Going viral on TikTok is an exhilarating ride that can lead to incredible opportunities. With over 1 billion monthly active users and a constant stream of videos, standing out on the platform can be a challenge. However, it’s not impossible. Even small accounts have managed to skyrocket to fame. In this article, we’ll uncover 11 top tips to help you increase your chances of going viral on TikTok.

Understanding How Content Goes Viral on TikTok

TikTok’s algorithm works similarly to other social media platforms in that it serves content to users based on their previous interactions. This includes videos you see in both your “Following” feed and on your “For You” page (FYP). But what factors contribute to a video going viral?

According to TikTok, the algorithm recommends content based on various factors, including your video interactions, the accounts you follow, your own content, your account demographics, and the contents of the video itself (captions, sounds, hashtags). TikTok then serves a mix of similar content from both accounts you follow and don’t follow.

To go viral, your video must pass a crucial informal “test.” It’s initially shown to a small group of users that TikTok believes is a representative sample based on your video’s contents. If your video performs well with this sample in terms of views and engagement, TikTok may show it to a larger audience. The duration of this test remains uncertain, taking hours, days, or even weeks after you publish your video.

Follower Count and Past Performance: Do They Matter?

Interestingly, the TikTok algorithm doesn’t consider a user’s follower count or previous engagement numbers when distributing videos. You’ll find posts from accounts with millions of followers alongside those from brand-new users.

The Mystery of “Heating”

Another pathway to virality on TikTok is through “heating.” TikTok employees hand-pick certain videos to give them a certain number of views. These “heated” videos account for around 1-2% of the platform’s daily total views. Currently, heating is primarily reserved for influencers, celebrities, and brands that TikTok wishes to highlight.

Top Tips for Going Viral on TikTok

Now that you understand the inner workings of TikTok’s algorithm, let’s dive into 11 tips to help you master the art of going viral on the platform.

1. Participate in Trends

A key aspect of TikTok is its use of music and sound bites. Incorporating popular sounds into your content can significantly increase your chances of going viral. Trending audio is catchy and increases view time, while also helping users discover your video through the audio’s search page. Even if you’ve recorded your own audio, adding a trending song as a background track can optimize your chances of going viral.

2. Use Hashtags Wisely

Hashtags and challenges are integral to the TikTok experience. By using relevant hashtags and participating in popular challenges, you can increase the visibility of your content. Using a mix of high-use and niche hashtags, avoiding generic hashtags like #FYP or #foryou, and limiting your use to 3-5 hashtags are effective strategies. Check out further tips on finding business-friendly TikTok sounds.

3. Create Engaging and Share-Worthy Content

Creating content that is share-worthy is crucial for achieving virality on TikTok. Funny and entertaining videos, educational content, and inspirational posts are themes that people are compelled to share. Consider the interests of your target audience and craft content that resonates with them.

4. Start with a Hook and Keep It Short

To capture a viewer’s attention, you need to start with a strong hook in the first few seconds of your video. TikTok considers average watch time in its algorithm, so it’s vital to give viewers a reason to watch as much of your video as possible. While shorter videos are generally more effective, longer-form videos can work if they follow a cohesive format and tell a story.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Building a following on TikTok requires interacting with your audience. Respond to comments and messages on your videos, and engage with content within your niche. This builds a community around your content and encourages people to share your videos with their followers.

6. Master the Art of Editing

TikTok is a visual platform, so honing your video editing skills can make your content more attention-grabbing. Experiment with captions, stickers, video transitions, and special effects. Study the editing techniques popular creators in your niche use and practice regularly to enhance your editing proficiency.

7. Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with other creators or brands is an effective strategy for increasing your reach on TikTok. By teaming up with other accounts, you gain exposure to each other’s followers and tap into new audiences. Look for potential collaborators whose audience aligns with yours and craft a pitch that highlights the value you can bring to their content.

8. Consistent Posting

Consistency is key when it comes to building a TikTok following. The more you post, the greater your chances of gaining followers and hitting viral success. Establish a posting schedule and use tools like Hootsuite to plan and schedule your content effectively.

9. Promote on Other Platforms

Don’t limit your content to TikTok alone. Share your TikTok videos on other social media platforms to expand your reach and attract new followers. Cross-promotion can be a powerful tactic in reaching a broader audience.

10. Weave in Opportunities for Comments

Driving engagement on your videos can boost your chances of going viral. Create opportunities for comments throughout your video, such as by asking viewers to hit the plus button for more content like yours or leaving some questions unanswered. Embrace quirks and mistakes in your videos, as they often elicit genuine and humorous comments.

11. Be Authentic and Genuine

Authenticity is highly valued on TikTok. Show your personality and be yourself in your videos. Let your passion shine through, and create content that resonates with your audience. Have fun and enjoy the process, as TikTok is a platform where creativity and self-expression thrive.

Remember, going viral is never guaranteed. However, by implementing these 11 tips, you can increase your chances of creating share-worthy content and achieving viral success on TikTok.

Frequently Asked Questions about Going Viral on TikTok

• How many likes or views does it take to go viral on TikTok?
  The exact number of likes or views required for a video to go viral is unknown. However, aim for a healthy engagement rate, such as 4% views-to-likes, as it indicates engaging content that has a better chance of going viral.

• How many views are considered viral on TikTok?
  Generally, if a video receives between 250,000 and 1 million views, it can be deemed viral on TikTok.

• Can you go viral on TikTok with no followers?
  Yes! The TikTok algorithm does not prioritize accounts based on follower count. Therefore, even with no or few followers, your video can potentially go viral.

• How often should you post on TikTok to go viral?
  There is no specific posting frequency that guarantees viral success. However, posting more frequently increases your chances of achieving the right conditions for viral content.

• How long does it take to go viral on TikTok?
  While some videos can go viral shortly after posting, many take days or weeks to gain traction. Larger accounts may see faster viral results due to engagement from their existing followers. So, be patient and give the algorithm time to work its magic.

Save time managing your social media presence with Hootsuite. Publish and schedule posts, find relevant conversions, engage the audience, measure your results, and more — all from one dashboard. Try it free today.

With files from Tres Dean.