How to Go Viral on TikTok in 17 Ways

TikTok has taken the social media world by storm, and it's not hard to see why. The app is addictive, fun, and full of endless opportunities to express yourself creatively, connect with others, and even go viral. If you're seeking a quick boost in followers, producing a viral TikTok video is one of the best ways to achieve your goal.

But how do you do it? Before you can get to work creating your viral TikTok video, you need to come up with some TikTok video ideas. This can be incredibly challenging when aiming for virality, as you need to find trends that will help you get noticed quickly. This guide will walk you through how to go viral on TikTok and outline practical strategies for finding the best TikTok video ideas to help you achieve your goals. One of the best ways to figure out how to go viral on TikTok is to use Virlo's virality analysis tool. This nifty tool helps you analyze TikTok trends to find TikTok video ideas that will get you noticed quickly.

Table of Contents

• Benefits of Going Viral on TikTok

• How to Go Viral on TikTok in 17 Ways

• How to Use Trends to Go Viral on TikTok

• 10 Influencers Viral on TikTok for Inspiration

• Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool

Benefits of Going Viral on TikTok

1. Boost Engagement and Cultivate Loyalty  

Viral content has extraordinary potential. When your TikTok videos go viral, you instantly grab the attention of a whole new audience. Many of these people may have never been exposed to your brand before. According to research, many consumers discover new brands through social media. With TikTok, it’s all about the algorithm. The more engagement your videos get, the more people will see them. The impressive part about going viral is that it can help you reach people not even interested in your niche. This happens because viral content is often so popular that it transcends industries and appeals to various audiences. For example, a viral marketing video may help you sell more cannabis products.

Still, the audience that discovers your business comprises individuals who enjoy comedy and not necessarily pot. While traditional marketing helps you reach targeted customers who are already interested in your products, going viral on TikTok can expose you to a broader audience. When someone discovers your business through a viral video, there’s a good chance they will visit your website to learn more about your products and services. If they land on your site from a search engine results page (SERP), this can improve your SEO (search engine optimization) rankings.

As they explore your site, they may establish a relationship with your brand. The viral video was their first introduction to your business, and if they like what they see, they may purchase. This is a great starting point for increasing engagement and loyalty. A viral video reinforces the brand and builds credibility for those who are already customers or familiar with the brand. It shows them that others also see the value of your business. A viral video for established customers can reassure them that they are making good choices.  

2. Viral Marketing vs. Traditional Marketing  

There are many ways to use marketing and advertising dollars. Traditional marketing will never go away. However, having a video go viral is a cost-effective way to reach your target market. As more and more people view the video, the return on the investment grows. But it is important to remember that it is one of many tools, and you can’t rely on everything you create to make a big splash. So be sure that viral videos are part of a larger strategy. That strategy should include great content, posting to the correct sites, and making sharing easy.   

3. Does Anyone Notice?  

Does making a creative, compelling, emotional video always get you noticed? The reality is that many well-produced and clever viral videos never get wide distribution. There are lots of reasons. The distribution channel may not be suited to the content. It may be a matter of timing. You might never know why one video gets millions of views, and another does not. Some believe there is a formula for helping a video go viral. Just following what others do does not guarantee success.

It takes a lot for a video to be regarded as unique; not everyone can hit the mark. That causes some to abandon the effort. It takes consistency and patience to see results. Think of the authors who have written countless books before they have a best-seller. Were the earlier books not well-written? Or was it just a matter of timing? How about musical bands that produce records for years without hitting the big time? The lesson here is that viral video takes work. But if it is an appropriate part of your strategy to stay the course, don’t give up.

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How to Go Viral on TikTok in 17 Ways

1. Leverage AI Tools Like Virlo to Identify Trends

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today’s fast-moving social landscape. Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy. We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo enables you to navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo’s virality analysis tool. 

