Introduction
Have you ever dreamed of getting famous on TikTok? Millions of people post videos on TikTok every day, hopping to hit it big. But with so much content out there, how do you actually go viral and become a star?
The truth is, there is no magic formula for going viral, whether it’s on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. It takes creativity, good timing, and engaging with viewers. Kind of like creating a hit song – there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe.
But one thing is for sure: in today’s fast-changing online world, the best creators are those being flexible and knowing how to grab people’s attention. So how can YOU stand out on TikTok and maybe even go viral? Let’s explore the world of TikTok and see what makes your dream come true.
Pro Tip: Interested in downloading TikTok videos without watermarks? Check here to save your favorites from TikTok.
What Makes a TikTok Go Viral?
Plenty of things make content go viral on TikTok. Let’s take a look at the key ingredients one by one:
- Popular Songs and Sounds
- Engaging and Relatable Storytelling
- Humor
- Creativity
- Current Trends and Challenges
- Timing
- Community Engagement
- Luck and Chance
Catchy Tunes Rule
Music is like the heart of TikTok. Popular songs are everywhere, and people use them to add some spice to their videos. It’s like mixing a cool song with a funny skit – it all works together!
A catchy beat can really get your views moving. It might make them remember something funny or inspire a new dance. That’s why music is so important for making TikTok videos go super viral.
Tell a Story that Sticks
Almost every super popular TikTok video tells some kind of story that grabs your attention. It could be something heartwarming, something funny, or even something totally normal from everyday life.
The best stories keep you glued to your screen, wanting to see what happens next. When creators are real with you and make you feel something, it makes you want to be part of the action, not just a viewer.
Humor
On TikTok, humor is the king. Jokes, skits, and anything that makes your laugh can turn a video into a mega hit. Creators use their creativity, timing, and human that you can relate to so you feel connected to them. From silly wordplay to goofy gags, they use tons of comedic tricks to make you laugh.
Also, funny videos aren’t just fun, they’re a great way to forget about stress for a minute. They spread joy and make you smile, which is awesome. That’s why we said human is such a big deal on TikTok. It brings everyone together and creates a sense of community.
Example: https://www.tiktok.com/@yokiardian_/video/7277430051547680005
Creativity
Creativity is what keeps TikTok fresh and exciting. Cool visual effects, amazing art, fun challenges – all these creative ideas grab people’s attention and inspire them. Being original and creative is key because everyone wants to see something fresh and unique.
Catch Current Trends and Challenges
Everyone on TikTok loves to try the new dances, challenges, and trends that spread fast. Joining in is a great way to get your videos seen by more people and maybe even go viral!
Using popular hashtags (those little # things) and joining trending challenges can help you find a bigger audience who’s already interested in the same stuff. It’s like showing up to a party where everyone loves what you love!
Also, if your video is about something that’s currently happening in the world or something everyone’s talking about, it’s more likely to connect with viewers and get shared.
Post at the Right Time
Timing your post is another important factor on TikTok. If you post when more people are using the app, there’s a better chance they’ll see your video and like or share it. So avoid posting super late at night when everyone’s asleep.
So timing is key for making your TikTok go viral.
Good Engagement
The more people talk about your video, the better! Likes, comments, and shares are like gold stars on TikTok, and they can help your video become super popular and go viral.
Creators who make viewers feel like they’re part of something special are more likely to get their videos shared. You can do this by replying to comments, teaming up with other creators, or even using videos or ideas viewers send in. The more people feel involved, the more they want to spread the word.
Luck and Chance
Luck and chance also matter on TikTok. Sometimes, even if you don’t plan it, something unexpected can happen that makes your video take off! Maybe you collaborate with another great creator or TikTok itself picks your video to show to more people. These surprises can come out of nowhere and make your video go trending.
Going viral on TikTok can be a bit like winning the lottery. You can make a great video, but sometimes a little luck can make a huge difference. It’s like catching lightning in a bottle – unexpected, but awesome when it happens! The truth is, even with planning and great content, there’s always a chance factor on TikTok. But being open to surprises can sometimes be the key to becoming a star!
How to Go Viral on TikTok?
