Hook viewers in the first 5 seconds
The first 5 seconds of a TikTok video are critical for capturing the viewer’s attention and getting them engaged from the start. Research shows that most people decide whether they will watch an entire video within the first few seconds. That’s why it’s so important to have a strong opening hook that grabs attention quickly.
One of the most effective hooks is to start with a trending meme, effect, or audio from the moment the video begins. Since viewers are already familiar with trending content, it will immediately catch their interest. For example, utilize the latest popular TikTok song, viral dance move, filter, or meme format right off the bat. This capitalizes on what’s already resonating with the TikTok audience.
Asking an intriguing question or teasing something surprising coming up in the video is another hook technique. This builds curiosity to keep watching. You could also try using captions or text overlay in the beginning that presents an interesting fact, story, or statement. The goal is to capture viewers’ interest so they stay to see what comes next.
Finally, jump right into high-energy action or an amusing visual gag within the first seconds. For instance, begin with someone making a silly face or dancing, or show an odd situation unfolding. Quickly highlight your personality or sense of humor. The payoff is that viewers instantly want to see what you’ll do next.
Optimize Hashtags
One of the most important ways to get more views on TikTok is to optimize your hashtags. Hashtags help TikTok’s algorithm categorize and promote your videos. Researching the most popular hashtags as well as niche hashtags related to your content is key.
Check out sites like Fanbytes and Meltwater which track trending hashtags daily and weekly. Some consistently popular hashtags include #fyp, #foryoupage, #viralvideos, and #trending. You can also search hashtags within the TikTok app itself to see popularity.
In addition to the major hashtags, find niche hashtags with smaller but more targeted audiences. Search related keywords and scroll through other videos in your niche to find relevant niche hashtags. Combining popular hashtags with niche ones is an effective strategy.
You can include up to 100 characters’ worth of hashtags, but avoid jamming in the maximum. 8-12 well-researched hashtags are typically recommended. Using irrelevant or spammy hashtags can actually hurt your visibility.
Encourage Engagement
One of the best ways to get people to comment on your TikTok videos is by asking them to share their feedback or suggestions. You’ll be able to spark a conversation while also learning more about what your audience likes or wants to see more of (Source: https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-comments/). Try responding to all comments you receive, even if just with a simple “thank you,” to show viewers you appreciate them taking the time. Asking a specific question related to your video topic or including a friendly call to action inviting them to engage can also help drive more comments.
Leverage trends & challenges
Joining popular TikTok trends and challenges is an effective way to increase your video’s discoverability. When a challenge goes viral, millions of people search for and participate in it. By making a video for a trending challenge, you tap into that built-in audience. Some examples of popular 2022 challenges include:
- The “In 2022 I Will…” challenge, where users shared their goals and resolutions for the new year (source)
- The “Tootiieslide” dance challenge set to the song of the same name (source)
- The “Supalonely” dance challenge featuring the Benee song (source)
- The VHS filter trend that adds a retro videotape effect (source)
Stay up-to-date on the latest viral challenges by exploring trending hashtags and sounds. Then make your own video putting a unique spin on the trend.
Collaborate with influencers
One of the most effective ways to get more views and go viral on TikTok is by collaborating with influencers. Influencers are accounts with large followings and high engagement that can help expose your content to new audiences. According to the Ultimate TikTok Influencer Marketing Guide cited from https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-influencer-marketing-guide/, partnering with the right influencers is key for successful influencer marketing campaigns on TikTok.
To get noticed by larger accounts for potential collaborations or shoutouts, here are some tips:
- Engage consistently with their content by liking, commenting, and duetting their videos. Become a familiar face in their community.
- Tag them in your own content if relevant. This exposes your videos to their followers.
- Reply to their tweets or IG posts. Initiate conversation on other platforms.
- Comment unique, value-adding ideas for collaboration. Don’t just ask for a shoutout.
- Politely DM them. Build a relationship before pitching.
- Offer value to them. Suggest creative collab ideas that will benefit both parties.
Strategically partnering with the right influencers can help increase reach and views. But focus on organic connections rather than just transactional campaigns. Form genuine relationships with influencers you admire and who align with your brand values for maximum impact.
Optimize video editing
One of the most important ways to make your TikTok videos stand out and go viral is to optimize the video editing using tools like transitions, text overlays, effects, and stickers. This helps make your videos look more polished, high-quality and visually appealing to viewers.
