When TikTok first launched, it was predominantly a place where pre-teens could post lip-sync videos and create new dance trends. Today, the platform has expanded and now features people from all demographics.
Probably the most appealing thing about TikTok is that many content creators have managed to make their videos go viral and gain recognition in a short amount of time. But how do they manage to create viral content? And more importantly, can you do the same?
The answer is ㅡ yes! So, if you want to learn how to make amazing TikToks that will spread across the platform like wildfire, keep reading!
What Does It Mean to Go Viral?
How do you know if your video has gone viral? Is there a specific amount of views you need to reach?
Since virality is a scale, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact number of views you need on a video in order for it to be thought of as viral. For example, if we were to consider the general amount of views on the entire platform, then TikToks with over a million views are typically regarded as viral.
Then again, videos within specific communities can also go viral with as little as 10,000 views. This is because the algorithm will likely boost the visibility of your TikTok within that community instead of placing it on everyone’s For You page.
How Long Does It Take to Go Viral?
In most cases, TikToks that show signs of rapid growth reach their peak within approximately 3-7 days after the first signs of rapid growth.
But, of course, this is by no means a rule. Sometimes, a creator will post a video, and it won’t gain much traction within the first week or even a month. Then, all of a sudden, it can go viral seemingly out of nowhere.
Although it may seem as if it all comes down to luck, there are ways to appeal to the TikTok algorithm and make your video go viral. So, let’s discuss your options!
Use the 3-Second Rule
A TikTok video typically lasts anywhere from 20-30 seconds. However, the shorter your video, the more attention it will attract, especially when it comes to younger viewers. With that in mind, the 3-second rule can make or break your content.
In short, when you make a video, TikTok displays it on the For You pages of users who might be interested in your content, based on their metrics. Basically, TikTok has a system that recommends videos depending on the viewer’s interests. More specifically, it targets people that want to see videos related to your niche. However, the platform also analyzes whether these viewers are checking out the entirety of your content, or not.
For reference, the key metrics are the completion rate and watch time. So, if people only watch the first few seconds of your video and then scroll, TikTok will stop putting your content on the FYP.
In order to successfully avoid this from happening, make sure that the first 3 seconds make an impact on your audience. Always be wary of the fact that people will quickly lose interest in your content if you drag it out.
For example, let’s say you’re filming a tutorial on how to crochet. Some people will begin their videos by listing the tools they need for their project. Unfortunately, this isn’t an effective way to reel in the average viewer. In fact, they will likely get discouraged if they don’t have every item on your list.
Instead, you should show them one of your finished projects within the first few seconds of your TikTok, so they can see the end result.
Or, maybe you’re a makeup artist that wants to share a tutorial. Instead of starting your video with a clean face, first, show your viewers the final look and then go into the details. This applies to other types of tutorials as well.
Engage With Your Audience
Whether you’re completely new to TikTok or you’ve been making content for quite some time, interacting with your audience is a must. Namely, TikTok keeps track of your activities, which also includes your engagement with the audience.
A good way to interact is to go live. You can answer some questions, do some live product reviews, or host a giveaway.
But of course, promoting your live stream is crucial. You will need to let your viewers know when to tune in, and also post some frequent reminders on your TikTok story. Also, consider doing a bit of promotion on your other social media platforms in order to reach more people.
Essentially, the viewers that end up joining your stream will likely end up getting more of your videos on their FYP. Not only that, but if they like what they see, they will start following you and sharing your videos, which is a step toward going viral!
Keep Up With Trends
Above all, TikTok is a trend-driven platform. What that means is that creators should constantly be on the lookout for what’s trending at the moment. Understanding what’s popular among viewers and other users will inspire you to make similar content, which will also drive up your views. This could mean using specific sounds, hashtags, or topics.
Even better, keeping up with trends has never been easier. All you have to do is browse the For You page in order to see what’s popular at the moment. Keep tabs on the type of content you’re seeing, and choose a trend that’s relevant to your niche.
So, for example, if you’re a content creator that makes music, you can check out some of the trending sounds and possibly do a cover. Or, if you review makeup or clothes, a get-ready-with-me (GRWM) would be right up your alley.
Also, it’s important to note that TikTok trends tend to last for a week at most, so make sure you jump on the bandwagon ASAP. And if you’re serious about going viral, keep a close eye on your FYP at all times!
Use the Right Hashtags
Among other things, hashtags are a crucial factor when it comes to TikTok’s algorithm. Essentially, they are what help categorize your content. With that said, you need to know which hashtags to use and which ones to skip.
The best way to find quality ones is to enter a keyword relevant to your niche into your search bar. Once the page loads, you’ll see several videos on the page. But that’s not what you should concentrate on. Instead, you’ll notice a column above the videos with the following: top, videos, users, sounds, live, and hashtags. Choose the hashtag option.
From there, you’ll be able to see a list of all the trending hashtags that are relevant to your keyword, hence your content.