Here are some factors that can contribute to achieving viral success on TikTok:
- Understand the TikTok Algorithm
- Niche Selection and Audience Targeting
- Start Your Video with a Captivating Hook
- Craft Compelling Content
- Embrace TikTok Trends
- Minimize Video Length for Optimal Engagement
- Consistency and Frequency
- Leverage Influencer Strategies
- Use Hashtags Effectively
- Post at the Right Time
- Use Trendy Music
- Optimize Video Performance
- Track Your Competitors
1. Understanding the TikTok Algorithm
The TikTok algorithm is a big deal. It decides what content you see on your “For You Page” (FYP) based on two main things: user engagement (how much people like and interact with videos) and user interest (what kind of stuff people are interested in. It uses fancy tech like machine learning to figure this out.
First, user engagement is key. The TikTok algorithm loves content that get people excited. The more likes, comments, shares, and views a video gets, the more likely it is to be seen by more people. This is know videos go viral-they keep getting shown to new folks.
Second, the algorithm wants to be your BFF and show you videos you actually enjoy. It looks at what kind of videos you watch, who you follow, and what topics you seem to like. Then, it uses this information to pick videos you might find interesting.
On top of that, the algorithm loves variety. So it tries to show you a mix of different types of content. This helps creators reach new audiences who might like their videos. Overall, the key to doing well and going viral on TikTok is to make videos that people want to interact with and that fit the things they’re really interested in. If you can do that, you’re on your way to becoming super star on TikTok.
2. Find Your Niche and Target It
To win on TikTok, it’s important to find your niche and make videos for the kind of people who are interested in the same stuff you are.
You can pick something you’re really passionate about, whether it’s fashion tips, cooking fun recipes, or making people laugh.
Here are some popular niches on TikTok to give you some ideas:
- Cooking and Food: Share trendy recipes, cooking shortcuts, or fun food challenges.
- Fashion Tips: Show off your daily outfits, clothing hauls, or styling tricks.
- Fitness and Health: Film workout routines, wellness challenges, or healthy living tips.
- Makeup and Beauty: Do makeup tutorials, share skincare routines, or review products.
- DIY and Crafts: Show off DIY projects, crafting tutorials, or home decor ideas.
- Travel Vlogs: Create travel journals, destination guides, or adventure challenges.
- Pet Lovers: Share cute pet videos, animal rescue stories, or pet care tips.
- Comedy: Make funny skits, do some lip-syncing, or create hilarious challenges.
- Lifelong Learners: Share educational content, language lessons, or skill-building tutorials.
- Hobbyists: Make videos about your hobbies like photography, gaming, or gardening.
But it’s not just about what you like – it’s also about who you’re making videos for! Try to learn a little bit about the people you want to watch your videos. What are they interested in? What kind of stuff do they like? The more you know about your audience, the better you can tailor your videos to their tastes, grab their attention, and get them talking about your content because you guys have shared interests.
TikTok can even help you with this! The app has special tools that show creators how their videos are doing. This lets them see how many people watch their videos, how many likes and shares they get, and how long people stick around to watch the whole thing. With this information, creators can make even better videos that people will love!
3. Start Your Video with a Hook
The first few seconds of your TikTok video are super important. This is your chance to grab views’ attention and make them want to watch more. Here are a few ideas:
- You can ask a question that gets people thinking: Make them curious about what you’re going to show them next or say.
- Begin with something eye-catching or surprising: A funny sound or a cool visual effect can catch people’s attention right away.
- Tell a short story that pulls people in: Make them feel the urge to see how it ends.
A strong hook sets the stage for an awesome video that keeps people watching and coming back for more.
Use an eye-catching thumbnail image (like a cool screenshot from your video) and write a caption that makes people curious or want to know more.
4. Make Videos People Love to Watch Really
To make truly popular videos, you need creativity, a plan, and to know who you’re making them for (as we discussed in the niche selection part). On short-formed video platforms like TikTok, people’s attention spans are short, so you need grab them fast.
- Use cool visuals, catchy music, or interesting captions to make a big first impression.
- Tell stories that people can connect with. Share something personal, teach a life lesson, or create a fun story. The more people feel something, the more they’ll remember your video. (Here’s an example: [link to TikTok video])
- Make people laugh, feel happy, or see themselves in your videos. Videos that connect with people’s emotions are more likely to keep them watching.
- Try new things and keep up with trends! Do duets with other creators, join challenges, and use cool transitions to keep your videos fresh and exciting. By trying new stuff, you’ll stay interesting and keep your audience hooked!
