How to go VIRAL on Instagram & TikTok

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, reaching a wide audience on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can seem like an elusive goal. However, with the right strategies and an understanding of the algorithms, achieving viral success is not just possible; it’s within your grasp. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide on mastering these platforms and boosting your views and engagement.

Understanding the Algorithm

To increase your visibility on Instagram and TikTok, it’s crucial to grasp how the algorithms work. When you first post your content, it is shown to about 20% of your followers and some non-followers who have similar interests. The platform evaluates your content based on two main factors: watch time and engagement.

Watch time is particularly important because social media platforms profit when users spend more time viewing videos. Therefore, if your content captures viewers' attention and retains it, the algorithm favors your video, showing it to an even wider audience. In contrast, content that fails to hook viewers won’t receive that boost.

Secrets to Increasing Watch Time

Create Loop Videos: Loop videos, which end in a way that connects with the beginning, encourage viewers to watch multiple times. This technique can significantly enhance watch time.
Use Plenty of Text: Incorporate text that tells a story or delivers humor; ensure the text takes longer to read than the video length to encourage repeated views.
Engaging Storytelling: Structure your content with a clear beginning, middle, and an engaging end to keep viewers intrigued.
Tease Surprises: Build anticipation by hinting at an exciting reveal later in the video. Use captivating captions that pique curiosity.
Optimal Video Length: Aim for video lengths of 7 to 15 seconds initially, as shorter videos usually retain viewers’ attention better.
Trending Audios: Select audios that suit the mood of your video. Happy content should accompany upbeat music, while serious content should use somber sounds.
Custom Thumbnails: Create visually appealing thumbnails to grab attention on the explore or for you pages.
SEO Essentials: Utilize relevant keywords and hashtags in your captions to improve search visibility and rank higher in search results.
Effective Use of Hashtags: Employ a mix of popular, niche-specific, and branded hashtags. Limit your hashtags to 3 to 7 to maintain relevance.
Crafting Hooks: Begin with a captivating hook to draw viewers in. Effective hooks could be a striking visual, a tantalizing statement, or a call to action.

Increasing Engagement

To further enhance visibility, focus on maximizing engagement, specifically comments, as they signal interest to the algorithm. Here are a few strategies to get more comments:

Ask Questions: Encourage interaction by soliciting opinions or posing questions relevant to your content.
Create Controversial Content: Light-hearted debates, such as “Do you like pineapple on pizza?”, can boost engagement without delving into sensitive topics.
Engage Responses: If someone comments on your video, respond with another question to maintain the conversation.

When to Consider Starting Over

If you’ve implemented these strategies for 2 to 4 weeks without seeing improvement, it might be time to consider starting a new account. However, ensure you’ve fully executed the discussed techniques before making that decision.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of going viral on Instagram and TikTok requires a deep understanding of the algorithms and effective engagement strategies. By applying these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to achieving viral success.

Keywords

Viral
Instagram
TikTok
Algorithm
Watch Time
Engagement
Loop Videos
Storytelling
Trending Audios
Custom Thumbnails
SEO
Hashtags
Hooks
Engagement

FAQ

Q: How can I increase my watch time on videos?
A: To increase watch time, create engaging content that keeps viewers interested, such as loop videos and text that encourages repeated views.

Q: What is a good video length for Instagram and TikTok?
A: Aim for videos to be between 7 and 15 seconds initially, as shorter lengths typically retain viewer attention better.

Q: How important are hashtags for visibility?
A: Hashtags play a crucial role in improving the visibility and searchability of your content. Use a mix of relevant, niche-specific, and branded hashtags.

Q: How do I get more comments on my videos?
A: Encourage comments by asking questions and creating light-hearted debates, which prompt audience interaction and increase engagement.

Q: Should I start a new account if I’m not getting views?
A: Only consider starting a new account if you've applied all recommended strategies for 2 to 4 weeks without seeing any improvement.