2. Stay on Top of the Latest TikTok Trends

TikTok is one of the most trend-driven social media platforms, so one way to go viral is to keep up with what’s hot on the app. This can inspire you to create similar content, whether a specific dance challenge, audio clip, video format, or topic. Fortunately, finding out what’s trending on TikTok isn’t tricky. TikTok’s Creative Center is packed with insights on up-to-the-minute trends. Within its keyword insights, filter by region, industry, and timeframe to see what users are talking about. You can also browse TikTok to spot patterns on your For You page. As you browse and identify trends, consider whether they’re relevant to your niche, and if so, find your take. You can also use Virlo to find out about TikTok trends. Note that TikTok trends don’t tend to last more than a few days, so if you have an idea that has the potential to go viral, it’s best to tap into it right away.

3. Use Trending Songs and Sounds on TikTok

Music plays a significant role on TikTok. After all, it started as a lip-syncing app called musical.ly before growing into a global beast with the potential to catapult hits to worldwide stardom. Throwing songs on TikTok made up 13 of the 14 Billboard Hot 100 number-ones in 2022. But how does using a popular song boost your content? Featuring a trending song or sound in your video helps TikTok group it with similar content.

If people enjoy other videos that are soundtracked with the same song, TikTok is likelier to share your clip with them, too. Take Little Girl Gone by CHINCHILLA as an example. The song has inspired trends relating to both fantasy fiction and allowing women. If you create content in a similar niche and soundtrack it with that song, you’re likelier to appear in the For You feed of people enjoying those trends. It’s an effective way of finding a new audience!

4. Utilize Trending and Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags are a key ranking factor on TikTok, allowing the app’s algorithm to categorize your content. Using the right hashtags is critical. While trending hashtags are helpful, niche hashtags relevant to your brand may get you more traction with the right audiences. Some hashtags have staying potential on TikTok as well as universal appeal. Chief among them is #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, a hashtag for users to share products they discovered on the platform: You can search trending hashtags in your niche within the TikTok app.

Enter a keyword in the search bar (without the hashtag), and once the list of results is loaded, tap on the Hashtag column to see a list of trending hashtags and the number of views received by videos with these corresponding hashtags. You can also use community hashtags that focus on particular topics rather than quick trends and tend to stick around. These hashtags (like #foodtok and #smallbusinesstiktok) have specific audiences. Tapping into the ones relevant to your brand can be a goldmine for finding potential fans, influencers to work with, and ideas to help you create viral videos.

5. Understand How to Find Trending Sounds on TikTok

Finding the freshest trending sounds on TikTok is a breeze. When you tap the "+" icon to create a new video, head to Add Sounds. Under Playlist, you’ll find a selection called TikTok Viral. From her,e you’ll see all the top trending songs, which you can put straight into your video. Another way to find trending sounds is keeping an ear out for songs you hear on other TikTok videos. Like what you hear? Simply tap on the title in the bottom left of the screen to add it to your favorite sounds and explore other videos using it.

6. Spark User Curiosity

According to TikTok, content intended to spark curiosity keeps users watching 1.4 times longer. The longer users watch your videos, the more likely the algorithm will see the content as worth surfacing to other users. According to TikTok, 60% of Gen Z users say the platform helps them discover new things and gives them something to learn. To inspire curiosity, create content around new ideas, groundbreaking technologies, innovative hacks, or other things users may not typically see on the platform.

7. Create Content to Satisfy the TikTok Algorithm

TikTok’s robust algorithm has the potential to be your best friend. It matches billions of viewers with the videos it thinks they’ll want to watch. This smart recommendation system is unique because it tests each video with a sample audience. So, each piece of content you upload will be shared further by TikTok and will have the chance to go viral. TikTok has shared how it recommends videos, which makes life easier as it means we know exactly what a video needs to go viral. We’ve distilled this down to the following five rules. Apply them to every video you upload to give yourself the best shot at success.

8. Post Consistently and at the Right Times

One factor TikTok’s algorithm looks at is the amount of activity (comments, likes, shares, etc.) a particular video generates. It does not necessarily consider whether a user has had high-performing videos in the past. This gives every video an equal shot of going viral. This means the more often you post, the higher your chances of virality. One key consideration when creating a TikTok strategy is to follow a predictable posting schedule for fans. The goal here is not to hit a certain number of posts in a period but to be consistent. For instance, posting two videos a day for a week and then going silent for a month isn’t a good tactic; even ardent followers may miss some of your frequently posted videos, and your long absence may mean you’re no longer top of mind—an essential consideration for conversions and sales.

