With the emergence of short-form content, you no longer have to be famous to make viral videos.
Each month we see new accounts getting hundreds of thousands of followers in a few weeks, and that’s the power of Shorts, TikTok, and Reels. 🤯
At Submagic, we analyzed 120+ viral videos and realized that there is a pattern to increase your chance of becoming famous.
Here’s the ultimate guide on how to make a viral video in 2025! 😎
Summary:
1- What is a viral video
2- Understand your audience (niche and trends)
3- Viral video ideas and scripts
4- 5 Viral video editing patterns to use
5- Expert Tips from famous creators
6- 7 Best apps to make viral videos (free & paid)
7- 12 Effective and Easy Tips to Make Your Video Go Viral
1- What is a viral video
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn't Read)
- Virality starts at 1 million views with TikTok and Twitter
- Video is the most engaging content online
- Viral videos boost positively your business (SaaS, tech companies, global business)
Definition of viral video
A viral video is a clip that becomes immensely popular through rapid sharing online, generating significant views, shares, and interactions across social media platforms.
You know when you come across a video that you just had to share with everyone you know? That, my friends, is the magic of a viral video! 😉
A viral video is like that catchy tune you can't get out of your head; it's a video that spreads like wildfire across the internet, racking up views, shares, and likes faster than you can say "Hit the share button."
In the sea of content, viral videos stand out as those unforgettable waves that everyone wants to ride. They're the ones that get talked about at virtual watercoolers, dominate your social media feeds, and even make their way into news headlines. 🔥
How many views make my video go viral?
So, how many views does it take for your video to become the talk of the town? Each social media platform has its own secret sauce for what makes a video truly viral.
Let's break it down, platform by platform!
Viral videos on every social media
How many views to be viral on TikTok
- Catching fire means snagging at least 500 views in the first 30 minutes. If your video keeps grabbing views and engagement, TikTok’s like, "You're going places, kid," boosts you right onto the For You Page.
- Hitting 1 million views in a day or two? You're viral, baby! If you zoom past 3 to 5 million in a week, you're not just viral; you're a TikTok titan.
How many views to be viral on Twitter (X)
- A tweet that racks up 100K retweets in 24 hours? That's your golden ticket to Trending Town.
- For video content, shooting for 500K to 1 million views weekly is your viral vibe check. And if you're all about those viral tweets, aiming for 300K to 500K retweets and likes is the way to go.
How many views to be viral on YouTube
- Dreaming of hitting the top trending list? You’ll need a cool 2-3 million views in the opening act of 1-2 days.
- For global glory, 10-20 million weekly views have you wearing the viral crown.
How many views to be viral on YouTube Shorts
- Shorts play by their own rules but expect to need at least 2-3 million views in a week to have everyone talking.
How many views to be viral on Instagram
- Much like its buddy TikTok, Instagram videos thrive on 2-3 million views weekly to be dubbed viral in the Insta-universe.
How many views to be viral on Facebook
- With Facebook's bustling community, hitting the 3-5 million views mark in a week means you've gone viral in a big way.
So, there you have it! Whether you're aiming for TikTok fame, Twitter trends, YouTube stardom, or Instagram and Facebook virality, knowing these view-count goals can help steer your content in the right direction. 🔥
Importance of virality for content creators and businesses
With 88% of marketers considering video a key part of their marketing strategies, video marketing is emerging as the top digital advertising method. And in today’s digital landscape, viral video is the holy grail. 🚀
By 2025, video content is projected to account for 82% of internet traffic. When consumers were asked how they like to learn about a product or service, 78% said they prefer watching a quick video. With these numbers, it’s no surprise that as many as 93 % of marketers report satisfying ROI from their video marketing efforts.
But to really reap the benefits of video, you want to tap into the social aspect. Videos viewed on mobile devices are shared at an astonishing rate, with 92% of them being passed along to others. This sharing culture can help you catapult videos from content pieces to viral phenomena that travel across the globe at lightning speed.
For content creators and businesses alike, the importance of virality cannot be overstated. Viral videos are a fast pass to unprecedented visibility, engagement, and impact. 🔥
Most engaging content online
How does a viral video positively impact your brand (examples)
It is really difficult to make viral videos for your business. People see that as organic ads and are likelier to skip it when showcasing your product. But why do some brands can achieve this? What is this secret sauce?
With over 1.7 billion monthly active users, TikTok is a one-to-go entertainment platform catering to a broad audience seeking engaging and lighthearted material. This engagement is fueled by the relentless creativity of more than 34% of its users who upload new videos daily, focusing on popular categories such as Entertainment, Dance, DIY, Fitness/Sports, and Pranks. Instagram Reels benefits
Brand Impact (sell with viral videos)
Submagic, a SaaS creating viral videos through affiliate marketing
Last month, at Submagic, our traffic went crazy with ONE Reel. But it wasn't the first time.
