Everyone wants to gain views and to be able to create that one piece of content that captures the attention of millions, generates hype, and makes viewers go crazy about that trend.
But the question remains, what makes your video go viral? TikTok, Instagram reels, Shorts, or long-form on Youtube…What is the secret recipe for gaining that power-engaging content that makes the world go into a frenzy?
As an example, Nathan Apodaca became a viral TikTok sensation with a skateboard, a swig of cranberry juice, and Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” gaining him over 41 million views in no time. Maybe there’s no secret formula but there sure are tricks that can change your video game.
How Many Views Makes a Video Viral?
Virality is subjective. Most people associate it with the concept with millions of viewers BUT…
Going viral means different things on different platforms. On Twitter, a retweeted video 100,000 times in a day can become a major talking point. But on TikTok, where massive views are common, that same number wouldn’t even break a sweat.
Generally, the post is considered viral if it reaches many people in a short time. On social media platforms like YouTube, a video could have gone viral if the number of views it has reached was above 5 million within a week. But naturally, the smaller platforms or niche markets have different criteria for the content that is considered viral.
According to Statista, here are the most viral videos across platforms that gained the most views in 24 hours.
So, if we wanna know how many views you need to go viral on social media, we’ll have to look at each platform separately.
What Makes a Video Viral?
Going viral feels like magic, but there’s some science behind it. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
1. Algorithm Love
Social media platforms prioritize content with high engagement. A study by HubSpot found that videos with comments and shares are much more likely to be boosted by the algorithm, reaching a wider audience. Think of it like a snowball effect – the more people interact, the bigger the snowball gets.
2. Followers Can Make a Difference
While not everything needs a massive following, a strong foundation can help. Established accounts with a loyal audience can push a video further, giving it that initial kickstart for virality.
3. Quality is King
A study revealed that 78% of viewers consider video quality to be a major factor in deciding whether to watch a video.
Whether it’s stunning visuals, a hilarious skit, or a thought-provoking message, quality content grabs attention and keeps people engaged but since retention editing is a big chunk, make sure your content gets to the point ASAP.
4. Context is Key
“Viral” can be relative. A video with 100k views in a tight-knit online community of dog lovers might be considered a massive success, while the same number on a platform like YouTube wouldn’t have the same impact.
Take, for instance, the infamous “Woman Yelling at a Cat” meme. This video, originally a cooking tutorial gone wrong, went viral primarily within the meme community, not necessarily reaching mainstream audiences on YouTube.
How Many Views Means Viral On TikTok?
The ‘For you page’ on Tiktok consistently delivers relevant shortform videos to users, providing creators with more chances to boost engagement and accumulate millions of views.
If your TikTok gets 3–5 million views within a week, it has officially gone viral.
How Many Views to Go Viral on Instagram?
On Instagram, the number of views needed to go viral varies depending on the content type or niche. An image or video post that receives 10,000 to 20,000 likes or views within the first 24 hours is often deemed viral. For reels, reaching 100k views or more usually signifies viral status.
How Many Views Is “Viral” on YouTube?
For longer format videos, meaning videos that are more than ten minutes, 5 Million views within a week is considered viral.
YouTube shorts operate on faster virality where 2-3 million views in a week may be considered viral because of the platform and specifically, short-form content.
You must keep in mind that a video belonging to a particular niche market could be deemed viral in that particular market even with few views compared to the same video shared with the general populous.
How to Go Viral? Tiktok, YouTube, and Instagram
Here’s a breakdown of how to potentially go viral on each platform:
TikTok Viral Trends
- Hook them Fast: People are very much unpredictable because their attention spans are very much short-lived. Start with something likely to catch the viewers’ attention in the first three seconds, a question, an action, or an overlay text.
- See What’s Trending: Ride on the wave of trending hashtags, challenges, or sounds. The ASMR trend was spread in on Tiktok and it got more than 30.6M posts under the keyword.
