How to Make Viral Videos That Get Views

Want to know the secret to making a viral video? It’s not about luck. It's about a smart, repeatable strategy built on a deep understanding of what makes people tick.

The whole game boils down to three things: grabbing attention in the first second, tapping into a real human emotion, and making something so compelling that people feel an almost physical need to share it.

The Real Blueprint for Going Viral

Before you even think about hitting that record button, we need to shift your mindset. Stop being a hopeful creator who just throws content at the wall to see what sticks. It's time to become a strategic thinker.

Chasing every new trend is a surefire way to burn out. Instead, the real work is in engineering your content to connect on a human level. You’re aiming for the emotional triggers that stop the scroll, make someone laugh, gasp, or feel understood, and then immediately think, "I have to send this to someone."

Every video that explodes tells a great story, offers a clever solution, or frames an idea in a way that feels totally new and essential.

The Modern Video Battlefield

Let's be clear: the game is played on mobile, and the format is short-form video. The data doesn't lie. Around 90% of consumers are watching short-form videos every single day, and platforms like TikTok are driving that number even higher.

The format itself isn't a suggestion—it's a requirement. Vertical videos, made for phone screens, see 90% higher completion rates than horizontal ones. That’s not a small difference; it’s a total game-changer. Your entire strategy has to be built around this mobile-first reality.

If you're looking for a deeper dive into the mechanics of the platform, this complete guide to increasing TikTok video views is an excellent resource to get you started.

The Three Pillars of a Viral Hit

So, how do you turn this understanding into actual content? You focus your creative firepower on three core pillars. Get these right, and you'll be miles ahead of the competition.

I've put together a quick table that breaks down what you should be focusing on. Think of this as your strategic checklist before you start creating.

Core Pillars of a Viral Video Strategy

Nailing these three elements consistently is what separates one-hit wonders from creators who can reliably produce engaging content.

Key Takeaway: The goal isn't just to rack up views. It's to start a conversation. Your video should feel like a little secret that people are genuinely excited to pass on to their friends.

Finding Ideas That Actually Have Viral Potential

A killer idea is the foundation of any viral video. But let's be honest, in a sea of endless content, how do you find a concept that isn't already played out? The secret isn't some magical ability to invent something completely new. It’s about building a repeatable process for spotting and testing ideas that have a real shot at grabbing people's attention.

This means you have to move past the generic advice everyone parrots online. It’s time to become a bit of a detective, using the tools built right into the platforms and really digging into what your audience wants to see. When you nail this part, you'll find yourself consistently coming up with fresh concepts that just click.

Look for Rising Trends, Not Peaked Ones

This is probably the single biggest mistake I see creators make: they jump on a trend when it’s already plastered all over everyone's feed. By then, your audience is already getting tired of it, and the algorithm has moved on. Your job is to catch the wave as it's building, not after it's already crashed on the shore.

So, how do you do that? Start by making tools like TikTok’s Creative Center and YouTube’s trending tab your new best friends. Don't just glance at the top videos of the day. You need to dig deeper. Filter for rising sounds, effects, and hashtags over the last 7 to 30 days. This sweet spot shows you what’s gaining serious steam but hasn't hit full saturation yet.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for audio with under 10,000 uses that suddenly starts popping up on your "For You" page. That’s often a tell-tale sign a sound is about to blow up, giving you a huge first-mover advantage.

It's also crucial to understand that trends have their own rhythms. Seasonal and platform-specific patterns can totally change how a video gains momentum. For instance, search interest for “trending TikTok videos” tends to spike in August, likely fueled by summer challenges and dance crazes. Meanwhile, “viral YouTube videos” sees more consistent interest all year. Each platform has its own pulse. To see more on this, you can check out this viral video trends analysis at Accio.com.

This data isn't just trivia; it shows that timing your content to a platform’s unique energy can be a game-changer.

Analyze Your Audience and Find the Gaps

Your own audience, no matter the size, is a goldmine of ideas just waiting to be tapped. Dive into your analytics and look at which of your past videos really connected. Go beyond just view counts. I'm talking about videos with high engagement—especially shares and saves. These are the metrics that scream, "My audience found this so valuable they either had to show someone or come back to it later."