When to post on TikTok Aside from posting frequently, doing so at the right time is also essential. After all, going viral means getting as many eyes on your TikTok video as possible, which means you should be posting when most of your target audience is active on TikTok. You want your post published during peak usage hours when you’ll most likely get views. According to research, several time slots throughout the day can result in high engagement rates. In particular, Mondays at 10 a.m., Wednesdays at 8 a.m., and Fridays at 1 p.m. are the three best times to post on TikTok, as the content published during these hours tends to generate higher engagement.

9. Start Your Videos with a Hook

Nobody will continue watching your content if it doesn’t grab them. Capture people’s attention right from the get-go and give them a reason to keep watching. TikToker COLTY does this brilliantly with a quick intro to his challenge videos that intrigue people.

10. Tell a Story

Storytelling is consistently one of the best ways to draw people in. TikTok identified “Storytelling unhinged” as a trend force for 2024. This refers to unpredictable storytelling with unique characters and formats. One of the most popular among these is creator Reesa Teesa’s 50-video arc, “Who TF did I marry?” Whether or not you want to follow this particular format, using storytelling is a powerful way to engage with followers and customers. This is especially true on TikTok, a platform that values engaging stories over highly polished branded content. Whether it’s a serialized tale or a short and heartfelt one-off, like this story from loungewear brand Girl Crush about its inception, authentic storytelling can build trust and affinity with your target audience.

11. Keep Videos Punchy

You want TikTok to know people are finding your videos addictive to watch. This means there’s no time for long, drawn-out cuts and rambling monologues. Get to the point and cut out any part of your video that gives viewers a reason to scroll past it.

12. Interact with Your Followers

Knowing how to use TikTok successfully means understanding the importance of interaction and engagement. If you’re serious about going viral on the platform, your efforts shouldn’t end with posting content. Social networks are a great place for interaction with your customers—and TikTok is no exception. Engage with your followers and encourage them to interact with you by replying to comments. This helps create a sense of community and increases the chances of your content going viral since the TikTok algorithm rewards interaction. You can encourage engagement by including a call to action in your videos. For example, you can sign off your videos by asking your followers to leave me a comment, share their thoughts, share my TikTok video, follow my account, or even respond with a video of their own using the Stitch or Duet features.

13. Master the Edit

In addition to keeping your content super punchy, you want to keep people hooked by making the most of TikTok’s editing tools. Add eye-catching effects, choose a standout soundtrack, and get creative with the edit. Use TikTok’s features to bring your video to life and keep people watching. Take a look at Yoeslan’s creepy clown clips for inspiration. He uses snappy shots and effects to keep people gripped through his videos.

14. Interact with Other Users and Posts

Aside from interacting with your followers, engage with other videos and content creators—especially those in your target audience. This is particularly helpful if you have a new account and are looking for ways to gain followers for new accounts or accounts trying to gain TikTok followers. Interact with the TikTok community by engaging with trending videos that have the potential to go viral. You can like and comment or go the extra mile by creating your own Stitch or Duet videos in response to another user’s viral video.

15. Encourage Interaction

TikTok has told us user interactions play a part in deciding which videos to share with a broader audience. Encourage viewers to hit the like button if they enjoy your video or ask people to drop a comment. By asking your audience what they’d like to see next from you, I can even get fresh ideas for my next video. For example, Australian chef Andy Cooks often asks his followers to suggest the following recipe for him to try out.

16. Collaborate with Other Content Creators

Partnering with popular creators using influencer marketing can not only boost your reach and increase the chances of your content going viral, but it can also increase trust and generate more sales. In fact, 33% of millennial users say TikTok inspired them to buy something recommended by a creator. A good partnership creates a win-win situation for both parties by expanding the content’s reach and visibility.