You can use the Discover tab of TikTok and the trending hashtags to notice trends. - Be Concise & Compelling: Yes, especially for 30-60-second video. The perfect length for a TikTok video is between 21 and 34 seconds, as seen in SocialBee’s research published in 2024.
- Don’t Fill Too Many Hashtags: Don’t go overboard. Include activities 1-2 general hashtags that are popular at the time and 3-5 topic-specific hashtags. Do not use generic hashtags like #FYP.
- Post Smart on Time: Get to know the hours when the intended audience is most active. It’s recommended to post on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4-6 p.m., Wednesdays, and Thursdays mornings from 9-11 a.m., and Thursdays from 2-6 p.m. To improve the posting frequency, use the insight features of TikTok.
So how would you upload an ideal TikTok video? You make a funny sketch (28 seconds) that depicts a familiar story based on a popular sound (#AdultingFail). You post at the time depending on the day with the hashtag #comedy #worklifebalance. The skits act into and out quickly, many people can relate to the humor, and things presented act as trends hence making it visible.
YouTube Shorts Strategy
YouTube Shorts is YouTube’s answer to short-form content. Keep your videos under 60 seconds and focus on creating engaging, concise content. The algorithm favors videos with high retention rates, so make sure to capture viewers’ attention quickly.
The first few seconds are crucial. Start with a strong hook to grab viewers’ attention immediately to increase video engagement. Incorporate popular sounds and music to increase the likelihood of your Shorts being discovered.
Even though YouTube Shorts are often discovered through the Shorts shelf, an attractive thumbnail can help catch attention when viewed on your channel.
Instagram Reels Tips
Instagram Reels is another great platform for viral content. Use trending music and hashtags to increase your video’s visibility. Engaging with your audience through comments and DMs can also boost your video’s reach.
Incorporate popular songs in your Reels to align with current trends and increase discoverability. Include trending and relevant hashtags to boost your video’s visibility and reach a broader audience. Partner with influencers and other creators to get noticed in their follower base and expose your content to a larger audience.
Regularly posting new content keeps your audience engaged and increases the chances of your videos being featured. Use Instagram’s editing tools, effects, and features to enhance your Reels and make them stand out.
Case Study: Nathan Apodaca’s “Dreams” Skateboarding Video
Nathan Apodaca, also known as @420doggface208 on TikTok, became a viral sensation in September 2020 with a simple yet captivating video. In this video, Nathan is seen skateboarding while drinking cranberry juice and lip-syncing to Fleetwood Mac’s song “Dreams.” The video quickly gained immense popularity, bringing joy and nostalgia to viewers during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Viral Video
The video, filmed by Nathan while on his way to work after his car broke down, shows him skateboarding down a highway, sipping from a bottle of Ocean Spray cranberry juice, and effortlessly singing along to “Dreams.” The combination of his relaxed demeanor, the smooth ride, and the classic song created a perfect storm for virality.
The Secret Sauce for Virality
- Authenticity: Nathan’s genuine, carefree attitude resonated with viewers, providing a sense of escapism and joy.
- Nostalgia: The use of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” a beloved classic, evoked nostalgia, appealing to a broad audience across different age groups.
- Timeliness: The video’s release coincided with a period of global uncertainty and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making Nathan’s carefree attitude and the uplifting vibe of the video particularly appealing.
- Soundtrack Impact: Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” saw a resurgence in popularity as a result of the video, demonstrating the power of user-generated content in revitalizing classic music.
- Cross-Platform Sharing: The video spread rapidly across TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms, garnering millions of views and reactions within days of its upload..
- Nathan Apodaca’s “Dreams” skateboarding video is a prime example of how a simple, relatable, and humorous piece of content can go viral. The video’s success highlights the power of social media in amplifying content and creating trends that transcend geographical boundaries.
Conclusion
It is important to understand that there is no fixed formula or trick for going viral on social media. If you work on the mentioned tips to increase video engagement, you get there.
Remember, the most important thing is to create content that resonates with you and your audience. Authenticity, engagement, and quality will always be in demand, regardless of changing algorithms and trends. Start experimenting with these tips today and watch your video go viral!
