You've spent hours perfecting your video—picking the right song, nailing the dance moves, and editing every second to perfection—but instead of raking in likes and comments, it gets buried in the feed. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Figuring out what to post on tiktok to go viral can feel like playing a game with changing rules.
Don’t worry; we have some insights to help you crack the code and create viral short videos. From understanding TikTok’s algorithm to picking content ideas that resonate, you'll soon find your way to overnight success.
And here’s a tool to make that journey a bit easier: Crayo AI’s clip creator. It’s designed to help you craft videos that stand out so you can focus on hitting ‘Post’ and watching the views roll in.
Table of Contents
How Does TikTok Algorithm Work
Cracking the TikTok Algorithm Code
TikTok's algorithm is a masterclass in content recommendation. It analyzes every interaction you make — likes, comments, shares, follows, and especially how long you watch a video. This data determines what lands on your For You page and how it’s ranked. By mixing content from creators you follow and those you haven’t discovered yet, TikTok keeps your feed fresh and addictive. As you engage more, the algorithm fine-tunes what you see, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your interests.
Why TikTok For You Page Feels Like Magic
The For You page is the heart of TikTok, showing you a curated stream of videos that get more personalized over time. Unlike other platforms, TikTok excels at blending familiar and unknown content, making every scroll feel like a new adventure. This is why you can quickly lose hours exploring videos tailored just for you. The secret sauce isn’t some mystical algorithmic trick; it’s TikTok’s massive user data and the platform’s ability to present content you’re inclined to enjoy.
New to TikTok? Here’s How the Algorithm Adapts to You
When you first join TikTok, the platform doesn’t know much about you. It starts by showing you popular videos among users similar to your demographic. As you interact with videos — liking, following, or viewing profiles — each action tells the algorithm more about your preferences. Over time, your feed reflects your unique interests, offering a mix of content you’ll likely engage with.
The Key Factors TikTok Uses to Rank Your Content
Engagement is king on TikTok. The more interaction your video gets — likes, shares, comments, and time spent watching — the more the algorithm deems it valuable. User interactions, like who your audience follows, also play a role. Video information, such as whether it was made on TikTok and the details in the caption, matters too. Device settings like location and language are considered but less critical. TikTok’s goal is to show you content that’s both new and relevant, prioritizing quality over creator popularity.
The Tools You Need to Boost Visibility
To get noticed on TikTok, focus on relevance. Use hashtags, keywords, and search phrases that align with what users are searching for. This strategy increases the likelihood of your content appearing in more For You pages, even if you’re a new creator. TikTok emphasizes discovering resonant content so your audience size doesn’t dictate your reach.
Content TikTok Won’t Push on Your For You Page
TikTok has rules about what doesn’t cut for your For You page. Videos that are too graphic or unsafe, those tagged as “not interested,” or ones you’ve already seen won’t be recommended. This is part of TikTok’s effort to ensure your feed remains fresh and engaging, giving every creator a shot at visibility.
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Benefits of Going Viral on TikTok
Boost Your Follower Count: The Viral Magic
Going viral on TikTok can skyrocket your follower count overnight. When your content resonates, it spreads like wildfire, pulling in thousands, even millions, of new followers. Take Salt Bae, for example. In 2017, a video of Nusret Gökçe dramatically sprinkling salt over a steak went viral. His Instagram followers exploded from a few hundred thousand to over 30 million.
This surge in followers expanded his brand's visibility and helped him open more restaurants worldwide. Similarly, Bella Poarch's 2020 lip-sync video to “M to the B” became one of TikTok's most-liked posts. Almost overnight, her follower count soared from a few thousand to millions. Going viral can catapult you into the spotlight, attracting a devoted audience eager to see what you'll post next.
Unlock New Business Doors: Viral Success Stories
When you go viral, the business world takes notice. Your sudden rise in popularity can translate into real opportunities—from selling your services to collaborating on new projects. Just ask Daniel Mac. His viral videos asking luxury car owners what they do for a living led to partnerships with brands like Bugatti and Ford.
Similarly, Glossier experienced a massive sales boost when a viral video featured their Boy Brow product. The buzz led to collaborations with influencers and expanded their global presence. Going viral can open doors to lucrative deals and partnerships, turning your content into a business powerhouse.
Building Credibility: The Potential of Viral Clout
While follower numbers aren't everything, they do carry weight. A massive follower count gives you credibility and clout, opening doors to new opportunities. Look at Humans of New York (HONY), which started as a photo blog. Its emotional storytelling went viral, earning millions of followers and opportunities for bestselling books and nonprofit partnerships.
Khaby Lame experienced similar success. His silent comedic videos mocking complicated life hacks amassed over 100 million followers on TikTok. This credibility led to collaborations with brands like Hugo Boss and global campaigns. Going viral allows you to leverage your newfound fame for exciting opportunities.
Now that you’re ready to go viral try Crayo’s free clip creator tool. Click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to start. Create unlimited short videos in minutes—no account is required!
