Information from this blog was obtained from Semrush, Hubspot (1), & Hubspot (2)

Are you tired of spending hours creating TikTok videos only to see them fall flat? Do you want to know the secret to creating content that goes viral? Look no further! In this blog post, we are going to reveal the five secrets to making your TikTok videos go viral. But first, let's talk about why this matters. With over one billion active users, TikTok has become a powerhouse in the social media world (Hubspot 1). It's a platform where anyone can become an overnight sensation, and the potential for exposure is limitless. So, whether you're a seasoned TikTok user or a newbie looking to break into the scene, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of TikTok and discover what makes some videos stand out above the rest.

What TikTok creators are killing the content game?

If you're looking to create killer TikTok content, one of the best ways to learn is by analyzing what successful creators are doing. With so many users on the app, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've compiled a list of some of the best TikTok creators from (Hubspot 1) who are absolutely killing it with their content. These brands have managed to build huge followings by consistently creating engaging and entertaining videos that capture the attention of millions. By looking at their content, we can identify some of the key tactics and strategies that make their videos so successful. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of TikTok and take a closer look at the creators who are making waves on the platform.

The NBA

One of the key elements that make the NBA's content so successful is that it's fun. The NBA has a lighthearted approach to its content, often posting videos of players photobombing each other, dancing, or engaging in playful banter (Hubspot 1). These types of videos not only showcase the personalities of the players but also create a relatable and enjoyable viewing experience for the audience. For example, a recent video posted by the NBA on TikTok featured former player Chris Bosh photobombing his teammates during an interview (Hubspot 1). This type of content shows that the NBA doesn't take itself too seriously and knows how to have fun, which resonates with its audience.

Another reason why the NBA's content is so successful is that it feels more personal than other types of content. The NBA engages with its fans by answering questions and responding to comments, which creates a sense of community and belonging (Hubspot 1). When fans feel like they have a personal connection with a brand or organization, they are more likely to engage with their content and share it with others. For example, the NBA often posts videos where players answer questions from fans, giving them an inside look at their lives and personalities (Hubspot 1). This type of content not only humanizes the players but also creates a sense of transparency and trust with the audience.

If you're looking to improve your own TikTok content, take a page from the NBA's playbook and focus on creating content that resonates with your audience and showcases your personality.

Chipotle

One of the key elements that make Chipotle's content so successful is that it shows behind-the-scenes content. Chipotle often posts videos of its employees making fresh guacamole, preparing meats, and assembling burritos (Hubspot 1). This type of content not only showcases the quality of the ingredients but also gives viewers an inside look at how their food is made. Behind-the-scenes content is an effective way to build trust with your audience, as it shows that your brand is transparent and honest.

Another reason why Chipotle's content is so successful is that it includes fan-made content. Chipotle encourages its customers to create their own content featuring their favorite dishes and then they repost it on their official TikTok account (Hubspot 1). This type of user-generated content creates a sense of community and engagement, as customers feel like they are a part of the brand. It also allows Chipotle to showcase the creativity of its customers and create a sense of authenticity around the brand.

Gymshark

Gymshark regularly posts fitness challenges on its TikTok account, which has proven to be a successful strategy to engage its audience (Hubspot 1). Challenges are a great way to go viral on TikTok because they create a sense of community and encourage participation.

Another reason why Gymshark's content is so successful is that it includes relatable fitness humor. Going to the gym can be intimidating for some people, but Gymshark has managed to break the ice with its humorous content. By creating content that resonates with its audience, Gymshark has managed to create a loyal fan base on TikTok.

Lastly, Gymshark's 66-day challenge was a massive success, with thousands of people participating in the challenge (Hubspot 1). The challenge involved working out for 66 consecutive days and sharing their progress on social media. This type of challenge is a great way to engage your audience and create a sense of community around your brand. It also allows you to showcase the results of your products and services, which can help to increase sales.

5 Tips for Going Viral

Tip #1- Learn the Art of Storytelling and Experiment with Long-Form Content

TikTok isn't just for short videos anymore. In 2022, TikTok allowed all users to add videos up to 10 minutes long, according to a (HubSpot 2) article. This means that people are spending more time on the app watching longer videos.

According to an article by Semrush, one way to keep viewers engaged in long-form content is by mastering the art of storytelling. Storytelling is a helpful skill to keep your viewers hooked, especially in longer videos.

