How to Find Viral Content on Instagram and TikTok

julie

·January 19, 2025

·16 min read

Going viral on Instagram and TikTok can transform your social media game. Viral content doesn’t just boost your visibility; it creates a ripple effect that can lead to rapid growth. Imagine your posts being shared thousands of times, reaching audiences you never thought possible. That’s the power of viral content. It’s not just about likes or views—it’s about building trust, attracting new followers, and even increasing sales. Take Enchanted Scrunch, for example. By focusing on TikTok, they turned a handful of weekly orders into hundreds, all thanks to viral posts. If you're wondering where to find viral content, look no further. Viral content introduces your brand to a massive audience, generates high engagement, and can even grab media attention. The best part? It’s cost-effective and can deliver results fast. Ready to find viral content and ride the wave of trends? Let’s dive in.

Where to Find Viral Content on Instagram and TikTok

Instagram Explore Page

Navigating the Explore Page for trending posts

The Instagram Explore page is your gateway to discovering viral content. It’s tailored to your interests, showing posts that align with what you’ve liked, saved, or shared. To navigate it effectively, start by scrolling through the grid of images and videos. Look for posts with high engagement—those with thousands of likes, comments, or shares. These are often the ones setting trends.

Want to refine your search? Use Instagram’s search bar to explore specific topics or hashtags. For example, typing in “#OOTD” (Outfit of the Day) can reveal trendy fashion posts. The Explore page algorithm prioritizes content based on user preferences and engagement metrics, so the more you interact with relevant posts, the better your feed will become at showing you viral content.

Identifying patterns in viral content (e.g., themes, hashtags, formats)

Spotting viral content qualities on Instagram requires a keen eye. Pay attention to recurring themes like humor, storytelling, or glow-up transformations. Formats like carousel posts or short Reels often dominate. Relevant hashtags are another clue. Viral posts frequently use trending hashtags to boost visibility. Analyze these hashtags and see how they connect to the content. For example, a post using “#LifeHacks” might feature a clever DIY tip. By identifying these patterns, you’ll understand what makes content shareable and engaging.

TikTok’s For You Page

Spotting the best TikTok videos and recurring trends

TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) is where the magic happens. It’s where you’ll find the best TikTok videos and the most popular TikTok trends. The algorithm curates content based on your interactions, like how long you watch a video or whether you engage with it. Spend time scrolling through the FYP and note which videos have high engagement. Dance challenges, lip-syncing, and reaction videos often dominate this space.

To learn how to find the best TikTok videos, focus on recurring trends. Are certain sounds or hashtags popping up repeatedly? These are your clues. For example, a trending sound paired with a funny skit might signal a viral moment. Keep an eye out for these patterns to stay ahead of the curve.

Understanding the role of sounds and challenges

Sounds and challenges are the backbone of TikTok virality. A catchy audio clip can turn a simple video into a sensation. TikTok challenges, like the “Renegade” dance or a glow-up transformation, invite users to participate and create their own versions. These challenges act as a call-and-response, encouraging engagement and creativity.

Branded hashtag challenges take this a step further. They place brands in the spotlight, making them part of the trend. For example, a fitness brand might launch a challenge encouraging users to share their workout routines. By participating in these challenges, you can tap into a massive audience and boost your visibility.

Trending Hashtags and Challenges

Finding trending hashtags on Instagram

Trending hashtags are your secret weapon for finding viral content on Instagram. Start by analyzing competitors’ posts. Which hashtags are they using, and how are they driving engagement? Use Instagram’s search function to explore related hashtags. For example, searching “#Foodie” might lead you to “#FoodieLife” or “#FoodieGoals.”

To avoid looking spammy, stick to a few relevant hashtags. Label your posts correctly to match the hashtags you’re using. For instance, if you’re posting a DIY video, hashtags like “#Crafting” or “#LifeHacks” will make your content more discoverable. Tools like Hashtagify can also help you evaluate the effectiveness of your chosen hashtags.

Using TikTok’s Discover tab to track challenges

TikTok’s Discover tab is your go-to for tracking the latest challenges. It highlights trending hashtags and challenges, making it easy to spot what’s gaining traction. For example, you might see a hashtag like “#GlowUpChallenge” trending. Clicking on it will show you a collection of videos using that hashtag.