Once you've pinpointed your top-performing themes, ask yourself what the next logical step is.

• Could you make a "Part 2" or a follow-up to a video that popped off? It's a simple way to give people more of what they've already told you they love.
• Is there a question that keeps appearing in your comments? Turn the answer into a video. It shows you're listening and delivers instant value.
• What are other creators in your niche not talking about? Look for that underserved sub-topic or a slightly controversial angle that will get people talking.

For example, say you run a cooking channel and your video on a "15-minute pasta dish" went viral. The answer isn't just to make another generic pasta video. Find the gap. Maybe you create a video on "3 pasta mistakes almost everyone makes" or "the one cheap ingredient that will upgrade any pasta dish." You're building on proven success but bringing something new to the table.

Add Your Unique Spin to an Existing Format

Originality doesn't mean reinventing the wheel. It's about putting your own custom rims on it. Some of the most viral videos of all time simply took a popular format and injected it with a unique personality, a weird niche, or a fresh perspective. That’s how you turn a borrowed concept into your own viral moment.

Here are a few ways to make a trend your own:

• Apply It to Your Niche: Take a trending sound that’s huge with dancers and see how you can apply it to your niche, whether it's coding, gardening, or finance. The unexpected combination is often what makes it so clever and shareable.
• Subvert Expectations: Start your video like you're following a trend perfectly, then hit them with a twist at the end. That pattern interrupt is a powerful hook that makes people stop scrolling and often re-watch to see what they missed.
• Combine Two Trends: What happens when you mash up a trending audio with a popular visual effect or filter? Playing around with these combos can lead to a completely fresh format no one else is doing yet.

The key here is to use the trend as a familiar starting point, but fill it with your authentic content and personality. That makes your video feel both relevant and original—a killer combo for going viral.

Crafting Your Hook, Story, and Edit

So, you've got a validated idea. That's a huge first step. But an idea is just a starting point—now it's time for the real work: turning that concept into a polished video that people can't stop watching. Going viral isn't about getting lucky; it's a craft, and it all begins with the first three seconds.

Seriously, you have three seconds. That's it. That's your entire window to stop the thumb from scrolling. If your opening doesn't immediately grab a viewer with a sharp question, a bold claim, or something visually jarring, they're gone.

This make-or-break moment is the hook. It is, without a doubt, the single most important part of your video. Get it wrong, and even the most incredible story or slickest edit won't matter because nobody will be around to see it.

Architecting a Powerful Hook

A great hook works by opening up a "curiosity gap." You're basically making a promise to the viewer—a promise of valuable information, a laugh, or an incredible reveal—that they feel compelled to see through to the end. You want them thinking, "Okay, I have to see where this is going."

I've seen a few hook formulas work like a charm time and time again:

• The Problem-Agitator: Kick things off with a common pain point. Something like, "You're editing your videos all wrong..." This instantly connects with your target audience and signals you have the solution.
• The "You Won't Believe This" Hook: Start with a shocking result or unbelievable statement. For example, "This one tiny change to my morning routine doubled my energy."
• The Question Hook: Ask a direct question that makes the viewer stop and think. For instance, "Are you making this common mistake with your finances?"

If you want to really nail the opening, it pays to study what works. Check out these powerful ideas for introductions that will hook anyone to get some inspiration.

Once you’ve landed the hook, your story needs to deliver on that initial promise. Keep it simple. Forget complex narratives or a cast of characters. Think of it as a straight line: a clear beginning (your hook), a middle (where you build tension or show the transformation), and an end (the payoff). This simple arc is what keeps people watching and drives up your retention metrics.

Editing for Maximum Impact and Retention

Your editing is just as crucial as your story. It’s not just about looking professional; it’s about controlling the energy and pace of the video, which has a direct line to how long people stick around.

One of the most effective techniques is using fast cuts and pattern interrupts. Viewers on platforms like TikTok and Reels are hardwired for rapid-fire content. A shot that lingers for more than a couple of seconds feels painfully slow. Use quick cuts, zoom-ins, and different camera angles to keep the viewer’s brain engaged.