To craft an effective story, Semrush suggests choosing a relatable character and presenting their best elements first. This creates a connection between the audience and the character, making the audience more invested in the story. Creating a conflict is also important as it creates tension and drama in the story, keeping the audience interested. Finally, crafting an authentic story that sounds genuine helps to connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Tip #2- Relevance is Key

Being relevant on TikTok is crucial for gaining an audience and keeping them engaged. According to Semrush, one way to be relevant is to follow current trends. This means keeping up with national holidays, viral challenges, and celebrity news. By doing this, you can create content that resonates with your audience and shows them that you're in touch with what's happening in the world. Additionally, staying ahead of trends in your niche and on TikTok can help you stand out from the crowd and attract more followers (Hubspot 2).

Another way to be relevant on TikTok is to appeal to emotions (Semrush). People connect with content that makes them feel something, whether it's happiness, nostalgia, or even sadness. By tapping into these emotions, you can create content that resonates with your audience and keeps them coming back for more. Sharing personal, relatable experiences is another effective way to connect with your audience and be relevant on TikTok. When you share stories that people can relate to, they feel a connection to you and are more likely to engage with your content.

If you want to take your business to the next level on TikTok, it's important to stay relevant in your field or niche. Check out my colleague's article on how to leverage TikTok to grow your business for more tips and strategies here.

Tip #3- Use Hashtags

Using hashtags is an essential part of making your content discoverable on TikTok. According to Semrush, it's crucial to do your research and find relevant hashtags that will help you reach your target audience. You can start by analyzing what hashtags your competitors are using and how their content performs under those hashtags.

It's also important to target hashtags with both high and low competition (Semrush). Using only high-competition hashtags may make it difficult for your content to stand out, while using only low-competition hashtags may limit your reach. A mix of both will help your content be seen by more people.

Semrush suggests following these tips for using hashtags:

• Before posting, it's essential to double-check for spelling errors in your hashtags. Even a small typo can render your hashtag useless and make it hard for people to find your content.

• While it's essential to use hashtags, it's crucial not to overdo it. Using too many hashtags can make your content look spammy and negatively impact its performance.

• Finally, using branded hashtags can help you build your brand and make your content more discoverable. You can create your own branded hashtag and encourage your followers to use it when creating user-generated content related to your brand.

Tip #4- Repurpose Existing Content

Repurposing existing content can be a great way to save time and effort while still creating engaging TikToks (Semrush). For example, if you have a blog post about healthy meal prep ideas, you could create short, text-based videos that showcase each recipe and its ingredients. You could also record audio clips of yourself discussing the benefits of meal prepping and how it has helped you stay on track with your health goals. By repurposing existing content, you can ensure that your TikToks are still providing value to your audience while also being efficient with your time and resources.

Tip #5- Make your Content Shareable

Creating shareable content is essential to increasing your reach and getting your TikToks to go viral. When content is shareable, it has the potential to branch out and reach a much larger audience. This can be achieved by creating content that people want to share with their friends and family. So, how can you make your content shareable? Here are a few tips:

• Evoke Emotions (Semrush): Creating emotional content can trigger feelings of happiness, sadness, excitement, or even fear. When people experience strong emotions while watching a TikTok, they are more likely to share it with their friends and family. Think about ways to create an emotional connection with your audience.

• Make it relatable (Hubspot 1): Create content that your audience can relate to. When people feel like they can relate to the content, they are more likely to share it with their own followers. This could be something as simple as a relatable meme or a video that showcases everyday situations.

• User-generated content: Encourage your followers to create and share their own content related to your brand or content (Semrush). This creates a community feel and helps to amplify your message. A great example of this is Gymshark's 66-day challenge, where users were encouraged to share their fitness journey on TikTok using the #gymshark66 hashtag (Hubspot 1).

All in all, making your TikToks go viral is no easy task, but with the right strategies, it is achievable. The five tips we have discussed can help you create content that not only catches the viewer's attention but also encourages them to share it with others.

Creating viral TikToks takes time, effort, and creativity. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of reaching a wider audience and gaining more followers. Remember, TikTok is an ever-evolving platform, so it's essential to stay up to date with the latest trends and strategies to keep your content relevant.

In today's world, where social media platforms dominate our daily lives, creating content that goes viral can be a significant step towards building your personal brand or growing your business. Therefore, it is essential to create content that is not only informative and engaging but also shareable.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and experiment with these tips to create viral TikToks that can make a significant impact on your audience.

Resources

Branyik, K. (2022, May 11). 11 Ways to Create Engaging Social Media Content. Retrieved from Semrush Blog: https://www.semrush.com/blog/11-ways-to-create-engaging-social-media-content/

Bump, P. (2022, July 15). TikTok Brands That are Winning at Marketing in 2023. Retrieved from Hubspot: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/brands-on-tiktok

Bump, P. (2022, April 19). TikTok Is Exploring Stories & Long Videos: Will Marketers Even Care? Retrieved from Hubspot: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/tiktok-stories