This time, a video went viral with an affiliate. A 3-MILLION-VIEW video only talking about Submagic. 🧡
The traffic? x8 times more traffic at its highest peak.
Boost SEO traffic with viral videos
This is a regular occurrence for Submagic. Viral video after viral video, month after month. 😎
The SaaS HeyGen knows what we're talking about - On Instagram, the hashtag "hashtag #heygen" has amassed 3,000 Reels, with some racking up millions of views...
So yes; You can sell with viral videos when they are well-made with a great CTA (call to action).
PC Plug: +1,000% visit their website with one viral Reel
This video made 900,000 views on PC Plug’s Instagram:
We always say, “You’re one video away” from going viral.
PC Plug’s owner understood it, as well as the potential of organic content. Here’s what he told me:
“We started creating videos online to reach a wider audience and entertain! Building and fixing computers is our passion at PC Plug; it’s our dream to run a successful YouTube channel while operating the business side.”
“If we can entertain people and spread awareness about our brand, eventually we will try to convert them to sales”
PcPlug's Reels analytics
“Free Water”: the company that went viral with 3 YouTube shorts
Do you still doubt how a viral video can take your business to new heights? Check this video!
Free Water sells water for free. And they even give 0,10c for each bottle sold. Yes, you heard that right! 🤔
They make money from ads on their packaging while distributing bottles to everyone.
But even more interesting is their marketing strategy: create viral videos online to show their concept, increase their brand awareness, and get more clients.
This original company made millions of views with multiple shorts, with one reaching 11M views on YouTube.
In this video, everything has been thought to make it viral. From the company’s concept, script, and comedian (yes, it is a comedian) to the type of video, luck isn’t the predominant factor in its virality. 🚀
Here’s the truth: viral videos have the same pattern.
And that’s what we’ll cover in this ultimate guide.
2- Understand your audience
No matter your niche, you have an audience to reach online. 😎
We start seeing all types of businesses making videos, from cheesemakers to doctors, with some reaching hundreds of thousands of followers in a few months only.
This proves that if you understand your audience well enough and give them the value they want, the next steps in creating viral videos will be easier.
So, here are 4 essential points you should consider if you want to create viral content online. 😉
TL;DR
- Marketing, Health & E-commerce are the most famous niches
- Create your persona to understand better your audience
- Find your WHY and think like an entrepreuneur
- Competitors are your friends (analyze them)
Find a good niche
10 most popular niches on social media platforms
At Submagic, we made a survey of 15,000 content creators based on their company industry.
Let’s have a look at the top 10 most popular niches. 🧡
Most popular niches (made by Submagic, asked to 15,000+ content creators)
Create your personas
Creating videos for your business is a marketing plan that has to be elaborated to avoid making videos for nothing.
That’s why understanding who your target audience is, is a must. 🚀
Remember, the more you resonate with your audience, the more likely you will see your videos going viral.
What is a persona?
A persona refers to a fictional character or representation of your target audience. It involves creating a detailed profile of the ideal viewer or consumer you want to reach with your content.
It is essential to your niche analysis to better connect with your target and boost engagement on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
How to build a persona? (all criterion)
You always have analytics about your videos, followers, and their engagements on social media. Let’s use YouTube Studio to find all the criteria needed to build your persona this time. 😉
Demographics:
Where does your persona come from? Do you target multiple regions/ countries, do you target people close to where you live?
Do you target Gen X, millennials, or Gen Y? This data might help you know how to speak to your audience.
Also, you can easily use your audience’s vocabulary by understanding both the niche and the age.
- When they spend most of their time on social media
What is the best time to post on socials? This activity diagram you can find on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will help you decide.
You generally watch videos during your free time. So, if your niche is into entertainment, the evening at 6 PM can be the best time to post since people come back from school or the company they work with.
Submagic's YouTube Channel
Behavioral motivations:
What does your audience look for?
This is important to understand their ultimate goal, as well as understanding why. As a fitness coach, you can target a specific topic, such as people who aim to bulk. That’s their final goal, and for what they are ready to invest time in learning about it through video content.
Achieving an ultimate goal is never easy, right?
Hence, your audience needs help!
Understanding your persona’s pain points is a must to provide them value. They don’t want to hear about what they already know but about solutions, they tend to struggle with!
- Videos they like to watch
YouTube offers a way to show which videos your audience generally watches that are related to your niche.
It’s a way to understand which topic inside that niche you can focus on more attentively to create videos that perform well.
- Trusted channels from other creators
Checking the biggest competitor’s videos is the best way to get to know your potential viewers!
Why? This type of video is viral in your field, and that’s not for nothing.
Your competitors understand how to reach and speak to your users, so it’s always a good idea to find inspiration from them.
Social media persona example
Now that you have taken some notes about your personas, it’s time to put up every information about them.
Let’s look at one persona we could create for Submagic’s channel:
“Dan is a 32-year-old male who lives in the US. Passionate about digital marketing, he always wanted to find the best strategies to link it to his job: realtor.
