TikTok Viral Hacks: Top Tips for Content Creators

Over the last few years, TikTok has grown to become one of the most widely-used social media apps across the globe.

In fact, in April 2024 it was the 5th most-used social network, with a whopping 1.58 billion active users worldwide, which isn’t bad to say it only launched globally in 2017 (Facebook launched in 2004 and Instagram in 2010, for comparison)! Its rapid growth even inspired competitors Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube to roll out similar short form video features like Reels, Spotlight, and Shorts in recent years.

What makes the TikTok-verse even more interesting is that according to Google’s own data, 40% of Gen Z is turning to TikTok for search instead of Google, indicating that the app is not just gunning for its social media competitors, but search engines too! And even though it’s still sitting behind the likes of Facebook and Instagram in terms of global users, the people that do use the app tend to spend the most time on it - around 1.5 hours a day on average. The reason so many people find it hard to click off the app is largely due to its endless supply of short form, easy-to-digest content format that often means once you start scrolling, you just can’t stop! As a result, TikTok has become notorious for its trendsetting culture and addictive algorithm that can keep you hooked for hours on end.

TikTok’s e-Commerce offering, TikTok shop, also makes it a serious player in its field, allowing creators and businesses to monetise their content and drive sales directly. By leveraging TikTok’s shopping tools, influencers can increase engagement through product showcases, live shopping events, and shoppable tags, which amplifies their reach and virality. Couple this with TikTok’s creator fund, and bringing in thousands of views and followers has never been more worthwhile.

Going viral on TikTok can not only earn you cash and catapult you to instant fame but also open doors to new opportunities, from brand partnerships to collaborations with other influencers. The bad news is that there’s no magic formula to creating viral TikTok content, but there are a few rules to follow that should land you in good stead. Read on to explore the strategies and techniques that can help you navigate the ever-evolving TikTok algorithm and create content that resonates with viewers, increasing your chances of going viral.

Understanding the TikTok algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm is what dictates which videos appear on users’ “For You” pages (FYP), which is the primary page where content tends to ‘go viral’. This is also where recommended content and videos pop up that the app thinks you'll enjoy the most. Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok’s algorithm is designed to surface new and engaging content to users based on their interactions, making it possible for even new creators to reach a wide audience.

When you upload a video, TikTok initially ‘shows’ it to a small group of users. This group can include some of your followers as well as users with similar interests or demographics. The performance of the video with this initial group tends to determine its subsequent reach.

The algorithm then prioritises videos based on engagement metrics such as likes, comments, shares, and watch time. Higher engagement indicates that the content resonates with viewers, which prompts the algorithm to show the video to more users. Watch time is particularly crucial – videos that are watched in full or rewatched signal high-quality content. TikTok also tracks how quickly viewers move on to the next video, which can negatively impact its performance if users skip it too soon. The Wall Street Journal published their own analysis showing that the time users spend lingering on a specific post can have a huge impact on what kind of content is served to them as they continue to use the app.

Video details like captions, hashtags, sounds, and effects used in your video also have an impact. The algorithm uses this information to categorise your content and match it with users who have shown interest in similar topics. Hashtags in particular play a vital role in increasing your content’s discoverability.

TikTok learns from the interactions of users, including the type of videos they interact with, the creators they follow, and the comments they leave. This behavioural data helps TikTok personalise each user’s FYP. Frequent interactions with specific themes or genres signal to the algorithm what users are interested in, which then helps it recommend more relevant content.

Content creation strategies

Now we know what TikTok is, why it’s important, and how its algorithm generally works. So how do you play into that when it comes to actually creating successful content? Here are five content creation strategies to bear in mind.

1. Use trending sounds

This is arguably one of the most important ways to try and get your content trending. By using songs at the top of TikTok’s sound chart you can give yourself a better chance at getting placed on the ‘For You’ page. These trending sounds and songs have themselves become ‘viral’ through a combination of user-generated content, trending challenges, and algorithmic amplification.

To find the most popular sounds click on the “+” icon at the bottom of your homepage or FYP. Once you’ve done that, press “add sound” at the top of the page and you will be able to see trending songs, songs specific to your genre, and sounds that you’ve already saved for a later date. If you’re planning on putting a voiceover on your video, remember that you can still layer a trending song underneath so that you’re still ticking TikTok’s algorithm boxes.

If this tactic works for you, it’s important to note that just because a sound got you featured on the ‘For You’ page last week, it doesn’t necessarily mean the same will occur the week after.

