Your Ultimate Guide to Going Viral On TikTok and Instagram

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Are you looking to take your social media presence to the next level? TikTok and Instagram Reels are where all the action is right now, and figuring out how to make the most of these platforms can really set you apart. Let’s explore some common questions that can help you navigate the world of TikTok and Instagram Reels marketing.

1. How to Create a Viral TikTok & Instagram Reel

The key to going viral on TikTok is the use authentic storytelling combined with hooks .

Audiences connect with real, genuine content. Authenticity is what truly sets viral content apart.

The art of storytelling on social media

Stories engage people on a deeper level. Rather than feeling like they’re being sold something, viewers feel like they’re a part of the brand’s journey.

Storytelling taps into a psychological mechanism called “transportation,” where viewers become immersed in the story and emotionally invested in the outcome. This is why some of the most successful videos on TikTok and Instagram use storytelling to engage their audiences. 

While following trends can help, taking your viewers on a narrative journey makes your videos infinitely more memorable.

Using hooks in your videos

Hooks are crucial for capturing and retaining your audience’s attention, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where you only have a few seconds to make an impression. Mastering both visual and verbal hooks can dramatically increase your video’s watch time and chances of going viral.

Here is an example of a video from the creator dmitrihasideas who does a great job of utilizing visual hooks to keep his audiences attention:

 

Do you notice: 

  • The oversized pen
  • The man with his shirt off walking into frame
  • The placing on the desk 
  • The outside environment
  •  The shot angle changes
  • The Text on screen

All of these are visual hooks that lure you in as as viewer. They keep you interested and wanting more. 

Here is a video example of a great verbal hook from the creator omgadrian who does a great job of utilizing multiple verbal hooks to gain and keep his audiences attention:

@omgadrian Heres a slice of what life is ACTUALLY like as a content creator. How many “final” versions of this do you think I made before I posted 😂 #tutorial #shortfilm #filmmaking #cinematography ♬ original sound - Adrian Per

His hook, “So today I am going to take you through a day in the life as a full time content creator”, allows you to understand in the first 3 seconds what the video is about. You find out the who and the what from one sentence.

omgadrian’s target audience is other content creators and aims to build his  authority in the content creation space, so this hook:

  • Speaks directly to his audience 
  • Has had past success with other creators (“Day in the life” videos go viral all the time)
  • fits within the first 3 seconds of his video
  • Sets up the videos story 

The hook is the most important thing when formulating your video ideas. You might as well forget about posting the video if you have a weak hook.

Along with a initial hook,  omgadrian also inserts a secondary hook in the middle of the video, “This is what its actually like as a content creator”

Secondary hooks are great for keeping your audience attention throughout so they don’t scroll away. Sometimes having only one hook at the beginning of your video isn’t enough if your story and visual hooks aren’t strong enough.  

2. How Do Hashtags Work on TikTok and Instagram Reels?

Hashtags are great for discoverability, but they aren’t always necessary.

On TikTok, trending hashtags can boost your reach and engagement, specifically targeting your audience. However, when you’re just starting, try posting videos without hashtags to achieve the broadest reach possible.

Many accounts have gone viral on TikTok without using hashtags. By ensuring their videos are properly scripted, include both visual and verbal hooks, and feature text on screen, they have succeeded in going viral without relying on hashtags.

Think of it like running Facebook ads—you don’t start with super-targeted ads. Instead, you start broad to gather as much data as possible before refining your targeting. Apply the same strategy on TikTok. Post some videos without hashtags to reach a wider audience initially, and then research niche-specific hashtags for later posts.

This approach can also be used on Instagram. While trending hashtags and topic tags can increase your reach and engagement, try posting without hashtags and focus on adding relevant topics instead.

3. Optimal Length for TikTok and Instagram Reels Videos

Short, engaging content performs best. For TikTok, aim for 15 to 30 seconds; for Instagram Reels, you can extend up to 90 seconds if necessary. 

Using strong visuals and quick cuts can help maintain the energy and keep viewers hooked. Experiment with different lengths to find the sweet spot that captures your audience’s attention. Make every second count by ensuring your content remains engaging from start to finish.

4. Best Times to Post on TikTok and Instagram

While not the ultimate deciding factor in going viral, timing your posts right can help your reach. Generally, lunchtime (11 AM – 1 PM) and evenings (7 PM – 9 PM) are prime times to catch users when they’re active. However, experimenting with different posting times can help you find what works best for your audience.

Use TikTok and Instagram analytics to track when your followers are most active. This data allows you to fine-tune your schedule and match it to when your followers are most active. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your posting times based on analytics ensures you stay aligned with your audience’s habits.

5. What Content Works Best for TikTok and Instagram Reels?

Content that educates, entertains, inspires, and tells a story generally performs well.

Consider the following pieces of content and their theme and hooks for your next piece of content:

  • How to video – Link
  • What do you do for a living?- Link 
  • Tips and tricks – Link
  • This is (brand story) – Link

Showcasing your brand’s personality through authentic content builds stronger connections and increases the likelihood of shares, expanding your reach. Stay flexible and open to new ideas based on viewer feedback to keep your content fresh.

6. Top Tools for TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creation

There are several tools to streamline your content creation process but here are some essentials: 

  • Canva – Is great for easy to use graphic design templates for static posts and its free.
  • CapCut – Is a great tool for all of your video editing needs. It has a wide variety of video transitions, text fonts, sounds effects and other useful features. Its also free.
  • Artlist – You need a subscription but it has some of the best sound effects, royalty free music, and sound effects out there. Its a great addition to your video editing workflow. 
  •  Clear – This is probably the best noise reduction and audio editing tool that you can include in your post production process. It is a one time fee, but it will save you in a pinch. 

Consistent visuals and audio help create a cohesive look that your audience will recognize. Investing in the right tools can enhance your workflow and the overall quality of your content.

Conclusion

Incorporating TikTok and Instagram Reels into your social media strategy can be a game-changer for building engagement and reaching new audiences. By focusing on authentic storytelling, using effective hooks, and leveraging the right tools, you can create impactful content that resonates with viewers and boosts your brand’s visibility. Remember, it’s all about experimenting, analyzing what works best, and refining your approach to keep your content fresh and engaging. 

 

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