So you think creativity and authenticity alone will make your content popular? Well, think again. To reach a wide audience on TikTok, you need a well-crafted plan. But do you know how to go viral on TikTok?
If you said no and want your TikTok videos to get more likes, then this article is perfect for you.
We’ll talk about how to make your TikTok videos popular by following the latest trends and strategies. You’ll also learn about TikTok’s algorithm, which is the key to your content’s virality. So, keep reading!
How to Go Viral on TikTok in 2024
To make your content go viral on TikTok, there are a few key steps you should follow:
- Stay updated with the latest trends
- Create captivating content that grabs people’s attention
- Engage with your audience and encourage them to interact with your videos
- Make sure to post at the optimal times for maximum visibility
But, these steps alone won’t always make your content go viral. So, you need to come up with more ways to make sure that lots of people see your content again and again.
1. Stay Updated on Latest Trends
TikTok is about trends. These trends include dances, lip-syncs, funny videos, and popular music. But remember, TikTok trends usually change after a few days.
Also, the TikTok algorithm prioritizes videos that follow popular trends on the For You Page (FYP). If many TikTok users see your content while scrolling because of that trend, it can quickly go viral, right?
So, acting fast and joining a trend early is recommended. Let’s say if you see someone like Bella Poarch making a lip-sync video and gaining lots of attention, you could try making a similar video to be a part of the trend.
Now, how can you use trends to make your TikTok go viral?
- Regularly check the FYP to notice new trends like challenges, or music.
- Go to the Discover page to know trending content or hashtags to use in your videos.
- Go to TikTok’s Creative Center to get insights about trending sounds, hashtags, effects, and more.
2. Use Trending Music/Sounds
“How long does it take for a video to go viral on TikTok?” It can happen fast if you use popular sounds. So, the key is to stay updated with the latest trends and join them as soon as possible.
There are many catchy tunes that you just can’t get enough of on TikTok. A song called Nasty by Tynase has been used in over 172,000 videos. This shows that picking the right song is a big deal. When you have the right soundtrack, more people will want to watch your video.
These are the things you need to do to go viral on TikTok:
- Check TikTok’s sound library for popular sounds in the “Trending” or “For You” sections
- Use TikTok Creative Center or try Tokboard to track sound and creator trends
- Use the sound in your content and match the visuals and storyline with the sound’s mood
Read Also: How to Do Voice Over on TikTok
3. Participate in Challenges
TikTok is also all about challenges. They’re the fuel that keeps it going. If you want your video to go viral on TikTok, you need to join in on these challenges. This will unlock a new level of engagement to your content.
Why should you do this? By participating, you not only reach your existing audience, but you also become part of the cultural buzz, making your content more relatable and shareable.
Remember that “Renegade” dance? It made regular people to overnight TikTok fame. Even the famous TikTok star Charli D’Amelio couldn’t resist joining in on the fun.
4. Make It Short (Under 30 Seconds)
TikTok is a platform for short videos where attention spans are short and users scroll quickly. It’s important to grab viewers’ attention within the first few seconds to succeed.
Although TikTok now allows longer videos up to 10 minutes, the most engaging ones are usually between 10 and 30 seconds. That’s the sweet spot where you can hook viewers and give them enough to stay interested.
How can you make a video go viral on TikTok with these short videos?
- Plan your content to define your main message and find creative ways to show it visually.
- Experiment with angles and shots to capture impactful moments that show your message.
- Trim footage, refine transitions, and ensure smooth video flow.
5. Hook Viewers in the First 3 Seconds
To create a captivating short video, you need to grab attention right from the start. With over 10 million videos being uploaded daily, TikTok is a competitive platform where you need to stand out.
The first 3 seconds are key for viewers to decide whether to keep watching or scroll past. If you can hook them in, you have a chance to go viral on TikTok. Look at all those stars who earn money from TikTok like Addison Rae, Cznburak, and Khaby Lame. They made it happen by doing that.
