What Is Considered Viral on TikTok?

TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, offering creators a platform where content can gain massive visibility in a short amount of time. But what exactly does it mean for a video to go “viral” on TikTok? While there’s no official threshold, viral content generally achieves a significant number of views, likes, and engagement relative to the creator’s usual reach.

In this blog, we’ll break down what “viral” means on TikTok, the metrics that contribute to virality, and tips for creating content with viral potential.

What Does “Viral” Mean on TikTok?

On TikTok, a video is considered viral when it:

1. Reaches a Large Audience: Videos garnering millions of views are undoubtedly viral. However, smaller creators with fewer followers may consider tens or hundreds of thousands of views as viral for their account.

2. Generates High Engagement: Likes, comments, shares, and saves are key indicators of virality. A video with high engagement relative to its views has better chances of appearing on the For You page (FYP).

3. Spreads Beyond TikTok: Viral TikToks often cross over to other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube, increasing their impact.

Key Metrics for Viral TikToks

To define virality, consider these metrics:

1. Views

• Threshold:

  • Small creators: 100,000+ views may be considered viral.

  • Established creators: 1 million+ views often define virality.

• TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes watch time, so videos with high completion rates are more likely to gain views.

2. Engagement Rate

• A high engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) relative to the total views indicates virality. TikTok’s average engagement rate is between 5% and 15%. Viral videos often exceed this range.

3. Shares and Saves

• Shares are particularly important because they spread the video to a broader audience, increasing its chances of trending.

4. Follower Growth

• Viral videos frequently lead to a spike in follower count, as users who enjoy the content follow the creator for more.

Factors That Make TikTok Content Go Viral

1. Appearing on the For You Page (FYP)

• TikTok’s FYP is where most viral videos gain traction. The algorithm boosts content based on watch time, engagement, and relevance to users’ preferences.

2. Trending Sounds and Hashtags

• Using trending sounds and hashtags increases the chances of a video being discovered by a larger audience.

3. Relatable or Shareable Content

• Viral content often resonates with a wide audience or taps into universal emotions like humor, inspiration, or nostalgia.

4. High-Quality Videos

• Clear visuals, good lighting, and engaging editing keep viewers watching and increase the likelihood of engagement.

5. Strong Hook in the First Few Seconds

• TikTok’s short format requires creators to grab attention immediately. A compelling opening boosts completion rates, a critical factor in virality.

Examples of Viral TikTok Content

1. Dance Challenges:

   • Creators performing choreography to trending sounds often gain millions of views.

2. Funny Skits or Memes:

   • Humor is a key driver of virality, especially when content is relatable.

3. Educational or Informative Videos:

   • Bite-sized tutorials or hacks tend to perform well as they provide value to the viewer.

4. Heartwarming or Inspirational Stories:

   • Emotional content that resonates deeply with viewers often goes viral.

5. Unexpected Moments:

   • Videos capturing surprising, shocking, or unplanned moments tend to get shared widely.

Tips for Creating Viral TikTok Content

1. Use Trending Sounds and Effects

   • Leverage TikTok’s Discover tab to find popular sounds and effects to include in your videos.

2. Engage with Current Trends

   • Participate in trending challenges or create a unique spin on popular content.

3. Optimize Video Length

   • Shorter videos (7–15 seconds) often perform better as they’re more likely to be watched to completion.

4. Encourage Interaction

   • Ask viewers to comment, share, or duet your video to boost engagement.

5. Be Authentic

   • Viewers appreciate genuine, relatable content. Show your personality or unique perspective.

6. Post Consistently

   • The more content you upload, the higher your chances of creating a viral hit.

FAQs About Virality on TikTok

1. Is there a minimum number of views to be considered viral?
No set number defines virality. For smaller creators, a video with 10x their average view count could be considered viral. For larger creators, virality usually involves millions of views.

2. How long does it take for a TikTok to go viral?
Virality can happen within hours, but some videos gain traction days or even weeks after being posted.

3. Do hashtags matter for virality?
Yes, using relevant and trending hashtags increases the chances of your video being discovered.

4. Can I go viral without followers?
Absolutely! TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes content quality and engagement, not follower count.

5. What happens after a video goes viral?
Viral videos often lead to increased followers, higher engagement, and more opportunities to monetize your content or collaborate with brands.

Conclusion

Virality on TikTok isn’t an exact science, but it’s influenced by metrics like views, engagement, and shares. By creating relatable, high-quality, and trend-driven content, you can increase your chances of going viral. Remember, consistency and authenticity are just as important as jumping on the latest trends.