So, he's interested in video content creation since it's a rare but powerful way to scale his business by generating leads online his main goal).
Dan often watches realtors like Mike Sherrard and Ryan Serhant and videos from Hubspot and VidIQ. He watches loads of videos on building an online presence by making viral videos and growing his YouTube channel with better-quality content.
He often watches these videos on Sunday afternoon.”
Find your WHY
If you want to create viral and viable videos for your brand, you must think like an entrepreneur.
Creating content by explaining “Why” you do it instead of “What” or “How” you do it positively changes the way viewers see you.
Analyze trends and viral videos in your niche
Study your competitor's strategies!
Getting inspired by competitors can be undervalued in content creation. 🤔
We apparently should always be the most original creators in this niche without noticing or checking our biggest competitors.
But here’s the truth: get inspired by them.
Surf on the trending wave as soon as possible
They make famous videos and have this secret sauce to be loved by your potential viewers. 🔥
So, watch their videos, take a piece of paper, and write down everything you see (what works great and what could be improved). Only a few creators take enough time to study the competition, and those are the ones who learn and improve the most!
3- Viral video ideas and scripts
Creators tend to say: “It’s all about your message”. That's wrong; it’s all about the video idea first!
No matter how top-notch your script and editing are, your video won’t go viral if you have a bad video idea.
TL;DR
- Social media will show to your audience videos that they are more likely to engage with (the business model is the retention of users in the platform)
- Hook is the secret sauce of making viral videos (2 second rule)
- Bad hook --> viewers leave
- Try to make every type of recordings (faceless, one camera one plan, video with multiple shots...
Before getting started, you have to understand one thing:
You’ll never completely understand Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube’s algorithms.
I know this title was clickbait. Only algorithm engineers master them…🤔
But no worries, here’s one ultimate truth you should know before creating viral videos:
Social media platforms want to keep users on the platform as long as possible. So, they will only show content that they are more likely to engage with.
Once published, social media shows your video to a few people (~200). If they engage with the content, the platform reaches a wider audience. If they engage enough, this loop continues, and that is what makes your video go viral.
The base of your value proposition must be creating content that your audience loves.
Your originality comes next, although this is one of the most important factors in making viral videos.
Start understanding how to make an engaging video for your audience before thinking about instant virality. And, good news: we’ll break this down if you continue reading the article!😉
Find the best video ideas (5 ways)
As content creators, we already had writer’s block, right?🤔
This is sometimes what demotivates us from creating videos.
Let’s overcome it by giving you the 5 best tips to find the best video ideas that could be your next viral video!
How do I find video ideas?
Method 1: write down every video idea you have in mind in your bloc note
We often can’t force our imagination and inspiration, but one good idea for the next viral video can come in every context.
And I’m sure you often face this issue when you have a good idea, and a few hours after forgetting it, ask yourself why you didn’t write it down.
So when you have an idea, write it down on your phone. Whether the idea might sound special or not, you’ll filter them afterward.😉
And trust me, if you start getting this automatism, you’ll never be out of great video ideas anymore!
Method 2: use SEO tools and tips
SEO (search engine optimization) is a pillar that will help you create viral videos.
With some tools, you can understand your niche's most searched keywords.
1- Suggestions from the navigation bar
When you write a keyword in the navigation bar from your favorite browsers, suggestions appear.
These are the most searched keywords on your browser. Every keyword you see is the topic you can cover for your video.
Let’s type “fitness coach” for instance.
Google Nav bar
With this, you can create videos that might go viral due to the high amount of research, such as:
- 4 best fitness coach apps
- How to find a fitness coach online?
- What is a fitness coach's salary?
- Fitness coach vs personal trainer
2- People also ask
Since Google’s algorithm is similar to YouTube, the “People also ask” section when scrolling on the web is definitely a good tool to find viral video ideas.
This time, I wrote “fitness coach” and clicked enter
People Also Ask Section
3- Competitors' comments:
Competition is your friend.
When a competitor’s video goes viral, always check the comments.
It can inspire you to create new videos that can answer certain questions from your audience.
Your competitor received too many messages, so why not use it and create videos for their viewers?
For this specific trick, a DUET, as seen on TikTok, might work best and increase your chances of going viral!
Alex Hormozi TikTok's comments
4- AnswerThePublic
Here’s a tool that will help you go deeper into everything people ask on a topic: AnswerThePublic
Go to the home page and simply put one keyword related to your niche. Click on the YouTube icon, and then enter your search.
Keyword research on AnswerThePublic
You can now find a complete wheel of 70 video ideas covering the whole keyword cluster! How cool is that?
Answer The Public's wheel of ideas
You have 3 daily searches available in the free plan.
Write a top-notch script
A good script is the backbone of creating a viral video. A well-written script makes sure your video flows smoothly, gets your message across effectively, and keeps your audience engaged from beginning to end.
What is a Script?