According to Buffer, you can use TikTok’s built-in editing tools to trim unnecessary footage, split a longer video into multiple shorter clips, and edit together the best parts into one video. Strategically trimming down and condensing your footage helps keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
Adding transitions between clips can make abrupt cuts between scenes smoother and more professional. TikTok provides standard transitions like fade, zoom, spin, slide, wipe and more. Using strategic transitions helps visually punctuate different sections and concepts within your video.
Overlays like text and stickers allow you to highlight key points, add captions, insert funny reactions, and otherwise spice up your video visually. Use them sparingly at pivotal moments for maximum impact. Unique text fonts, colors and designs also help your video stand out while conveying your style and brand.
Effects like filters, speed changes, and AR lenses can creatively enhance the look and feel of your video. Apply effects thoughtfully to underscore the tone and energy you want to convey. Fun effects are popular, but don’t overdo it. Keep effects cohesive with the overall style of your content.
Taking the time to strategically edit and polish your video makes a huge difference in production quality and viewer engagement. Optimize editing to make high-quality viral videos that captivate audiences on TikTok.
Post consistently
TikTok’s algorithm favors accounts that post consistently and often. According to research, you should aim to post 1-4 times per day for the best results [1]. Posting frequently keeps your account active, improves discoverability, and helps build an engaged audience faster.
The ideal posting frequency depends on your goals. Businesses and creators looking to grow a large following quickly should aim for multiple posts per day. However, 1-2 daily posts can be sufficient to see steady growth for most accounts [2]. The key is sticking to a consistent schedule that works for you.
TikTok’s FYP page favors recent and frequent posters. So the more often you post quality content, the more chances you give TikTok to push your videos. This exposure helps generate views, likes, comments, shares and new followers [3]. Just be sure not to overwhelm your audience or sacrifice quality in the name of quantity.
Analyze performance
One of the most important things you can do to increase the chances of a TikTok video going viral is to analyze performance metrics and identify trends in your top performing content. TikTok provides creators with analytics on views, likes, comments, shares, audience retention, traffic sources, and more. Study these metrics to gain insights into what resonates most with your audience.
For example, compare watch time and completion rates across your videos. If certain videos consistently hold viewer attention for longer, you can try applying similar editing techniques, hashtags, sounds, etc. in future videos. You may also consider running A/B tests by posting multiple versions of a video with small variations to see which performs best.
Regularly reviewing analytics will reveal what works and enable you to fine-tune your strategy to boost organic reach. Focus on doubling down on the specific types of content that already prove popular with your audience.
Promote outside of TikTok
One effective way to get more views on your TikTok videos is to promote them on other social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, etc. Cross-promoting your content across different platforms can help expose your videos to new audiences that may not be on TikTok.
For example, you can download your TikTok videos and upload shorter versions as Reels on Instagram or as Shorts on YouTube. Make sure to include your TikTok handle in the caption so viewers know where to find more of your content. You can also embed your TikTok videos directly into posts on Facebook, Twitter, or a blog to further expand their reach.
Additionally, encourage your existing followers on other platforms to check out your TikTok channel. Let your Instagram followers know you also have a TikTok they can follow, and promote your best TikTok videos to your YouTube subscribers as well.
Cross-promotion allows you to maximize the impact of your viral TikTok videos. According to one source, “Cross promoting TikTok content refers to sharing your TikTok content on other social media platforms. The idea behind content cross-promotion is to expand the reach of your content by posting it across multiple platforms.” (Source)
Follow trends strategically
TikTok trends come and go quickly, so it’s important to follow them strategically if you want your videos to go viral. On one hand, creating content around popular trends can help expose your videos to larger audiences. Trending sounds, hashtags, effects, and concepts provide built-in discovery opportunities. For example, participating in viral dance challenges like the Renegade can put your video in front of millions of viewers.
However, relying too heavily on trends has risks. Trends change constantly, so your content may have a short shelf life if it’s too trend-dependent. And if you simply recreate a trending video without adding your own twist, your content may blend in rather than stand out. Most importantly, trend-jacking without balance can make your feed seem disjointed if you hop from trend to trend without continuity.
Aim to balance trend-based content with original concepts aligned to your brand’s niche and style. Support trending content that authentically fits your brand, but avoid chasing every trend or forcing trends that don’t align with your goals. Use trends as a way to experiment with new formats and expand your reach, while also cultivating original content and developing your distinctive brand voice. With the right balance, you can leverage the power of trends strategically while still building an original, consistent, and engaging feed.
