How to go Viral on TikTok: Influencer Advice

By Julisa Ortega

Ever wondered what it’s like to go viral? In today’s society, especially during a pandemic, social media plays a big role in our entertainment. And, right now, the fastest growing social media network is TikTok. Tiktok, previously known as Muciscal.ly, is a social media platform that many of us downloaded during quarantine. It allows you to post 15 - 60 second videos of any genre of your liking. With over 1 billion users worldwide, this app is a big deal. 

So, is there a strategy for going viral on TikTok? I’ve asked social media influencer and TikTok star, Luis Abad, to help give us a better understanding about how to go viral on TikTok. Luis is a 20-year-old York, Pa. native who came to Los Angeles, Calif. at the fresh age of 17 years old. He has 199,000 followers on TikTok and has gone viral many times for his humorous content. Abad broke it down to five easy steps to try and get your viral sensation on. ​

Instagram picture, theerealluisj

1. Use current and popular sounds that are trending on TikTok.

2.  Create a unique story for your TikTok video.    
The app also allows you to have your own voice as a sound. This means you can basically treat it like a vlog and tell a story. Abad has done this many times and has had an amazing viral success rate. He also adds that, when telling a story, keep it straight to the point, but leave them wanting more. That allows your video to get more comments and benefits the algorithm on the app. 

3.  Don’t stick to just one genre. 
When using this app you have to be versatile and, in a way, a sort of chameleon. Being able to adapt to current trends, even if it doesn’t go with your aesthetic, is vital to going viral. Abad gives a helpful tool to improve one’s chance of going viral. He says, “If you stay with just one genre your whole life, people then don’t want you to change. If you allow yourself to explore different types of videos then people won't just label you to one.” This is important because trends will always come and go.  

4.  Be consistent. 
If you’re trying to keep the viral in your system, you need to have a supportive base. If your followers aren’t getting enough content they might unfollow and lose interest. Luis has had his fair share of losing and gaining followers. He says his supporters would mention that he isn’t posting enough. He took that advice and agreed. He became more consistent and further down the line created a fan base. 

5. Have fun and be yourself.  
I know this may sound cliché, but many forget to do it. When you’re on a popular app like TikTok, it’s easy to compare yourself to other people. Abad says, “There’s always going to be someone prettier, nicer, funnier or more popular than you; but who cares?! No one can compete with me because I am the version I want to be.” Be original when it comes to content. Follow a trend, but don’t copy someone’s video idea. 
Going viral isn’t everyone cup of tea, but these steps can help you achieve it if you would like the taste of fame. TikTok is a trending social media platform with a diverse content theme. It has allowed normal people, like you and me, to become something bigger.  
Do you think you have what it takes to go viral? The only way to find out is to try! Get on TikTok, follow these steps, and put it to the test. Tag us on your social media and your TikTok could be mentioned in our next posts. Use #CSULBHowTo and email us with any content or questions. ​
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