A script is a written blueprint for your video. It outlines the dialogue, actions, expressions, and movements of the characters or presenters. It also details the visual elements, like camera angles and contextual backgrounds, making sure every part of the video is well-planned and contributes to the overall story or message.
Different Types of Scripts
Scripts can vary depending on the type of video you're producing. Educational video scripts might require detailed explanations and step-by-step guides, while narrative video scripts might focus more on dialogue and character development.
There are also explainer video scripts, which break down complex ideas into simple, understandable pieces, and commercial scripts designed to sell or promote a product or service.
Each type of script serves a different purpose but is crucial for structuring your content effectively.
3 Tips for Writing a Good Video Script
Crafting a script that resonates with your audience and boosts your video's viral potential involves a few key strategies:
1. Use ChatGPT
Leverage ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, create draft scripts, or even refine dialogue. ChatGPT can help you explore different angles for your story, suggest improvements, and ensure your script is engaging and well-structured. It's a fantastic tool for overcoming writer's block and enhancing creativity.
2. Know Your Audience
Understanding who your audience is is crucial. Tailor your script to their interests, age groups, and preferences. A script that resonates with your viewers will keep them engaged and more likely to share your video. Consider the language, tone, and topics that appeal to your target demographic.
3. Write a Good Hook
The first few seconds of your video can make or break its success. People will decide within seconds if they will keep watching - or keep scrolling.
A compelling hook grabs your audience's attention and encourages them to watch the rest of the video. It could be a surprising fact, a question, or a teaser of what's to come. And a hook can also be visual!
Below you will find one of the most-viewed YouTube videos, masterfully scripted not just with engaging text but also with an awesome visual hook, precise camera angles and contextual elements!
Top 10 viral hooks online
You've probably noticed that many successful hooks have some common denominators? Let's have a look at a few of the most effective viral hooks that successful content creators swear by! 😎
Template Meanings:
(TARGET AUDIENCE) - Who are the primary people you are creating the content for
(DESIRED RESULT) - The dream outcome for the people you are creating your content for
(RELATED TO NICHE) - Put down something that your target audience would know
(PAIN POINT OF TARGET AUDIENCE) - A problem that the typical person that you’re creating the content for has
➡️ How I went from (PAST SITUATION) to (DESIRED RESULT) in just (TIME) years
Example: How I went from $500 to 500 million in just five years
➡️ This is how I achieved (DESIRED RESULT).
Example: This is how I achieved 10k followers in 30 days
➡️ This simple trick helped me to (ACHIEVE DESIRED OUTCOME) and it can help you too.
Example: This simple trick helped me to quit my 9-5 forever and it can help you too
➡️ If I had to start all over again…
Example: If I had to start all over again in real estate investing...
➡️ 5 mistakes you’re probably doing if you’re not getting (DESIRE RESULT)
5 mistakes you’re probably making if you’re not getting sales through your content
➡️ X steps to (DESIRED RESULT)
Example: 5 steps to boost your website's traffic
➡️ Don’t hate me, but (HARD TRUTH)
Example: Don't hate me, but here's the hard truth about success
➡️ I tried every (HACK/TIP/TRICK), so you don’t have to
Example: I tried every productivity hack, so you don't have to
➡️ This one mistake could be costing you (NUMBER)
Example: This one mistake could be costing you a million dollars
➡️ What if your (DESIRED RESULTS) were just one step away?
Example: What if your dreams of becoming famous were just one step away?
For more insights on crafting irresistible hooks for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, check out 75 best hooks for your videos!
Record your video
Video creation offers diverse ways to share your story or message. Your recording style - be it basic single-shot videos or complex multi-angle productions - significantly impacts audience engagement.
Let's explore these recording types to help you choose the ideal style for your next project.
1. One camera, one plan
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Using just one camera and a single plan can be incredibly effective for a range of video types.
Whether you're diving into educational content, delivering stand-up comedy, conducting interviews, sharing testimonials, or revealing the latest products in unboxing videos, this approach keeps the focus tight and the message clear. It's all about the content and the connection with your audience.
For a glimpse into how this style can captivate an audience, check out this example:
2. Faceless videos
Not all videos need a visible presenter to make an impact. Faceless videos have carved out their own niche, allowing creators to produce compelling content without showing their faces.
This style is perfect for those who wish to remain anonymous or put the emphasis entirely on the subject matter. From narrated documentaries to animated explainer videos, the possibilities are endless.
3. Video with multiple shots
Elevate your storytelling with videos incorporating multiple shots. This technique is ideal for creating dynamic and entertaining videos, detailed tutorials, or immersive real estate property tours.
By weaving together various angles and perspectives, you can build a rich, engaging, and visually captivating narrative, much like the content produced by popular YouTubers such as MrBeast.
Which type of video should I record?
The secret to discovering which type resonates most with your viewers? Experimentation.
Explore different formats to see which one sparks the most engagement, shares, and feedback.
