How to Go Viral on TikTok: 15 Proven Methods

Ever wonder how a single TikTok can turn an unknown creator into an overnight sensation?

For brands and creators, going viral on TikTok is the ultimate ticket to skyrocketing visibility and influence. However, getting your video noticed by millions can be a daunting task, especially in such a fast-paced and trend-driven platform.

Luckily, we have some insights that can help you on your journey to TikTok fame.

In this guide, we’ll explore 15 proven strategies that can transform your content and dramatically boost your chances of going viral.

Whether you’re looking to grow your brand, connect with a wider audience, or simply make your mark in the ever-evolving TikTok landscape, these tips will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to creating captivating content that stands out, sparks engagement, and gets noticed by millions.

About TikTok Virality

For creators, "going viral" on TikTok can be a game-changer, offering unparalleled exposure and audience growth.

TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes videos with high engagement—likes, shares, comments, and watch time—and pushes them to the For You Page (FYP), the platform’s main discovery hub. This is where users encounter content tailored to their interests, giving creators a chance to connect with new audiences.

Authentic, relatable videos that evoke emotion or spark curiosity consistently outperform overly polished content. Virality on TikTok not only amplifies visibility but also builds trust and relatability, helping creators turn casual viewers into loyal fans.

By leveraging trends, staying consistent, and focusing on engaging content, creators can use TikTok to elevate their brand, expand their reach, and achieve meaningful growth.

15 Proven Methods to Go Viral on TikTok

Each of these methods can help boost your TikTok visibility, engagement, and virality.

1. Leverage Trending Content and Challenges

TikTok thrives on trends, making them essential for boosting visibility and creating viral videos. Participating in popular challenges or using trending hashtags and audio can skyrocket your reach.

For example, the "Savage Challenge" featuring Megan Thee Stallion’s song led to millions of videos, helping creators like Addison Rae gain millions of followers.

Similarly, the "Buss It Challenge" and "Don't Rush Challenge" brought unique formats for users to showcase transformations or creativity.

To stay ahead, check TikTok’s Creative Center for trending hashtags and sounds, or scroll through your For You page to identify patterns relevant to your niche.

Remember, time is crucial, as TikTok trends often have a short lifespan—jumping on them quickly can optimize your chances of creating a viral TikTok video that resonates with your target audience.

2. Optimize Your Hashtags

Using the right hashtags is a powerful way to boost your visibility on TikTok and increase your chances of creating a viral video. Hashtags help the TikTok algorithm categorize your content and display it to your target audience.

For example, #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt consistently drives engagement by connecting users to trending products, while #BookTok connects readers and authors, creating niche communities.

To optimize reach, combine trending hashtags with niche-specific ones relevant to your content. TikTok’s search tool lets you explore trending hashtags by entering keywords and reviewing the associated views.

Avoid overloading your captions with generic tags like #FYP or #foryou, as competition is fierce, and focus instead on three to five carefully selected hashtags.

Community-driven hashtags, like #FilmTok or #DIYcrafts, resonate strongly within specific audiences and can help you build a loyal following.

By tailoring your hashtags, you can ensure your TikTok videos reach the right audience, increasing engagement and boosting visibility.

3. Create Shareable and Entertaining Content

The best TikTok videos don’t just entertain—they make viewers feel something that compels them to hit “share.”

To go viral on TikTok, focus on creating content that resonates emotionally with your audience, making it shareable across social media platforms.

Funny, relatable, or inspirational TikTok videos are particularly effective. For instance, Elyse Myers skyrocketed to fame with her humorous and quirky storytelling videos, capturing the attention of millions.

Similarly, creators in the #LearnOnTikTok community gain followers by sharing educational tips, such as quick cooking hacks or life advice, in short-form videos.

Engaging captions can further boost shareability by sparking conversations or prompting viewers to tag friends.

By incorporating humor, nostalgia, or inspirational elements into your content, you encourage interaction and increase your TikTok video’s visibility on the FYP. 