But how to make a video go viral on TikTok that people can’t stop watching?
- Begin with a surprising visual, question, or text to grab attention.
- Tease without revealing too much using popular sound effects and editing techniques.
- Include pop culture references, or trending formats.
6. Write Catchy Captions
You don’t have to add a caption when you post a video on TikTok, But it can help your video go viral. Captions can give more information about the video without viewers needing to read comments.
Top TikTok creators like Zach King use captions to make their videos more appealing. Basically, you can put the description in the video, add humor in it, ask questions, or even add CTA.
How to make a viral TikTok video by writing catchy captions:
- Make your captions fit what your audience likes and use common words.
- Keep captions short and prioritize strong verbs and cut out extra details.
- Proofread your captions for mistakes in spelling and grammar.
7. Use Relevant, Trending Hashtags
You shouldn’t take hashtags lightly. By adding a pound symbol (#) before words in your video description, you can increase your content visibility and attract more viewers.
Hashtags on TikTok serve multiple purposes. They not only help videos rank with the TikTok algorithm, but they also encourage interaction by promoting challenges.
Now, how do you make a viral TikTok by using hashtags strategically?
- Check out Discover page, TikTok Creative Center, or Tokboard to find trending hashtags.
- Use a mix of popular and specific hashtags in different combinations to reach more people.
- Track video performance with different hashtags to identify the most liked ones.
- Avoid excessive hashtags in a single post, Use up to six relevant ones to prevent distractions.
8. Create Videos With Crisp Visuals and Clear Audio
Do you want to go viral on TikTok? If so, ask yourself this: do you like watching videos on TikTok with clear visuals, and great sound? If you do, then that’s the kind of content you should make.
When you like a content, you feel more sure about sharing it with others, right? That’s what most people believe, and that’s the reason why content becomes viral on TikTok.
So how can you improve your content to make them look more professional dan get viral?
- Prioritize natural light or invest in lighting equipment for visually appealing videos.
- Use a tripod, gimbal, or your phone’s built-in stabilization to avoid shaky footage.
- Minimize background noise by using an external microphone or recording in a quiet environment.
- Use editing tools to enhance visuals, adjust colors, and add transitions or effects.
Read Also: How to Go Live on TikTok
9. Master the TikTok Toolkit
TikTok is awesome when it comes to editing videos. Their AI-powered tools are top-notch and give you a ton of effects to play around with. You don’t need expensive software or hard editing programs. Want to create viral videos that really pack a punch? You can do it in no time.
But is it easy to become a pro at TikTok’s editing tools? You’ll need to experiment with sounds, effects, filters, and transitions to turn your raw footage into something amazing. Look at how Maris Jones nailed it:
To go viral on TikTok, you need to do these:
- Discover TikTok’s video editor and have fun exploring various tools and effects.
- Master transitions for smooth scene changes, including jump cuts, zooms, spins, and slides.
- Get creative with TikTok’s effects, filters, stickers, animations, and color filters.
- Add text overlays to provide context, humor, or calls to action in your videos. Use them to highlight key points, emphasize jokes, or tell stories.
10. Post Consistently at the RightTimes
You have a great video, and you might think that randomly posting it will make it go viral on TikTok. Wait, not so fast! Posting regularly on TikTok isn’t just about sharing content, it’s about a strategy.
And keeping up with regular uploads tells TikTok’s algorithm that you’re really into it. This boosts the chances of your videos reaching more people.
The best time to post on TikTok is usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2 PM to 6 PM. However, the ideal time may vary for your audience. For example, Ninja often posts around 10 PM to 11 PM GMT, as seen in this video:
So how to go viral on TikTok with the right posting time?
- Begin with a few weekly videos and gradually increase based on audience engagement.
- Use TikTok Analytics to track audience activity and experiment with posting times to find what works best for your audience.
- Plan your content in advance for consistent video flow and use a scheduling tool to organize your posting schedule.