Remember, the journey to finding your video content sweet spot is a personal and creative exploration.
By testing out each style, you'll not only uncover what works best for you but also refine your unique voice and approach to content creation.
5 Tips for recording a future viral video
When you're looking to capture footage for viral fame, the recording phase is where all your prep pays off. Here are five key tips to make sure your recording session paves the way for viral success:
1. Good lighting
Great lighting can transform your video from amateur to professional. Natural light works wonders, but if you're indoors, consider using ring lights or softboxes to illuminate your scene evenly and flatteringly.
2. Stable shots
Shaky footage can distract from your message. Use a tripod or stabilize your camera with a gimbal to keep your shots smooth and engaging. This stability is especially crucial for "One Camera, One Plan" and "Videos with Multiple Shots" formats.
3. Clear audio
Your audience needs to hear you clearly to connect with your content. Use a good-quality external microphone to ensure your audio is crisp and free from background noise. This is vital across all video types, from faceless videos that rely on narration to multi-shot stories where dialogue drives the narrative.
4. Engaging angles and framing
Experiment with different camera angles and compositions to make your video visually interesting. In multi-shot videos, varied perspectives keep the viewer's attention. Even in single-shot formats, how you frame your shot can add depth to your content.
5. Direct engagement
While recording, remember to engage directly with your audience as if you're having a conversation with them. This connection makes viewers more likely to share your video, boosting its viral potential. Even in faceless videos, you can achieve this through your narration style and the visuals you choose to include.
4- 5 Viral video editing patterns to use
TL;DR
- Viral videos have 99% of the time the same editing pattern
- This pattern covers 5 aspects: subtitles, fast cuts , zoom-in effects, music, sound effects, emotion
- Submagic is the best AI video editor to make viral videos
Video editing is about understanding human psychology. 🤔
How can your audience watch your videos longer when your viewers' attention spans decrease yearly?
Let’s play a game together.
Those 3 shorts became viral on YouTube. They all have different audiences since they do not have the same niche.
However, they all have the same editing patterns. 🚀
Look at the next three videos to discover 6 patterns to make your video go viral.
Mr.Beast's most viral YouTube shorts
Most viral YouTube shorts from a faceless channel (@ziomedia)
Viral tutorial YouTube video from @JawHacks
Dynamic subtitles
Here’s a challenge for you, try to see a viral video without any subtitles generated on it.
They have become a necessity for accessibility and dynamism in your videos. 😉
You can see that there is no specific subtitle design for each video. Instead, the style depends on your niche and, most importantly, your brand style.
Iterate on your subtitle style to find the best one, but always add them.
Fast cuts & zoom-in effects
There are 48 cuts in the MrBeast YouTube shorts you just watched. This represents one every second.
The Tom Holland video has 22 zoom-in/out effects, which is, on average, 1 every two seconds. 🤯
This is not for nothing. But why?
You have a rule in video editing: adding an effect every two seconds of your video to keep the viewer engaged. Do you remember the 2-second rule previously discussed? It can be applied this way too!
Sound effects
What best to highlight keywords of your message with sound effects?
Did you say “cash” during the video: add a cash machine sound effect. 💰
Don’t add too many sound effects, but only when it’s needed.
Also, try to vary with different ones; find multiple whoosh sound effects and use them in your video.
Music
How boring is it to watch a video without background music that emphasizes your message…
Consider adding at least one music to your video to highlight the context. 😎
Add emotion
Whether it’s about your background music, color grading, or even adding GIFs and memes, you must make the viewer feel something.
Depending on the context of your video, you can add a touch of humor like the tutorial video does, build tension and fun with MrBeast’s video, or create a mystery environment in Tom Holland’s video. 🚀
Remember - Adding emotion is a necessity to create a viral video.
5- Expert Tips from famous creators
Mr. Beast
MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, is a groundbreaking YouTuber famous for his extravagant challenges, philanthropic stunts, and large-scale giveaways.
His unique approach to content creation, combining entertainment with acts of generosity, has not only garnered him a massive global following but also set new standards for viral video content on the platform.
Quote: “Subscribers dont matter, views don’t matter. Everything you want as a creator comes from making the best videos and thumbnail possible”
Mr. Beast's wise words remind us that in the kingdom of content, quality reigns supreme (and thumbnails are the crown jewels)!
It's not about how many followers you've got, but about crafting those videos and images that make people stop scrolling and start watching.🔥
David Dobrik
David Dobrik is a YouTuber known for his high-energy vlogs that capture a mix of comedy, pranks, and real-life moments with his group of friends, often referred to as the "Vlog Squad."
His charismatic personality and innovative content have catapulted him to internet fame, making him one of the most influential creators on the platform.
Quote: “The worst thing is when people try to copy or replicate a YouTuber, that’s not going to work.”
