Want to crack the code of “how to go viral on TikTok?” You’re in the right place!
No matter in which category you fall, whether:
- You are new to TikTok, or
- You’ve been posting daily on TikTok for months, but the views just aren’t growing.
TikTok isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy, creativity, and knowing how the algorithm works.
With over 1.5 billion monthly active users, TikTok is a goldmine for creators, brands, and businesses looking to go viral overnight.
But with so much content uploaded every second, how to make your TikTok go viral?
This guide breaks down 15+ proven tips & tricks, from leveraging trends and TikTok SEO to secret hacks that top creators use to get millions of views.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to level up, these methods will help you get the attention (and followers) you deserve.
But before we get into the actionable, let’s first understand how the algorithm works.
Want to blow up on TikTok? It all starts with understanding the algorithm—the magic behind what lands on the For You Page (FYP) and what gets buried.
TikTok’s algorithm has evolved over the years, but one thing remains constant: engagement is everything. The more your content resonates with your audience, the higher your chances of reaching millions of new users.
- March 2023 Update: TikTok announced a stronger push toward user personalization, meaning every interaction counts—likes, shares, comments, and replays all shape your content’s reach.
- October 2023 Update: The algorithm started boosting “sticky content”—videos that hold attention longer (at least 6 seconds). If your video gets 70% watch completion, expect massive exposure.
- January 2024 Update: TikTok confirmed that new creators get a “test boost,” meaning that even zero-follower accounts can go viral if their content attracts viewers.
Factors TikTok Considers to Rank Content on FYP
- Watch Time Matters More Than Ever: TikTok now ranks videos based on average watch duration. Videos with at least a 75% completion rate get pushed to larger audiences.
- Engagement Metrics (Likes, Comments & Shares): The faster your TikTok video gets engagement, the better. A surge in interactions within the first 30 minutes signals the algorithm to boost your content.
- Replays & Saves Boost Ranking: If people replay your video or save it for later (or add it to their favorites), TikTok assumes it’s valuable and expands its reach.
- Content Relevance & Niche Consistency: If you post about fitness today and beauty tomorrow, the algorithm won’t know who to push your content to. Stick to a consistent theme for long-term growth.
- Video Length & Format Optimization: Short videos (7-15 seconds) with quick hooks often get higher replays. But longer videos (30+ seconds) can perform well if they hold attention.
Now you know what factors TikTok considers when recommending content to users, but how to make a viral TikTok? Here’s how:
Going viral on TikTok isn’t about chance – it’s about knowing what to create, how to create, when to create, and several other factors.
Here are some TikTok viral tricks that will help your videos gain traction and go viral:
1. Know Your Audience
Want to know how to get viral on TikTok? It all starts with knowing exactly who you’re creating content for.
Think about it: Whom do you want to target? What kind of videos grab their attention?
The best way to understand your audience is to check your TikTok analytics.
Go to Creator Tools > Analytics > “Followers” tab to see peak engagement times, top locations, and other demographics to understand your audience.
The more you understand your audience, the easier it is to create viral content they’ll love (and engage with).
Next, Research What Works: See what topics, trends, and styles grab your audience’s attention.
For example, the NBA uses the fact that basketball can be fun and makes it a prime theme for its TikTok viral marketing. The basketball league has garnered about 24.2 million followers and over 720 million likes on its TikTok posts.
Bonus Tip: Take some time to watch and interact with the TikTok videos your audience already enjoys. It’s the easiest way to get a feel for what they like and create content they’ll love!
2. Jump on Trends Early with a Unique Twist
Trends on TikTok come and go quickly. Monitor the Discover and For You pages (FYP) to identify trending topics, challenges, and video formats, and act soon before they fade.
Remember, when a trend or challenge goes viral, don’t just copy it; add your own twist!
But why do you need to do it?
TikTok viral creative responses to trends when you add humor, exaggeration, or a unique perspective to make it stand out.
Jolyn Clothing creates its own versions of popular dance trends, such as the viral “Blinding Lights” dance. It also uses trending hashtag challenges in its viral videos. The video shared below has about 23K likes and 290 shares. Overall, their posts generate about 265.1K likes.
Bonus Tip:
Follow the 3-Day Rule: TikTok trends have a 3-day peak before they start fading. If you see a trend gaining traction, post within that window to maximize reach.
3. Use Trending Sounds & Songs
When a sound goes viral, TikTok pushes high-engagement videos that use trending music, increasing the chances of getting your video viral.