4. Utilize Trending Sounds

Sound is the lifeblood of TikTok, with 88% of users citing audio as a key element of their experience.

Trending sounds can amplify your video’s reach by aligning with the TikTok algorithm’s preference for popular audio clips.

Brands like Duolingo have mastered this by pairing humorous content with viral sounds, making their videos highly shareable on the FYP.

TikTok’s “Use this sound” feature makes it easy to adopt trending audio—simply tap the musical note icon beneath a video’s caption to integrate the clip into your own content.

Beyond using existing audio, you can create original sounds or voiceovers to boost engagement while providing the platform with clear signals about your video’s target audience.

Whether you remix a popular song or record quirky captions, optimizing your audio can transform ordinary posts into viral TikToks that captivate your audience.

5. Post Consistently and At Optimal Times

The more you post, the higher your chances of hitting virality, and TikTok's algorithm gives equal weight to each new post, so regularly uploading fresh content enhances your visibility and increases your odds of reaching the FYP.

Instead of sporadic bursts of activity, aim for a steady posting schedule, such as one to three videos daily, which keeps your audience engaged and familiar with your content.

Timing also plays a pivotal role—research suggests that high engagement occurs during peak usage hours. General trends indicate Tuesdays at 9 a.m., Thursdays at 12 p.m., and Fridays at 5 a.m. are optimal times for posting.

However, these guidelines should be tailored to your niche and target audience. Use TikTok Insights to analyze when your followers are most active, ensuring your videos are published when they’re most likely to gain traction.

Combining consistent posting with strategic timing can help you optimize engagement, boost visibility, and increase the chances of going viral.

6. Master Storytelling Techniques

What makes someone watch your TikTok video to the very end and then hit the share button? A great story.

TikTok thrives on authentic, unpolished narratives that connect with its audience on a human level. Creators like Emily Zugay became a viral sensation by weaving humor into satirical logo redesigns, turning a simple concept into millions of views.

To keep your audience hooked, structure your content with a clear beginning, middle, and end while maintaining an emotional or entertaining arc.

TikTok’s 2024 trend “Storytelling Unhinged,” as exemplified by Reesa Teesa’s wildly unpredictable 50-video arc "Who TF Did I Mary?!?!", highlights how unique characters and unexpected twists can boost watch time and engagement.

Whether you’re sharing a funny anecdote, unveiling a transformation, or narrating your brand’s origin, storytelling is a surefire way to harness the TikTok algorithm and create content that resonates, connects, and ultimately goes viral.

7. Encourage Engagement Through Comments and Duets

TikTok thrives on interaction, and encouraging engagement through comments and duets is a powerful way to boost your visibility and increase your chances of creating a viral video.

Creator Nathan Apodaca aka Doggface, famously known for his "Ocean Spray" skateboarding video, demonstrated this by sparking a wave of duets and comments, which amplified his reach and turned a simple video into a viral sensation.

To encourage similar engagement, include clear calls-to-action in your content, such as asking questions, prompting viewers to share their opinions, or suggesting duet ideas.

For example, you could ask followers to comment their favorite songs or challenge them to recreate part of your video.

Replying to comments and engaging with your audience fosters a sense of community, signaling to the TikTok algorithm that your video deserves more visibility.

By making engagement a two-way street, you create content that resonates with your audience and gains traction across TikTok’s social media platform.

8. Collaborate with Other Creators

Partnering with influencers or creators in your niche helps you tap into their established followers while promoting your own content, which in turn, can help your chances of going viral. 

Most TikTok users trust established creators, with 82% considering them authentic and 76% finding them relatable, making influencer partnerships a powerful tool for boosting credibility and reach.

For instance, beauty brands frequently collaborate with creators to demonstrate product transformations, making their campaigns relatable and engaging.

If you’re new to TikTok, begin by following creators in your niche and engaging with their posts. Familiarizing yourself with their style, content, and audience. Once you’ve grown your own audience, approach potential collaborators with tailored proposals that highlight mutual benefits.