- Dedicate time to record content and edit multiple videos together for prepared content.
- Be flexible with your schedule to join trending challenges or react to current events.
11. Ask for Likes, Shares, Comments
To make your content go viral on TikTok, actively involve your audience and encourage interactions. This can creating a strong community, making them part of your success.
Never think your viewers are just passive viewers. Instead they are your key to virality. When posting content on TikTok, don’t hesitate to ask for likes and comments in your caption. And most importantly, ask them to share your content too, so that more people can find it.
So, how do you transform your TikTok presence into a thriving community?
- End your videos with thought-provoking questions to prompt viewer engagement in the comments.
- Start conversations by asking questions and encouraging viewers to share opinions.
- Use TikTok’s interactive features like duets, stitches, live Q&A to collaborate creatively with your audience.
- Run contests or giveaways to promote engagement and brand-related content creation.
12. Interact with Others’ Content
To succeed on TikTok, prioritize socializing and connecting with other creators. Don’t just focus on your own content. It’s like building a supportive community of friends.
Interacting with others’ content, especially brands, is more than just being polite. It shows appreciation and helps you get noticed. TikTok’s algorithm takes note of these interactions, potentially boosting your content.
So yes, it’s a win-win situation to make your content go viral on TikTok. So, how to engage with others’ content?
- Explore hashtags, creators, and more to discover new content on TikTok.
- Go beyond generic compliments and share thoughtful opinions or insights like Julieta ASMR did.
- Reach out fellow creators for duets, challenges, or co-created content to expand your reach.
- Support others by liking, sharing, and commenting on videos you enjoy.
13. Share Your Videos on Other Platforms
If TikTok is your creative hub, do you want to limit yourself to just that? Take a look at Zach King and Khaby Lame, they’re masters of TikTok, but they also have a massive following on YouTube. They use their YouTube accounts to promote their TikTok content.
So, what’s the big deal? When you share your TikToks on other social media platforms, you can reach out to more people and increase your chances of going viral.
But are you just posting the same stuff everywhere? No. You need to tweak your content for each platform and invite those viewers to see what you’re sharing on TikTok.
Now, how do you make a TikTok go viral by sharing it on other platforms?
- Identify the active platforms for your audience and choose the best ones. For example, consider Kabhy Lame’s preference for Instagram over X.
- Optimize videos to fit platform requirements. You can use YouTube shorts instead of long-form videos.
- Create a sharing schedule for your TikToks on other platforms at ideal times to reach more people.
- Analyze video metrics on each platform to understand audience preferences and improve cross-promotion strategy.
Read Also: TikTok vs Instagram
14. Optimize Your Tiktok Profile
Your profile holds the key to making your content go viral on TikTok. It can attract viewers who want to see more of your great content.
Take a look at Helen Christie, the winner of the BBC New Digital Comedy Award in 2022. She’s a British content creator who makes funny skits, parodies, and mini-movies. Her bio, “Welcome to the fun 🥳🇬🇧!”, gives a sneak peek into her amazing work. And that will make you want to know more.
Your profile can indeed show off who you are, what your brand is all about, and the content you create even with just a simple description. But how can you make your TikTok profile grab attention?
- Choose a great profile picture that is clear and shows your face or represents your brand.
- Write a short and interesting bio, similar to what Helen does.
- Include a link in your bio to direct people to your website, or other social media.
Read Also: How to Get Verified on TikTok
15. Explore Different Video Styles
On TikTok, you can just let your creativity shine. It’s a place where dancing and humor go hand in hand, where cooking tips meet lip-sync challenges and more. In short, there’s something for everyone.
To go viral on TikTok, embrace the variety. You should try different video styles to help you reach more people and keep your content exciting.
Remember, new styles and trends are always coming up on TikTok. Feel free to try something new or find your own style. For example, you can start with simple makeup tutorials or get creative by making makeup mashups like the video below, which gained 2.2 million views:
Now, how can you make a video go viral on TikTok with various video style?
