TikTok has risen from its humble beginnings in 2016 to become one of the most downloaded apps as of 2026.
Therefore, many content creators and online businesses have ample opportunities to reach their audience from TikTok. Especially considering that even a brand-new account with zero followers can go viral with TikTok’s user-first algorithm.
So, let’s find out what makes a video go viral and how you can do it yourself.
What is considered “viral” on TikTok?
First things first, let’s see what it means to be “viral” on TikTok.
Going viral on TikTok is an online phenomenon in which a TikTok video rapidly gets millions of views.
A viral video is then spread by users who share and like it, thus bringing in more views and further helping it extend its reach beyond the initial target audience.
Understanding TikTok algorithm in 2026
TikTok algorithm is a complicated system designed to provide users with content via its homepage – the For You page (FYP).
TikTok populates the FYP by analyzing user behavior to predict which videos will maximize watch time. The algorithm relies heavily on three main signals to rank and distribute content:
Video Completion Rate (Watch Time)
Completion rate is the single strongest ranking signal on TikTok. The algorithm favors videos that retain audience attention over those with high view counts but quick drop-offs.
- Full Retention: Watching a video to the end signals high value, prompting the algorithm to push it to broader audience pools.
- Rewatches: Multiple views from the same user trigger an extra distribution boost, as looping indicates top-tier engagement.
Engagement Metrics
Direct user interactions validate whether a video resonates enough to warrant wider reach. TikTok ranks these actions based on viewer engagement: saves, shares, comments, and likes.
Also, TikTok also measure “hook rate” – the percentage of users that watch past the first 3 seconds of your video. That’s why you will see many creators begin their video with a shocking statements or cool TikTok transitions.
Contextual Metadata
This includes keywords and hashtags: Captions, audio choices, and on-screen text help the algorithm categorize the video and route it to users with matching interests.
So, what makes a video go viral on TikTok? A video goes viral when high video completion and engagement signal to the algorithm that the content can reliably hold viewer attention. Then, TikTok scales the video’s distribution across broader For You Pages.
11 proven ways to go viral on TikTok (& examples)
While TikTok is open to any idea or content that its users can come up with and does not provide specific tips on how to make your videos viral, there are still ways that can facilitate your process of producing a viral video on TikTok.
Here are 11 tips that you should take into account to make your TikTok go viral.
1. Include hooks at the beginning of the video
Some TikTok video formats are more likely to become popular than others. I’m talking about those that include viral hooks within the first three seconds of the video.
Here are some examples:
“Did you know?” format
People want to learn something new every day, which helps explain why edutainment-style content on TikTok is so popular.
Example: REI
The retailer REI is an excellent example of “Did you know?” content. Here, they are talking about the brand’s frequently mispronounced products. This is the ideal combination for views – pleasant humor that brings knowledge.
“How-to” format
As you can experience for yourself, TikTok is full of how-tos and tutorials, especially among #BeautyTok.
Example: Lashify
Over 8 million people have seen this Lashify video, proving that TikTok viral videos don’t necessarily need super sophisticated production.
“Watch what happens” format
Given TikTok’s goal of keeping users scrolling, anything you can do to keep viewers hooked to your content is a success.
That is why videos that illustrate development or a “before and after” are so well-received. People will watch your video through to the end because they are compelled to know what the final product will be like.
Example: Nespresso
Since using the recipe time lapses has been really popular on TikTok, this Nespresso video garnered more than 5 million views.
2. Keep up with TikTok trends
TikTok is one of the most trend-driven social media platforms, hence it’s critical to keep up with the most recent trends if you want to learn how to go viral on TikTok. You can get inspired to produce similar content by watching what’s popular with the audience right now, whether it’s a certain dance, audio clip, video style, or topic.
Just open your For You page and browse through it to find a trend. Try to choose something that is suitable for your niche and start making your own videos right away because TikTok trends don’t typically stay for long.
Example 1: Coach
The first example is one from Coach featuring recently trending audio from Clueless. Earning over 2.5 million views, this clip was an ideal complement to their 90s-themed commercial campaign.
Example 2: Cheez-Its
Here is another popular video of Cheez-Its joining the #ASMR TikTok trend.
Example 3: Duolingo
Humor is of great importance for TikTok’s virality. In order to appeal to today’s consumers, online merchants should learn to infuse humor into their messages. Nearly all of Duolingo’s videos have the potential to go viral due to their extensive use of comedy.
3. Feature real people in your TikTok video
If you watch enough TikTok videos, you’ll notice that most popular brand-related videos are linked to creator accounts rather than the actual brands since they are more genuine and relatable.
Example: @makeupbytammi
Below is a picture of a viral video of TikToker @makeupbytammi for brand Rimmel London earning more than 18 million views.
