Want to know how to go viral on TikTok and watch your content take off?
Whether you’re aiming for rapid follower growth, business exposure, or more sales, getting to viral status is possible with the right strategy.
We’ll cover all the essentials, from TikTok’s algorithm to proven tips for reaching your target audience and growing your influence on one of the world’s fastest-growing platforms.
Key takeaways
- Understanding TikTok’s algorithm is the first step in creating viral content and having your videos land on people’s For You page.
- Keep your content fresh using trending sounds and relevant hashtags. These small tweaks can make a big difference in how many people see your videos.
- Post frequently, stick to a regular schedule, and find the best times to post. This helps keep your TikTok followers engaged and shows the algorithm that you’re active.
- Engaging with other users goes a long way. Respond to comments, join challenges, and collaborate with other creators to increase your reach and build a stronger community.
- When you become viral on TikTok, monetize with Printify’s print-on-demand service. Turn your popularity into profit by selling custom merchandise that resonates with your audience.
Let’s start with the TikTok algorithm
Understanding the TikTok algorithm is the first step to viral success. It determines what videos appear on users’ For You pages, which is where most viral TikTok videos gain traction.
Data insights drive the algorithm, so every interaction on your TikTok content counts. Key factors like watch time, viewer engagement metrics (likes, shares, and comments), and replays all matter.
The more you engage viewers on the video platform, the higher your chances of reaching the right target audience. TikTok’s algorithm favors content that holds attention, whether that’s through relatable, humorous, or visually captivating videos.
Even video length matters – shorter videos with a strong hook tend to hold viewers’ attention and get replays, while longer videos need intrigue to keep viewers watching.
What content gets viral on TikTok?
To make a video go viral on TikTok, you need to create content that resonates with users, stands out, and drives interaction.
Popular TikTok videos typically have one thing in common – they’re entertaining, visually engaging, or offer something unique.
Many TikTok users this year have gained traction with dance challenges, funny videos, and commentary on popular culture.
Top creators such as Alex Hormozi and Charli D’Amelio have mastered the art of using trends creatively, crafting memorable moments through engaging TikTok videos.
While Hormozi uses TikTok to share no-nonsense, actionable business tips that are highly shareable, D’Amelio became a TikTok icon by leaning into trends with her polished routines and relatable personality.
12 tips to make your TikTok go viral
Follow these tips to learn how to go viral on TikTok.
1. Understand who your audience is
Finding an active niche community and crafting content for your target audience improves engagement.
Research what appeals to your target demographic, then craft videos that speak to those interests. Share your two cents on trending topics in your niche to keep viewers engaged.
2. Always check what’s trending
Viral video content often follows the latest trends, so regularly explore the For You page for inspiration.
Being timely with trends can be as simple as using a viral sound or video effect – just make sure it aligns with your brand.
Use TikTok’s Creative Center, a resource hub filled with trending insights, popular audio clips, niche hashtags, video templates, and ad examples for inspiration. It also provides analytics on audience behavior so you can tailor TikTok content to reach the right people.
3. Find the right hashtags
Hashtags help TikTok categorize your videos and show them to relevant audiences. Add a mix of trending hashtags and niche tags (for example, #FashionTips or #Foodie) to your TikTok content.
Balancing your hashtags makes it easier for TikTok to show your videos to users interested in similar topics, enhancing discoverability. That’s why it’s a crucial part of maximizing your TikTok SEO.
4. Add trending sounds to your videos
TikTok’s sound library is a goldmine for improving visibility. When a sound goes viral, TikTok often pushes videos that use it, giving your post a better chance of being seen.
Look for trending music and audio clips on the Sounds page and add them to your own videos for an extra boost.
5. Post consistently at optimal times
To keep your TikTok followers engaged, develop a consistent posting schedule that aligns with peak times.
Post videos regularly and experiment with the best times to publish.
TikTok’s analytics can help you determine when your followers are most active, so you can drop new TikTok content when viewers are most likely to engage.