David's nugget of wisdom: uniqueness is your golden ticket to viral town! Trying to mirror someone else's magic? Nope, that's a no-go zone. Instead, carve out your own fabulous niche and let your originality shine brighter than a disco ball at a unicorn party. 😎
Jon Youshaei
Jon Youshaei is a YouTuber and marketing expert celebrated for his videos on creativity, productivity, and strategies for success in the digital world.
With a blend of practical advice, industry insights, and engaging storytelling, Jon is a go-to resource for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs looking to make an impact online.
Quote: “Perfect your ‘first frame’. I really believe this is one of the most overlooked things right now. Does everything you see there set up expectations and tension for what you’re about to watch?”
That first frame is not just a visual; it's your first impression, a promise of the wonders to come, setting the stage with anticipation and a hint of mystery. So, make sure your opening shot sends the message: "Buckle up; you're in for an adventure!" 🚀
Ryan Trahan
Ryan Trahan is a dynamic YouTuber known for his adventurous and often quirky challenges, lifestyle content, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Ryan’s knack for engaging storytelling and his genuine personality, Ryan has a big audience making him one of the most beloved figures in the YouTube community.
Quote: “The videos I’ve made that are the best… I saw an opportunity to do something that I thought was exciting, and I saw an opportunity to make something that felt like more than a YouTube video that wanted to get views. The audience can appreciate when something is made out of love.”
Ryan's words remind us that the secret sauce to viral videos is often passion. When you create from the heart, aiming to deliver something extraordinary beyond just view-hunting, your audience tunes into that authenticity and love. 🧡
6- 7 Best apps to make viral videos (free & paid)
Whether you're aiming for viral fame or looking to boost your brand, the right tools can make all the difference. Here's a look at four essential apps for making viral videos, covering everything from editing and screen recording to thumbnails and SEO.
Submagic: Revolutionizing Video Editing With AI
Submagic is a game-changer in generating dynamic video subtitles. With the help of AI, SubMagic transcribes and transforms your script into captivating animated subtitles in over 50 languages.
Primarily tailored for the 9:16 vertical video format, Submagic is the go-to AI video editing tool for short-form content enthusiasts on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. Its unique offerings extend beyond subtitles, making it a powerhouse for viral content creation. 🔥
Submagic subtitle interface
✅ Trendy Templates & Emojis: Submagic's array of modern templates and emojis enhances viewer engagement, ensuring your message is impactful.
✅ Magic B-Rolls & Transitions: Easily enrich your narratives with B-roll footage and sleek transitions, adding depth with a single click.
✅ Magic Auto-Zooms: Pinpoint and emphasize your video's key moments automatically, saving hours of manual editing.
✅ Auto Sound Effects: Elevate your content with sound effects that enhance thematic consistency and viewer immersion.
✅ Auto Descriptions & #Hashtags: Enhance your content's visibility with auto-generated captions and hashtags tailored to reach a like-minded audience.
Invideo AI: The Novice's Companion
Invideo AI stands out as the accessible, beginner-friendly video editing tool, often likened to Canva but for video creation. It democratizes video editing, allowing anyone to easily produce polished videos, courtesy of its intuitive interface and diverse template library. 🚀
DaVinci Resolve: For Advanced Editors
DaVinci Resolve by Black Magic Design combines AI with robust professional-grade post-production tools favored by industry veterans and indie filmmakers alike. While it offers a steep learning curve, its comprehensive feature set is unparalleled for creating cinematic-quality content.
Topaz Video AI: Tools for Upscaling
Topaz Video AI, from Topaz Labs, specializes in breathing new life into vintage footage. It’s more than an editing tool; it’s an AI-powered enhancer capable of upscaling and rejuvenating older videos with remarkable clarity, albeit without traditional editing functionalities. 🧡
SurFlex for Screen Recording
SurFlex Screen Recorder offers high-quality screen recording capabilities, perfect for tutorials, presentations, and gaming content. It stands out with its ease of use and the ability to record crisp, clear video directly from your screen. 😎
Surflex also includes editing features, allowing you to trim and tidy up your recordings before publishing. This tool is great when you need screen captures to tell your story or share information.
Canva for Thumbnails and Graphics
A compelling thumbnail can be the difference between a viewer clicking on your video or scrolling past. Canva is an incredibly user-friendly graphic design tool that makes creating eye-catching thumbnails and graphics simple. 🚀
With a vast library of templates, fonts, and design elements, Canva enables creators of all skill levels to design professional-looking visuals that attract views. Whether you're looking for a free solution or more advanced features available in its paid version, Canva is a must-have for boosting your video's click-through rate.
VidIQ for YouTube SEO and Keyword Research
Understanding and optimizing YouTube's search algorithm can significantly increase your video's visibility. VidIQ is a powerful tool for YouTube SEO and keyword research, helping creators discover the best keywords to include in their video titles, descriptions, and tags. 😉
It provides detailed analytics and insights into your channel's performance, suggesting actionable steps to grow your audience and enhance your video's chance of going viral.