So, regularly observe trending sounds on FYP and browse the TikTok Sounds Library to see what’s popular. Then, incorporate those tracks into your videos to boost visibility.
Bonus Tip:You can utilize TikTok’s Creative Center to find trending insights, popular audio, niche hashtags, top ads, and best-performing video templates.
4. Hook Viewers in the First 3 Seconds
TikTok moves fast, and you only have a few seconds to grab attention. Nail the opening, or people will scroll right past!
- You can start TikTok videos with a question, shocking statement, or eye-catching visuals to grab attention instantly.
- Choose a video thumbnail that is appealing, bold, clear, and suggests what the video is about.
But your opening shot must be clear, well-lit, and engaging. Avoid blurry, dark, or confusing intros; you’ll lose viewers instantly.
Why? According to the “October 2023 TikTok Updates,” videos that hold viewers’ attention for over 6 seconds get wider exposure.
Bonus Tip: Apart from the above, you can also try the “Pattern Interrupt” trick to hold attention – by adding a sudden zoom, quick cut, or sound effect at the 3-5 second mark to re-engage viewers before they swipe away.
Hashtags help the TikTok algorithm categorize your videos and show them to an audience interested in the same topic. Many people overload their captions with hashtags to make their videos viral, but this strategy is not working in 2025.
Instead, use the 3-2-1 strategy:
- 3 trending hashtags to ride the wave (from TikTok’s Discover page)
- 2 niche-specific hashtags to target the right audience (related to your video)
- 1 broad hashtag (#fyp, #viralvideo, #TikTokTrend, etc.)
This hashtag balance helps you reach the right audience and improve discoverability!
Need help finding the perfect hashtags?
Use SocialPilot’s FREE TikTok Hashtag Generator to get AI-powered hashtag suggestions instantly!
6. Post Consistently at Peak Hours
Timing is everything on TikTok! Posting when your audience is most active increases your chances of going viral.
According to reports, the best time to post on TikTok varies by region, but generally, early mornings (6–10 AM) and evenings (7–11 PM) work best.
However, you should check your analytics (under the creator tool) to see when your audience is online and what time works best for you to schedule posts.
Posting at the right time isn’t enough; you also need to be consistent. Post at least three to five times a week (or daily if possible) to keep your content fresh and favored by the algorithm.
More videos = More eyeballs = More chances of virality!
Staying consistent and posting at peak hours can be challenging, but not with SocialPilot!
- Calendar & Mass Pre-Scheduling: Plan and schedule your TikTok posts in advance so they go live at the perfect time without manual effort.
- AI Caption Generator: Create engaging, attention-grabbing captions and hashtags effortlessly to boost engagement.
- TikTok Analytics: Track your content’s performance in real-time, identify trends, and optimize your strategy for maximum virality.
With SocialPilot, you can focus on creating viral content while we handle the scheduling. Stay organized, stay consistent, and maximize your chances of hitting the For You Page!
7. The Power of the “Delayed Drop”
Okay, here’s a little TikTok trick that works wonders: the “delayed drop.”
If you’ve got something exciting to reveal—like big news or a crazy twist—don’t give it away right at the start. Hold off until the last few seconds of your video.
Why? It keeps viewers hooked, waiting for the right moment. The longer they watch, the more likely your video will land on other’s For You Pages (FYP).
It’s like building up suspense! People love that “wow” moment at the end, and it boosts your watch time, which is a huge factor in “how to go viral on TikTok.”
So, keep them watching till the end, and watch your TikTok take off!
8. The “Half-Story” Trick
Want to get your audience to come back for more? Try the “half-story” trick.
Create a two-part video, but don’t reveal everything in the first one! Leave a little cliffhanger at the end, like “Want to know what happens next? Follow and dm me for part two!”
This trick has been known to skyrocket engagement and boost your follower count. Why?
People love a good mystery and will be curious enough to follow you for the next part.
For instance, @jaykindafunny perfectly used this psychological trick to go viral on TikTok. He is well known for his hilarious prank videos, which often leave viewers hanging with a “wait for part 2” twist, driving insane engagement.
9. Make Your Own Trend & Name It!
Why follow the crowd when you can start your own trend? Think outside the box—create a unique challenge, dance move, or sound, and give it a catchy name.
If it catches fire, you’ll become the trendsetter, earning massive recognition and engagement.
Take Charli D’Amelio, for example—she didn’t just follow dance trends; she set them. Her viral “Renegade” dance challenge became a global sensation, and she skyrocketed to fame because of it.
