How To Go Viral On TikTok In 2025

With over two billion users, TikTok videos can reach huge audiences, making it excellent for attracting new fans.

Learning how to go viral on TikTok requires understanding the platform’s algorithms and creating content that engages users.

This guide explores how to capitalize on your TikTok content, increase your video’s visibility, and reach your target audience.

 

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Key Takeaways

• Learning how to go viral on TikTok requires understanding how the platform’s algorithms identify and boost content.
• Regular, high-quality content is more likely to go viral when it incorporates trending and relevant hashtags and trending sounds.
• Partnering with other creators and responding to feedback keeps your audience engaged through challenges and other features.
• Viral videos on TikTok can lead to many monetization opportunities, from branding and sponsorships to selling merchandise.
• You can increase your chances of going viral on TikTok by analyzing performance data and refining your own videos.

 

What Does Creating Viral Content on TikTok Mean?

Creating viral content on TikTok is when videos experience rapid growth in views, shares, and engagement through comments.

It occurs when video content resonates with a large audience, boosting visibility, particularly when shared by large channels.

No specific number of views qualifies TikTok videos as viral, but achieving 500,000 or more shortly after posting is a reliable benchmark.

Viral videos typically have broad appeal, rather than covering niche interests, and appeal to diverse viewers.

An example of a viral TikTok video is the song “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, which exploded after Lana Del Rey praised it.

That said, niche content still has viral potential, so artists should remain faithful to their style whenever possible.

While there’s no guaranteed formula for virality, artists with quality songwriting abilities have a higher chance of success.

A strong presence across other social media platforms also improves your chances of creating viral content on TikTok.

 

Increase your chances of virality with Promo Hype’s promotion service.

 

How Does TikTok’s Algorithm Work?

Gaining online exposure depends on how algorithms work, whether ranking on Google search results or creating viral videos.

While the algorithms for social media platforms may seem opaque at best, there are rules of thumb you can use to help.

TikTok is one of the key drivers of music discovery, with a high rate of sharing between users that drives the platform’s algorithms.

This engagement is what TikTok draws on when updating the algorithm, analyzing user signals such as comments, follows, and likes.

The analysis also includes additional information, including video titles, descriptions, hashtags, and captions.

Other factors that influence virality on TikTok include repeated views from individuals and the overall watch time.

When uploading video content to TikTok, these factors are used to assess the level of engagement your content has.

If your TikTok videos receive favorable responses from the community, the platform will promote them to a broader audience.

This can significantly improve your odds of gaining the attention of record labels looking for artists and other industry professionals.

 

Viral TikTok Videos: Key Factors To Consider

Before you begin creating videos for your TikTok account, consider these key factors to help you produce high-quality content.

Here’s a breakdown of these considerations in more detail:

• Offer something of unique value: TikTok is swamped with thousands of new daily uploads, making capturing the audience’s attention challenging. Creating videos with unique value, such as tutorials and other informative content, will increase your chances of gaining views and followers.
• Begin your video with a hook: Many viewers on TikTok and elsewhere fail to watch videos until the end before turning them off. This means opening with a catchy hook is essential for video retention, piquing viewer interest in the first few seconds.
• Strive for authentic storytelling: TikTok’s grassroots-style content creation makes it optimal for authentic and meaningful content. Independent artists can use song structure to tell a captivating story that resonates with their target audience.
• Publish posts at the optimal time: Another way to increase your chances of going viral on TikTok is to publish your posts at the optimal time of day. Early afternoons on weekdays often lead to higher engagement, while evenings get better results over the weekend.
• Implement TikTok SEO optimization: As with other social media platforms, search engine optimization is critical for reaching a broader audience. This includes using relevant hashtags and keywords in descriptions, optimizing content titles, captions, and on-screen text.

These strategies will improve your content’s visibility on the platform by satisfying the algorithm’s expectations.

 

How To Go Viral On TikTok In 2025: Step-By-Step

Independent artists who make music frequently release TikTok videos to share their creative works and build an audience.

Here’s a complete breakdown exploring how to go viral on TikTok, from using trending hashtags to monitoring your TikTok analytics.

 

Step 1: Decide On Your Niche

Whether you’re new to TikTok or refining your channel, identifying your core niche is the first step toward virality.

A niche allows you to identify your core audience and community to create content that resonates with fans.

It can be around any subject you’re passionate about, from posting funny videos as a comedian to sharing original songs.

This topic can then be used to research your target audience preferences and craft engaging videos that speak to their interests.

If you’re sharing songs, this content can be supplemented with insightful videos about the music production software you use.

You can also identify niche hashtags and post videos that align with these trends through captivating original content.

 

Step 2: Follow The Latest Trends

While most social media platforms are built around trending content, TikTok trends are especially effective for virality.

Following trends in your chosen niche will help you to capitalize on hot topics and increase audience engagement.

Many successful independent artists use trends to push their channel and gain a spot in the For You section.

It’s important to note that following the latest trends doesn’t mean jumping on every popular bandwagon.

Many content creators chase clout, which might function as clickbait but doesn’t indicate genuine authenticity.