Example: https://www.tiktok.com/@tina_042/video/7329311179611016494
5. Embrace TikTok Trends
If you want to be popular on TikTok, you need to join in on the fun trends, challenges, and memes that everyone is doing. It’s a great way to keep your videos fresh and connect with viewers. By staying in the know about what’s going viral on TikTok, you can make content that feels relevant and exciting.
However, you should remember this doesn’t mean copy everyone else. You need to add a funny twist, show your skills, or do something unique to make your video stand out from others. People always love to see a little creativity, which will help you build a real connection with your audience.
6. Collaborate with Other Creators
Working with other creators is sometimes a super way to grow your audience and make even more awesome videos. A win-win strategy. You guys can combine your ideas, skills, and maybe even audiences to create something truly special and interesting. Besides, collaborating with others builds a cool sense of community on TikTok, where everyone supports each other.
7. Make the Video Short
As we mentioned earlier, people’s attention spans online are shorter than ever, especially on TikTok, the platform for short videos. So keeping your videos short is key.
Studies have shown that shorter videos do better on TikTok. People are more likely to watch a video if it’s quick and direct to the point. Long videos may lose viewers easily, so remember to ensure things are concise and engaging.
However, short doesn’t mean boring. You need to make one that’s informative, entertaining, or inspiring in a short amount of time.
8. Posting Consistency and Frequency
If you want to keep going viral on TikTok for a long time, you should be consistent with your posting. This means having a regular schedule for when you upload new content. By posting regularly, you stay visible, keep your followers interested, and build trust with them. Whether you post a new video every day, every week, or twice a week, consistency is the key.
But here’s the catch – quality over quantity. While posting regularly is important, the videos you post should also be high-quality. Make sure each video offers something valuable, whether it’s a laugh, some new information, or just a little inspiration. This keeps your audience connected and engaged and shows them you take your videos seriously.
9. Use Hashtags Effectively
Hashtags are like little keywords that help find people your videos. Using hashtags effectively make a huge difference in how many people see your content and can increase the chances of video going viral. Here are some tips for using hashtags strategically:
- Do research: Find popular hashtags related to your niche and the kind of videos you make. So when people search for those topics, they can find your videos.
- Mix it up: Use a few broad hashtags to reach a general audience, like #fyp, #viral, etc., and some specific niche hashtags to target people with your exact interests.
- Create your own hashtags: If you’re doing a special series or challenge, you can create a unique hashtag to encourage people to use it in their videos too, which can enhance a community sense around your content.
- Observe what’s trending: Check what hashtags are popular right now and use them in your content if they fit it well.
10. Posting At the Right Time
Timing your videos just right can really make a difference on TikTok. The more people who see your video when you post it, the better chance it has of doing well. Here are some tips to figure out what’s the best times to post in your place:
- Check when your followers are the most active: TikTok has special tools that show you this information. Look for patterns in when people watch your videos and try posting at those times for experiment.
- Think about the day of the week: People might be more active on TikTok at certain times on weekends compared to weekdays. Experiment with posting on different days to see what works best for you.
- Got a global audience? If your fans are all over the world, you might need to adjust your posting times a bit. Try to pick times that are reasonable for people in different places.
- Always remember to be consistent. Once your figure out a good posting schedule, try to stick with it. It helps your followers know when to expect new videos from you. The TikTok algorithm also loves people who post content regularly and often.
11. Use Trendy Music
Music is a huge part of TikTok. Adding trendy songs to your video is a great way to get your videos noticed. Here is why:
- People love familiar tunes. Using popular music and sounds right now catch people’s attention and makes your video more fun to watch.
- Trending songs often have dances or challenges associated with them. Join those trends and people might use your video in theirs, thus letting it spread further.
- Popular music is like a secret handshake. Using the tune shows you’re in the know and can help your video show up on the “For You”page, where tons of people see it.
Here are some examples of popular songs on TikTok and how people use them (the popularity may depends on countries though):
- Upbeat songs like “Levitating”by Dua Lipa: Great for dance challenges or fun, happy videos.
- Catchy songs like “Montero”by Lil Nas X: Perfect for creative videos or funny memes.
- Slower songs like “Drivers License”by Olivia Rodriguez: Good for telling a story or showing your emotions.
- High-energy songs like “Blinding Lights”by the Weekend: Awesome for cool transitions or videos with lots of movement.
You can find the list of popular tunes on TikTok creator marketplace, too.
Remixes and mashups of popular songs can also add a unique twist to content, making it stand out, like the iPhone ringtone remixed by a cat (https://www.tiktok.com/@mewchestra/video/7297505639448857874).