So, get creative and watch your original idea become a TikTok trend!
10. Engage With Other TikTokers
Want to boost your reach? Don’t just do mass posting; connect with other TikTokers in your niche!
The more actively you engage with others, the more TikTok’s algorithm pushes your content.
- Duet & Stitch viral TikTok videos to jump on trends.
- Drop a stand-out comment on trending videos – something funny, controversial, or insightful to grab attention. If it gets thousands of likes, people will visit your profile and check out your content.
- Collaborate with other creators to tap into new audiences.
Take this case, for instance, of Alo Yoga. The fitness-focusing firm collaborates with lifestyles and yoga-centric influencers to show off their new products in unboxing and OOTD videos. The video shown below has 72.7K views. Their posts have an overall 1.9M likes.
You can check out TikTok’s Creator Marketplace to connect with influencers in your niche. When you engage with others, you increase visibility, build credibility, and grow your following faster.
11. Try the “First Comment Trick”
Want to kickstart engagement as soon as you post? Try the first comment trick! Right after uploading your video, drop a pinned comment that grabs attention and gets people talking.
Think of it as setting the stage for interaction—ask a question, share a fun fact, or spark curiosity.
You can try text like:
“Be honest… would you try this? 🤔”
“This almost didn’t make it to TikTok… should I spill the story? 👀”
“Only real ones will get this reference. Tag your bestie!”
12. Optimize Video Length
On TikTok, less is more! People scroll fast, so keeping your videos short and engaging is key.
Here’s how to make sure your video length works for you:
- Keep It Short: Aim for 15-30 second videos. Short-form videos are easier to digest and more likely to be watched all the way through, increasing the chances of complete video views, which signals engagement to the algorithm.
- Create Looping Videos: The TikTok algorithm loves videos that people watch multiple times. Create a seamless loop so the video automatically restarts without the viewer noticing.
- No Fluff: Get straight to the point! Skip the long intros and unnecessary filler. Instead of explaining what your video is about, just dive in and show it!
We suggest you test different video lengths, from 10 seconds to 3 minutes, using various frameworks to see what works best for your content.
13. Try the “Repost & Refresh” Hack
Did you post a video that did well but didn’t go viral? After a few weeks, re-post it on TikTok with a new caption, song, or small edit.
TikTok treats it as fresh content and gives it another chance on the For You Page (FYP). It’s an easy way to get more eyes on your content without creating something entirely new!
14. Narrate a Story
Everyone loves a good story, right? Even in short-form TikTok videos, storytelling can captivate your audience and keep them hooked until the very end.
Here’s how you can use storytelling to make a TikTok go viral:
- Structure Your Story: Even in 15-30 seconds, try to have a beginning, middle, and end. A clear flow keeps things interesting and easy to follow.
- Add Emotional Elements: Whether it’s funny, surprising, or relatable, emotional stories connect with people. Aim for a moment that makes viewers feel something, whether it’s a laugh or a “wow” moment.
- Be Real: TikTok users love authenticity. Skip the perfect, scripted videos and talk from the heart. Imagine you’re sharing something with a friend—it’ll make the story feel much more relatable.
Bonus Tip:
Pair your story with captivating sounds or text overlays to add that extra punch, but don’t let them take away from the main message!
15. Get Creative with TikTok’s Tools
TikTok is full of fun features that can enhance the appeal of your videos. By experimenting with these tools, you can add some flair and make your content stand out.
Also, whenever TikTok releases a new effect or feature, use it as soon as possible because TikTok prioritizes early adopters to increase awareness about new features.
Here’s how and why to use these features:
- Effects & Filters: Create your new viral videos with a creative twist with AI-powered TikTok’s effects and filters. Whether you’re going for a smooth transition, cool AR effects, or a simple color pop, these can elevate the vibe of your content.
- Green Screen & Backgrounds: Take your video’s setting to a new level with the green screen. Swap backgrounds to tell a better story or react to images for added impact.
- Stickers & GIFs: Don’t forget about fun stickers or GIFs to add some personality to your videos. These little additions can make your video more shareable and relatable.
- Text Overlays & Captions: Adding text makes your video more accessible (especially for those watching without sound) and helps emphasize your key message. Plus, it keeps viewers engaged!
However, don’t use effects excessively; use them wisely to make your content visually interesting but not distracting.