2. Embrace TikTok’s native features

Embracing TikTok’s native features like carousels, stitches, and duets is essential for creating viral content because these tools are specifically designed to enhance user engagement and creativity on the platform. Features such as stitches and duets allow creators to interact directly with other users’ content, which fosters a sense of community and encourages viewers to engage and interact. This interactivity not only helps in building connections with other creators but also taps into existing trends and conversations, increasing the likelihood of a video getting lots of views and going viral.

These features also provide unique ways to express creativity and tell stories. For example, carousels allow creators to present multi-part stories or showcase various aspects of a subject, making content more informative and engaging. Duets enable creators to add new perspectives or reactions to existing videos, which can attract viewers who are already interested in the original content.

3. Tell a story or explain a process

People love stories, so one of the best ways to keep your audience engaged and interested in your video is to tell a story or describe the process of you doing something. Storytelling is a great way to make the viewer feel included and that they are a part of the journey that you are describing. Make sure you include a clear beginning, middle, and end, even if they’re brief. Building connections through frank and honest storytelling can be a really authentic way of not only going viral but also growing a legitimate TikTok following.

4. High-quality visuals

Quality visuals are important for capturing and maintaining viewers’ attention on TikTok. Make sure your videos are visually exciting with good lighting and crystal clear audio. Natural light is often best, but if you’re shooting indoors or at night, consider investing in affordable ring lights or softbox lights to ensure your videos are well-lit and clear. If your video has poor sound quality, viewers might skip it, so use a good microphone if possible, or record in a quiet environment to minimise background noise. Adding captions can also help make your content accessible to a broader audience, including those who are hard of hearing or who watch videos without sound. High-quality production values can make or break your videos, so it’s definitely worth paying attention to.

5. Optimise video length

The length of your videos can significantly impact their performance on TikTok. Although TikTok now allows videos up to 10 minutes, shorter videos (15-60 seconds) are often more effective, as they cater to the platform’s fast-paced nature and are more likely to be watched in full, which boosts watch time and completion rates (key factors in TikTok’s algorithm). Experiment with different video lengths to see what resonates most with your audience.

Posting strategies

1. Hashtags

Researching and including hashtags is essential for maximising your reach and engagement on TikTok. Hashtags categorise your content, making it discoverable to users interested in specific topics or trends, and help target the right audience. By using relevant and trending hashtags, you align your videos with popular themes, increasing the likelihood of appearing on the ‘For You’ page. This approach not only boosts visibility but also improves engagement, as viewers who find your content through hashtags are more likely to interact with it.

For businesses, branded hashtags can be a great way to create a community around your brand, fostering engagement around a specific theme or campaign. Encourage users to share content with a unique hashtag and you’ll build a sense of belonging and collective participation among your audience. This not only enhances brand visibility but also allows users to connect with others who share similar interests or experiences related to your brand.

Some good examples of branded hashtag campaigns include Ocean Spray’s #DreamsChallenge, which was inspired by a viral video of Nathan Apodaca sipping Ocean Spray Cran-Raspberry juice while skateboarding and lip-syncing to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”, and Nike’s #PlayInside campaign, which aimed to promote staying active at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lastly, effective hashtag use can also aid in tracking performance and understanding which tags drive the most engagement, allowing you to refine your strategy for better results.

2. Optimise videos with keywords

Keywords are an essential element of traditional SEO, so it makes sense that they’ve crept into the social domain too. Incorporating keywords in TikTok content can help you optimise your content and wider account’s discoverability and engagement by allowing the platform’s algorithm to understand the context of your videos. This makes it easier for TikTok to categorise and recommend your content to users interested in these topics. If you include relevant keywords in your captions, descriptions, and on-screen text, you can enhance the chances of your videos appearing in searches and on users’ ‘For You’ pages. Some sites even suggest that you should include your keywords in any spoken audio, as TikTok’s algorithms prioritise videos where the keywords are actually spoken!

This should help improve visibility, attract a more relevant audience, and improve overall engagement by ensuring your content reaches viewers who are actively interested in the subject matter.

If you need help choosing the right keywords, there’s a keyword guide on our blog.

3. Include a clear CTA

Whether this is in your voiceover, your video caption, or on-screen text, people need a reason to come back to your page and content. You want to try and retain them so that they are always engaging with your content. A well-defined CTA guides viewers to take actions such as liking, sharing, commenting, or following, which can increase interaction with your content and increase its visibility. A good example of this is using phrases like “follow for more content on XYZ” or “like for part two” at the end of your videos.

