How To Go Viral on TikTok: Master the Art of Trend-Catching
TikTok has become its own little world. You’ve got dance challenges, hilarious skits, trending songs, and more. It’s the place where trends are born, and overnight stars are made out of everyday TikTok users. If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and thought, “I want a piece of that action,” good news — you can have it.
So, what exactly does it mean to “go viral”? Think of TikTok as a massive collection of videos. When a video goes viral, it gets more viewers’ attention than most.
People like it, share it, and watch it over and over. Suddenly, your video gains massive popularity, even with people who don’t usually follow you.
But know this: going viral on TikTok isn’t a lucky break. Sure, sometimes it happens randomly, but more often, there’s a TikTok marketing strategy behind those viral hits. That’s what we’re going to dig into today.
Why Do TikTok Trends Matter?
TikTok trends aren’t just about silly dances or the latest memes. They hold surprising power for anyone who wants to grow their audience and make an impact on the platform.
Whether you’re an aspiring influencer or a business owner, understanding the how and why of trends is essential. Let’s unpack why those TikTok trends should be on your radar.
FOMO and the Power of the Crowd
Most of us don’t like feeling left out. When you see a cool trend happening, you want to be part of it.
That feeling drives people to watch trend videos, try them out themselves, and share them with their friends. This kind of buzz helps your videos get seen.
Brand Awareness
Businesses and brands are all over TikTok because it’s a great way to get noticed. When you hop on trends, it shows you’re in the know, relevant, and part of the conversation. That can attract customers or even spark partnerships.
Source of Authority
Jumping on trends can position you as an expert (or at least someone who gets it) within your niche. Whether you’re into fitness, fashion, or funny animal videos, being part of the trend shows you understand your target audience and what they love.
When it’s all said and done, trends build authority and capture the attention of the masses. Ignoring trends means missing out on a massive opportunity to make your TikTok presence truly pop. Now that you know how powerful trends are, let’s talk about how to spot them.
How Does the TikTok Algorithm Work?
TikTok has a super-smart system called the algorithm. It figures out what each person likes and shows them more of that stuff. So, when you make a video that taps into a current trend, the algorithm knows a bunch of people will probably be interested. This boosts your chances of landing more For You pages.
How To Spot TikTok Trends
TikTok is a massive platform with tons of videos dropping every minute. Trends are the ones that rise to the top and get lots of attention. To get in on the action, you need to know how to spot those trends. Here’s what should be on your to-do list:
Your “For You” Page
Your For You page gives you a constantly updated look at the latest trends and what’s popular on TikTok. Take time each day to scroll through and take notes.
Is there a trending audio you keep hearing repeatedly? Do you see specific dances or challenges popping up? Those are likely trends.
Hashtag Tracking
Hashtags are the little labels on TikTok videos that help people find video content (or audio content) they’re interested in. Spend some time on the Discover page and see which trending hashtags are at the top. These usually mean a trend is attached.
It’s important to know the difference between sponsored hashtags (they’ll usually have the word “ad” next to them) and organic hashtags (those created by the community).
Both can be powerful, but organic trends often show what people are genuinely excited about. These are relevant hashtags that can net you the most action.
Learn From the Competition
Check out what other content creators in your niche are doing. Don’t copy them exactly, but if you keep seeing them hop on a certain trend, it’s worth investigating. This is a great way to spot early trends that might not be super obvious yet.
Eyes Beyond TikTok
Pop culture is a place where trends often start. Did a new song blow up? Did a big event happen? Keep an eye on the news, social media platforms, and what friends are talking about. Anything creating buzz might turn into a TikTok trend.
Trend Speed
TikTok trends move fast. What’s hot today might be old news in a week. So don’t just spot trends — be ready to jump on them quickly. That’s where the real magic happens.
That covers how to find trends. But honestly, simply recreating what everyone else is doing won’t make you stand out. So in the next section, we’ll dig into how to take those trends and make them totally you.
How To Stand Out in the TikTok Trend Crowd
Following TikTok trends is a smart move. It gets your videos in front of more eyes. But here’s the deal: Everyone and their dog are jumping on the same trends. To really stand out, you need to add your own special touch, your unique twist.
The Remix
Trends are a starting point, not the final product. How can you take a trending sound, dance, or challenge and make it uniquely you? Think about:
- Costume Change: Do the trend, but halfway through, switch into a crazy outfit or something totally unexpected.
- Location Swap: Start the video in one place, then magically teleport somewhere totally surprising while keeping the trend going.
- Duets: Can you blend two trending sounds or challenges into a new, hilarious combo?
These are just a few ideas to get your creative wheels turning. The key is to find a way to inject your personality, humor, or unique perspective into the trend. That’s what makes it memorable and makes people want to share your content.
Use TikTok Tools
The app has all sorts of stuff built right in. Learn how to use them to supercharge your trend content:
- Green Screen: Put yourself in front of any background — a funny meme, a movie scene, anything that adds to your twist on the trend.
