You wanna make a Viral Video but you never come close?
What Makes a Video Go Viral?
There’s no single guarantee, but viral videos almost always excel in a few key areas. Going viral is a mix of a great idea, perfect timing, and understanding what makes people stop, watch, and share.
Here is the general “recipe” for a video that has a high chance of success.
”The 4-Ingredient “Viral Recipe”
- The 3-Second Hook (The MOST Important Ingredient): You must grab attention in the first three seconds. Don’t start with “Hey everyone, in this video…” Start with the most shocking, satisfying, or confusing part. A bold statement, a “wait, what?” visual, or a controversial question works best.
- Keep it Short & Vertical: The most viral content right now is on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. This means your video should be:
- Vertical (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Short (ideally 7-15 seconds). Anything over 30 seconds needs to be extremely compelling to hold attention.
- Spark a Reaction (Emotion & Debate): Your video needs to make people feel something.
- Emotion: Make them laugh (humor), say “aww” (wholesome/pets), feel shocked (surprise), or feel satisfied (ASMR, cleaning, “perfect fit” videos).
- Debate: This is a huge driver. If you can get people to argue in your comments, the algorithm will love it. A simple, low-stakes controversial opinion (e.g., “This is the only correct way to eat a sandwich”) can send engagement through the roof.
- Use Trending Audio: Using a sound that’s already trending is like a shortcut. The algorithm is already pushing that sound to new audiences. Adding your own unique, funny, or clever twist to a trend is a classic formula for success.
4 Viral Video Ideas You Could Make Today
Here are four concrete ideas based on current trends that you could adapt and film.
1. The “Controversial How-To”
- Concept: Show a “life hack” or a way of doing a simple task, but state with 100% confidence that it’s the only correct way.
- Why it Works: This is “debate bait.” People love to correct others in the comments.
- Example:
- Hook (On-Screen Text): “You’ve been making grilled cheese wrong.”
- Video (10 seconds): Quickly make a grilled cheese using a slightly weird technique (e.g., putting the mayo on the inside, using a waffle iron).
- Audio: Use a popular, fast-paced trending sound.
- Result: The comments will be flooded with “That’s not right!” and “I’ve always done it that way!” This high engagement signals to the algorithm that your video is popular.
2. The “Relatable Confession”
- Concept: Use a trending “confession” sound or format to share a universally relatable, slightly embarrassing “flaw.”
- Why it Works: It’s self-deprecating, funny, and makes people feel seen. The main reaction is “This is so me!”
- Example:
- Hook (On-Screen Text): “Unfortunately, I do love…”
- Video (7-10 seconds): A quick montage of you doing the things.
- Text List:
- …canceling plans to stay home.
- …eating snacks directly from the fridge at 2 AM.
- …rehearsing a fake argument in the shower.
- Result: High shareability and comments filled with people sharing their own relatable confessions.
3. The “Unexpected Glow-Up / Transformation”
- Concept: A fast-paced “before and after” that isn’t what people expect.
- Why it Works: Transformation videos are visually satisfying. The “unexpected” twist makes it memorable and funny.
- Example:
- Hook (Video): You looking tired and messy in your pajamas.
- On-Screen Text: “Me at 8:00 AM”
- Transition: A fast, sharp “before” shot of a messy room, a simple ingredient (like an egg), or an empty desk.
- After (Video): A quick cut to the same room now clean, the egg now a beautiful omelet, or the desk now an organized workspace.
- On-Screen Text: “Me at 8:15 AM”
- Audio: A very dramatic, powerful-sounding audio clip.
- Result: It’s a satisfying, short, and impressive mini-story that’s easy to re-watch.
4. The “Seasonal POV”
- Concept: (Timely for mid-November) Tap into the relatable debate about the holidays starting “too early.”
- Why it Works: It’s timely, relatable, and plays on a fun, recurring cultural debate.
- Example:
- Hook (On-Screen Text): “POV: You hear your first Christmas song of the year… and it’s November 16th.”
- Video (10 seconds):
- Part 1 (3 sec): You’re walking normally, minding your business.
- Part 2 (7 sec): A quick cut. Now you’re walking with an over-the-top festive strut, full of swagger, maybe subtly humming.
- Audio: Use the audio from the “How I’d Move If I Were Them” trend or a classic Christmas song.
- Result: Catches the “too early!” crowd and the “I love Christmas!” crowd. Perfect for comments.