A Step-By-Step Guide to Going Viral on TikTok

You’ve probably heard about creators who quickly built massive followings on TikTok. But how did they go viral so quickly? And how can you build your following? 

Later has compiled expert tips that any small business or creator can use to improve their chances of going viral on TikTok.

Step #1: Set Yourself Up Right

A well-optimized TikTok profile makes it easier for others to discover and engage with you. Here are a few questions to get you started: 

What niche will you focus on?

For example, #BookTok is the community on TikTok that makes videos about books. Or maybe you’ll focus on Cottage Core, which is a lakeside-living aesthetic.

What type of content do you want to make?

Beyond trends or communities, you should also think about the type of video you want to make, such as advice, dance, comedy, or impersonations.

How will you describe yourself on TikTok?

Your TikTok bio tells people who you are and why they should follow you. Plus, you can have a TikTok link in bio showcasing anything you want people to see beyond your profile.

Step #2: Play The Platform

A key part of virality on TikTok is popular video styles such as: 

• Stitches & Reacts: When you start with a different person’s video then immediately cut to your reaction or response

• POV Video: Sharing a video or image from your “point of view” (for instance, a video of a lake in Italy with “POV: Running away from my problems on vacation” for a caption)

• CapCut Templates: Overlaying popular memes (e.g. Stewie from Family Guy crying) to illustrate a point or feeling

• Duets: A split-screen video with another creator

• GRWM: “Get Ready With Me” videos where you cut to different elements of your day (e.g. putting on an outfit and making breakfast)

From there, layer on trending sounds, themes, or challenges—that’s how TikTok’s algorithm surfaces content. 

Finally, make sure you publish at the right time. Use Later’s Best Time to Post tool for TikTok to ensure you post your content at your most optimal time when your followers are online.

Step #3: Create, Create, Create

TikTok, like any social network, rewards users who publish content consistently.

If your aim is to go viral and build your TikTok following, you should be posting a minimum of 1-3x per day. Some creators regularly post 3-5+ videos per day.

If this sounds like a lot of work, you’re right. Luckily, you can automate tasks like TikTok video scheduling with Later Social, so you can focus on creation rather than admin.

Step #4: Repurposing Content on Other Social Platforms

Repurposing is when you take your TikTik content and reformat it for another platform, driving traffic from other social channels to your TikTok from your link in bio.

While it’s easier to go viral on TikTok, repurposing to YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels can help increase your overall following across social platforms—making it a good use of time.

Step #5: Interact With Followers

TikTok is a two-way street—respond to comments in your videos, engage with followers on their pages, and comment on creators you admire in your niche.

The key to going viral is visibility, and interactions with other creators on the platform is a big part of that. 

TikTok Conversations on Later Social lets you easily reply to, like, hide, and delete comments.

Step #6: Check Out The Competition

Keep a pulse and follow creators and brands in your niche.

You can get inspiration for your own videos, spot trends early (before they go mega-viral), and even find potential collaborations.

Comments are a powerful way to engage with another creator or brand as well because TikTok now enables creators to respond to a comment directly in a video. That means an interesting question or comment could end up being featured in their next viral video, driving traffic to your page.

Step #7: Lean Into Experimentation

Even if your current TikTok strategy is working, don't be afraid to try something new.

Try your hand at starting a trend, creating an original TikTok sound, or kickstarting a challenge—and see what happens!  

It could fall flat, or it could go mega-viral and become part of internet culture. For example, look at the cultural impact of #GirlfriendEffect and #BoyfriendEffect, as well as #GirlMath and #BoyMath. These were all TikTok trends that grew beyond the platform.

Step #8: Collaborate With Other Creators

Collaborating with other creators is a great way to increase your chances of going viral.

Try different video styles, such as:

• Joint video doing a challenge or trending sound

• Stitch one another’s videos 

• Go live with other creators (see Step #9!)

The key to collab success is pre-planning. If you want to do a challenge together, for instance, communicate ahead of time so everyone knows when to join in.

Step #9: Go Live

Going live on TikTok is an easy way to directly engage with your followers and show new people who you really are.

When you’re live on TikTok, you can show behind-the-scenes content about your life, host discussions about topics that interest your followers, and collaborate with other creators by interviewing them.

To run a successful TikTok live, a bit of preparation is required. For more insights, check out Later’s Guide on How to Go Live on TikTok.

The Simple Path Forward On TikTok

Going viral on TikTok isn't easy, but with creativity, hard work, and the right strategy, it's definitely achievable. At Later (@later.com), we’ve experienced this journey firsthand, growing from zero to 50k followers with several viral videos along the way.

You can achieve this too! With Later Social for TikTok, you’ll have the best tools to manage your TikTok strategy efficiently. Let us handle the scheduling and analytics so you can focus on creating engaging content. 

Sign up for Later Social today and start your journey to TikTok success!