How To Go Viral On TikTok Overnight | Proven Examples (2026)

TL;DR: What Does It Mean To Go Viral On TikTok?

On TikTok, 3–5 million views within 2–3 days is considered viral for entertainment or trending content. But in business or education niches, even 100K–500K targeted views in 24–48 hours can be considered viral, if the audience is engaged.

How do you go viral on TikTok overnight?
– Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds – No intros. No fluff. Start with a bold statement or question.
– Follow niche-specific trends and hashtags – Use TikTok Creative Center to see what’s working in your category.
– Dramatize your message – Storytelling (even for dry topics like Excel or email marketing) makes content memorable.
– Post high-energy, visually dynamic videos – Use fast cuts, quick transitions, and fresh visuals every few seconds.
–Create for your ideal viewer – Know exactly what they care about using TikTok Insights, Google auto-suggest, or Keywords Everywhere.

I’ve explained each of these with real-world examples and tips in the article below

When Alice Kim hesitantly started using TikTok to promote her clothing brand, she never dreamed that one video could completely transform her business.

But that’s exactly what happened. One of her early TikToks went viral, racking up millions of views and driving $25,000 in sales in just one month.

Alice isn’t alone. Thousands of eCommerce store owners, creators, course sellers, and digital marketers have tapped into TikTok’s incredible reach to grow their businesses and boost sales.

So, how do you go viral on TikTok? Is it something you can control, or does it all come down to luck?

In this article, we’ll break down the science behind viral TikTok content even if you’re starting from scratch with no followers or expensive gear.

We’ll also explore real-life examples of viral TikTok videos, dissecting what made them blow up and how you can apply those lessons to your own content.

Let’s dive in.

Want to estimate your TikTok earnings? Use our TikTok Income Calculator

Why Bother About Going Viral On TikTok As A Course Creator

It’s easy to dismiss TikTok as a platform for dancing videos, memes, and non-serious content. Many businesses assume it doesn’t align with their brand.

But behind the viral trends, businesses of all kinds are using TikTok to reach niche audiences and turn the platform’s addictive engagement into real profits.

Take Miss Excel, for example.

She’s often cited as the perfect case study for blending traditionally dry content with TikTok’s unique style. With nearly a million followers, she has built a thriving online course business, earning millions of dollars fueled by her TikTok presence.

So, why should course creators bother with TikTok when there are platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn?

Because the numbers don’t lie:

• According to eMarketer, 49.7% of TikTok users purchase something through the platform at least once a month, far outpacing other social networks.
• TikTok’s own study reveals that 92% of users take some form of action after watching a video, whether it’s liking, sharing, commenting, or clicking a CTA.
• With over 2 billion users and U.S. audiences spending 32% of their online time scrolling TikTok, the platform offers unparalleled reach.

Of course, going viral alone isn’t enough, especially if you’re a course creator. TikTok viewers go as fast as they come. To retain them and turn them into leads for your business, you must route them to your email list.

While virality isn’t the end goal, a single viral TikTok video can deliver a massive traffic boost, giving you the opportunity to grow your audience and make a lasting impression.

What Is Considered Viral On TikTok

Is 1 million views viral on TikTok? What about 2 million or even 10 million?

With millions of TikTok videos hitting the million-view mark, defining “viral” can feel tricky.

We’ve covered this topic in our detailed guide to viral content.

But here’s the short answer.

A video is considered viral when it gets an unusually high number of views in a very short time.

But pinpointing a specific number of views to call a video viral on TikTok isn’t straightforward.

Why? Because TikTok is a platform of niches. What’s viral in one niche might be ordinary in another.

For example:

• Entertainment, dance, or comedy videos often rake in millions of views. In these categories, you might need 3-4 million views within 2-3 days to call a video viral.
• In contrast, a business-focused or educational video like those in the software or productivity niches could go viral with just 100K views.

TikTok’s algorithm is designed to serve content tailored to each user’s interests. Someone engaging with business-related videos will see more of that content, while someone into dancing or comedy will see entirely different videos.

This means a business video doesn’t need millions of views to be impactful. Even 100K views from a highly targeted, engaged audience can deliver significant results, such as generating leads or boosting course sales.

The Top Viral TikTok Videos And Creators In 2024

To give you an idea of what viral TikTok content looks like, let’s find out who were the top viral TikTokers in 2024.