4. Post regularly and consistently

Consistency is key in building and maintaining an audience on TikTok and keeping your content in circulation. Determine a posting frequency that you can maintain, whether it’s daily, a few times a week, or weekly. This consistency will help keep your audience engaged and aware of when to expect new content. While quality should never be sacrificed, regular posting can help keep your audience interested, engaged and coming back for more. Consistency isn’t just about posting videos either, so make sure you engage with your audience regularly by responding to comments, liking other users’ content, and participating in TikTok trends and challenges. This keeps your profile active and helps build a loyal community.

5. Cross-promote your content on other platforms

If you have accounts on other platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, you should try to share your TikTok content there in order to extend your reach and maximise audience engagement across channels. Cross-promotion also helps maintain consistent visibility, leverages diverse audiences, and reinforces your brand’s presence, which ultimately serves to amplify the impact on your content online.

Other strategies to consider

1. Follow top creators

By following TikTok’s most popular and unique creators, you allow yourself to stay on top of the trend curve. Charli D’Amelio for example is the most followed star on the app with 103.6 million followers. Her mass following allows her to set the pace for the trending sounds, dances, and challenges.
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Don’t forget about the leading creators in your niche or industry too. This is crucial for gaining inspiration, understanding audience preferences, and learning best practices. By keeping an eye on their content and engagement strategies, you can stay updated on relevant trends, adapt to platform changes, and improve your own content’s visibility. Engaging with these creators can also open up networking and collaboration opportunities, offering a pathway to broaden your audience and enhance your growth.

2. Use analytics

When you become a creator on TikTok and start posting content you will be able to see detailed analytics concerning your content and wider account. One of the most important pieces of data you can extract from your analytics is the time at which your followers are most active. This will give you the average time every day that your followers are logged on and engaging with the app, therefore allowing you to post your content at these times as it is more likely to be seen.

3. Optimise your profile

Optimising your TikTok profile is crucial for attracting and retaining followers. Create a clear and engaging bio that succinctly describes your content, incorporates relevant keywords, and includes a compelling call-to-action (CTA). Use a high-quality, recognisable profile picture that aligns with your branding to make a strong first impression. Additionally, include useful links, such as to your website or other social media profiles, to drive traffic and provide more information about you or your brand. Regularly update your profile to reflect current content and goals to ensure it remains relevant and engaging.

Tools and resources for TikTok creators

Here are some of the best tools and resources for TikTok creators.

Social media management tools

Social media management tools help users schedule and automate posts across multiple platforms, including TikTok. They can be particularly useful for TikTok creators and brands as they allow them to plan and publish content at optimal times, ensuring consistent engagement and visibility. Some of these tools also provide analytics to track the performance of posts, helping users understand what content resonates best with their audience.

Tools to try: Social Champ, Keyhole, SocialBee, SocialPilot, Planly, Sprout Social, and Loomly.

Video editing tools

While TikTok’s built-in editing tools are powerful, you might also consider using third-party apps for more advanced editing. Clean cuts, smooth transitions, and well-placed effects can enhance your video’s appeal. However, avoid over-editing, as it can distract from the content itself.

Plenty of tools provide features like cutting, merging clips, adding effects, transitions, and text overlays, which help enhance storytelling and creativity.

Tools to try: Beecut, Zoomerang, InShot, LumaFusion, and Filmora.

Follower management and follower boost tools

These tools help you to identify and target potential followers who are interested in your niche, automate interactions like follows and unfollows, and provide insights into follower growth and engagement patterns.

Tools to try: TikFame and Tokmatik

Research and planning tools

If you’re serious about TikTok success, you’re going to need to get your nerd on and do some serious research and planning. Luckily, you can streamline this process by finding insights into trending topics, popular hashtags, and audience preferences with various research and planning tools. By analysing what works best within your niche, you can develop more targeted and relevant content and therefore optimise your chances of going viral.

Tools to try: Hashtags for Likes, TrendTok, ReelTrends, and Popsters.

Key takeaways

Since its global launch in 2017, TikTok has rapidly become one of the top social media platforms, with 1.58 billion active users as of April 2024.
TikTok’s popularity is driven by its addictive, short-form content and trendsetting culture, leading users to spend significant time on the app everyday.
TikTok prioritises videos based on engagement metrics such as likes, comments, shares, and watch time, so make sure you’re creating content with this in mind.
Whilst there is no magic formula to creating viral TikTok content, there are a number of ‘rules’ you can follow that might significantly increase your chances.
A variety of social media management, video editing, follower management and research and planning tools are available to make the process easier.

Want to know more about how we can help you harness social media to create a great brand identity and increase your sales? Check out our social media success stories.