A Crash Course On Going Viral On TikTok

TikTok continues to grow at an unprecedented rate in 2024. Despite sporadic bans and a subsequent slowdown in app downloads, TikTok is still one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world. The total number of TikTok users will likely surpass 1.8 billion by the time we reach the end of 2024.

This means you have a massive platform for creating potentially viral content. Whether you represent a brand or are a content creator, you can have a lot of fun and enjoy a huge payoff if you know the technical side of going viral on TikTok.

The following crash course will give you the information and best strategies to dramatically increase your chances of getting on TikTok’s For You page and going viral on the platform.

Understanding TikTok’s Algorithm

Most social media platforms prioritize follower count. TikTok turns this concept on its head because its algorithm prioritizes user engagement. This means you do not need a long-standing account to go viral if you have high user engagement. Even if you only have a handful of followers, you can still have a viral video on your hands if your content resonates with the right audience.

The TikTok algorithm also considers the following factors when promoting content on the platform:

• Watch time

  When viewers stay engaged with your videos, the algorithm will favor it.

• Completion rate

  The more viewers complete your videos, the higher your engagement rate will be, which bodes well for your goal to go viral.

• Shares and likes

  The more shares and likes you get, the more visible your content will be.

• Comments

  Comments (barring negative ones) indicate that users are interested in your videos. This makes it easier for the algorithm to promote your content.

• Hashtags

  Using relevant hashtags will help you reach audiences searching for those specific terms and topics.

Creating Viral Content

When you understand what TikTok’s algorithm wants, it becomes easier to create viral content.

First, you must know how to hook your viewers. You only have around two seconds to grab your audience’s attention. If you squander these two seconds, you will find it hard to get your followers’ attention back. Use different strategies to hook your audience. This can be anything from a shocking or striking image to a surprising question or statistic.

Moreover, you must keep your videos short. Find creative ways to deliver a message between 15 and 60 seconds. If you can promote the same message in 30 seconds, do it. You do not have to waffle on in your TikTok videos either. Use short sentences and clear punchlines to end your videos.

If you want people to share your videos so that they go viral, you must include high-quality videos and sound. It would be even better to use trending songs or memes with your unique spin on them. Whether you use a phone or specific lighting and sound equipment, your end product must be professional and compelling. Otherwise, people will simply scroll past your videos.

You can also add dance crazes or other challenges in your videos. But, again, you must add your own unique twist to these videos. People will not share your content if you do the same thing as other content creators. And by adding a twist, you make it easier for your content to stand out.

While you create viral content, do not forget to tell a story with each video. Viral content is not a bunch of haphazard scenes or footage. The best viral videos tell a story, whether humorous, serious, or inspiring. You want to share experiences with your videos or evoke emotions. This is the easiest way to encourage your views to share your content.

Do not forget to add a call to action to your videos. This tells your audience what you want them to do with your content, whether liking, commenting, or sharing.

Optimize Your TikTok Videos For Success

Your videos can and will go viral only if people find them easily. This means you need a strategy to optimize your videos’ visibility.

You must write captions and text overlays that encourage your followers to watch your videos to the end. You can also include hashtags but do not stuff them in just for the sake of it. Each hashtag must be relevant to your video and your brand.

Experiment with different posting times on TikTok to see when your engagement skyrockets. TikTok has analytics tools that can provide you with this type of insight. Always post or schedule your videos at times when your audience is most active on the platform.

You must also engage with your audience. One-sided content will not work if you want to go viral on TikTok. Respond to comments and complaints alike and always answer questions about your videos.

If you want to speed up the process, you could also collaborate with influencers who have their own established audiences.

More Tips For Going TikTok Viral In 2024

You must be at the top of your TikTok game in 2024 to go viral ahead of your competition. This means you should not only post consistently but use Instagram’s library of features and tools to your advantage.

For instance, you use TikTok Duet and Stitch features to connect with your audience and other content creators. This will help encourage interaction while increasing your reach on the platform. You can also use text overlays and special effects to enhance your storytelling abilities.

It is easier to go viral if you have a niche that you create content for and if you are genuinely passionate about this niche. You should also create valuable content that entertains and inspires, not just funny content that you hope will go viral.

Persistence Is the Key To Viral Success On TikTok

Going viral will not happen overnight and is not guaranteed, no matter how good your content is. Instead of focusing too much on going viral, create content people want to see, and the rest will follow.