30+ Practical Tips on How To Go Viral on TikTok Overnight
1. Create High-Quality Videos Using Crayo AI
Utilize Crayo AI to produce high-quality short videos quickly. Crayo AI lets you create unlimited shorts with automatically generated captions, effects, backgrounds, and music. You just need to write an outline or prompt, customize the style using Crayo’s templates, and export your video. It's a fast way to go viral, make money, and create clips with Crayo. Try Crayo’s free tool now to get started.
2. Identify Your Niche for TikTok Content
TikTok is no longer just for teenagers and lip-syncing videos. It’s now a diverse platform with content for all ages and interests. To increase your chances of going viral, target a specific niche so you can create content that appeals directly to their interests. This way, people with similar interests are likelier to watch and share your content.
3. Capture Your Audience's Attention Quickly
TikTok users scroll quickly through their 'For You' page, so you must capture their attention within the first few seconds. Use eye-catching thumbnails, start with a strong hook, use bold visuals, get straight to the video’s topic, and include a text overlay to attract viewers. Once you get their attention, they’re more likely to watch and share your video.
4. Use Trending Sounds and Hashtags
Trends drive TikTok, so using popular sounds and hashtags can help your videos get more views and engagement. Check the "Discover" page to see what's trending and incorporate those sounds and hashtags into your videos.
5. Research and Use TikTok Keywords
TikTok's algorithm uses data from your title, description, and captions to suggest your video to relevant audiences. Research relevant keywords and include them in your content. Use the TikTok Creative Center’s keyword insights tool to see trends.
6. Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails
Your thumbnail is the first thing users see when scrolling through TikTok, so make it eye-catching and intriguing. Use bright colors, engaging visuals, and text to grab viewers' attention and entice them to watch your video.
7. Keep Your Videos Short and Snappy
TikTok was built around short, snappy content. The ideal video length is 9 to 15 seconds, which allows you to capture attention and deliver your message without boring or overwhelming viewers.
8. Optimize Your TikTok Captions
As part of TikTok SEO, use relevant keywords in your captions. Keep them short, and use emojis to make them more visually appealing.
9. Engage Your Viewers Throughout Longer Videos
While shorter videos are generally recommended, some content may require longer videos. For long-form videos, keep the content engaging and interesting throughout. Focus on quality over quantity, and extend your video appropriately.
10. Use Hashtags Wisely in TikTok Videos
While hashtags can help your videos reach a wider audience, don’t use too many. Stick to 2-3 relevant hashtags per video for the best results.
11. Tell a Story with Your TikTok Videos
Use storytelling to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Use dialogue and characters, choose a relatable or emotional topic, and enhance the story with visuals, music, and sound effects. Have a clear beginning, middle, and end; don’t be afraid to subvert expectations to keep your audience intrigued.
12. Collaborate with Other TikTok Creators
Collaborate with other TikTok users in your niche to reach a wider audience and gain more followers. This can help you tap into their audience and gain more exposure for your content.
13. Incorporate Interactive Storytelling
Interactive storytelling lets your audience participate in the story you're telling. Ask viewers what they want to see next, create polls or challenges, and get their feedback on your content.
14. Create a Mini-Series on TikTok
Build a series of short, interconnected stories or themes over multiple videos. Use cliffhangers at the end of each video to pique curiosity and ensure viewers return for the next installment.
15. Share Advice, Tips, and Hacks
Share advice, tips, and hacks to provide value and establish yourself as an expert in your niche. Try making tutorials, how-to videos, life hacks, productivity tips, or professional advice relevant to your niche.
16. Get Inspired by Your TikTok Competitors
Look at your competitors’ viral videos and ask what made them popular. Try to incorporate some of these elements into your videos.
17. Include a Call-to-Action (CTA) in Your TikTok Videos
Include a CTA to prompt viewers to take a specific action, such as following you for more content. Viewers are more likely to take action if you ask them to, so include CTAs in your videos.
18. Add a Touch of Controversy to Your TikTok Content
Create a buzz by expressing your opinion on controversial topics. Be cautious and respectful when discussing these topics or making controversial videos.
19. Encourage Engagement with Your TikTok Content
Say things that will typically get a response from viewers, such as sharing your honest opinion or a relatable experience.
20. Be a Character on TikTok
Stand out by being a character with a unique style, humor, or interests. Share your real experiences, thoughts, and passions, and be genuine.
21. Showcase Unique Skills or Hobbies on TikTok
Showcase unique skills or hobbies to attract niche audiences and potentially go viral for novelty.
22. Make Silent TikTok Videos
Silent videos are popular on TikTok because many users don’t have sound while scrolling. Compensate for lack of audio by adding captions, expressive visuals, and simple storylines.
23. Use Nostalgia in Your TikTok Content
Nostalgia is powerful for evoking strong emotions and memories. Create throwback videos featuring popular trends or fads from the past to attract viewers.
