How to Make a Video Go Viral on TikTok and Reddit

In today’s digital age, making a video go viral can bring immense benefits, from increased brand visibility to personal fame. Platforms like TikTok and Reddit are especially conducive to viral content, given their unique algorithms and large user bases. This article will explore strategies for making your video go viral on both TikTok and Reddit.

Understanding the Platforms

First, it’s essential to understand the differences between TikTok and Reddit. TikTok is a short-form video platform where trends, challenges, and viral moments thrive due to its algorithm, which promotes content based on user engagement. Reddit, on the other hand, is a forum-based platform where communities (subreddits) gather around specific interests. Content goes viral on Reddit when it gains upvotes and comments, often due to its relatability, humor, or informational value.

1. Creating Shareable Content

For TikTok:

• Leverage Trends: One of the quickest ways to go viral on TikTok is to participate in trending challenges or use trending sounds. TikTok's algorithm often boosts content that aligns with current trends.
• Hook Viewers Early: The first few seconds of your video are crucial. Start with a captivating or intriguing moment to grab attention immediately.
• Keep It Short and Engaging: Although TikTok videos can be up to 10 minutes long, shorter videos (around 15-30 seconds) often perform better as they are more likely to be rewatched and shared.

For Reddit:

• Know Your Subreddit: Research the subreddit where you want to post your video. Understand its rules, common themes, and what type of content typically gets upvoted.
• Craft an Engaging Title: On Reddit, the title can be just as important as the content itself. A catchy, descriptive, or provocative title can make the difference between your post getting noticed or ignored.
• Engage with the Community: Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in discussions. Reddit users value engagement, and active participation can help your content gain more visibility.

2. Optimizing for the Algorithm

TikTok:

• Use Hashtags Wisely: Include a mix of popular hashtags and niche-specific ones to reach a broader audience while also targeting your ideal viewers.
• Post at the Right Times: Timing can influence how well your video performs. Research when your target audience is most active and post during those times.
• Interact with Comments: The more engagement your video receives, the more likely it is to be promoted by TikTok’s algorithm. Responding to comments can boost this engagement.

Reddit:

• Post During Peak Times: Each subreddit has its own peak times when users are most active. Posting during these times can increase the chances of your content being seen and upvoted.
• Use Relevant Flair: Some subreddits allow or require you to add flair to your posts. This categorization can help your content reach users interested in that specific topic.
• Build Karma: High karma scores indicate that you’re a valuable member of the Reddit community. Engage in other posts and contribute valuable content regularly to build your karma.

3. Collaborating with Influencers

TikTok:

• Partner with Influencers: Collaborating with TikTok influencers can help your content reach a wider audience. Choose influencers whose followers align with your target audience for maximum impact.
• Duets and Stitch: Utilize TikTok’s duet and stitch features to create collaborative content. This not only adds variety to your content but also taps into the other creator's audience.

Reddit:

• Leverage AMAs: Collaborate with influencers or experts in your field to host an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session on Reddit. AMAs can draw significant attention if the topic is intriguing and the guest is well-known.
• Cross-Promotions: Partner with other Reddit users to cross-promote content. This could involve sharing each other’s posts in different subreddits or recommending each other’s content.

4. Measuring Success and Adapting

TikTok:

• Monitor Analytics: Use TikTok's built-in analytics to track the performance of your videos. Pay attention to metrics like views, shares, and watch time to understand what content resonates with your audience.
• Adapt Based on Feedback: If a video doesn’t perform as expected, review the comments and feedback to understand why. Use this information to adjust your content strategy.

Reddit:

• Track Upvotes and Comments: Upvotes and comments are the primary indicators of success on Reddit. Monitor these closely to gauge how well your content is received.
• Learn from Competitors: Observe what type of content is performing well in your chosen subreddits. Analyze these posts to identify trends or strategies you can incorporate into your own content.

Conclusion

Going viral on TikTok and Reddit requires a combination of creativity, strategic timing, and community engagement. On TikTok, it's about capitalizing on trends, using the right hashtags, and engaging with your audience. On Reddit, success comes from understanding the community, crafting compelling titles, and participating actively in discussions. By applying these strategies and continuously adapting to the feedback and analytics, you can increase the chances of your video achieving viral status on these platforms.