Challenges on TikTok often revolve around specific tasks, like showcasing a talent or recreating a viral dance. They’re a natural way to engage with the community and boost your content’s visibility. By participating in these challenges, you can ride the wave of virality and attract more followers.

Viral Instagram Influencers and TikTok Creators

Identifying creators who consistently produce viral content

Finding creators who regularly produce viral content is like uncovering a goldmine of inspiration. These influencers and TikTok content creators have mastered the art of grabbing attention and keeping it. Start by looking at the accounts dominating your Instagram Explore page or TikTok’s For You Page. These creators often have posts with massive engagement—thousands of likes, comments, and shares.

Pay attention to their consistency. Do their posts frequently go viral, or was it just a one-time hit? Creators like Addison Rae or Khaby Lame on TikTok and niche Instagram influencers in fashion or fitness often have a track record of viral posts. Their ability to stay relevant and adapt to trends sets them apart. Use tools like Social Blade or TikTok’s Creator Marketplace to analyze their growth and engagement metrics. This data can help you identify who’s consistently making waves in your niche.

Learning from their content strategies

Once you’ve identified these creators, it’s time to learn from their playbook. What makes their content stand out? First, look at how they use trends. Many TikTok content creators join the latest challenges or use trending sounds to increase their chances of appearing on the For You Page. This strategy broadens their reach and connects them with TikTok’s culture.

Here’s how you can apply their strategies:

Join trending challenges to boost your visibility.
Create original posts that align with viral trends to stand out.
Collaborate with these creators to tap into their audience.
Use trending hashtags to make your posts more discoverable.
Stay consistent with your posting schedule to build a loyal following.

Also, notice how they engage with their audience. Viral Instagram posts often feature relatable captions or interactive elements like polls and questions. On TikTok, creators use humor, storytelling, or quick edits to keep viewers hooked. By studying their approach, you can refine your own strategy and create viral content that resonates with your audience.

Tools to Find Viral Content and Track Trends

Platform-Specific Features

Using Instagram Insights and TikTok Analytics

If you want to find viral content, Instagram Insights and TikTok Analytics are your best friends. These tools give you a behind-the-scenes look at how your posts perform. On Instagram, Insights shows you metrics like post performance, follower growth, and engagement rates. You can see which posts resonate with your audience and why. TikTok Analytics takes it a step further. It breaks down viewer demographics, engagement rates, and even the most active times for your followers. Want to know how long people watch your videos or which sections grab their attention? TikTok Analytics has you covered. By using these features, you can refine your strategy and create posts that are more likely to go viral.

Exploring TikTok’s Creative Center for trending hashtags

TikTok’s Creative Center is a goldmine for discovering what’s trending. It highlights hashtags that are performing well, helping you stay ahead of the curve. For example, if you notice a hashtag like #DanceChallenge gaining traction, you can jump on the trend early. This tool also helps you understand what your audience loves, so you can engage with viral content more effectively.

Third-Party Tools for Viral Content

Tools like BuzzSumo, TrendTok, and ViralFindr

Third-party tools like BuzzSumo, TrendTok, and ViralFindr make it easier to track trends across Instagram and TikTok. BuzzSumo identifies popular content by analyzing shares and engagement. TrendTok focuses on TikTok trends, helping you spot viral challenges and sounds. ViralFindr, on the other hand, tracks trending posts and hashtags on Instagram. These tools save you time and give you a clear picture of what’s working.

Setting up alerts for trending topics

Want to stay updated without constantly checking your feed? Set up alerts for trending topics. Tools like Google Alerts or BuzzSumo can notify you when specific hashtags or keywords start gaining traction. This way, you’ll never miss an opportunity to engage with viral content.

Social Listening and Community Engagement

Using comments and discussions to spot emerging trends

Sometimes, the best way to find viral content is to listen. Social listening tools monitor conversations and track keywords or hashtags. They help you spot patterns in discussions, so you can see when a topic is about to blow up. For example, tools like Exolyt can analyze TikTok comments to identify emerging trends. By paying attention to what people are talking about, you can create posts that hit the mark.