Collaborative content, such as duets, co-created videos, or challenges, not only widens visibility but also creates a win-win situation by blending audiences and increasing overall engagement across the platform.

9. Experiment with Video Lengths

While short videos are a known staple on TikTok, longer videos allow creators to produce in-depth storytelling or tutorials, which increase watch time, and attract a more loyal audience interested in detailed and valuable content.

Short videos under 15 seconds are ideal for delivering quick, snappy content that captures attention and is easily shareable, perfect for fast-scrolling users on the FYP. Medium-length videos, around 30 seconds to a minute, provide room for storytelling or tutorials while maintaining audience interest.

Longer videos, up to three minutes, allow for in-depth content, such as detailed explanations or engaging narratives, and have been shown to drive more watch time—a key factor in TikTok’s algorithm.

Creator Hank Green, for instance, effectively combines brief, impactful videos with longer science discussions to appeal to both casual viewers and more engaged learners. Like most creators who tell interesting stories on their channel, Green splits up his longer stories into parts. This builds excitement for upcoming installments and encourages viewers to follow his account to stay updated.

Experimenting with video lengths not only helps you understand what resonates with your followers but also allows you to diversify your content, increasing the likelihood of creating a viral TikTok video that stands out on the platform.

10. Jump on Memes and Humor

What’s better than a trending meme?----a funny one!

Memes have been a great tool for creators to tap into shared experiences or emotions, making them highly relatable and shareable on social media.

For instance, Brittany Broski's "Kombucha video" went viral because of its humorous depiction of conflicting emotions, resonating with millions and earning recognition beyond TikTok.

Broski's viseral reaction to trying Kombucha became a instant meme which sparked countless remixes, duets, and spin-offs across TikTok and other social media platforms, solidifying her status as an internet sensation.

Capitalizing on these types of trending memes or creating your own can help your content feel fresh and engaging. By staying attuned to what's trending and capitalizing on it, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level while boosting visibility on the FYP.

11. Invest Time with Creative Editing Techniques

Creative editing is key to making your TikTok videos stand out, capturing attention, and encouraging viewers to engage with your content. Seamless transitions, eye-catching effects, and synchronized audio can transform ordinary clips into viral-worthy masterpieces.

Tools like TikTok’s built-in editor and apps like CapCut make it easy to add professional-quality elements such as text overlays, dynamic cuts, and custom filters.

For example, creators participating in the #GlowUp challenge often use flawless transitions to showcase dramatic transformations, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.

High-quality editing not only enhances the visual appeal of your videos but also aligns with TikTok’s algorithm by increasing watch time—a critical factor in boosting your content’s reach.

By studying trends and practicing techniques like split-screen effects, smooth zooms, or perfectly timed sound integration, you can elevate your editing game. Over time, these skills will help you create polished, engaging videos that resonate with your audience and amplify your chances of going viral on the platform.

12. Educate and Add Value

Believe it or not, your content can still be entertaining even if it’s educational and informative. Social media has given creators of all backgrounds a chance to develop engaging videos that teach or solve problems while captivating their audience.

Creators like Emily Mariko have mastered this approach, sharing cooking hacks and easy-to-follow recipes that not only resonate with viewers but also inspire millions of recreations.

Markio's minimalist cooking videos, often featuring ASMR elements and visually satisfying steps, have drawn millions of viewers. For example, her viral salmon rice bowl recipe became a phenomenon, inspiring countless recreations, duets, and stitches on TikTok.

Value-driven content thrives because it provides practical takeaways while maintaining relatability and authenticity—two key ingredients for connecting with TikTok’s audience.

Whether you’re sharing life hacks, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes insights, your content can be both informative and engaging by keeping it concise and actionable.

13. Hook Viewers Immediately

The first few seconds of a TikTok video are make-or-break—if you can’t grab attention instantly, viewers will scroll away.

Since TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes average watch time, an effective hook is critical for increasing the likelihood of your content becoming a viral video.

According to the platform, over 63% of videos with the highest click-through rates hook viewers within the first few seconds, often using striking visuals, bold text, or intriguing statements to pique curiosity.