- Experiment with different formats using various features like Duet or Stitch, no matter your niche.
- Track your video performance metrics to see how your videos are doing and decide what works best for your audience.
- Mix things up to keep it interesting, whether it’s by trying out new styles or adding variety to your posts.
Read Also: TikTok Content Ideas for 2024
16. Focus on Value-Driven Content
TikTok is famous for its fun dances and popular trends. Yes, sure. But people also naturally appreciate valuable content.
In fact, TikTok’s annual reports for 2024 show a significant increase in informative content. They say “curiosity peaked,” which means users want educational content more.
And as a content creator, you are encourage to make videos that interest and intrigue your viewers. This could be a hint that if you create valuable content, your chance to go viral on TikTok can be bigger.
Now, how can you make a video go viral on TikTok with this informative content?
- Identify your expertise and what you can genuinely teach as content.
- Simplify complex subjects into easy-to-understand short videos.
- Provide practical tips and advice your viewers can apply in their daily lives.
17. Use Storytelling
You want to go viral on TikTok but skip storytelling? Not a great plan. Instead, storytelling can make your content better, grab your audience fast, and create a strong bond with your viewers.
Look at the videos on your FYP now. You’ll see that most of them are about storytelling. They might have different stories and characters, but they all use the same storytelling approach as their main strategy to attract viewers.
Why do content creators, including brands, do that? Because stories are up to 22 times more memorable than just throwing plain facts at people. This means you need to add a narrative to your content to make sure your message sticks.
Now, what to do to make your video go viral on TikTok overnight?
- Share stories from your own life that connect with the people you want to reach.
- Use interesting plots and powerful words to grab their interest.
- Pick the right music and sound effects to make your story go virla on TikTok.
- Get people involved by asking them to share their own stories or leave comments.
18. Stay True to Your Brand
Always stay true to your brand. That’s what keeps people interested and coming back, just like how they always want more videos from Khaby Lame. And that’s why many of his videos go viral on TikTok, right?
Also, TikTok is a platform to showcase your true self without stressing over perfection, making it a perfect place for UGC creators.
And guess what, almost half of all U.S. adults on TikTok don’t post their own videos. They prefer to watch and enjoy content from others. So, if you make genuine and relatable content for them, your content can have a better chance to go viral on TikTok.
So, how to make a viral video on TikTok by staying true to your brand?
- Find your brand identity by understanding your core values, passions, and unique traits.
- Accept imperfections and show your flaws, quirks, and mistakes.
- Share behind-the-scenes moments and real struggles to be authentic.
- Connect your passion with your content to stay true to yourself.
How to Go Viral on Tiktok Overnight
Well, it takes time to go viral on TikTok. It’s all about being creative, strategic, and persistent. While some people become TikTok stars in no time, others may take years to gain popularity. It all depends on their niche and the quality of their content.
We’ve looked at all the different parts that make things go viral, from keeping up with the latest trends to creating content that adds value. These strategies are still effective in 2024.
To increase your chances of going viral, follow the steps mentioned above and add your unique skills and personality. Stick to the right path, and before you know it, you’ll be a pro content creator with viral content on TikTok. This will make it a breeze for you to earn money from your content.
Interested in making more money from your content? You can try Gank! We’re a free membership platform for content creators. With us, you can sell merchandise, offer memberships, and accept donations. Ready to give it a go?
Can I still go viral on TikTok if I have a small following?
Can I still go viral on TikTok if I have a small following?
Is it better to focus on trending challenges or create original content?
It’s a balance. Participating in trending challenges can increase visibility, but original, unique content can also go viral.
Can I recover from a content-related mistake on TikTok?
Yes, learning from your mistakes is crucial. Address the issue, make amends, and continue creating content that aligns with your audience’s interests.
What’s the ideal video length for TikTok?
TikTok videos can be up to 3 minutes long, but shorter videos (15-60 seconds) tend to perform better and keep viewers engaged.