16. Use High-Quality Video & Editing Tricks
TikTok loves crisp, eye-catching content—so do viewers! A well-lit, high-quality video instantly grabs attention and keeps people watching. So, buy quality cameras and lighting equipment and use pro-level editing software to create stand-out videos in crowded places like TikTok.
Here’s how to level up your video game:
- Lighting is key: Natural light works wonders, but a ring light can be a game-changer.
- Shoot in 1080p or 4K: Blurry videos? No thanks. TikTok favors sharp, clear footage.
- Keep it snappy: Use jump cuts, quick transitions, and fast-paced edits to hold attention.
If there’s one person who has mastered this strategy to go viral on TikTok, it’s none other than Zach King (@zachking). Known for his mind-blowing visual illusions, he uses pro-level editing and seamless transitions to create viral magic tricks that leave viewers in awe.
Bonus Tip:Boost your TikTok reach by sharing your videos on platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Twitter (X), and Facebook Reels. This increases exposure and drives traffic back to your TikTok profile, helping you gain more views and followers.
You can maximize your chances of going viral on TikTok by leveraging multiple platforms.
17. Add Your Personality to Your TikTok Videos
Trends are great, but what really makes a video blow up? YOU.
Your personality is your secret weapon—whether it’s humor, sarcasm, storytelling, or just being your unfiltered self. People connect with authenticity, and TikTok’s algorithm rewards content that feels real and relatable.
Take Khaby Lame, for example. Instead of just following trends, he added his own signature silent reactions, turning simple videos into viral sensations. Now, he’s one of the biggest TikTokkers in the world!
So, don’t just copy—own it. Put your twist on trends, add unique commentary, or use signature catchphrases.
The more “you” your content feels, the more likely people will hit follow!
After learning all these tips and tricks on “how to go viral on TikTok,” you might wonder what type of videos you should create.
Going viral isn’t about sticking to one type of video—it’s about experimenting and seeing what clicks with your audience. If your usual content isn’t hitting, switch things up!
Here are some creative content styles that have helped many TikTokers go viral:
- Micro Vlogs: Daily vlogs, but make them short and snappy! Show snippets of your day with trending audio and text overlays. People love quick, aesthetic glimpses into others’ lives.
- Unfiltered & Raw Content: Not everything has to be perfect. Real, everyday moments—whether sharing a struggle, venting, or just being yourself—get tons of engagement because they feel genuine.
- Social Experiments & Public Reactions: Walk up to strangers, ask fun questions, conduct an experiment or film surprise reactions. Viewers love unpredictable, real-world interactions.
- Before & After Transformations: Whether it’s a glow-up, a home makeover, or a cooking reveal, transformation videos keep viewers hooked to see the final result.
- “Things You Didn’t Know” Series: Share cool facts, out-of-the-box tips, hidden features, or unexpected hacks related to your niche. People love to learn quickly.
- Interactive Poll & Opinion on Hot Topics: Ask a fun “this or that” question or bring up a controversial topic to spark a lively debate in the comments. You can also go viral by sharing your unique, authentic take on a trending controversial subject. Just be sure to stay true to yourself!
- Fast-Paced Meme-Style Videos: Memes in video format are TikTok gold. Use text overlays, reaction clips, or green screen effects to create quick, relatable, and funny content.
- “Pause and Read” Text Videos: Add text slightly longer than normal reading speed so viewers pause the video—this increases watch time and boosts your ranking!
- Time-Lapse & Slow Motion Videos: Slow-motion, ASMR, and satisfying transformations are highly addictive and widely shared on TikTok. Whether pouring honey in slow motion or showing a full day’s work in 10 seconds, these videos keep people hooked.
- Reverse Videos: Film something ordinary in reverse, like pouring a drink or jumping into a pool. This adds a cool, unexpected twist that keeps people watching until the end. Try this video style once if you wonder how to go viral on TikTok in the U.S. and gain millions of followers.
- Spoof Videos: Create dramatic edits with suspenseful music to make spoof videos of popular web series, movies, or songs. The funnier and more exaggerated, the better!
Summing It Up
TikTok going viral can boost your exposure by tenfold, and with billions of videos uploaded monthly, there is enormous potential. To get noticed, focus on producing valuable, relevant content, use appealing graphics, and leverage the new TikTok features. Also, try techniques like the first comment and trending sounds in videos.
SocialPilot is the go-to tool for streamlining your TikTok viral strategy. Features like a content calendar, scheduling, and analytics help you manage your content effortlessly and increase your chances of going viral on TikTok.