When looking for TikTok creators and influencers to work with, consider whether they’re relevant to your niche to ensure you’ll garner the proper attention. If you’re new to TikTok, it may be challenging to find a content creator who wants to work with you immediately. Start by following the influencers you may one day want to collaborate with, understanding their style, and interacting with their posts. Contact them with a collaboration proposal once you’ve built up a solid following. For example, Inkbox partnered with a popular creator, Mollie Rose, to produce content in the style of the popular #GRWM (get ready with me) format:

17. Vary Your Video Length

Varying the lengths of your videos can optimize viewer engagement. While TikTok is known for its short-form videos, research shows longer videos get more views. Mixing up your formats can help your brand stand out. Videos of less than 15 seconds are perfect for quick, impactful content that’s easy to consume and share. This format appeals to fast-scrolling users who prefer snappy, memorable content they can watch on the go. Medium-length videos, between 30 seconds and a minute, allow for more detailed storytelling or tutorials. Long videos, up to three minutes, are ideal for in-depth exploration. You can use these long videos to showcase your expertise and provide valuable insight that helps build a loyal and engaged audience.

How to Use Trends to Go Viral on TikTok

Put Your Spin On TikTok Trends

Trends on TikTok change rapidly, and part of what makes them so exciting is that anyone can hop on and make them their own. To do this, check out the latest TikTok trends and see how to customize them to fit your niche. For instance, you could put your spin on the Wes Anderson trend and create a video that applies to your industry. Doing this helps you create content that is entertaining, engaging, and relevant to your target audience.

Use Trending Sounds In Your TikTok Videos

Another way to use TikTok trends is to incorporate trending audio clips or songs into your videos. Like regular trends, trending sounds have a way of getting audiences excited and can help you capture viewers' attention. Sometimes, these audio clips have their trends, so you can get specific and create content around the audio’s trend before it moves on to the next thing. A great example is the 'As It Was' sound by Harry Styles. While this audio clip is excellent on its own, it also has its associated trend on TikTok that you can use to create relevant content.

Create Content Around Niche-Specific Trends

In addition to using popular trends on TikTok, you should also keep an eye on emerging trends within your niche. While these topics might not be as popular on TikTok, they are fresh and trending conversations within your industry that you can create content around to establish authority and get ahead of the curve. For example, glass skin is one of the latest trends in the skincare world. Creating content around this topic now can help you attract the right audience looking for information on TikTok before the trend goes mainstream on the platform.

Related Reading

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• How to Make a Video Go Viral on TikTok
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• How to Find TikTok Trends Early
• Hottest TikTok Trends

10 Influencers Viral on TikTok for Inspiration

1. Khabane "Khaby" Lame: The Silent Comedian

Khaby Lame is TikTok's most-followed creator, thanks to his unique brand of silent comedy. By wordlessly reacting to overly complicated life hacks, he highlights simple solutions with expressive facial expressions. This makes his content universally relatable and transcends language barriers, earning him collaborations with major brands and a dedicated global following.

2. Charli D'Amelio: The Dance Sensation

Charli D'Amelio's precise choreography and authentic personality have solidified her status as a leading TikTok influencer. Her dance challenges consistently dominate the platform, inspiring users worldwide to learn and recreate her routines. Beyond TikTok, Charli has expanded into reality TV, fashion, and live performances, showcasing her versatility and broad appeal.

3. Bella Poarch: From Lip-Syncing to Music Stardom

Bella Poarch's hypnotic lip-syncing videos, particularly her viral "M to the B" performance, have garnered millions of likes. Transitioning from TikTok fame to a music career, her debut single, "Build a B*tch," achieved significant success, blending pop-punk elements with electronic beats. Bella's content now includes behind-the-scenes glimpses into her music journey, candid discussions about mental health, and interactions with fans, reflecting her authenticity and artistic growth.

4. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson): Philanthropy Meets Entertainment

Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, has transformed content creation by merging high-stakes challenges with charitable giving. His videos feature large-scale competitions, philanthropic endeavors like planting 20 million trees, and substantial giveaways aimed at making a positive impact. MrBeast's approach demonstrates that entertainment can drive social change, inspiring a new generation of creators to blend creativity with responsibility.

5. Addison Rae: A Multifaceted Talent

Addison Rae's rapid rise on TikTok began with her dance videos, but she has since branched out into acting, singing, and podcast hosting. Her authentic storytelling, behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life, and engaging personality have solidified her position as a Gen Z icon. Addison's journey from Louisiana dancer to multi-platform star exemplifies TikTok's potential to launch lasting entertainment careers.