Engaging with niche communities to stay ahead of trends

Niche communities are treasure troves of insights. When you engage with these groups, you build relationships and gain a deeper understanding of your audience. These communities often set trends before they go mainstream. By participating in discussions or sharing user-generated content, you can foster loyalty and stay ahead of the curve. Plus, user-generated content tends to perform better because it feels authentic and relatable.

Strategies to Leverage Viral Content

Recreate Trends with a Personal Twist

Adapting viral challenges to your niche

Jumping on viral challenges is a great way to boost your visibility, but adapting them to your niche makes them even more impactful. For example, if you’re in the fitness space, you could take a trending dance challenge and turn it into a workout routine. This approach keeps you relevant while showcasing your unique expertise.

Think about how your audience connects with your content. If you’re a food blogger, you could recreate a popular TikTok recipe but add your own twist, like using local ingredients or a healthier alternative. By tailoring viral challenges to your niche, you make them more relatable to your followers and stand out from the crowd.

Adding unique elements to stand out

Adding a personal touch to viral content can make all the difference. Audiences love fresh perspectives, and unique elements can make your posts more memorable. Take inspiration from campaigns like Always’ #LikeAGirl, which turned a negative phrase into an empowering message. Or think about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which combined fun with community participation to create a global phenomenon.

Here’s why this works:

Unique content sparks curiosity and encourages sharing.
It resonates emotionally, making it more engaging.
It positions you as a creative and authentic voice in your niche.

In a crowded space like Instagram or TikTok, standing out is essential. Adding your spin to viral trends can help you achieve that.

Repurpose and Repost Viral Content

Requesting permission to repost viral content

Reposting viral content can save time and boost engagement, but always ask for permission first. Reach out to the original creator through direct messages or email. A simple, polite request often works wonders. For example, you could say, “I loved your post and think my audience would too. Would you mind if I shared it with credit to you?”

Once you get the green light, you can share the content while maintaining a good relationship with the creator. This approach not only builds trust but also opens the door for future collaborations.

Best practices for crediting original creators

Crediting the original creator is non-negotiable. Always tag them in your post and mention their handle in the caption. For example, “Original video by @username” works well. This acknowledgment shows respect for their work and encourages others to collaborate with you.

Avoid editing the reposted content too much. Keep it authentic to preserve its original charm. By following these practices, you can share viral content ethically while maintaining your credibility.

Collaborate with Trending Creators

Partnering with influencers to amplify reach

Collaborating with trending creators is one of the fastest ways to grow your audience. Influencers often have a loyal following, and their endorsement can introduce your brand to thousands of potential followers. Consider interactive content like Q&A sessions or live videos. These formats keep the audience engaged and make your collaboration feel more personal.

Educational webinars or workshops are another great option. For example, teaming up with a fitness influencer for a live workout session can boost your visibility while providing value to the audience. Real-time interaction, like responding to comments during a live stream, fosters a sense of community and connection.

Co-creating content that aligns with viral trends

When co-creating content, ensure your values align with the influencer’s. Authenticity is key. Give them creative freedom to make the content feel natural. For example, if a TikTok creator is known for humor, let them infuse that into the collaboration.

Here are some tips for successful co-creation:

Engage the audience by incorporating trending challenges or sounds.
Maintain transparency about the partnership.
Focus on creating content that feels genuine and relatable.

By working with influencers who understand how to make a good TikTok or Instagram post, you can amplify your reach and create viral content that resonates with your target audience.

Tips for Staying Updated on Viral Content

Monitor Social Media Daily

Exploring Instagram and TikTok trends regularly

Staying updated on trends requires daily exploration of both Instagram and TikTok. Spend time scrolling through Instagram’s Explore page and TikTok’s For You Page to spot emerging patterns. Look for posts with high engagement—likes, comments, and shares often signal viral potential. On TikTok, pay attention to trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges. These elements frequently drive the platform’s most popular content.

Consistency is key. Make it a habit to check these platforms daily. This keeps you in the loop and helps you identify trends early, giving you a chance to jump on them before they peak.

Following trend-focused accounts and creators

Follow accounts that specialize in spotting trends. Many creators on Instagram and TikTok focus on curating viral content or sharing insights about what’s trending. These accounts act as your shortcut to staying informed.