The Top 10 Most Viral TikTok Videos Of 2024
Rank	Video Title	Creator	Views
1	Magic Broomstick Illusion	Zach King	2.3 billion
2	Praise Jah In the Moonlight’ Lip Sync	Leah Halton	798 million
3	Paint Loop Illusion	Zach King	660 million
4	M to the B’ Lip Sync	Bella Poarch	794 million
5	Dancing to ‘Say It Right’	Jamie Big Sorrel Horse	444 million
6	Mouth Drawings	Franek Bielak	51 million
7	SugarCrash!’ Lip Sync	Nick Luciano	49 million
8	Dance to ‘Stay’	Totouchanemu	45 million
9	Singing ‘El Alfa Suave’	MONA	41 million
10	Barking at Dog	Adrian Chateau Wiles	40 million

And here are the most followed TikTokers at the end of 2024.

The Top 10 Most Followed TikTok Creators 2024
Rank	Creator	Followers (millions)	Description
1	Khaby Lame	162.5	Known for his humorous, wordless reactions to overly complicated life hacks.
2	Charli D’Amelio	155.6	Dancer and social media personality who gained fame through her dance videos and choreography.
3	MrBeast	104.4	Content creator known for elaborate challenges, philanthropy, and large-scale YouTube videos.
4	Bella Poarch	94.3	Singer and social media personality famous for her lip-sync videos, particularly to the song “Sophie Aspin Send.”
5	Addison Rae	88.8	Social media personality and dancer known for her dance videos and collaborations.
6	Zach King	82.2	Filmmaker and illusionist known for his “magic vines” – short videos edited to look like magic.
7	Kimberly Loaiza	82.2	Singer and social media personality from Mexico, sharing music and lifestyle content.
8	TikTok	81.8	The official account of the TikTok platform, sharing trending content and platform updates.
9	Dominik Lipa	75.7	Social media personality and singer from Mexico, sharing dance and lip-sync videos.
10	Will Smith	75.3	Actor and entertainer sharing a variety of content, including comedy sketches and personal insights.

Can You Go Viral Without Followers? TikTok Algorithm Explained

The short answer is yes. In fact, it’s quite common for TikTok creators with few or no followers to go viral.

Take Leah Gervais, a business coach, for example. One of her videos garnered nearly 100K views within just 12 hours—even though her only followers at the time were friends and family. Or consider Lily Knott, whose TikTok debut racked up over 20 million views and jump-started her singing career.

There are countless similar stories.

So, how does this happen? The key lies in understanding TikTok’s algorithm.

Unlike other platforms, TikTok doesn’t prioritize content based on follower count. Instead, it uses machine learning and AI to identify user interests and behavior. This is why TikTok’s For You section is filled with videos tailored to individual preferences, even from creators with zero followers.

Here’s how it works:

When a new content creator posts a video, TikTok initially shows it to a small group of users to gauge their reaction. If those users engage by liking, sharing, or commenting, TikTok deems the content relevant and pushes it to a larger, similar audience. 

If the engagement continues, the cycle repeats, creating a snowball effect that can lead to virality.

Creators with more followers do have the advantage of an immediate audience, which can speed up this process. However, TikTok’s algorithm ensures that even new creators have a fair shot. If a video resonates with viewers, it won’t be held back just because the creator is new or has a small following.

In essence, TikTok levels the playing field, allowing great content to shine regardless of who creates it. All it takes is that initial spark of engagement to set the wheels of virality in motion.

How To Go Viral On TikTok Overnight | 7 Proven Tips With Real World Examples

So how exactly can you go viral on TikTok? Here are seven proven tips to help you leverage this platform for your online course business.

1. Identify And Understand Your Audience

TikTok has billions of users, but not all of them are your audience. Trying to create content for everyone often means connecting with no one. That’s why it’s essential to pinpoint your target audience and create content that aligns with their interests and needs.

The good news is that your audience’s core questions and interests are usually consistent across platforms. For instance, someone passionate about fitness and weight loss will likely engage with that content whether it’s on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.

Finding their needs on TikTok is similar to how you approach audience research for SEO or building a content strategy. Tools like Ahrefs, Keywords Everywhere, or AnswerThePublic can help uncover the questions your audience is asking. Even Google’s free search suggestions provide valuable insights.

For example, if you’re a fitness coach selling weight loss courses or training programs, simply typing “weight loss” into Google Search reveals popular queries. With a tool like Keywords Everywhere, you can see search volume data to prioritize topics.

