth is, people will comment about anything. They'll share their thoughts and even tag their friends if they feel strong enough about your content.

During your videos, say things that will typically get a response from viewers. It could be your honest opinion, i.e:

"I really can't stand Justin Timberlake's new song. Anyone else feel the same way?" 

Or where you share a relatable experience: 

"I always accidentally call my dog by my ex's name. Seriously, I must be the only one." 

These types of comments can quickly spark conversation from your audience.

16. Add a Touch of Controversy

You can also express your opinion on controversial topics to create a buzz. People pay attention when a comment or video stirs up debate or discussion. 

However, just be cautious and respectful when discussing these topics or making controversial videos in general. The last thing you must do is go viral for the wrong reasons. 

17. Be a Character

This point doesn't just include TikTok; it applies to all media platforms. People are attracted to personalities that stand out, whether it's their humor, style, or interests. Even characters who people love to hate can gain a large following.

However, if you don't have the most prominent personality, just be you. Share your real experiences, thoughts, and passions, and most importantly be genuine. People connect with authenticity, which can be more appealing than a larger-than-life fake persona. 

18. Go Silent

Many people in public don't have the luxury of sound while scrolling through TikTok. That's why silent videos are super popular on the platform.

When creating a silent video, you can compensate for the lack of audio by adding captions, expressive visuals, and simple storylines that are easier to follow. You can also put a greater emphasis on body language and facial expressions, and add text animations and effects.

Use some or all of these techniques to make your silent video get noticed by TikTok's algorithm. Silent videos that are catchy, creative, and well-crafted can easily go viral on TikTok.

19. Showcase Unique Skills or Hobbies

If you have a unique skill or hobby, such as calligraphy, origami, or even something unusual like soap carving, showcase it. Unique and niche content often gets traction from niche audiences or can even go viral for novelty.

TikTok users are always looking for new and exciting content, so if you have a talent or passion that sets you apart from others, don't be afraid to show it off. You never know who will stumble upon your video and share it with their followers.

20. Use Nostalgia

Nostalgia is powerful because it evokes strong emotions and memories. TikTok users often look for a trip down memory lane, so incorporating nostalgia in your content can be a great way to attract viewers.

Consider creating throwback videos featuring popular trends or fads from the past. This could include anything from fashion and music to TV shows and toys. You can also use popular songs or jingles from the past in your videos to bring back feelings of nostalgia for your audience.

21. Engage with Your Followers and the TikTok Community

The comment section often takes on a life of its own. People argue back and forth, create inside jokes, and even make friends. As a creator, you can engage with your followers and other TikTok users. 

Reply to comments, ask for their opinions, give your own opinions, and even start discussions in the comment section. You'll quickly build a community of like-minded individuals supporting and sharing your content. ‍

22. Optimize Your Posting Times

It’s nearly impossible to reach your entire audience with a single video. This is because some users are simply offline, and TikTok's algorithm prioritizes content based on relevance and immediate engagement.

To maximize your views, post at peak times when your followers are most active. This may require some experimentation and tracking, but stick to it once you find the right time. 

If you aren't sure when to post, use TikTok's analytics ‘Followers’ feature to see what times your followers are engaging with your content. 

Alternatively, you can follow the most accepted trend that marketers post, which is 10 to 11.50 am, 2.30 to 4 pm, and 6:30 to 9:30 pm, between Tuesday and Thursday. 

24. Identify and Adapt to Trends Quickly

A TikTok trend is a popular theme that people currently engage in. Trends can range from dance challenges to lip-syncing, viral hashtags, and even funny memes. Stay updated with what's popular and incorporate it into your content.

Of course, you should only stick to trends that align with your brand and personality. But don't be afraid to take risks and try something new, as long as it is done in good taste.

Just remember that trends come and go like the wind. Therefore, you must watch and hop on to new trends quickly to keep up with the platform's fast-paced environment. 

25. Use TikTok's Video Editing Features

TikTok has tons of features such as filters, effects, and soundtracks to help you create unique and creative content. 

Here's a quick rundown of some of the most popular features:

• Filters: These allow you to add different effects and colors to your videos.
• Effects: Similar to filters, effects can range from simple animations to more complex visual additions.
• Soundtracks: TikTok has a vast library of songs and sounds that you can use to enhance your content. 
• Duet and Stitch Features: Duets lets you create content side-by-side with an existing video, while Stitch lets you clip and integrate scenes from another user's video into your own. 
• Text and Captions:  TikTok allows you to add text and captions to your videos. Use this feature to make your content more inclusive, informative, and engaging.

If you aren't familiar with these features yet, try experimenting with them and analyze the results. You never know what might go viral!

26. Post Consistently

TikTok's algorithm favors accounts that consistently post high-quality content. It illustrates to TikTok that you’re an active creator and your content is worth promoting. Therefore, it's essential to post regularly.

Some tips for staying consistent on TikTok:

• Plan out your content in advance.
• Use a post scheduler to help with posting at the correct times.
• Stay up to date on current trends and create content around them.
• Engage with your followers and ask for their input on future content ideas.

Try to find a schedule that works for you, whether daily, every other day, or weekly. This way, you’re more likely to stick to it and keep your followers engaged.

27. Analyze Your Performance and Refine Your Strategy

To ensure ongoing success on TikTok,  keep a close eye on your best posts via the analytics section in your account. This will provide valuable metrics such as views, likes, comments, and shares.

Once you've identified your top-performing posts, analyze the content and elements that made them successful. Was it the different style of editing, hashtags, or the topic? Even smaller things like hashtags and captions can make a big difference.

Use this data to refine your strategy and focus on creating similar content that resonates with your audience. By consistently analyzing and optimizing your performance, you'll be able to improve your content output and increase the chances of going viral.

28. Post Outside of TikTok

Posting on other social media platforms will promote your content to a larger audience and direct them to your TikTok account.

To lure in viewers from other platforms, consider creating teaser TikTok clips and sharing them on your other social media accounts. These teaser clips should be intriguing and compelling, giving viewers a taste of what they can expect on your TikTok account.

You can also include a CTA, i.e.,"Follow me on TikTok for more content like this!" in your captions or post descriptions.

29. Get TikTok Verified

Having a blue checkmark next to your username isn't just a status symbol, it also increases your credibility. Verified accounts on TikTok are often preferred as they appear at the top of search results and are seen as the most credible and authentic profiles.

To become verified, ensure your account meets all TikTok’s criteria, such as having a complete profile, posting high-quality content consistently, and adhering to community guidelines. Just remember that  you must complete the application process to become verified.

To learn more about becoming TikTok verified, check out our full guide on the topic. 

30. Don't Be Afraid to Make a Post (For Newcomers)

When you post, all eyes are on you and your TikTok content. As such, it can be intimidating to put yourself out there, especially if you're just starting out.

Just remember that there’s something for everyone on TikTok. Don't be afraid to start creating and posting, even if it’s not perfect. Practice makes perfect, and as you continue to post, you'll develop your unique style and find what works best for you.

Use These Tips to Go Viral Overnight on TikTok

To go viral on TikTok, you often need to use a mix of these strategies and keep posting and improving your content regularly. Ofcourse, it's not easy and it usually takes time, so you'll need to be patient.

Remember to always analyze your posts that are doing well and learn from them. If you constantly try to improve and keep up with trends, your chances of going viral will significantly increase.

We hope this guide has given you insight into how to go viral on TikTok. Remember, stay authentic, consistent, and have fun with your content. Who knows? You may be the next big thing on TikTok!