This workflow really breaks down how to link your initial idea to the final, polished video.

As you can see, a winning idea goes from spotting a trend to finding your unique angle—and that's precisely what your editing should amplify.

Another non-negotiable? On-screen text and captions. A huge number of people watch videos with the sound off. Your text needs to do more than just repeat what you’re saying; it should add personality and visual pop.

My Two Cents: Think of your edit like a song's rhythm. Every cut, sound effect, and text animation is a beat. You're trying to create a tempo that’s energetic and builds momentum all the way to the final payoff.

Hooked actually takes a lot of the guesswork out of this, giving you proven templates to build from. You can dive deeper into how to craft those crucial openings with their tools for creating viral hook videos.

Mastering Sound and Pacing

Never underestimate the power of audio. Sound design is the secret weapon of truly viral content. The right trending audio can do half the work for you, instantly tapping into a massive, ongoing cultural moment. But don't just randomly slap a popular song onto your clip.

The real magic is in the audio sync. Your visual cuts, actions, and text should hit right on the beat or align perfectly with the lyrics. This creates a polished, satisfying rhythm that viewers feel, even if they don't consciously notice it.

Beyond the music, weave in subtle sound effects (SFX) to give your actions more punch. A simple "whoosh" on a transition or a "ding" when a key point appears on screen adds a layer of quality that makes your content feel premium.

Finally, be ruthless with your pacing. Your video needs to feel like it’s constantly moving forward, with zero dead air or lulls in energy. This relentless forward momentum is what keeps viewers glued to the screen until the very last second. That high completion rate is a massive signal to the algorithm that your content is a winner and deserves to be shown to more people.

Making the Platform Algorithms Work for You

https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZonRKXyvzI

Let's be real: creating a brilliant video is only half the battle. If nobody sees it, all that hard work doesn't mean much. This is where understanding the platform algorithms becomes your secret weapon, turning you from just another creator into a savvy distributor.

Think of the algorithms on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts not as these mysterious, all-powerful gatekeepers, but more like very literal matchmakers. Their only job is to find the perfect audience for your content. Your job is to give them the right signals so they can do their job well.

This isn't about finding shady "hacks" or trying to outsmart the system. It's about playing the game intelligently. When you optimize your content for the signals that platforms prioritize, you give your video the best possible chance to break out beyond your followers and reach a massive, highly engaged audience.

Decoding the Signals That Matter Most

While each platform has its own secret sauce, they all fundamentally care about one thing: keeping users on their app for as long as possible. That means they push content that proves to be engaging. Your video sends these signals through specific actions people take when they see it.

The top-tier signals that algorithms watch like a hawk are:

• Completion Rate: Did someone watch your video all the way to the end? A high completion rate is a massive green flag, telling the algorithm your content is compelling from start to finish.
• Watch Time: This is the total time people spend watching your video. Even better is when they re-watch it, which sends an incredibly strong signal that your content is high-value.
• Shares: When someone shares your video, they’re putting their own reputation on the line to vouch for it. Algorithms weigh this heavily.
• Comments: Comments show that your video sparked a conversation. Content that drives discussion is exactly what platforms want to promote.

My Two Cents: Of all these metrics, watch time and completion rate are the undisputed kings. A video with a sky-high completion rate but fewer likes will almost always outperform a video with tons of likes but a terrible completion rate. Your number one goal should be to keep eyes on that screen.

Nailing this is more important than ever. The digital content world is exploding, and competition is fierce. It's projected that video will make up a staggering 82% of all internet traffic by 2025, a trend driven almost entirely by our mobile viewing habits. Businesses are paying attention, too—91% of companies now use video in their marketing, which shows just how essential this medium has become.

How Each Platform Weighs Engagement

While the core signals are similar, the priority can differ slightly between platforms. Knowing this helps you fine-tune your content for the specific app you're posting on.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what I’ve seen matters most on each of the big three:

Algorithm Signal Priority by Platform

Understanding these nuances gives you a real edge. You're no longer just throwing content at the wall and hoping it sticks; you're making strategic decisions based on how each platform operates.