24. Optimize Your TikTok Posting Times
Post at peak times when your followers are most active to maximize views. Use TikTok analytics to find the correct times.
25. Engage with TikTok Followers and the Community
Engage with your followers and other TikTok users by replying to comments, asking for opinions, and starting discussions. Build a community of like-minded individuals supporting your content.
26. Adapt to TikTok Trends Quickly
Stay updated with what’s popular and incorporate it into your content. But only stick to trends that align with your brand and personality.
27. Use TikTok's Editing Features
Use TikTok’s features, such as filters, effects, soundtracks, duets, and stitches, to create unique and creative content.
28. Post Consistently on TikTok
TikTok’s algorithm favors accounts that consistently post high-quality content. Plan your content, use a post scheduler, and engage with your followers to stay consistent.
29. Promote TikTok Content on Other Platforms
Share teaser TikTok clips on other social media accounts to promote your TikTok content to a larger audience.
30. Analyze TikTok Performance and Refine Strategy
Keep an eye on your best posts via the analytics section in your account. Use this data to refine your strategy and focus on creating similar content that resonates with your audience.
31. Get Verified on TikTok
Having a blue checkmark next to your username increases your credibility and can improve your visibility on TikTok. Make sure your account meets TikTok’s criteria and complete the application process to become verified.
32. Don't Overthink It—Just Post
Don't be afraid to start creating and posting on TikTok, even if imperfect. There’s something for everyone on TikTok, so practice makes perfect.
What Kind of Content Goes Viral on TikTok
1. Tutorials and How-To Videos: Your Quick Guide to TikTok Fame
Tutorials often go viral on TikTok because they're both informative and engaging. People love to learn new things, and TikTok’s short format is perfect for quick, digestible how-tos. You can easily share these videos; they can become trends if done right.
Think of Twinsstylee, the magical tutorial duo. Their captivating how-tos have racked up over 18.6 million followers. Or take @TabithaBrown’s vegan recipes—her soothing voice and unique style turn simple cooking tutorials into viral sensations.
2. Dance Challenges: Get the Whole World Moving
Dance challenges are a TikTok staple, consistently hitting viral status. They thrive on simple choreography paired with popular songs, making them super easy to jump into. The chance to join in and the fear of missing out fuels rapid participation, transforming these challenges into global phenomena.
Consider the “Renegade” dance—by February 2020, it had over 1.6 billion views. Or check out the “Wednesday Dance” trend, where Jenna Ortega's routine to “Bloody Mary” by Lady Gaga inspired countless creators to add their spin.
3. Celebrity and Influencer Participation: Star Potential in Your Feed
Celebrities and influencers often partner with brands on TikTok, helping content go viral. Their established followings and trend-setting potential can significantly boost a campaign’s reach and impact. Such collaborations introduce both parties to new audiences, increasing followers and engagement.
For example, with 54.5 million followers, Kylie Jenner often sets trends with her posts. A recent video she did with an “aged” filter and original sound sparked 34,000 users to jump on the trend within just two weeks.
4. Behind-the-Scenes Content: The Story Behind the Magic
BTS content offers a peek into the creative process, inviting viewers to experience the effort of making a product or marketing campaign. These videos often include compelling narratives and sneak peeks of upcoming projects, creating a genuine connection with the audience.
Makeup artist @BeautyByBianca shares BTS videos that show her transforming clients with intricate makeup looks. By revealing her process step-by-step, she captivates her audience and builds trust through transparency.
5. Inspirational Stories: Fuel for the Soul
Personal achievements, motivational stories, and heartwarming anecdotes resonate deeply with viewers. These videos deliver hope, motivation, and positive messages, reminding us of the power of perseverance and kindness.
Motivational creator @ZacheryDereniowski shares real-life stories of strangers overcoming challenges, often surprising them with generosity or support. His videos consistently evoke strong emotional responses and gain millions of shares.
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Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Going viral on TikTok isn't just a stroke of luck. It’s about tapping into what makes content shareable and relatable. Start by understanding trends and leveraging them creatively for your niche. Transition smoothly between trends to keep your content fresh and engaging.
Also, make your first few seconds captivating — a hook that keeps viewers glued. Keep your videos short yet packed with value, humor, or intrigue. Mix in storytelling elements to create an emotional connection, and don’t forget to engage with your audience through comments and challenges. Remember, consistency is key. Keep posting regularly to build momentum.
Crayo AI: Your Shortcut to Viral TikTok Shorts
Consider reducing hours of video editing to mere minutes. Crayo AI does just that, letting you create TikTok shorts effortlessly. Write a simple outline or prompt, then choose a style with background, voice, and music. Crayo handles the rest. It’s like having a whole creative team in your pocket.
This tool is your best friend for joining the TikTok creator fund and making money off your videos. The faster you create, the more trends you can jump on and the more views you can amass. That’s how you go viral and get paid. Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today — it’s available on their homepage, and no account is needed.
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