6. Create high-quality content
High-quality visuals and sound are essential for grabbing viewers’ attention.
Invest in good lighting and produce well-composed shots, as polished videos tend to perform better in the algorithm.
Don’t be afraid to add creative effects, but don’t let it detract from the value you’re bringing viewers. Stay on-brand, and make sure your content reflects your style and personality.
7. Talk to your followers
TikTok is a social platform, so build your community by engaging with followers. Respond to comments and show appreciation for your audience’s support.
The more you interact with your TikTok community, the more likely they are to keep coming back and share your videos with others.
8. Collaborate with other creators
Teaming up with other creators helps you reach new audiences and build credibility.
TikTok’s Creator Marketplace is a great resource for finding potential collaborators to do joint videos.
These partnerships can be mutually beneficial to grow followers and interactions, especially if you share a similar niche.
9. Join challenges
Challenges are a huge part of TikTok culture and can propel your video to the For You discover page.
Find dance videos, funny skits, or stitch trending content relevant to your niche, and put your unique spin on them.
It shows the algorithm that you’re active in the TikTok community and you understand what audiences want to see, helping increase your content’s reach.
10. Experiment with different content formats
Knowing how to make a viral TikTok means mixing up your content.
Consider tutorials, Q&A sessions, reaction videos, storytimes, comedy skits, and vlogs. Try different formats to see what resonates.
Posting varied content types lets you showcase your versatility, captivating your TikTok audience and improving your reach.
11. Take your videos to other social media platforms
Sharing a TikTok video on other social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube Shorts is a great way of getting more views on your content.
Cross-promoting lets followers from other platforms discover your TikTok, increasing the chances for new followers and more engagement.
12. Analyze your performance and adjust
Use TikTok’s analytics to track your average watch time, see which video performs best, and analyze why it succeeded.
Was it the content type, posting time, or use of trending audio? Learn from your successful posts and tweak underperforming ones to refine your approach for a better chance at going viral.
Going viral on TikTok? Monetize with Printify
If your TikTok is gaining traction and getting closer to viral success, why not turn those views into income?
With Printify, you can easily sell custom TikTok merchandise tailored to your audience. Here’s how to get started:
- Sign up – Join for free and access over 1,000 products and all the tools you need to customize merch.
- Decide what to sell – Choose products that your TikTok audience will love, like t-shirts, hoodies, or mugs.
- Design your products – Use Printify’s design tools or upload your own artwork to our Product Creator and personalize your merchandise.
- Integrate with TikTok – Promote your store in your TikTok bio or directly through your videos to encourage purchases.
- Let us do the rest – Focus on creating merch and marketing them on TikTok while we handle production and shipping.
Explore other ways to make money on TikTok.
FAQ
Videos with hundreds of thousands to millions of views are considered viral, but this can vary depending on the niche.
Aiming for viewer engagement is key. Having followers who consistently watch, like, and share your content will help improve your video’s visibility.
While nothing guarantees virality, TikTok rewards consistency, creativity, and audience interaction.
Keeping an eye on emerging trends, creating high-quality content, engaging with followers, and maintaining a regular posting schedule help improve your chances.
Create content that resonates with your audience, follow TikTok trends, and tell a compelling story that adds value.
Engaging with viewers and other videos, using trending and relevant hashtags strategically, and cross-promoting on another social media platform can help you grow your following.
Finding optimal posting times, using viral sounds, collaborating with other creators, and participating in trending challenges can significantly boost your views.
Always review your analytics to see what works best and refine your strategy to attract a wider audience.
To summarize
To make your TikTok go viral, create engaging, authentic content that resonates with the right audience.
Understanding TikTok’s algorithm, staying updated on current trends, being consistent with your posting schedule, and engaging with your followers will increase your chances of creating viral videos.
Once you’re ready to turn your TikTok presence into revenue, Printify makes it easy to start selling merchandise right from your TikTok account. Now’s your chance – go viral and let your creativity shine on TikTok.