Optimizing Your Video for Maximum Discovery

Once your masterpiece is edited and ready to go, the final touches you add before posting can make or break its performance. This is where you give the algorithm the context it needs to find your ideal audience.

Think of it like labeling a file in a massive library. The more specific and accurate your labels, the easier it is for the system to categorize your content and serve it to people who have already shown interest in similar topics.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Craft a Killer Caption: Your caption should do more than just describe the video. Add context, ask a question to get the comments flowing, or include a clear call to action.
• Use a Smart Hashtag Mix: Don't just pile on the biggest, most generic hashtags. The best strategy is a mix: 1-2 broad hashtags (#diy, #comedy) and 2-3 niche hashtags specific to your audience (#midcenturymodernfinds, #softwaredevelopertips). This helps the algorithm understand both the general topic and the specific community you're trying to reach.
• Think Like a Search Engine: Treat your caption and on-screen text like a mini SEO exercise. Weave in keywords that people would actually use to search for your type of content. The algorithm reads all of this text to figure out what your video is about.

Making high-quality video is easier than ever with the right tools. If you're looking to consistently produce great content, exploring a dedicated TikTok video generator can help you create videos that are optimized for the platform right from the start.

Why Timing and Initial Engagement Are Everything

When you post matters. A lot.

Posting when your target audience is most active gives your video an initial burst of engagement, which can create a powerful snowball effect. Dive into your platform analytics to see when your followers are online and don't be afraid to experiment with different times.

The first hour after you post is the most critical window. The algorithm shows your video to a small test group first. If that group responds well—high watch time, lots of shares, good comments—it then pushes the video out to a wider audience, and then wider still.

This is why that initial velocity is so important. A small tweak in your posting schedule or a slight change in your hashtag strategy can be the difference between a video that gets a few hundred views and one that goes viral.

How to Turn a Viral Moment into Real Growth

So, your video just blew up. The views are skyrocketing, the comments are pouring in, and your phone has been buzzing nonstop. It's the moment every creator works for. But here’s the tough lesson I’ve learned: going viral isn't the finish line. It's the starting gun.

That massive rush of attention is a golden opportunity, but it’s also incredibly temporary. If you don’t have a plan in place, that wave of visibility will disappear as quickly as it arrived, leaving you with nothing but a cool memory. The real mission is to turn that flash in the pan into a loyal, engaged community that sticks around.

This is the point where you stop being just a content creator and start becoming a community builder.

Dive Deep into Your Analytics

Forget the vanity metrics for a second. Your analytics dashboard is now your best friend. It holds the clues to why your video took off, and figuring that out is the only way to repeat your success. You need to become a data detective.

First up, your audience retention graph. Find the exact moments where viewers dropped off, and more importantly, where they were totally glued to the screen. Was it a punchline? A shocking visual? A clever editing trick? This is your secret weapon, showing you the precise ingredients that captivated a massive audience.

Next, check your traffic sources. Did the video get picked up on the "For You" page? Was it a specific hashtag? Or did it get shared like crazy on another platform? Knowing where that initial fire started helps you understand how the algorithm sees your content, giving you a much clearer path for promoting your next video.

Capitalize on the Conversation

A viral video doesn't just bring views; it brings a tsunami of comments, questions, and new followers. How you act in the first 24-48 hours is crucial for converting those passive viewers into real fans.

• Engage Strategically: You can’t possibly reply to every single comment, so don't even try. Instead, find the top comments and the most common questions. Pinning a thoughtful reply or asking a follow-up question can inject new life into the conversation, which the algorithm loves.
• Create Follow-Up Content—Fast: Your new audience is hungry for more of what they just saw. Think of your comments section as an impromptu focus group. Did a dozen people ask the same thing? Boom. That's your next video. It shows you're listening and gives them exactly what they want, right away.

My biggest piece of advice: Treat your viral video's comment section like a content brainstorming session for the next month. Your audience is literally telling you what to make next. All you have to do is listen.