7- 12 Effective and Easy Tips to Make Your Video Go Viral
7.1- Quantity + Quality= Virality
We forgot one critical point in this article.
Rome wasn’t built in one day.
Going viral on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram is difficult, and this is rare to blow up in your first videos!
Mr. Beast one time gave advice to small creators just starting out their channel: post 1,000 videos.
And that’s the key to virality.
Improve your video by 1% for each video made by constantly iterating.
Be consistent with your content publishing.
And in the end, you’ll succeed. 🔥
Creating short-form videos that go viral involves a combination of creativity, strategy, and understanding current trends. Remember that the social media landscape is ever-changing, so staying updated on the latest trends is essential. 👍
Here are 12 tips for creating viral videos:
7.2- Get to Know Platform Algorithms
Content creators can be tempted to post the same video on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. It saves time, right?
Yet, it’s not the most advisable thing to do to get to the bottom of how to make short form videos go viral. Each platform operates on unique algorithms determining what content to display to users.
Also, engagement and watch rates can significantly vary across these platforms. A Social Insider study shows some key insights regarding these rates.
TikTok
- Engagement Rates: To know how to make short form videos go viral, you must understand engagement. TikTok's engagement was significantly higher compared to YouTube Shorts, which scored the lowest engagement levels. Also, TikTok has 2x more comments than Reels and Shorts.
- Watch Rates: While TikTok is the most successful platform, it doesn’t record the highest average watch rate. Videos that capture attention within the first few seconds stand a higher chance of going viral.
- Example: The “Renegade” dance trend is a notable example. Creators like Charli D'Amelio gained widespread recognition through this trend, showcasing the platform's power to propel users to fame through engaging content.
Instagram Reels
- Engagement Rates: Instagram Reels came second in the engagement race. To understand how to make short form videos go viral, keep in mind that TikTok primarily focuses on generating views, whereas Instagram is more follower-centric.
- Watch Rates: Instagram Reels took the gold for this metric. People post less on Instagram than on TikTok, increasing the chances of users staying longer watching the content. Overall, there is less spam and less scrolling past.
- Example: The “Transition” trend on Instagram Reels, where creators showcase seamless transitions between scenes, gained traction. Creators like Candidly Chan (@candidlychan) are experts in making smooth outfit transitions.
YouTube Shorts
- Engagement Rates: YouTube Shorts didn’t make it. It stands out as the least performing one. Yet, YouTube Shorts gets the same percentage of comments as Instagram Reels.
- Watch Rates: Shorts also came last in the watch rates.
- Example: Daniel LaBelle has a YouTube Shorts with over 1.4B views, translating into 1% of the world population. To date, it’s the most viewed viral YouTube Shorts.
Simply, the formula for going viral would be:
TikTok > Instagram Reels > YouTube Shorts
Tailoring your short-form videos to align each platform can significantly enhance your knowledge of how to make short form videos go viral. As Social Insider concludes:
With over 1.7 billion monthly active users, TikTok is a one-to-go entertainment platform catering to a broad audience seeking engaging and lighthearted material. This engagement is fueled by the relentless creativity of more than 34% of its users who upload new videos daily, focusing on popular categories such as Entertainment, Dance, DIY, Fitness/Sports, and Pranks. Instagram Reels benefits educational content, particularly product videos, due to its higher watch rate. Yet, don’t forget YouTube has reached 2.7 billion monthly active users.
7.3- Know Your Audience
Knowing your audience is vital to creating short-form video content that will resonate and potentially go viral in 2025. Different platforms attract different demographics:
TikTok: Home to Gen Z. Think of quick cuts, trending sounds, humor, challenges, and dance routines.
Instagram: Millennial central. Think curated aesthetics, longer-form storytelling through photos and Stories, community building around shared interests, and personal branding.
YouTube: A diverse, global audience. Gaming, vlogs, explainer videos, DIY tutorials, lifestyle content, and comedy sketches.
But understanding the platform demographics is just the first step. Follow the other 3 steps.
- Demographic Insights: To control how to make short form videos go viral, consider the demographics of your audience, including age, gender, location, and interests.
- Analytics Tools: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube offer analytical tools for demographics, location, and engagement metrics. Analyzing these data points helps you understand who is watching your content.
- Engagement Metrics: Analyzing the type of content that receives the most engagement can provide insights into audience preferences.
- Engage in conversations: Don't just post and disappear. Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in discussions. This two-way communication helps you build relationships with your audience and learn what they like.
7.4- Keep It Short
Short-form videos are not about cutting corners but telling a compelling story in a limited timeframe.
This type of video format is often consumed on smartphones during brief intervals, such as commutes or short breaks. How to make short form videos go viral? Easy. Creators must fit their content within a condensed timeframe.
Another option is using a short-form video to offer a sneak peek into the most interesting parts of a podcast episode, prompting viewers to go and watch the full episode. Short form content can leverage long form content.