Successful TikTokers like Khaby Lame excel in this area. His videos hook viewers by starting with a hilarious real-life situation or scenario and then immediately making fun of its absurdity. Lame's exaggerated facial expressions and silent, comedic delivery captivate attention without needing words, making his content accessible across languages and cultures.

By having your video's tease an outcome or start off with an unexpected twist, you can make your audience eager to stay and watch throughout.  

Regularly analyzing your TikTok analytics can help identify which hooks are working best for your audience, allowing you to refine your approach and create content that consistently engages viewers from the start.

14. Cross-Promote Content Across Platforms

To maximize the reach of your TikTok videos and boost your chances of creating a viral video, cross-promote your content across other social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, X, and Facebook. 

Cross-promotion not only increases your visibility but also encourages users from different platforms to discover and engage with your TikTok content.

Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube have embraced short-form videos, making them ideal spaces to share TikTok content and attract a wider audience.

For example, internet magician and digital creator Zach King, strategically shares his TikTok videos and other content across multiple platforms, driving traffic back to her TikTok channel and significantly growing his follower base.

15. Be Authentic and Relatable

Authenticity is one of the most powerful tools for creating engaging content on TikTok, as viewers are drawn to creators who feel genuine and approachable.

Whether through humor, vulnerability, or candid storytelling, being authentic not only strengthens your relationship with followers but also aligns with TikTok’s algorithm, which prioritizes content that sparks meaningful interactions and engagement.

Influencers like Tabitha Brown exemplifies this with her heartfelt cooking videos and motivational talks, which combine simple recipes with uplifting messages, earning her millions of followers.

Brown's warm and unfiltered demeanor resonates with audiences because it feels real and relatable, fostering trust and connection.

On TikTok, polished perfection often takes a backseat to content that reflects real life, emotions, and experiences. By sharing your true personality, quirks, and stories, you create an emotional bond with your audience, making them more likely to engage with, share, and even return to your content. 

Popular Content and Trends on TikTok

Certain types of content consistently perform well on TikTok, especially when aligned with current trends. Here’s a list of popular content and trends dominating the platform:

• Dance Challenges: Choreographed routines to trending songs, such as those inspired by artists like Doja Cat or Beyoncé, remain a TikTok staple.
• Lip-Syncing Videos: Fun and creative takes on popular audio clips, from movie quotes to comedic dialogue.
• Storytelling: Personal anecdotes or engaging narratives with a strong hook that keep viewers entertained.
• Humor and Memes: Ironic, self-deprecating, or situationally funny content often resonates with TikTok’s audience.
• Life Hacks and DIY Tips: Creative solutions to everyday problems, often tagged under #LifeHacks or #TikTokTaughtMe.
• Glow-Up Transformations: Before-and-after videos showcasing makeup, fashion, or home improvement changes.
• Hashtag Campaigns: Participating in popular hashtag trends, such as #GRWM (Get Ready With Me) or #BookTok for niche audiences.
• Educational Content: Bite-sized tutorials, recipes, or fun facts under #LearnOnTikTok.
• ASMR Content: Relaxing, sensory-focused videos featuring soft sounds or visually soothing activities.
• Reaction and Duet Videos: Engaging with trending content by adding personal reactions or commentary.
• Viral Audio Clips: Leveraging popular sounds or songs that are widely shared on the platform.
• Challenges with a Twist: Putting a unique spin on existing trends to stand out while still participating in viral movements.
• Fitness Routines and Tips: Workout videos, yoga flows, and health advice presented in quick, engaging formats.
• Seasonal and Topical Content: Videos tied to holidays, seasons, or cultural events, such as Halloween costumes or New Year’s resolutions.

Staying aware of what’s trending and incorporating these ideas into your own unique style can help your content thrive on TikTok.

Take Your TikTok Journey to the Next Level with Fourthwall

TikTok creators, are you ready to turn your viral success into a thriving business? Fourthwall is your ultimate partner for monetizing your content and building a sustainable brand.