Juggling this rapid-fire content creation and community management can get overwhelming. For creators trying to scale their output without burning out, exploring tools for YouTube automation can be a huge help. It lets you focus on the creative side while the system handles the heavy lifting.

From Viral Hit to Sustainable Success

One viral video can feel like a lucky break. Two or three proves you've cracked a code. The final piece of the puzzle is building a sustainable content strategy that keeps your newfound audience coming back for more.

This doesn't mean you should just remake the same video over and over again. That's a surefire way to bore your audience. Instead, you need to identify the core theme or value that made the video connect with so many people. Was it your offbeat sense of humor? Your incredibly practical advice? Your relatable storytelling?

That core element is now your brand. Your job is to apply that same flavor to new topics and formats. This approach builds consistency without being repetitive, creating a loyal following that shows up for you, not just for a fleeting trend. This is how you transform a moment of internet fame into the foundation for real, lasting growth.

Common Questions About Making Viral Videos

Even when you have a solid game plan, trying to make a video go viral can feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Let's clear the air and tackle some of the questions that come up all the time. Getting these practical details sorted out lets you focus on what really matters: creating something awesome.

Think of this as a no-fluff Q&A to help you move forward with a lot more confidence.

How Long Should My Video Be to Go Viral?

Everyone's looking for that magic number, but the truth is, it's a moving target. Right now, for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, the sweet spot seems to be somewhere between 15 and 45 seconds.

But the real secret isn't about the clock; it's about audience retention. Your video should be exactly as long as it needs to be to land its punch, and not a single second longer. If you can get the laugh or the "aha!" moment in 15 seconds, great. If your story needs 45 seconds to build up, that works too.

The ultimate report card is your retention graph. If you see a huge nosedive in the first few seconds, your hook didn't live up to the video's length. Your goal should always be to get as many people as possible to watch until the very end.

Do I Need Expensive Equipment?

Nope. Not at all. In fact, I've seen super polished, high-production videos totally flop because they felt too much like an ad and out of place on feeds that celebrate authenticity.

The lion's share of viral videos are shot on a regular old smartphone. People scrolling through TikTok and Reels are looking for content they can relate to, not a Hollywood blockbuster. Good lighting and clear audio will always beat a 4K camera.

Instead of dropping cash on fancy gear, focus on these fundamentals:

• Good Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Seriously, just stand facing a window. It’s free and looks amazing.
• Clear Audio: You can get a cheap lavalier mic online that will make a world of difference. But even in a quiet room, your phone’s built-in mic is often good enough to get started.
• A Steady Hand: Shaky footage is distracting. A small tripod is a good investment, but propping your phone against a stack of books works just as well.

Put your energy into the idea and the edit, not the equipment list.

How Important Are Trending Sounds?

Trending audio is a massive piece of the puzzle, but maybe not for the reason you think. It's less about the song itself and more about how the algorithm uses it as a distribution superhighway.

When you hop on a popular sound, your video gets a ticket to an audience that's already proven they like content with that audio. It’s basically a shortcut to finding people who are primed to engage.

But a word of caution: don't just slap a trending sound on a random video. The content that really pops is from creators who cleverly adapt the trend to their own niche or give it a unique twist. That’s how you stand out when thousands of others are using the exact same sound.

How Many Hashtags Should I Use?

Less is more. Forget stuffing your caption with 30 hashtags. The best approach is a strategic mix of broad and niche tags, usually around 3 to 5 total. Throwing a dozen irrelevant tags on there just confuses the algorithm and can actually do more harm than good.

Here’s a simple framework for your hashtag strategy:

1. One or two broad hashtags: These are your high-traffic keywords that describe the general topic (e.g., #comedy, #diyproject).
2. Two or three niche hashtags: These get super specific about your video and your target audience (e.g., #vintagehomedecor, #softwaredeveloperlife).

This balanced mix helps the algorithm understand both the big picture and the specific community you're trying to reach, giving your video the best possible chance of finding its people.

Ready to stop guessing and start creating videos with real viral potential? Hooked gives you the daily trends, AI-powered video templates, and strategic roadmap you need to grow fast. Create your first video in minutes at https://tryhooked.ai.