7.5- Be Trend-Wise
There is just 1 main reason you should always be on top of trends. Both users and algorithms love them. 🧡
Trendjacking taps into the collective buzz of the moment, making your content instantly relatable and engaging. Viewers are already primed for the topic, making them more likely to stop, watch, and participate.
Algorithms favor content that aligns with trending topics. You increase your discoverability by incorporating relevant hashtags, sounds, and themes. One famous TikTok trend was showing parents vs. their children with a retro filter.
7.6- Use Great Captions/Subtitles
Adding captions or subtitles to short videos is one of the latest social media trends and one of the how to make short form videos go viral secrets.
Including captions not only enhances accessibility but also transforms the viewing experience, making content more engaging and shareable. To truly stand out in the sea of content, you need tools like Submagic.
Turn your videos into captivating conversations with Submagic. You can forget about typos and misinterpretations with this cutting-edge AI technology. Customize and tailor captions' style, font, and placement to integrate seamlessly with the video's aesthetic.
Submagic interface
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7.7- Use an Attention-Grabbing Thumbnail
The thumbnail is the first visual element viewers see. 👍
Many creators believe thumbnails give a boost to their videos. However, this is a misconception. Thumbnails do not impact the algorithm directly; they influence viewer behavior.
The algorithm will respond to this user behavior, potentially promoting the video based on the viewers' new interaction patterns and effectively cracking the code of how to make short form videos go viral.
A good thumbnail encapsulates your video's essence in a single image. Keep your thumbnail focused on the main element of your video and use minimal text for maximum impact. Remember, your thumbnail is not just a picture; it's a promise.
Mr.Beast's thumbnail7.8- Create Relatable Content
Skincare routines of beautiful women with clear skin using serums and creams are everywhere. But what about those women with acne or other skin conditions that are just as gorgeous as the others? 🚀
This is where you can find a niche. Showcase authentic, real-life moments. Audiences appreciate genuine content that reflects the ups and downs of everyday life.
Tap into shared human experiences that resonate across diverse audiences. Whether it's common challenges, emotions, or day-to-day situations, creating content around universal themes makes it relatable to a broader audience.
7.9- Grab Attention with Transitions, B-Rolls & Emojis
This is a great trio to make short form videos go viral.
Transitions are visual bridges between scenes that enhance the overall flow of your video. B-Rolls are supplementary clips that enrich your storytelling by providing additional context or visual interest. Emojis are a universal language that adds an emotional layer to your short-form videos.
And Submagic has them all. Submagic integrates Transitions, B-Rolls, and Emojis to effortlessly enhance the visual appeal of your short-form videos, ensuring that each transition is smooth and improved with dynamic B-Rolls and auto emojis.
7.10- Use Sound
Sound has the power to evoke emotions and strategically use music or sound effects, plus the tips on how to make short form videos go viral you have learned so far, you can create a more immersive experience, making your content more memorable and shareable.
Submagic's Auto Sound Effects feature streamlines the process of enhancing your videos with impactful audio. From adding background music to inserting sound effects at key moments, Submagic ensures that your videos look nice and sound great. 🧡
7.11- Tag Your Posts
Video marketing also benefits from SEO strategies. Effectively tagging your posts with keywords and hashtags is a crucial strategy for enhancing discoverability and maximizing video engagement.
Submagic's Auto Descriptions and #Hashtags feature simplifies this process, ensuring your content is optimized for maximum visibility. Choose keywords that are relevant to your niche or post. Submagic can intelligently generate descriptive text, including key terms that align with your content.
Use hashtags as one of the how to make short form videos go viral tips. Submagic's #Hashtags feature automatically generates relevant hashtags based on your video. 😉
7.12- Actively Participate in Your Community
To grow within your Instagram community or on another platform, you must interact with your audience regularly to foster a sense of community and loyalty. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and make your viewers feel valued.
Also, encourage your community to create and share content related to your videos. User-generated content expands your content library and taps into the networks of those who contribute, increasing the potential for viral short videos.
Frequently Asked Questions on how to make viral videos
How can I make a video go viral?
Making a video go viral involves a mix of high-quality content, understanding your audience, and effective distribution. Focus on creating engaging, relatable, and sometimes unexpected content that resonates with viewers. Use social media platforms to share your video and encourage friends, family, and followers to do the same. Remember, timing and a bit of luck also play significant roles.
How many views make a video viral?
There's no strict number of views that defines a video as viral; it's more about how quickly those views accumulate. Generally, a video can be considered viral if it garners millions of views within a few days to a few weeks. However, this can vary widely depending on the platform and the content's niche.
How can I create viral content?
Creating viral content starts with knowing your audience and what kind of content they like. Trends, humor, and relatability can boost your content's shareability. Experiment with different formats and keep an eye on what's currently trending.
Where can I submit a video to go viral?
To increase your video's chances of going viral, submit it to multiple platforms where it can get maximum exposure. This includes YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. Niche forums related to your video's topic can also be valuable.
