How to create viral videos on TikTok

Why focus on creating viral videos?

Who doesn’t want their video to be seen by thousands—or even millions—of people? If you’re on TikTok or Instagram, viral content is often key to growing your personal brand or business. But how do you get there? Let’s break down what makes a video go viral and how you can replicate that success.

What makes a video go viral?

Ever wonder why some videos rack up millions of views while others barely hit double digits? It usually comes down to a combination of factors:

• A strong hook in the first 3 seconds
• Content that triggers emotions (laughter, surprise, empathy)
• A clear and concise message
• Trending topics, sounds, or visuals

But remember, technical quality counts too. Well-lit videos with clear audio have much better odds of succeeding.

Photo by Adesh Bankar on Unsplash

Step 1: Research trending topics

Before hitting record, spend time figuring out what’s trending. TikTok’s "Discover" page and Instagram’s "Reels" tab are great starting points. But don’t stop there. Search platforms like Google Trends or dive into niche-specific forums to see what people are talking about.

With tools like Clipwise’s Trend Search, this becomes even easier. In under 30 seconds, you can identify trending videos in over 20 countries, filtered by keywords that match your niche. It’s perfect for tailoring ideas to your audience.

Pro tip: Don’t copy trends directly. Use them as inspiration and add your unique spin.

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Step 2: Focus on the hook

The first second of your video is make-or-break. If you don’t grab attention immediately, viewers will scroll past without a second thought. So, what works?

• Start with a surprising question.
• Use an emotional outburst or dramatic action.
• Add on-screen text that makes people curious to learn more.

For instance, instead of starting with, “Hey, today I want to talk about...,” you might say, “Did you know 80% of TikTok videos fail because of one mistake?” That’s the kind of line that hooks viewers instantly.

Step 3: Optimize with AI tools

Want to know if your video has what it takes to go viral? AI tools can help you fine-tune your content for maximum impact. For example, Clipwise’s Video Analysis scores your hook, pacing, value, and overall quality. You’ll receive specific, practical recommendations to boost performance.

In our experience, videos with a hook score above 80 have a 35% higher chance of gaining traction. Why not give yourself the best chance to succeed?

Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

Step 4: Use trending sounds and effects

Both TikTok and Instagram prioritize videos that include popular audio tracks. Scour their sound libraries to find trending music or effects you can incorporate into your content. Just make sure the sound complements your video’s theme—random audio can confuse viewers and hurt your engagement.

Step 5: Add a clear call-to-action (CTA)

What do you want viewers to do after watching your video? Follow you? Comment? Share? Be direct about it. The most successful viral videos often include a strong CTA, whether it’s spoken, written on-screen, or part of the caption.

Professional tips

Consistent posting matters

Disappointed that your first video didn’t go viral? Don’t give up. Viral success often comes from consistent effort. Post daily, or at least several times a week, to increase your chances of hitting it big.

Analyze your competitors

Check out what’s already working in your niche. What do the most successful videos have in common? Whether it’s specific hooks, editing styles, or topics, take note of what you can adapt to your content.

Use AI to save time

AI tools aren’t just about optimization—they can also speed up the creative process. For instance, Clipwise’s Script Generator offers multiple formats like reviews, tutorials, and storytelling, helping you script content faster.

Our take: Viral videos aren’t just about creativity—they’re about preparation. With a mix of the right tools and strategies, you can create content that resonates with your audience and grows your platform.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash