How do you get a viral hit? A combination of creativity, strategy and timing.

Landing a viral hit on TikTok is no coincidence – it is a mixture of creativity, strategy and timing. If you want to get started as an artist or creator, these proven tips will help you achieve more visibility, reach and engagement. Let’s go!

1. Use current trends

To go viral on TikTok, it is crucial to have your finger on the pulse of the platform. In particular, this means jumping on current trends before they disappear. Popular sounds or songs that are currently on trend greatly increase your chances of being played in the algorithm – this is because TikTok rewards content that is embedded in existing trends.

The same applies to challenges: whether you’re taking part in an existing challenge or starting a creative new one yourself doesn’t matter – the main thing is that you create connectivity.

Take a look at trendy hashtags at the moment: #fyp, #viral, or #xyzbca. Using these hashtags is a good way to make your videos easier to find.

2. Create a strong hook (in the first 3 seconds)

The attention span on TikTok is extremely short, so you need to draw people in immediately. The first three seconds are critical to whether someone will continue watching your video or scroll past it. So start with a visual or content-related hook that immediately arouses curiosity: this can be a provocative question, a funny moment, a surprising picture or a quick movement. Avoid long intros or explanations – get straight to the point and grab your audience emotionally or visually.

3. Keep it short and to the point

Even if you have a lot to say, TikTok rewards short, concise content. Videos that are between 7 and 15 seconds long often have the best chances because they can be viewed in their entirety – or even repeatedly in an endless loop. If you want to tell a story, make sure it is clearly structured and dynamically told. Every moment in the video should fulfil a function – either create tension, provide information or arouse emotions.

4. Use clever cuts & visual effects

Fast, well-thought-out cuts and visual surprises keep your video exciting. If viewers feel that there’s more to your clip than a simple “talking head” video, they’re more likely to stick with it. TikTok offers many creative tools such as filters, effects and text overlays – use them specifically to support your storytelling or to grab attention.

5. Encourage interactions (likes, comments, shares)

The TikTok algorithm doesn’t just look at views, it primarily looks at engagement. This means that if your video receives a lot of likes, comments, or shares, the algorithm considers it relevant and plays it more frequently. Therefore, you should actively invite people to interact with your content. Ask questions, ask for opinions, or create topics of conversation. Also cliffhangers like “Part 2 out tomorrow” or “Want to see more?” work well to build followers and get people to come back.

6. Post at the right time

The best content does little if no one sees it. Therefore, be sure to post at times when your target audience is active. The rule of thumb: in the mornings between 7 and 9am, in the middle of the day from 12 to 2pm and in the evenings between 6 and 10pm. These windows are the best ways to generate organic reach, especially if you regularly post at the same times.

7. Be consistent

Virality rarely comes overnight. Instead, it comes through repetition, learning and patience. If you post regularly (ideally three to five times a week), you will not only increase your chances of reach, but also train the algorithm to see your content as “reliable”. Plus, over time, you’ll see which content performs particularly well and you’ll be able to adjust and refine your strategy accordingly.

8. Use Duets & Stitches

An underestimated way to gain visibility is to interact creatively with other content. Duets or Stitches let you respond to, comment on, or continue viral videos in your own way. The important thing here is to bring your own perspective. The algorithm loves original takes on existing trends – straightforward copying not so much.

9. Storytelling and emotions

TikTok lives on emotions – the more authentic, the better. People react strongly to stories that touch, surprise, or make you laugh. Be personal, be brave and share real experiences. Emotional content is commented on, shared, and saved more often – this is exactly what you need to go viral. Humour, vulnerability or an unexpected twist can be the key.

10. Luck & the algorithm factor

Despite all the planning, you always need a pinch of luck on TikTok. Not every video goes viral – and sometimes an otherwise non-descript clip comes out of nowhere. The important thing is: stay tuned, try it out, keep going. If you are consistent and remain open to new ideas, you automatically increase your chances of going viral.

Have fun!