How to Go Viral on TikTok

Discover expert strategies for going viral on TikTok. Learn valuable tips, from posting schedules to trend hopping, and skyrocket your TikTok success today!

Nancy J. Hassler
22 Oct 2023

Going viral on TikTok implies that millions of users have not only viewed but also shared your content, resulting in heightened brand awareness, increased traffic, and a surge in sales. Recent statistics indicate that the average TikTok user dedicates over an hour daily to the app, making it an ideal platform for e-commerce businesses to engage their audience.

Whether you're a budding content creator, a brand looking to increase visibility, or someone seeking to make a memorable impact, this guide will provide the essential insights and techniques to increase your chances of going viral on TikTok.

TikTok's unique format, characterized by short, engaging videos often set to music, offers a captivating way to connect with a diverse global audience. With over a billion monthly active users worldwide, the potential for your content to reach a massive audience is substantial.

Yet, with a deluge of content flooding TikTok daily, the question arises: How can your product stand out? The answer lies in making your product go viral on TikTok.

Start your video with a strong hook

Your video's "hook" must be firmly established from the outset, ideally within the first few seconds or initial frames. Research has revealed that videos that kick off with powerful emotions can yield a 1.7 times higher six-second view rate than those commencing with more neutral expressions.

Adhering to the three-second rule is crucial: your objective is to captivate viewers within the first three seconds of your video playing. TikTok reports that over 63% of videos with the highest click-through rates effectively convey their core message or product within this brief timeframe.

Begin with an unexpected twist or visual element that immediately intrigues your audience. Surprise is a powerful tool to spark curiosity. Pose a question at the outset that compels viewers to seek answers by watching the rest of your video.

Start with a striking image or scene that sets the tone for your content and grabs attention instantly. Mention the benefits right away to entice viewers to stay tuned. Keep viewers on their toes with an unexpected element.

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Keep your videos as short as possible

If you're aiming to maximize viewer engagement and increase your chances of going viral, the golden rule is to keep your videos as short as possible. While the exact ideal video length may vary, most viral TikTok videos fall under the 45-second mark, with many thriving in under 20 seconds.

By crafting shorter videos, you cater to audience behavior, increasing the likelihood that viewers will watch your content in its entirety. Short, snappy videos will likely stop users from mindlessly scrolling past your content.

So what videos go viral on TikTok? TikTok's algorithm favors shorter videos, which are more likely to be viewed, liked, shared, and engaged, to boost the video's chances of landing on the coveted "For You" page. Also, short videos are more likely to be watched from start to finish, resulting in higher video completion rates.

Add strong CTAs

Without a well-placed CTA, your TikTok video might feel incomplete. However, incorporating an effective CTA can guide your viewers to take your desired actions. For instance, encourage users to like, comment, or share your content if you're seeking increased engagement.

Keep your CTAs simple and easy to understand. Convey what you want viewers to do next, whether liking your video, following your account, or visiting your website. Encourage immediate action by infusing urgency into your CTA. Phrases like "Act Now" or "Limited Time Offer" can prompt viewers to take action swiftly.

Make your CTA appealing by highlighting the value viewers gain from following through. Explain how it benefits them, whether it's access to exclusive content, discounts, or valuable information. Encourage viewers to collaborate or share your content with their followers if applicable. Phrases like "Tag a friend" or "Share this with someone who needs to see it" can amplify your reach.

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Leverage influencer marketing

Collaborating with influencers can give your brand or content the visibility, credibility, and engagement boost it needs. Begin by identifying influencers whose content aligns with your brand or message. Look for influencers with a substantial following and engagement rates.

Utilize TikTok's features, such as duets and collaborations, to create interactive content with influencers to expand your reach and encourage user-generated content. Incorporating influencer promotions, such as product mentions or account tags, can drive traffic.

Remember to consider the impact of micro-influencers. They may have smaller followings but often boast highly engaged, niche audiences. Seek out TikTok creators whose follower base shares interests akin to your brand offerings.

Post at the right time

According to a comprehensive study conducted by Influencer Marketing Hub, which analyzed over 100,000 TikTok posts, the prime days for posting on TikTok are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Moreover, the most effective times to share your TikTok content are typically between 6 AM to 10 AM and 7 PM to 11 PM.