With tools and features tailored for TikTok creators, Fourthwall makes it easy to connect with your fans and generate revenue from your creativity.

Here’s how Fourthwall can help:

• Custom Merch Stores: Create and sell branded merchandise directly to your TikTok audience. With seamless design tools and print-on-demand capabilities, you can launch unique products your followers will love—without worrying about inventory or shipping.
• Direct Fan Engagement: Use Fourthwall’s membership tiers to offer exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes content, personalized shoutouts, or early access to your videos, creating stronger connections with your most loyal fans.
• Integrate with TikTok Shop: Sync your Fourthwall store with TikTok Shop to showcase your merchandise directly on your TikTok profile. This seamless integration allows fans to purchase products without leaving the app, making it easier than ever to convert viewers into customers.
• TikTok-Friendly Features: Embed your TikTok videos directly into your Fourthwall page to showcase your personality and drive traffic from TikTok to your store.
• Analytics and Insights: Track sales, engagement, and fan interactions in one place, so you can refine your strategy and grow your business effectively.

Whether you’re looking to create custom merch, monetize your videos, or build stronger connections with your audience, Fourthwall has everything you need to elevate your TikTok journey.

Sign up with Fourthwall today and start turning your TikTok creativity into a successful business. Your fans are ready to support you—let’s make it happen!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Fastest Way to Get TikTok Famous?

The fastest way to achieve fame on TikTok is by creating consistent, high-quality content that resonates with your audience and increases your chances of going viral.

Focus on using trending sounds, hashtags, and participating in viral challenges to boost visibility on social media. Videos that go viral often combine authenticity with creativity, so stay true to your unique style while tapping into what’s trending.

Analyze your performance using TikTok analytics to refine your strategy, identify the best posting times, and understand what types of content perform best. Interaction is key—engage with your followers through comments and encourage them to duet or stitch your content.

By incorporating dynamic audio clips, sharp editing, and relatable themes, you can create viral videos that capture attention and build a loyal fanbase, helping you rise to fame faster on the platform.

How Do I Get More Views on TikTok?

To increase your views on TikTok, focus on creating short, attention-grabbing videos that hook viewers within the first few seconds. Use trending hashtags and sounds to align your content with what’s popular, helping the TikTok algorithm push your videos to the FYP.

Consider optimizing your captions with engaging prompts or questions to encourage interaction, as comments, likes, and shares all boost your video’s visibility.

Finally, remember to analyze your performance regularly using TikTok analytics to understand what resonates with your viewers and refine your strategy.

Remember, consistency and relatability, paired with strategic content creation, will help your videos gain traction and earn more views on the platform.

How Do I Make My Video Go Viral?

To make your video go viral on TikTok, start by tapping into trending sounds, challenges, and hashtags that align with your content.

Incorporate attention-grabbing visuals or hooks in the first few seconds to captivate viewers and increase watch time, a key factor in TikTok's algorithm.

Post consistently and use strong calls-to-action (CTAs) to encourage likes, comments, shares, or duets, all of which boost visibility and engagement.

Remember to engage with your audience by replying to comments and interacting with other creators in your niche to expand your reach. 

By combining creativity, engagement, and data-driven insights, you can significantly increase your chances of creating a viral video that takes off across social media.

What Can I Post on TikTok to Get Famous?

The key to getting famous on TikTok is creating content that highlights your unique strengths while resonating with a wide audience.

Think about what sets you apart—whether it’s your humor, storytelling skills, or a special talent—and find ways to translate that into engaging, bite-sized videos.

Viral-worthy posts often include funny skits, relatable moments, or clever life hacks that viewers feel compelled to share. Jumping on trending challenges, using popular sounds, and incorporating hashtags can also help you tap into TikTok’s algorithm and reach the FYP.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—try tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, or even showcasing your daily life to connect authentically with your audience.

Remember, the more creative and consistent you are, the better your chances of building a following and creating viral content that captures attention and drives engagement.