In today’s digital landscape, every brand wants to know how to go viral on TikTok. Why? Because TikTok offers incredible potential to expand brand exposure, generate leads, and rapidly increase sales. With over a billion active users, creating viral content on TikTok is within reach for brands of all sizes.
The secret lies in understanding the platform’s algorithm and leveraging the right strategies to produce engaging content. If you’re ready to learn how to go viral on TikTok, keep reading to discover the 10 best tips to help your brand succeed.
Understanding TikTok’s Algorithm: How Videos Go Viral
TikTok’s algorithm is at the heart of what makes content go viral. Unlike other platforms, TikTok customizes what users see based on their interactions, including likes, shares, comments, and what they’ve previously engaged with. When you post a video, TikTok initially shows it to a small group of users. If they engage with your content, TikTok expands its reach, showing it to a broader audience.
The key factors that influence the algorithm include:
User Engagement: Likes, shares, and comments signal to TikTok that your content is worth promoting.
User Interest: The longer a viewer watches your video, the more likely TikTok will recommend it to others.
Content Creation: Trending sounds, relevant hashtags, and compelling captions can help your video reach a larger audience.
By understanding how TikTok’s algorithm works, you can craft content that aligns with these signals, boosting your chances of going viral.
1. Deeply Understand TikTok’s Algorithm
TikTok’s algorithm determines what content shows up on your “For You” page (FYP). To go viral on TikTok, it’s essential to understand how TikTok decides which videos get recommended to users. By focusing on creating engaging content that encourages interaction, using trending sounds and hashtags, and keeping videos short and sweet, you increase your chances of reaching a wider audience.
2. Stay on Top of Trending Content
Trending content is the backbone of TikTok’s virality. Keep a close eye on what’s popular on the platform—whether it’s a specific sound, dance, or meme—and join the trend before it fades. This timely participation can help your brand stay relevant and get noticed by a broader audience. TikTok rewards content that aligns with its trending topics, giving you an edge in the algorithm.
Example:Chipotle’s #ChipotleLidFlip Challenge became a viral sensation, with over 100,000 users participating, boosting both their brand engagement and sales.
3. Participate in TikTok Challenges
Challenges are a fun and interactive way to boost engagement on TikTok. Brands often create or participate in viral challenges to drive user interaction and increase visibility. By jumping on the bandwagon of trending challenges that align with your brand’s values or products, you can reach a wider audience.
Hashtags help categorize and promote your content, making it easier for users to find videos related to their interests. Using relevant and trending hashtags can significantly increase the visibility of your TikTok content.
Pro Tip: Research popular hashtags in your niche and use them to make your videos discoverable. Tools like Storefries can help you manage and streamline hashtag use.
5. Incorporate Trending Music into Your Videos
Music plays a crucial role in TikTok’s viral culture. Using trending music or sound clips can make your video more engaging and increase its chances of appearing on the For You Page (#FYP). By integrating popular songs into your videos, you align with trends that TikTok’s algorithm favors.
6. Keep Your Videos Short and Engaging
TikTok users have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep your videos concise yet engaging. Studies suggest that videos between 9 to 15 seconds perform the best, as they hold the audience’s attention and encourage them to rewatch.
Example:Nutshell Animations, known for their short, funny black-and-white animations, has amassed millions of followers by creating videos that perfectly align with TikTok’s fast-paced, attention-grabbing style.
7. Engage with Your Audience
Engagement is crucial for going viral on TikTok. Responding to comments, participating in live sessions, and interacting with your audience can boost your visibility. TikTok rewards content that fosters interaction, and engaging directly with viewers helps build a loyal community.
8. Use Humor Wisely
TikTok is all about short, engaging videos that entertain and engage people. It started with lip-sync videos but now covers everything from lectures to tutorials.
Focus on creating interesting content rather than pushing a marketing message. This strategy helps you reach more people and engage more effectively on social media.
Using humor can make your video more engaging, leading to more likes, comments, and shares—these signals are used by TikTok for promotional purposes.
To go viral on TikTok, you must understand your audience’s preferences and create content that resonates with them. Whether you’re targeting young, adults, cooking, enthusiasts, or tech lovers, tailor your videos to their interests and preferences for the best results.
10. Monitor Your Competitors
Pay attention to what your competitors are doing on TikTok. Studying their successful videos can give you insight into the type of content that works well in your industry. Learn from their strengths, and use that knowledge to inspire your own creative approach.
Time to Go Viral on TikTok
Now that you have the essential tips for going viral on TikTok, it’s time to start implementing them. By understanding TikTok’s algorithm, participating in trending challenges, using the right hashtags, and engaging with your audience, you can boost your brand’s visibility and increase your chances of creating viral content. The world of TikTok is fast-moving, but with the right strategy, your brand can take advantage of this dynamic platform and reach a massive, engaged audience.
