How to go viral on TikTok
TikTok has become a go-to platform for content creators and brands looking to grow their brand awareness. Breaking through on TikTok requires a deep understanding of the platform’s mechanics and a well-thought-out strategy. Unlike other social networks, TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t recommend your videos based on your follower count, but rather on their ability to generate engagement. This means that anyone has a chance of going viral on TikTok, as long as they follow certain rules and adopt best practices.
Our tips for breaking through on TikTok
Determine your target audience
Before you even start writing your TikTok account bio, you need to have a very clear vision of your brand image and what you want to share on the platform. Identifying your niche, that is, the main theme of your content, will also help you determine who your target audience is. As with any type of content, you must therefore develop your editorial line. It is better to focus on a specific area of expertise or interest to target a specific community and improve the quality of your content according to their expectations.
Choose your content format
Using the data you have on your target audience, as well as what you have observed among your competitors, you will be able to determine what type of content is most likely to capture the attention of your audience. Take the time to browse the social network and learn about the micro-communities that share a common interest with your brand. By aligning yourself with the content shared by these subcultures, you will be able to establish deeper connections with your target audience and thus find the value proposition of your videos. Should your videos inspire your community, provide them with relevant information and easy-to-apply advice, or simply entertain them and make them laugh?
Create attention-grabbing videos
Now that you’ve identified the type of content you’re going to produce, make sure your videos capture your audience’s attention. Create videos that capture the specific codes of your community and don’t hesitate to tackle topics that can be debated to generate more reactions. A strong brand identity and captivating storytelling are essential. Here are some rules for creating a video that captures the attention of TikTok users:
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Watch time : Focus on short videos to maximize average watchtime. Short videos have higher engagement because they don’t give the user time to lose interest and swipe away.
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Initial hook : Make sure your videos have a good hook within the first three seconds to grab attention immediately.
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Loop : Create videos that can be watched repeatedly to increase completion rates and boost the viral potential of your content.
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Call to Action (CTA) : Encourage your audience to comment, like, and share your content by adding a call to action at the end of the video.
Surf the TikTok trends
TikTok is the epicenter of new internet trends. Trends are powerful catalysts for virality. Users on the platform naturally favor content that picks up on current trends. Pay attention to the content recommended in your “For You” feed and be on the lookout for new music, challenges, or types of content that stand out. Make trends your own by adding a unique twist to your brand. Once you’re more comfortable on the app, think about how you can create a new trend.
Use trending music
Music is a crucial element if you want to break through on TikTok. Adding background music to your video is always a good idea, but it really has the potential to go viral if it uses a trending sound. To find the most trending music, you can use tools like Tokboard. Trending music increases the visibility and engagement of your videos.
Use the right TikTok hashtags
Hashtags are one of the signals of the TikTok algorithm. When you add hashtags in your video description, you help the algorithm understand the nature of your content and highlight it to the right audience. Be specific in choosing your hashtags by avoiding overly general ones like #FYP or #foryou. Instead, aim for tags that relate to your niche or use a trending hashtag if your video is based on a popular song or challenge.
Post videos regularly
Posting content regularly on your TikTok account sends a good signal to the algorithm. TikTok teams recommend posting 1 to 4 times per day. The more videos you have, the more likely you are to end up on your target audience's For You Page, and the more they will want to follow your account so they don't miss your next content.
Animate your community
Comments play a crucial role in the virality of a video. Interact with your community by answering questions, reacting to your subscribers’ feedback, and taking their opinions into account for your future videos. The more comments a video has, the more likely it is to go viral.
Track your performance
TikTok Analytics tool allows you to collect and analyze all the statistics about your content. You can track the number of likes, weekly growth of your followers, average watch time of your videos, etc. Use this data to improve your content and TikTok strategy.
Going viral on TikTok is not the end goal
Breaking through on TikTok is a great start, but it’s just the beginning of your journey on the platform. The end goal is to build a real community. It’s about converting all those views and followers into active customers who are interested in your brand, buy your products or services, and recommend them to their friends and family. The more you grow and engage your community, the more your content will naturally go viral.
Partnerships and collaborations
Another effective strategy to go viral on TikTok is to collaborate with other content creators or influencers in your niche. Partnerships can significantly increase your visibility and allow you to reach new audiences. Choose partners whose audience matches your target audience and create engaging and relevant content together. Duets, joint challenges, or collaborative video series are all formats that can drive engagement and virality.
Invest in TikTok advertising
To give your marketing efforts a boost, consider investing in TikTok advertising. TikTok ads can help you reach a wider audience and generate more visibility for your videos. Use ad formats like In-Feed Ads, TopView Ads, or Branded Hashtag Challenges to draw attention to your content and encourage users to engage with your brand. A well-targeted ad campaign can significantly accelerate your growth on the platform.
Experiment and adjust your strategy
TikTok is a constantly evolving platform, and what works today may not be relevant tomorrow. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly experiment with different content types, formats, and strategies to see what resonates with your audience. Don’t be afraid to test new ideas and adjust your approach based on the results you get. Use analytics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement, and stay flexible to quickly adapt to algorithm changes and emerging trends.
Conclusion
Breaking through on TikTok and going viral is within reach for anyone willing to invest the time and effort to understand and leverage the platform’s mechanics. By following these tips, you can maximize your chances of succeeding on TikTok and beyond. Remember, going viral is not an end in itself, but rather a step toward building an engaged and loyal community. If you need help refining your TikTok marketing strategy, don’t hesitate to call on our experts to guide you on this journey.
