Creating viral videos isn’t just about luck—it’s a strategic combination of creativity, timing, and distribution. While the internet is full of amazing content that never reaches more than a few hundred viewers, some videos manage to hit millions of views in just days. According to YouTube personality Kevin Nalty, a video can be considered a viral video if it gains more than 5 million views within a 3–7 day period.
But how does that actually happen? The secret lies in video seeding—a promotional strategy that uses a mix of PR, social sharing, and smart placement to give your video the best chance to explode. Whether you’re a brand, content creator, or marketer, these ten tips will help you increase your chances of creating the next viral sensation.
1. Start with a Killer Concept
Before production even begins, you need a concept that’s bold, engaging, and emotionally resonant. Viral videos often tap into humor, shock value, or heartwarming relatability. Think about what would make you hit the share button.
Read more: Skystorm Creative Development
2. Keep It Short and Snappy
Short-form videos tend to perform better—especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Aim for 30 to 90 seconds if possible. Attention spans are short, and a quick punch delivers stronger impact.
3. Craft an Attention-Grabbing Title
Your title is the first hook. Make it emotional, intriguing, or funny—but never clickbait. If people feel tricked, they won’t share your content. Use SEO tools like Answer the Public or Google Trends to find phrasing people are already searching.
4. Upload to the Right Platforms
Don’t just post your video on one site. Use YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook—and make sure each upload is optimized for that specific platform’s format and audience.
5. Optimize Metadata for Discovery
Take full advantage of metadata features like tags, descriptions, and thumbnails. Use relevant keywords (including “viral videos”) and compelling visuals to boost click-through rates. On YouTube, a catchy thumbnail can make or break your reach.
👉 Read: YouTube’s Guide to Optimizing Video SEO
6. Leverage Influencers and Communities
Collaborate with micro-influencers or niche communities that align with your content. A well-timed share from the right influencer can drive thousands of new views quickly. Consider reaching out to Reddit communities, Facebook groups, or Discord servers.
7. Seed Your Viral Videos with a Targeted Launch
Video seeding means strategically placing your video where it’s most likely to gain early traction. Use press releases, email newsletters, and blog outreach. Josh Warner of iMediaConnection recommends thinking like an entertainment company—don’t recycle ads; create content worth sharing.
8. Encourage Sharing with Emotion
People share content that makes them laugh, cry, or feel inspired. Include a strong emotional call-to-action or payoff. Make sure your content ends on a memorable note, ideally prompting users to share with their own audience.
9. Monitor Analytics and Respond Fast
Track performance across all platforms. Use tools like YouTube Analytics, Sprout Social, or Tubular Labs to spot early traction. If video videos start gaining steam, amplify them with paid ads or cross-promotion to keep momentum going.
👉 Check out: HubSpot’s Guide to Video Metrics
10. Be Ready to Pivot and Repurpose
Not every video will go viral—but that doesn’t mean it’s a failure. Repurpose your content into shorter clips, GIFs, blog posts, or infographics. You never know what version of your content will resonate next.
Final Thoughts
There’s no guaranteed formula for creating viral videos, but following these ten tips gives your content the best possible foundation. The key is to combine creativity with a smart seeding strategy, knowing that virality isn’t just a stroke of luck—it’s often the result of careful planning, audience understanding, and relentless testing.
Want more tips like this? Check out BuzzSumo’s viral content research tool to analyze what’s working in your niche today.