TikTok Insights offers valuable public data with various filters and parameters to help you understand your audience’s preferences.

Once you start creating content, analyze how your videos perform and identify the audience engaging with them. This feedback helps fine-tune your strategy.

After identifying your audience’s top questions, focus on creating TikTok-friendly content that resonates with them. 

Jeff Nippard is a great example to follow.

@jeffnippardfitness

My 4 favorite biceps exercises that target a deep stretch 🔥

♬ original sound – Jeff Nippard

Instead of posting 30-minute exercise routine, he creates short, quick, and engaging videos that get the message across in less than a minute – perfect for TikTok.

2. Nail The First 3 Seconds

TikTok users have a constant urge to swipe to the next video. Studies show that if your content doesn’t engage users in the first three seconds, they’ll move to the next video.

No time for formal introductions, long stories, or boring details.

So how do you do that? This is where the classic Inverted Pyramid approach of journalism comes in handy.

Journalists have used this technique for over a century to capture their audience’s attention.

The same principles work on TikTok.

Instead of the boring details, start with the most burning and attention-grabbing hook.

• “Do you freeze in front of a large audience?”
• “Are you struggling to land high-paying clients consistently?”
• “I made $10,000 dollars in one month from cold emails. Want to know how?”

This video is a great example

@daanish.medic

Benefits 👇🏽 1️⃣ Enhanced Focus: Achieve laser-sharp concentration and skyrocket your productivity levels. 🎯💪 2️⃣ Improved Time Management: Reclaim wasted hours and make every moment count towards your goals. ⏰⚡️ 3️⃣ Increased Productivity: Experience a surge in efficiency and accomplish more in less time. 🚀📚 4️⃣ Better Mental Health: Reduce stress, anxiety, and overwhelm by detaching from constant digital distractions. 🌈💆‍♀️ 5️⃣ Enhanced Well-being: Rediscover the joy of real-life connections, hobbies, and self-care activities. 🌻💛 Break free from phone addiction. You don’t need it 24/7. #PhoneAddictionFreedom #ProductivityBoost #DigitalDetoxJourney #MentalWellness #UnplugandThrive

♬ Sun – Adrian Berenguer

3. Dramatize Your Content

Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to capture attention on TikTok. In fact, TikTok named “Storytelling Unhinged” as one of the top trends of 2024.

But what does storytelling look like on TikTok?

It’s about creating engaging, relatable content that pulls viewers in. Rather than simply explaining a topic, show it through a story with characters, actions, and a clear narrative.

Miss Excel does this perfectly in this video with over 5.5 million views.

@miss.excel

Get ready to impress the whole team with this one 🔥 #theassignment #selfimprovement #todayilearned #excel #learnhow

♬ The Assignment – Tay Money

She takes a technical subject like Excel Pivot Tables and makes it entertaining by weaving in characters and creative visuals. Her approach not only grabs attention but also helps her audience understand the topic easily.

4. Follow TikTok Trends And Hashtags In Your Niche

Every niche on TikTok has its own set of trends and hashtags that shape what resonates with audiences. Staying updated on these trends is key to understanding what’s capturing attention in your space.

TikTok’s Creative Center is an excellent tool for discovering the latest video trends and emerging hashtags.

You can filter hashtags by industry and geographic location to gain more specific insights into what’s trending in your niche. 

This tool also provides access to top-performing videos in your target region, making it easier to draw inspiration for your content.

Trends and hashtags play a significant role in determining a video’s virality on TikTok. So, leverage this information and use these hashtags in your content to improve your chances of going viral.

5. Create Entertaining And High-Energy Content

TikTok’s audience thrives on loud, entertaining, and high-energy videos, leaving no room for dull and boring content.

Even if your niche feels dry or leans toward business-focused industries like copywriting, SEO, email marketing, or graphic design, you can still create content that engages viewers. The key is to adapt your style to the platform’s fast-paced and visually stimulating nature.

Skip the long-form, lecture-style videos. Instead, focus on delivering quick lists, actionable tips, or dramatized scenarios like the storytelling approach we discussed earlier.

This video about recruitment questions is a great example.

@heyhellorecruiter

Example using the star method #recruitertok #careertok #behavioralinterviewquestions #interviewtips #customerservice #starmethod

♬ original sound – Recruiter Clio – Heyhellorecruiter

It’s short, engaging, and gets straight to the point—exactly what TikTok audiences love. No matter your niche, you can adopt similar techniques to make your content resonate with viewers.