4. Apply TikTok SEO
TikTok can function as a search engine, meaning search optimization drives steady organic views long after the initial For You Page push ends. Here are some tips for you:
- Target long-tail keywords: Type your core topic into TikTok’s search bar auto-complete to find exact phrases users search for. Example: Swap broad words like “Skincare” for “Morning skincare routine for dry skin.”
- Optimize spoken audio and text overlays: TikTok translates spoken audio into captions and scans on-screen text to index content. Example: Say “Best budget cameras for beginners” out loud in the first three seconds while displaying that exact phrase on screen.
- Write descriptive captions: Fill captions with clear search terms instead of vague clickbait phrases. Example: Replace “You won’t believe this!” with “3 steps to optimize your LinkedIn profile for remote tech jobs.”
5. Use trending and relevant TikTok hashtags
So, what are the best hashtags for TikTok to go viral?
Within TikTok, you can look up which hashtags are trending in your niche. Enter a keyword in the search field (without the hashtag), and once the list of results loads, touch the “hashtag” column to get a list of popular hashtags along with the number of views that videos with these hashtags have received.
Also, try to avoid stuffing your post with too many hashtags. Three to five hashtags per post is ideal. Furthermore, you should avoid choosing hashtags that are too general because there is a lot of competition for them. These include #FYP and #foryou, which have together received 37 trillion views.
Example: Dunkin’
In this video, Dunkin’ is trying to get everyone excited about their seasonal menu as fall approaches. The brand uses a range of hashtags to spread the word in order to reach more people.
The video uses the trending hashtags #fall (15+ billion views), and #pumpkinszn, which is more niche-targeted and has fewer views, reaching a smaller audience (40+ million).
6. Focus on a Niche
Since TikTok has such a large viewership right now, “generalist” videos are probably going to get overlooked. On the other hand, it’s wise to focus on particular niche communities and produce sensational content for them.
Example: Barnes and Noble
Here is a viral video from Barnes and Noble among #BookTok, featuring real people and giving humorous vibes.
7. Post consistently and at the right time
Keep in mind that regular posting will increase your chances of going viral. You might also wonder what is the best time to post on TikTok to go viral. The optimal time to post on TikTok will depend on when your audience is using the app the most frequently. You can view reports that show you when your audience is most engaged if you have a TikTok Pro account. This can be found in the “Follower Activity” report of the Follower tab.
If you don’t have a TikTok Pro account, consider posting on Tuesdays at 9 AM, Thursdays at 12 PM, and Fridays at 5 AM, as suggested by Influencer Marketing Hub.
8. Include strong CTAs
Description and comment are perfect for CTAs. So try to use this space to pose questions, attract followers, or promote your products, website, blog, or other social media accounts (for example, “More items on my website, link in bio!”).
Example: Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty demonstrates various uses for one of its products in this TikTok. Also, to boost engagement, they include a relevant question with a brand-specific hashtag in the description (“Which #POUTSICLE look was ya fave?”).
9. Add subtitles to your TikTok video
TikTok added the feature of automatic captions in 2021, making it more user-friendly. You can use the “Captions” tool or consider adding captions manually to be free to experiment with text colors and fonts. This way you can easily create subtitles for your videos so that viewers can read or listen to your video with just one click.
Example: Formula 1
The use of colorful captions and emojis in Formula 1’s TikTok videos adds extra attraction to viewers. Even if you mute your sound, you won’t miss a beat.
10. Engage with your TikTok followers and other creators
Once posting videos, you should communicate with your followers and encourage them to do the same. As TikTok’s algorithm favors engagement, responding to comments on your videos can foster a sense of community and increase the chance that your content will go viral.
Additionally, a wonderful approach to boost engagement is by responding to comments and striking up dialogues with other creators in your niche.
11. Cross-promote your TikTok video
Nowadays, short videos are popular on practically all social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. As a result, you can repurpose your TikTok material on other social media channels. By doing this, you will be able to interact with your audience across a number of channels without having to make unique content for each one.
FAQs about Going viral on TikTok
While there is no exact threshold for a video to become viral, on average, a video will enter the mildly viral category after receiving about 250,000 views. It is regarded as medium viral if a video gets one million views. And if a video has five million views in a span of three to seven days, the creator will be a viral TikTok sensation.
The ultimate key is hooking viewers within the first three seconds to maximize completion and rewatch rates. When the algorithm detects high watch time alongside saves and shares, it automatically expands your video to broader “For You” feeds.
TikTok tests every video on a small, interest-matched audience regardless of your account’s follower count. By leveraging strong hooks, trending audio, and niche keywords, you can generate the high retention metrics needed to trigger wider distribution.
Focus on relatable situational humor, quick educational tips, compelling stories, or visual transformations that naturally encourage rewatches. Pairing these formats with trending audio and strong curiosity prompts viewers to save and share, triggering massive algorithmic reach.