6. Kimberly Loaiza: Advocacy Through Content Creation

Mexican pop star Kimberly Loaiza combines entertainment with advocacy, using her TikTok platform to address critical social issues. Her content includes lifestyle vlogs, music production insights, and discussions on mental health, allowing her 50 million-plus followers. Kimberly's genuine authenticity and open conversations about personal challenges have made her a positive influence in the digital world.

7. Zach King: Master of Visual Effects

Zach King's digital magic captivates millions through smooth editing techniques that create mind-bending illusions. His "magic vines" transform everyday objects unexpectedly, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Zach's tutorials and behind-the-scenes content reveal the intricate process behind his viral videos, inspiring a new generation of digital creators.

8. Burak Özdemir (CznBurak): Culinary Creativity on Display

Known as CznBurak, Turkish chef Burak Özdemir captivates millions with his signature smile and extraordinary culinary creations. His videos feature massive-scale cooking projects, from giant kebabs to enormous pots of traditional Turkish dishes, often feeding entire communities. Burak's content showcases Turkish hospitality and culture, introducing viewers worldwide to Middle Eastern cuisine through engaging, visually spectacular content.

9. Will Smith: Hollywood Meets Social Media

Will Smith brings his signature charisma to TikTok, blending Hollywood glamour with relatable content. His videos range from unfiltered family moments to behind-the-scenes footage from movie sets. Smith's authentic storytelling and high production value have helped bridge the gap between traditional celebrity culture and social media, connecting with younger audiences through meaningful, entertaining content.

10. Riyaz Aly: The Bollywood Heartthrob

Indian creator Riyaz Aly is known for his lip-syncing videos, comedy skits, and fashion content. With over 70 million followers, Riyaz is one of India's most popular creators on TikTok. His content often raises awareness about critical social issues, such as mental health and cyberbullying, and his success on TikTok has opened up opportunities in Bollywood, including appearances in music videos and web series.

Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool 

TikTok's algorithm is highly complex and regularly updated, making it difficult for creators to understand. In short, the algorithm analyzes users' behavior to help the app serve content that aligns with their interests. While many people assume that the way to go viral on TikTok is to get as many views as possible, this isn't exactly true. Instead, the key to success is attracting the algorithm's attention; to do this, you need to impress TikTok immediately. When you publish a video, it immediately starts to get evaluated by the algorithm before it's even shown to anyone who follows you. Instead, it goes straight to a random selection of users on the TikTok "For You" page. How these users interact with your content (whether they watch it all the way through, like it, share it, or leave comments) will determine how far your video will go regarding views. The higher the number, the better. So, to effectively go viral on TikTok, you need to create engaging content that will appeal to your target audience and the TikTok algorithm.   

Equipping Trends and Sounds for Viral Success  

To go viral on TikTok, you must create engaging content that will appeal to your target audience and the TikTok algorithm. One of the best ways to do this is by equipping TikTok trends. Trends can help you jumpstart your creativity and develop fresh ideas to make your videos stand out. Sounds and music also play a significant role in TikTok culture. Trending audio can help you drive engagement and boost your content's visibility and discoverability on the platform. To find the latest trends on TikTok, simply browse the "Discover" page to see what's currently popular. You can also use a tool like Virlo to help you identify viral trends and sounds that will work for your niche.   

Engaging Your Audience  

Another critical component of going viral on TikTok is engagement. In short, the more engagement your content gets, the better. So, how do you increase the likelihood of your video going viral? Start by creating a solid opening for your TikTok. You want to hook your viewers right from the start so they’re encouraged to watch your video all the way through. Next, respond to any comments your video receives. This will help boost engagement and signal TikTok that your content is worth promoting. Finally, you can encourage engagement directly by asking your viewers questions and inviting them to respond in the comments.   

Posting at the Right Time  

Did you know that posting time can impact your TikTok video performance? Like any other social media platform, TikTok has peak usage times when most users are online. If you publish your content during this window, your video will attract a larger audience immediately, boosting its chances of going viral. While there are general best times to post on TikTok, these can vary by niche and audience. To find out when to post for your specific account, use a tool like TikTok Analytics to determine when your followers are most active. Then, post your next video shortly before this time to give it the best chance of success.

Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today’s fast-moving social landscape. Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy. We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo enables you to navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo’s virality analysis tool. 

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