Additionally, follow influencers in your niche. They often set trends or adapt them in ways that resonate with your audience. By keeping an eye on their content, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and gain inspiration for your own posts.

Subscribe to Trend Newsletters and Reports

Using resources like TikTok’s Trend Newsletter

TikTok’s Trend Newsletter is a fantastic resource for staying updated. It highlights the latest viral challenges, trending hashtags, and popular creators. Subscribing to this newsletter ensures you never miss out on what’s hot on TikTok.

Instagram doesn’t have a similar newsletter, but you can find third-party reports that analyze Instagram trends. These resources provide valuable insights into what’s working on the platform.

Filtering relevant trends for your audience

Not every trend will suit your audience. Use analytics to filter trends and focus on what resonates with your followers. Here’s how:

Analyze audience behaviors, like what they engage with most.
Use filters to identify specific groups, such as those who frequently interact with your posts.
For niche audiences, tailor trends to their interests. For example, if your audience loves fitness, adapt a viral dance challenge into a workout routine.

This approach ensures you’re not just following trends but aligning them with your audience’s preferences.

Experiment and Analyze

Testing different types of content to see what resonates

Experimentation is crucial for finding what works. Try different formats, like Instagram Reels, TikTok challenges, or carousel posts. Test various themes, such as humor, storytelling, or educational content.

Pay attention to how your audience reacts. Do they engage more with short videos or detailed posts? Use this feedback to refine your strategy. The more you experiment, the better you’ll understand what drives engagement and makes your content go viral.

Using analytics to refine your approach

Analytics are your secret weapon for creating viral content. Here’s how you can use them:

Regularly review your content’s performance to see what’s working.
Test different formats and posting times to maximize visibility.
Use data-driven insights to adapt your strategy and improve engagement.

Metrics like likes, shares, and comments reveal what your audience loves. Timing analysis helps you post when your followers are most active, increasing the chances of your content going viral. By consistently analyzing and adjusting, you’ll stay ahead in the fast-paced world of Instagram and TikTok.

Viral content can transform your presence on Instagram and TikTok, helping you grow your audience and boost engagement. By using platform features, third-party tools, and community insights, you can uncover trends and create content that resonates.

Value-driven content thrives because it provides practical takeaways while maintaining relatability and authenticity—two key ingredients for connecting with TikTok’s audience.

Start by understanding your audience and creating unique, shareable posts. Use three to five specific hashtags on Instagram or TikTok to improve visibility. Collaborate with influencers to expand your reach and build trust. Emotional and relatable content also increases the likelihood of going viral.

Stay updated with trending topics to connect with public interests.
Regularly explore the For You page for inspiration on current trends.
Use a mix of trending and niche hashtags to categorize content effectively.

The first step is planning. Develop a strategy that includes storytelling and audience engagement. Then, apply these strategies consistently to grow your social media presence.

FAQ

What makes content go viral on Instagram and TikTok?

Content goes viral when it resonates emotionally, sparks curiosity, or encourages sharing. On Instagram, visually appealing posts with trending hashtags perform well. On TikTok, engaging videos using popular sounds or challenges often gain traction. Consistency and creativity also play a big role.

How can I spot trends early on TikTok?

Spend time on the For You Page daily. Look for recurring sounds, hashtags, or challenges. TikTok’s Discover tab and Creative Center are also great tools for tracking emerging trends. Staying consistent with this habit helps you catch trends before they peak.

Should I always follow viral trends?

Not always. Focus on trends that align with your niche and audience. Adapting trends creatively makes your content stand out. If a trend doesn’t fit your brand, skip it. Authenticity matters more than jumping on every bandwagon.

How do I use hashtags effectively?

Choose hashtags that are relevant to your content and audience. Mix trending hashtags with niche-specific ones. For example, pair a viral hashtag like #DanceChallenge with a niche tag like #FitnessFun if your content is fitness-related. This improves visibility without looking spammy.

Can reposting viral content help my account grow?

Yes, but always credit the original creator. Reposting viral content saves time and boosts engagement. It also builds connections with creators. Just make sure the content aligns with your brand and audience to maintain authenticity.