Additionally, stay away from hashtags such as #foryou and #FYP, as these are too generic, meaning they won’t help your video go viral. What’s more, your content will probably get lost in a sea of other videos with similar hashtags.
Finally, you should only use up to five hashtags per video, or else you could end up overloading your post.
Stay Relatable
Although TikTok trends are constantly changing, there’s one thing that has stayed the same from the beginning — people love relatable and authentic content creators.
When you think about it, it’s perfectly understandable. Viewers want to see creators that they can identify with and who always “keep it real.” Ultimately, that’s where some TikTokers go wrong. The more popularity they gain, the less relatable their content gets.
So, regardless of whether you have a few followers or thousands, you should always think about how your audience will relate to your videos. After all, they’re the ones that can help you go viral.
Create “Before and After” Videos
If you’re ever having difficulty coming up with content ideas, “before and after” videos are the perfect choice for any niche.
So, for example, if your content is focused on fitness, you can record your daily/weekly/monthly progress and edit it into a 30-second video. Alternatively, some creators will film their start weight and then cut to the end result, as they consider it more effective.
Similarly, if your content is food-oriented, you can also make a video showcasing your cooking/baking abilities from start to finish. Or, if you’re a makeup artist, you can film yourself recreating a trending look and edit it into a timelapse video.
Overall, there’s no limit to the creativity or type of content that you can use in your “before and after” videos.
Create Timelaps Content
Another popular format is the timelapse video which shows the creator performing a task from start to finish; only the TikTok is later sped-up during editing. For instance, redecorating a room, building something, cleaning, etc.
For some reason, people like watching creators perform even the simplest of daily tasks. Perhaps it motivates them to get up and do the same. Essentially, you can use that to your advantage and create the following types of content:
- Cleaning videos
- Videos where you complete everyday tasks
- Grocery restock videos
- Organizational hacks
- Home renovation videos
Obviously, it’s up to you to choose a category related to your niche.
Promote Your Content on Other Social Media Platforms
It goes without saying that promoting your TikToks on other social media platforms will increase your chances of going viral.
You can opt to add reels on Instagram and Facebook, or you can simply post a story with a sticker that says to check out your new TikTok. This will inevitably increase your reach and get more people to see your video — which is exactly what you’re going for.
Keep Your Videos Consistent
The TikTok algorithm pays special attention to how many comments, likes, shares, and views your content gets. With that in mind, if you want to increase these parameters, you should make sure to post consistently.
Basically, the more you post, the more chances you have of going viral, which is quite obvious if you think about it.
But that’s not the only reason you should stay consistent. Namely, viewers are more likely to follow an account if the creator posts at least once a day.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should put out a video every hour, as that’s not feasible. More importantly, you’ll run out of ideas for your content within a few days.
Post Duets
Regardless of whether they have a large or small following, content creators love it when someone duets their video. First of all, it can help boost their views, and second of all, it shows that people appreciate their content.
But best of all, duets are easy to make. You can post yourself reacting to the other creator’s content which requires the least amount of effort. Or, you can decide to add to their content. For example, if the creator is singing in their video, you can add an accompanying instrument to the mix (if you can play one, of course) or add a vocal overtone.
On the other hand, you can also perform an activity that’s completely unrelated to the other person’s content. A great example of this is crocheting, playing with slime, drawing, painting, or putting on makeup while the other creator’s video is playing.
Overall, as a TikToker that’s hoping to go viral, when you make a duet, your goal is to bring in more views and possibly more followers. Equally important, you will open up the possibility for our next suggestion.
Post Collaborations
Partnering up with popular TikTok creators is always a good way to boost your views and possibly go viral. Just remember to look for someone relevant to your niche; otherwise, your content won’t experience the necessary increase in viewership.
If you’re new to the platform, it may take some time to get in touch with a more established creator, but don’t let that discourage you. Instead, start by following their account and commenting on their videos. As you grow your own following, you can ask the creator if they would like to collaborate with you in the future.
If you get their approval, make sure to promote it on both of your accounts for the best results.
Post About Current Events
Today’s fast-paced type of living makes it nearly impossible for most people to sit down and watch the news. However, keeping up with current events is crucial, and TikTok is the perfect place to do so. Luckily, you can use this to your advantage in order to go viral.
But remember, if you want to make this type of content, you will need to do your research. That means reading the newspaper and browsing the internet for new information every day. Also, make sure to fact-check the content you plan on posting.
One of the main perks of posting about current events is that you’ll never run out of subjects. What’s more, people will really appreciate being able to hear about what’s going on in the world in a 1-30 second TikTok!
Going Viral Takes Patience
Overall, you have a plethora of amazing ideas for viral content at your disposal. All you need to do is choose your niche, decide on the type of video you want to make, and keep an eye out for new trends.
And above all, be patient. With so many content creators on the platform, you can’t expect to go viral immediately. Keep your post schedule consistent, and your time is bound to come!