13. Track Your Competitors
Just like in any competition, it helps to know what the other players are doing on TikTok. Here’s why:
- Learn from the best (and not-so-best). See what kind of videos your competitors are making, how people react to them, and what trends they’re following. This can give your ideas for your own content and help you avoid making the same mistakes.
- Stay on top of what’s hot. Watching your competition helps you see what’s trending in your niche. This way, you can keep your videos always fresh and relevant for your audience.
- Get inspired, not discouraged. You may find some of your competitors doing great, but don’t get frustrated. You can make it too. But remember don’t just copy what others are doing. Use what you learn from your competitors to spark your own creativity and come up with new and exciting ideas for your videos.
By keeping an eye on your competitors, you can learn a lot and use that knowledge to make your own videos even better. This will help your content stand out and go viral on TikTok.
How Long Does It Take for a Video to Go Viral on TikTok?
There is no magic or certain answer to how fast a TikTok video goes viral. Some videos blow up right away, while others take weeks or even months to get noticed.
You can follow our guide above to help your video go viral faster. But remember, going viral isn’t 100% guaranteed. There’s a lot of competition on TikTok, and the app’s system is pretty complex and hard to predict. The best thing to do is focus on making awesome videos that people enjoy, keep an eye on what’s popular, and learn from your results to keep improving.
There are three main ways videos can go viral on TikTok: super fast, slowly over time, or even way out of the blue!
- Immediate Virality
- Gradual Build-Up
- Delayed Virality
Immediate Virality (Boom)
Some videos just blow up right after you post it. Here’s what can make that happen:
- Content people love
- Riding the wave of trends
- Using the right music and hashtags
- A little luck from the app’s system
Going viral this way can make you a mini-star almost overnight. Really good videos can reach over 1 million views within a day. But remember, it’s not super common.
Gradual Build-Up
Most success on TikTok comes from gradually building a following. It takes time and effort, but it can be really rewarding!
- Start small and keep growing. Don’t expect millions of views right away. Just focus on making good content and interacting with your viewers.
- Be patient and persistent! Keep putting out great videos and engaging with your audience. Over time, you’ll see your following grow.
- Building a community matters. Respond to comments, like videos back, and chat with your viewers. This builds trust and keeps people coming back for more.
This approach might take longer, but you can build a strong, loyal fanbase that loves your content.
Delayed Virality
Ever make a video that suddenly gets popular way later? That’s delayed virality! Here’s why it might happen:
- The app’s system changes. Maybe TikTok’s algorithm decides to show your video to more people after a while.
- Trends come back around. An old meme or challenge might resurface, bringing new attention to your video.
- Someone else shares it! If your video gets shared on another platform or by a big influencer, it can take off way later.
This shows that good content can stay relevant even after it’s posted. A video you thought flopped could explode later, bringing you back into the spotlight!
So, no matter which path your video takes to viral fame, focus on creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and staying on top of trends. You never know when your video might strike gold!
What is the Best Time to Post on TikTok?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, but here are some tips to figure out the best times to post for you:
Generally good times to try:
- Lunchtime (11 AM to 1 PM): People are scrolling through social media while they eat.
- Evenings (7 PM to 9 PM): People are relaxing after work or school and looking for entertainment.
- Weekends: People tend to be more active on TikTok throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Experiment and See What Works:
- Look at TikTok’s analytics tool. This can show you when your followers are most active.
- Try posting at different times and see which ones get the most views and engagement.
Other things to consider:
- Who is your audience? If you’re targeting teenagers, they might be more active later at night than people with office jobs.
- Do you have a global audience? If so, you might need to spread out your posts to reach people in different time zones.
- Be consistent! Once you find some good times to post, stick with a schedule so your audience knows when to expect new videos from you.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting your videos seen by more people and growing your audience on TikTok!
Conclusion
In summary, wanting to go viral on TikTok is like you’re trying to finding a golden ticket despite the intense competition. It’s exciting, but there’s no magic formula.
The key is to be yourself, have fun, and make friends with your viewers and followers. Create videos you love, embrace hot trends, and chat with the people watching your videos.
Don’t forget adding some trendy or cool hashtags to help people discover your videos. Remember, going viral and becoming a TikTok star takes time and practice, just like learning a new trick. Even if you don’t go mega-viral, you can leave a lasting impression on TikTok, which will benefits you a lot too, both economically and psychologically.