If your audience thinks your content is a cynical attempt to farm their views and reactions, they’ll soon turn elsewhere.

Ultimately, TikTok trends function as a litmus test that helps you gauge what’s popular and produce content accordingly.

Whenever a particular trend resonates, seize the initiative and create videos that capitalize on the trend.

 

Step 3: Incorporate Popular Audio Clips In Videos

Another method TikTok content creators use is trending sounds, available in the platform’s sound library.

Located in the app’s Sounds tab, these include song snippets and sound effects, movie clips, and other audio content.

Including these can improve video performance and make the TikTok algorithm view your content more favorably.

Since these trending sounds are constantly updated, it’s worthwhile checking in regularly to ensure you don’t miss out.

You can also create and submit trending sounds to TikTok, for example, to align them with an upcoming song release.

 

Step 4: Share High-Quality Content With Relevant Hashtags

Posting regularly is essential for getting noticed by the TikTok algorithm, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of quality.

TikTok videos must be well-produced to retain audience attention, with a catchy hook, polished editing, and professional editing.

You don’t have to be a graduate from a music production school, but if you’re sharing songs, they should be mixed and mastered.

Avoid long, drawn-out monologues, and introduce effects and other visual elements to make them pop off the screen.

Once they’re ready to upload, add relevant hashtags through TikTok’s creative center to ensure maximum exposure.

 

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Step 5: Participate In TikTok Challenges

Another core aspect of TikTok that sets it apart from other platforms is the challenges, typically related to trending content.

Participating in TikTok challenges instantly aligns content with hot and trending topics relevant to your niche.

This can include videos featuring new songs from popular music genres or funny clips with a unique approach to the challenge.

Challenges are also community-oriented, making them an excellent tool for building networks with other creators in your niche.

 

Step 6: Collaborate With Other Creators

Collaborations are an essential strategy for increasing your visibility on social media channels and evolving as a creator.

It can involve anything from working on new video projects and hosting joint livestreams to sharing one another’s channels.

Joint challenges, cross-channel sponsorships, and guest channel appearances are common ways to work with other creators.

You can also participate in TikTok’s new Collaborations feature, which allows multiple channel creators to appear on the same video.

This content can bring in traffic from all contributors, significantly enhancing the video’s visibility across TikTok.

If you’re struggling to find creatives with whom to collaborate, there are plenty of ways to build networks and launch projects.

For instance, you can sign up for a digital distribution and promotion platform and engage with the artist community.

These services also provide access to promotional tools and analytics for refining your marketing strategy across multiple platforms.

Lastly, collaboration with fans is another common way to keep the audience engaged and actively involved with your content.

This can be running contests for fan art, setting challenges for them to attempt, or running giveaways and competitions.

 

Step 7: Engage With Your Followers

Engagement is a critical factor that works both ways when it comes to successful online content with viral potential.

This means content creators must engage with their followers to increase the feedback they receive in return.

Politely and respectfully responding to comments and constructive criticism from viewers is an easy way to engage.

Liking and sharing comments and posts from followers you find interesting also helps to strengthen a sense of community.

If your followers use TikTok features like Duet or Stitch, publicly thank them for their contributions and support.

These approaches to personal engagement are why TikTok’s most prominent musicians outshine A-list celebrities like Taylor Swift.

It’s a platform where grassroots talent and charisma can go viral and rise above corporate-backed artists.

The more you engage with your followers in good faith, the higher your chances of building an audience of dedicated fans.

 

Learn more: Find out how to get signed to a record label.

 

Step 8: Promote On Other Platforms

Any creative seeking additional exposure understands the importance of cross-promotion on social media.

Whether promoting your music or lifestyle advice, TikTok users can be found on Facebook, Instagram, X, and elsewhere.

Your views and engagement will significantly increase when you link to TikTok content across all platforms.

If you have a website, you can also use it to drive loyal followers to new content who are highly likely to engage.

For musicians, understanding how algorithms work on platforms like Spotify is also critical to maximizing your reach.

It can help you focus your marketing budget where it counts the most and increase revenue across platforms.

 

Step 9: Post Consistently

Whatever content you create, sticking to a consistent posting schedule is essential for going viral on TikTok.

Uploading one video per week won’t get long-term value and will unlikely keep viewers returning for more.

The more quality content you upload consistently, the higher your chances are of getting the engagement that leads to virality.

Consistent posting helps to drive the TikTok algorithm to your channel, recognizing your value and increasing visibility.

By posting regularly, your account is assessed as a reliable source of views and increases your odds of appearing on the “For You Page.”

If you have time and resources, you can create content in bulk and schedule it for posting over the coming weeks.

TikTok For Business provides a scheduling tool for setting the date and time, among other parameters.

Be aware that this feature is only available through the desktop version and cannot be accessed via the TikTok app.

Using social media tools like Hootsuite, you can also align the posting schedule with Facebook, X, and Instagram.

 

Step 10: Analyze Your Performance Metrics

Going viral on TikTok is a learning curve that becomes more likely when you understand how your content is performing.