6. Create Deep, Not Wide Content

To make your TikTok videos truly valuable for your audience, focus on creating deep content instead of wide content.

Here’s the difference:

Wide content skims over multiple topics without much depth. For example, a video titled “11 Email Marketing Tips” or “10 Ways to Drive Traffic Online” might touch on several ideas but doesn’t explore any one of them in detail.

Deep content, on the other hand, zooms in on a single problem and provides a detailed, actionable solution. This type of content is more useful because it solves a specific issue and gives viewers something they can immediately apply.

For instance, instead of cramming several tips into one TikTok, create a video that focuses on “How to Write a High-Converting Email Subject Line” and offer step-by-step advice.

People appreciate content that directly addresses their challenges. By solving one problem at a time, your videos become more engaging and impactful, increasing the likelihood of higher views, shares, and meaningful interactions.

So, choose one problem, go deep, and watch your engagement grow.

7. Use Quick Transitions To Boost Engagement

Remember the three-second attention span we discussed earlier? Here’s another way to counter it.

To keep your audience engaged, you need to give their brains something fresh to process every few seconds. 

This not only keeps their attention but also boosts your watch time, signaling to TikTok that your content is worth promoting.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Add eye-catching effects.
• Use smooth transitions between scenes.
• Switch up camera angles or zoom in and out.
• Introduce new objects or visuals frequently.

This video is a good example

@thinkmediaofficial

The Most Effective Form of Marketing in 2023 #chalenejohnson #emailmarketing #thinkmedia

♬ original sound – Think Media

The goal is to constantly refresh what the viewer sees, making it harder for them to scroll away. By keeping their brain actively engaged, you create a more dynamic viewing experience that encourages people to stay with your content longer.

Are You Ready To Go Viral On TikTok?

No one can guarantee their content will go viral, not even creators with millions of followers. But the qualities of viral TikTok videos I’ve shared in this article can definitely boost your chances of creating standout content.

Keep a close watch on the top creators in your niche and analyze their best-performing videos. Study what works for them, adapt those strategies to your own style, and stay flexible as TikTok trends evolve.

TikTok is a fast-paced platform, so quick adaptation is key. Above all, focus on delivering content that’s valuable, engaging, and entertaining. When you combine these elements, you’ll be well on your way to creating videos that resonate with your audience and maybe even go viral.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many views is considered viral on TikTok?
   A video is generally considered viral if it gets a large number of views in a short time. In entertainment niches, this might mean 3–4 million views in a few days, while in business or education niches, even 100K–500K targeted views can be considered viral.
2. Can you go viral on TikTok without any followers?
   Yes. TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t require a large follower base to go viral. If your video gets strong engagement from an initial test audience, it can be shown to millions—even if you’re a brand new creator.
3. What kind of content goes viral on TikTok?
   Content that hooks viewers in the first 3 seconds, uses storytelling, high energy, and follows current trends or sounds is more likely to go viral. Clear, relatable, and emotionally resonant content performs best.
4. Do hashtags help you go viral on TikTok?
   Yes. Using relevant and trending hashtags improves discoverability and signals TikTok about your video’s topic. Hashtags help get your content in front of the right audience.
5. What is the best time to post on TikTok to go viral?
   While the best time varies by audience, generally posting during peak engagement hours (evenings and weekends) improves your chances. Use TikTok analytics to find when your followers are most active.
6. How can businesses or course creators go viral on TikTok?
   By combining educational content with entertainment, using trends, and directing viewers to an email list or website. Real-life examples like Miss Excel show how course sellers can grow million-dollar businesses through TikTok.
7. Do I need professional equipment to go viral on TikTok?
   No. Many viral videos are filmed using a smartphone. Lighting, audio clarity, and strong content matter more than expensive gear.
8. How does TikTok’s algorithm decide what goes viral?
   TikTok first tests your video on a small audience. If it gets high engagement (likes, comments, watch time), it pushes it to wider audiences. This cycle continues until it peaks or loses traction.
9. Should I follow trends to go viral, or create original content?
   Both help. Trends increase your chances of discoverability, while original, deep content builds long-term engagement and brand recognition.
10. What are examples of viral TikTok videos from 2024?
    Videos like Zach King’s “Magic Broomstick Illusion” with 2.3 billion views, or Leah Halton’s lip sync trending at 798 million views, show how creative storytelling and trends can drive massive exposure.