Begin by gaining a deep understanding of your target audience. Analyze demographics, behaviors, and time zone preferences. Utilize TikTok Analytics to discover when your audience is most active. Consider aligning your posts with these peak hours to maximize exposure for going viral on TikTok.

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Use trending music

TikTok has an extensive music library. Explore and familiarize yourself with the available tracks. Keep a keen eye on TikTok's music trends. The "Discover" page often highlights trending sounds. Select music that complements your video's theme or message. The music should enhance the viewer's experience and evoke emotions that align with your content.

While trending music can boost engagement, infuse your unique creativity into the video. Add your spin to make the content distinctive. Select tracks that match the mood you want to convey, whether it's upbeat, emotional, or humorous.

If you're musically inclined, consider creating your own TikTok sound. Original sounds can become viral trends themselves.

Master storytelling

TikTok users consume a vast number of Tiktok trending videos daily. To stand out, aspiring TikTok storytellers must aim to master the craft. The objective of how to go viral on TikTok is to hold viewers' attention until the end of a single video and entice them to return for more. Effective storytelling has the potential to make an individual video go viral, foster viewer loyalty and boost engagement.

Begin with a well-defined story idea. What message or emotion do you want to convey? A coherent narrative structure keeps viewers engaged. Use visuals to convey your story. Actions, expressions, and props can replace lengthy explanations. Show, don't just tell. Create episodic content or sequels to keep viewers coming back for more. Tease upcoming episodes to maintain anticipation. Use relevant hashtags Stay up-to-date with the latest TikTok trends by exploring the Discover page and checking trending hashtags. Ensure that the hashtags you use are relevant to the content of your video. Misleading or irrelevant hashtags can lead to a negative user experience.

Develop unique hashtags that reflect your brand identity. Encourage viewers to use these hashtags when engaging with your content or participating in challenges.

While TikTok allows up to 100 characters for captions, it's best to keep your hashtag usage concise and focused. Aim for 3 to 5 relevant hashtags per video.

Steer clear of generic hashtags like #FYP (For You Page) in every video. Such broad hashtags can drown your content in a sea of unrelated videos. Instead, make your hashtags specific to your video's theme or message.

Cross-promote on other social platforms

Short, engaging videos have become a trend across various social networks, largely due to TikTok's influence. The popularity of short-form video content isn't limited to TikTok. Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have all embraced this trend.

If you have a following on other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, let your existing audience know about your TikTok content. Share snippets, teasers, or behind-the-scenes content to pique their interest and encourage them to follow you on TikTok.

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Encourage interaction

Pose questions in your video captions or during your video content. Encourage viewers to respond in the comments. Questions can be fun, intriguing, or related to the content of your video. For example, "Which outfit do you like better, option A or option B?"

Answering the question how to go viral on TikTok preate challenges or contests that require viewers to participate. Promote these challenges and offer prizes or shout-outs to winners. Engage with your audience by responding to comments on your videos. Acknowledge positive feedback, answer questions, and interact with viewers' suggestions.

Hop on trends quickly

TikTok's "Discover" page is a goldmine for trending sounds, challenges, and content. Make it a habit to check TikTok tips and tricks regularly to identify the latest music, dance, and challenges trends.

Timing is crucial on TikTok, and being among the first to use a trending sound or participate in a challenge can significantly boost your visibility. While following the trend is essential, find ways to add your unique perspective or creativity to the content. Put your spin on challenges, incorporate your brand's identity, or infuse your personality to stand out.

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Be consistent

When you regularly upload content, the algorithm identifies your commitment and promotes your videos to a broader audience, boosting your chances of going viral. Each video can contribute to your profile's growth, and regular posting ensures a continuous flow of engagement and interaction.

Establish a posting schedule that suits your capacity. Whether it's daily, several times a week, or weekly, stick to it. Prepare content in advance to avoid last-minute rushes. TikTok allows you to save drafts of your videos. While consistency is vital, don't compromise on quality. Posting fewer high-quality videos is better than rushing and publishing subpar content.

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