Many tools, such as TikTok’s Creator Analytics dashboard, can be used to measure ad campaign performance.

The platform’s metrics include follower count, likes, comments, and shares, as well as weekly and monthly growth.

Information on average and total play times and video view demographics is also available to refine your content creation.

TikTok’s analytics tools are accessible on desktop and mobile, with the Business Suite feature providing more comprehensive tools.

Analytics are also available for TikTok LIVE to help you understand how your streams are performing and who your audience is.

Drawing on this information allows content creators to fine-tune their posting schedule and experiment with new content.

You should also take the time to analyze the performance of other creators and assess the impact their content has.

Platforms like Social Blade present a wealth of data around content creators and their channel growth, views, and subscribers.

 

Further reading: Learn how to submit your music to radio stations.

 

Monetizing Viral Videos On TikTok

Going viral on TikTok will significantly enhance your TikTok presence, providing an excellent opportunity for monetization.

TikTok’s internal monetization tools are available for generating revenue from views, but other methods are also available.

Here’s an overview of some of the ways content creators maximize their income from viral videos on TikTok:

 

TikTok LIVE

Livestreaming on TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch is a hugely popular source of revenue for all types of content creators.

TikTok LIVE offers a range of monetization features, multi-guest hosting services, and moderation tools.

Content creators can monetize livestreams through TikTok LIVE gifts, which can be sent during a broadcast.

Once received, these gifts can be exchanged for other virtual items or converted into real currency.

The gift also appears on screen during the live stream, allowing the sender and recipient to interact in real-time.

 

Creator Rewards Program

If your channel has many TikTok users following it, you may be eligible to join the platform’s Creator Rewards Program.

To qualify, you’ll need a minimum of 10,000 followers and 100,000 or more video views in the previous month.

Video monetization offers rates ranging from $0.02 to $0.04 per 1,000 views, which are comparable to YouTube’s rates.

All content, such as how-to videos, needs to be original, and past channel performance is also considered.

Uploads must also adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, passing a review process before monetization is granted.

 

Brand Collaborations

Once your TikTok channel reaches a decent size with plenty of engaged followers, you can generate revenue through brand collaborations.

Collaborations allow you to leverage your audience to promote products related to your content and earn money.

Brands search for TikTok influencers through the TikTok Creator Marketplace, but you can also contact brands directly.

You can also use platforms like Collabstr and AspireIQ to negotiate the rates and other terms of brand collaborations.

If your channel is small, there’s no harm in reaching out to brands if you feel they align with your style.

 

Selling Merchandise

Independent artists have been selling merchandise from stalls for as long as live bands have performed at gigs.

Today, there are many options for selling online and offering a range of products, from T-shirts to posters and mugs.

TikTok videos are excellent ways to build a brand and link to online stores where fans can support you with purchases.

Some independent artists sell limited edition releases of singles and albums on vinyl records and CD formats.

These editions are often highly sought after by fans and can be advertised through other social media channels.

By monitoring TikTok trends and sales, you can refine your merchandise to offer fans what they most want.

 

Offering Memberships & Subscriptions

Another popular way to monetize TikTok videos is through channel memberships and other subscription offers.

This method allows channel owners to create subscription tiers that unlock various features for members.

As the price point increases, additional perks, such as early access to content and exclusive videos, become available.

Subscribers willing to pay the maximum are often granted access to exclusive channels to chat directly with the artist.

It’s also an excellent way to build a TikTok community and understand your fans’ other musical interests.

 

Go Viral With Promo Hype

Going viral on TikTok can lead to exceptional growth, but independent artists should adopt a broader strategy for success.

Becoming a Promo Hype member provides many opportunities to reach a global audience and maximize music streams.

By partnering with Promo Hype, you can access the following powerful features:

• Global distribution on all major streaming platforms: Maximizing your reach online means distributing music on all streaming platforms. Promo Hype members can schedule and release across Spotify, TIDAL, Amazon Music, and elsewhere.
• Powerful marketing tools with the Promotional Toolkit: Driving attention to new releases and tours requires a robust marketing strategy. With the Promotional Toolkit, artists have complete control over their marketing budget.
• Complete control over your royalties: Many independent artists struggle to retain royalties on platforms and maximize profits. Through Promo Hype, members keep 100% of royalties earned across platforms.
• Comprehensive data analytics to drive growth: Understanding audience behaviors is essential for growing as an independent artist. Promo Hype members can drive growth through the Dashboard’s metrics and data analytics tools.
• A lively community of independent artists: Connecting with like-minded creatives is excellent for learning new skills and finding collaborative partners. Promo Hype offers a thriving Community for members to engage on various topics.

With complete control via the artist Dashboard, Promo Hype covers everything independent artists need to enhance their careers.

 

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Summary

A critical moment for all artists is going viral online and significantly enhancing their visibility and engagement.

If you’re learning how to go viral on TikTok, this guide will streamline your processes and maximize your success.

Providing opportunities for collaborations, sponsorships, and tours, viral TikTok videos can be a career game-changer.