How to go VIRAL on Instagram & TikTok

Summary

In this video, Alex shares his journey to achieving over 30 million views on Instagram and 100 million on TikTok. He breaks down the secrets to mastering social media algorithms, focusing on increasing watch time and engagement. Key strategies include creating loop videos, using engaging text, storytelling, and effective hooks. Alex emphasizes the importance of SEO, custom thumbnails, and relevant hashtags. He also provides tips to encourage viewer comments and interactions. With practical advice and actionable steps, viewers are encouraged to apply these techniques to enhance their content and achieve greater success on social media.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the algorithm: Your content is initially shown to 20% of your followers and similar interest users. Watch time and engagement are key metrics for boosting visibility.
• 🎥 Increase watch time by creating loop videos that encourage viewers to watch multiple times.
• 📜 Use plenty of text in your videos to engage viewers longer; ensure it takes longer to read than the video length.
• 📖 Tell a compelling story with a clear beginning, middle, and end to capture and retain viewer attention.
• 🎉 Tease surprises: Use captions to create curiosity and keep viewers engaged until the end of the video.
• ⏱️ Aim for video lengths of 7-15 seconds for better engagement, gradually increasing as you build credibility.
• 🎶 Use trending audio that matches the mood of your video to enhance emotional engagement and watch time.
• 🖼️ Design eye-catching custom thumbnails to improve click-through rates on your videos.
• 🔍 Implement SEO strategies by using relevant keywords and hashtags, limiting them to 3-7 to avoid clutter.
• 👀 Create compelling hooks in the first few seconds of your video to grab attention and encourage viewers to continue watching.
• 💬 Encourage comments by asking questions related to your content; lighthearted controversies can stimulate discussion without offending.

Q & A

What is the initial exposure of a video on social media after publishing?

When you first publish content, it is shown to 20% of your followers and to non-followers with similar interests.

Why is watch time considered more important than engagement on social media platforms?

Watch time is crucial because platforms earn more money when users spend more time watching videos. If a video retains viewers' attention, it gets more exposure.

What is a loop video and why is it effective?

A loop video is designed to connect the end back to the beginning, encouraging viewers to watch it repeatedly, thereby increasing watch time.

How can the use of text in videos enhance viewer engagement?

Using lots of text can tell a story or joke that takes longer to read than the video length, prompting viewers to watch multiple times.

What are the key elements of storytelling in video content?

Effective storytelling includes a clear beginning, a captivating middle, and a satisfying end, which encourages rewatching and sharing.

What role do captions play in maintaining viewer interest?

Captions can hint at reactions or surprises, creating curiosity and encouraging viewers to stay until the end.

What is the ideal length for Instagram Reels and TikTok videos?

Videos should ideally be between 7 to 15 seconds to maintain viewer engagement and minimize boredom.

How can trending audio enhance a video’s performance?

Using trending audio that matches the video's mood can evoke emotions and increase watch time.

Why are custom thumbnails important for social media videos?

Custom thumbnails are the first impression of your content; visually appealing thumbnails can significantly increase click-through rates.

What strategies can be used to optimize SEO for Instagram and TikTok?

Utilize relevant keywords and hashtags in captions to help videos rank higher in search results, focusing on a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags.

How can creators increase comments on their videos?

Asking questions, creating controversial yet lighthearted content, and engaging with comments by asking follow-up questions can boost comment engagement.

What should a creator do if they don't see growth after applying these strategies?

If there is no change after 2 to 4 weeks of applying these techniques, it may be worth considering starting a new account.