- Voice Effects: Make your video extra funny with effects. Maybe use a robot voice or a chipmunk voice. The options are endless.
- Timer: This tool lets you film without holding your phone, giving you the freedom to nail those dance moves.
Experimenting with these tools opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities for your trend content. Don’t be afraid to get playful and see what you can create.
The Little Things Matter
Don’t think sloppy videos can become viral content. Good lighting (even just sitting by a window helps) and keeping your camera steady make your video look way more polished and professional.
Timing Is Everything
Whether you’re nailing a dance move right on the beat or delivering a funny punchline with perfect comedic timing, pay attention to the rhythm of your trend video. Practice makes perfect. Getting the timing right is often what makes a good video absolutely great.
Surprise Is Your Friend
Viewers love to be surprised. Do something unexpected within the trend, and suddenly, your video becomes a lot more interesting. You’re not just blending into the trend crowd; you’re rising above it.
Here’s a pro tip to consider: Catching a trend is great, but making that trend yours is how you become a true TikTok star. Next, let’s talk about what happens after you hit that post button.
What Should You Do After Posting a TikTok?
You’ve nailed an awesome trend video. You added your unique spin and used TikTok tools, and everything looks great. But your work isn’t done. For a truly successful TikTok content strategy, you need to think beyond the video itself.
The Chatty Creator
On TikTok, you’re not just broadcasting — you’re part of a conversation. When people comment on your video, comment back. Be friendly, ask questions, and let people know you appreciate them watching. This helps you build a community around your TikTok account, and communities are loyal.
Community = Visibility
A strong community helps your content get seen. When people regularly engage with your videos, the TikTok algorithm recognizes that your stuff sparks conversation.
This often leads to more of your videos popping up on people’s For You pages. Think of it as building a team of fans who help promote your TikTok content.
Timing Is Money
Knowing the best time to post your videos plays a huge role in getting views and engagement. It’s all about your target audience. If you’re aiming for teenagers, posting right after school lets out might be perfect.
But if you make content for busy working moms, later in the evening might work better. Research when your people are most likely to be on TikTok and try to post during those peak times.
Don’t Be a One-Hit Wonder
Viral videos are awesome, but one viral hit doesn’t automatically make you a TikTok star. Post regularly to keep people coming back for more, and show them you’re producing quality content consistently.
Collaborate with other TikTok creators to reach new audiences. Experiment with different types of content to see what your TikTok audience loves, then give them more of it.
How To Build TikTok Success
Going viral once is great, but real TikTok success comes from building a lasting presence. Think of it like training for a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to create momentum:
Consistency Makes a Difference
Regular posting keeps people coming back for more and signals to the algorithm that you’re a reliable source of quality content. Aim for a posting schedule you can actually maintain, even if it’s just a few videos a week at first.
Adapt or Get Left Behind
TikTok trends move at lightning speed. Don’t get stuck in a rut doing the same old thing. Be willing to try new trends, experiment with different video formats (like tutorials or storytelling), and always keep an eye on what’s happening in your niche.
Listen to the Crowd
Pay attention to comments and analytics. What are your viewers responding to? Did a video get lots of views but low average watch time? This information helps you tailor your content strategy and make videos your audience genuinely loves.
Be Real, Not a Trend-Chaser
You can tell when someone’s faking it. If a trend doesn’t fit your brand or personality, don’t force it. Audiences connect with authenticity. Find ways to express your unique voice, even within larger trends.
How Can You Use TikTok To Fuel Other Platforms?
TikTok is powerful. But it’s not the only game in town.
Promote your TikTok content across other platforms to expand your reach and build a larger audience:
- Take Advantage of Instagram Reels: Reels work similarly to TikTok, making it easy to share your videos there and reach new people.
- LinkedIn Leverage: If you’re building a personal brand, share your TikTok highlights on LinkedIn to showcase your creativity and social media savvy.
- Newsletter Power: Got a newsletter? Include a “TikTok of the Week” section, driving traffic back to your TikTok account.
- Behind-the-Scenes: Give people a sneak peek of your TikTok creation process on Instagram stories or other platforms. This generates interest and makes people want to follow your TikTok for more.
TikTok analytics and other platform insights show you what’s working. Are certain types of videos getting lots of views on LinkedIn? Are Instagram Reel shares converting to more TikTok followers? Use these metrics to focus your efforts and maximize your reach across all platforms.
Are You Ready To Go Viral?
TikTok trends are your key to reaching a massive audience. Learn to spot them with your For You page and hashtags and by keeping an eye on your niche. But don’t just copy what’s popular — add your unique twist. Use the tools, get creative, and let your personality shine.
Be consistent, adapt to the ever-changing platform, and always be authentic. Now get out there and start experimenting. Your TikTok stardom awaits. Want to supercharge your strategy? Founder OS can help you crush it. Register today and sign up for the Founder OS newsletter for weekly business tips and insights.
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