When TikTok was launched in 2017, no one had imagined the influence it would hold one day!
What started as a simple platform for lip-syncing has now become a powerful medium for people and brands to show their creative side, market their brand, and become viral.
But have you ever wondered what exactly it is that makes a TikTok trend go viral? The truth is there are quite a few factors at play that can impact the popularity of a video or a trend. This post highlights a few. Let’s find out!
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Why Do Some TikTok Trends Go Viral
Did you know adults in the US spend more time on TikTok- 32% to be precise- than any other social media platform?
This makes it superior to platforms like Facebook and Instagram when it comes to average time spent on social media.
You may think that getting viral success is more about getting lucky. Yes, while luck may have something to do with it, it is not the whole story.
There is a whole science behind why some videos blow up while other videos, however similar, fall flat. The major part of this phenomenon is the TikTok algorithm, and understanding it may help you make more strategic decisions to increase your chances of going viral.
TikTok Algorithm
Like any other social media site, the algorithm is the core determining factor behind which content is more visible.
However, unlike other social media sites where follower count usually dictates your reach, TikTok depends more on engagement metrics. This means that even if you do not have a massive following, your videos may still gain traction if they catch the attention of users quickly.
The algorithm takes multiple aspects into account:
- Engagement
- Watch time
- User interactions
- Trending sounds and hashtags
Timing Your Content
When you post your TikTok videos can be just as important as the content itself. TikTok is all about real-time trends, so riding the wave of a trending topic at the right time can be helpful in going viral.
According to a 2023 study by Metrocool, the best time to post on TikTok is around 8:30 pm on weekdays, with Saturdays usually peaking at 6:00 pm.
However, this may vary depending on your audience. One way to find the optimal posting time is by using TikTok’s analytics feature, which shows when your followers are most active.
However, timing is not only about the hour of the day when you post. It also means catching trends early. The TikTok community moves incredibly fast and a viral trend may change within mere days.
Short-Form Content
TikTok’s success mainly lies in its content format- short-form videos that immediately grab the attention.
Research shows that the platform favors videos that are under 60 seconds long, and videos that grab attention in the first 2 to 3 seconds tend to perform better.
So why does short-form work well? This is because today, attention spans are shorter than ever. If your video is unable to hook the viewer right away, they will most likely scroll on to the next!
So, make those first few seconds count. You can do this with a catchy intro, a funny twist, or a visual that catches the eye.
The Emotional and Social Impact
One of the biggest factors that drive virality on TikTok is the content’s ability to evoke an emotional or social response.
It could be a funny meme, an inspiring story, or a great dance routine, among others. The types of content that tend to get shared more include elements of humor, education, relatability, or inspiration.
When you make content that your audience is likely to share, you can boost your chances of expanding your reach significantly.
Hashtags are one of the easiest ways to make your video discoverable on TikTok!
When you use trending hashtags, you can increase your chances of appearing on the For You Page and gain a wider audience. However, all hashtags are not the same.
To ensure your videos go viral, try to make use of relevant but trending hashtags. These usually relate to ongoing challenges or trends.
You can also incorporate niche-specific hashtags that enable you to target a specific audience that is more likely to engage with your content.
It is, however, important to maintain a balance between broad, trending hashtags and more specific niche ones that relate directly to your video. Doing so will give you the best shot at both reaching a wider audience and connecting with your target viewers at the same time.
Final Thoughts
In summation, there is no single formula for going viral on TikTok. But understanding the science behind TikTok trends can certainly increase your chances.
When you create engaging content that your audience likes while keeping up with the latest trends and timing, your posts will make maximum impact.
It takes creativity while having a good understanding of TikTok’s algorithm and posting habits to boost your prospects of going viral.
So stay consistent with your efforts, but continue to experiment, too. Who knows, your next TikTok video may just be one that breaks the internet.