Social media has become the contemporary rendition of word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing, an influential power reshaping brand dynamics.
And competition is fierce.
This is why marketers turn to viral marketing as a strategic trend to push their products worldwide using Instagram as their main stage.
But, Instagram spotlight it's not about throwing hashtags like confetti and hoping they stick. You need a strategy to boost views and we have one with 8 hacks for you to learn how to go viral on Instagram.
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What Does It Mean to Be Instagram Viral?
Marketers borrowed the concept of “viral” from epidemiology, a biology field. This area of study focuses on how viruses can replicate and spread rapidly within a population.
When a large number of users share, like and engage with your Instagram content in a short period, it means that post went viral, similar to the way a virus spreads from person to person. 🔥
Key indicators of a viral Instagram post include:
- High engagement: A viral post typically receives an exceptionally high number of likes, comments and shares compared to the user's average content.
- Rapid spread: This is a good indicator to analyze to understand how to go viral on Instagram. Viral content gains traction quickly, reaching a broad audience beyond the user's immediate followers.
- Trendsetter: Viral content appeals to the algorithm creating new trends, challenges or popular video hashtags, contributing to its widespread appeal.
- User-generated content: Viral posts often get replicated by other Instagram users, creating a ripple effect as more people replicate the trend.
Take into account that going viral depends on your usual performance, your niche and your goals. A post with 10,000 likes might be viral for a smaller account, while a larger one might need millions.
8 Hacks to Crack the Code of How to Go Viral on Instagram
1. Respect Instagram's Terms of Use
Almost no one will tell you this initially, but you must keep your account safe.
Instagram's Terms of Use are the foundation for creating a secure and enduring online environment. The algorithm prioritizes content based on various factors, including adherence to community guidelines.
Compliance ensures that your account remains in good standing, reducing the risk of being suspended or permanently banned.
Also See: Free AI Video Script Generator tool
2. Quick Hook for Instagram Reels
The first few seconds of your Instagram Reels can make or break its success. @pitervilleprod dancing video tells you exactly what it is about at second 1.
Instagram Reels, with its short-form video format, demands immediate engagement. If you are serious about learning how to go viral on Instagram, it’s vital to create content that stands out and hooks them in the first 3-4 seconds.
Also, when we say short form content, we mean it. Keeping your Instagram Reels less than 1 minute, ideally around 30 seconds, aligns with the platform's emphasis on concise and dynamic content.
3. Optimize Lighting and Image Quality
The quality of your content reflects your dedication to your brand. This level of authenticity resonates with users, making your brand more relatable and human in their eyes.
High-quality and well-produced content communicates that you are not merely producing content to explore how to go viral on Instagram but with a genuine passion for what you do.
Let’s help you enhance your photo and video content:
For photos:
- Use natural light: Whenever possible, shoot photos in natural light. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight is softer and more flattering.
- Use a tripod: A steady shot contributes to better image quality. If possible, use a tripod to eliminate the camera shake.
- Shoot in RAW format: RAW files retain more data, providing greater flexibility during post-processing for adjustments without compromising image quality.
- Rule of thirds: Imagine breaking the image into nine equal parts and position key elements along these lines or at their intersections. This is a great trick to learn how to go viral on Instagram.
For videos:
- Stabilize your shots: Consider using a stabilizer or gimbal to minimize shakes and jitters, creating smoother video footage.
- Audio quality matters: Clear and crisp audio is as important as good visuals. Use an external microphone if possible and minimize background noise.
- Editing tools: Leverage editing tools like Submagic, Adobe Premiere Rush, VivaVideo or InShot for more advanced editing capabilities.
- Smooth transitions: Transitions help in maintaining a cohesive flow.
4. Craft a Professional Bio
Your Instagram bio serves as the virtual storefront for your brand.
Begin your bio with a concise and clear description of your brand. Describe what you do, your values or the products and services you offer.
A business email address is another crucial element to learn how to go viral on Instagram. Add it to your bio, preferably with a custom domain, along with a direct link to your website
Emojis can be a strategy by themselves, too. Place them strategically at the beginning to not break the text flow. See an example below:
How to write a GOOD Instagram bio:
😎 Create viral shorts with AI
🧡 Loved by +500,000 content creators
😉 Try Submagic For Free www.submagic.co
How to NOT write an Instagram bio:
Create 👉viral shorts with AI ✅
Loved by 🧡 +500,000 content 🧡 creators
Try 😃 Submagic For Free 🚀 www.submagic.co
5. Engage Your Audience with Instagram Stories
While it may seem that Stories can stay under the radar, they are great hacks to explore how to go viral on Instagram.
Including CTAs in your Instagram Stories promotes user engagement as they directly invite your audience to take specific actions. Whether swiping up for more details, visiting your website or participating in a poll, CTAs guide your followers to engage with your content actively.
The Instagram algorithm often features engaging content with higher interaction rates more prominently.
Viral potential: Stories + CTA = Engagement → visibility
6. Stay Updated on Local Trends
Trends are patterns of behavior or interest that quickly spread within a niche or even the whole internet.
As a content creator, understanding how to go viral on Instagram trends helps you to bridge the gap between your content and your audience.
Trends can be anything from hashtags and music to memes and filters. They keep you relevant.
Thread with caution, tough. Trends have a limited lifespan. Chasing every fleeting fad can dilute your brand identity. Our advice?
- Choose trends that align with your brand identity
- Use music only relevant to your region
- Keep an eye on your competitors and influencers within your industry
7. Niche-Focused Following
Everyone talks about followers. Yet, focusing on who you follow is also a strategic move for boosting our guidelines of how to go viral on Instagram.
Why?
2 reasons: Exposure within your niche and the opportunity to analyze the competition.
A niche-focused following contributes to the authenticity of your online presence. It sends a clear message to your followers and the Instagram algorithm that your content is tailored to a particular audience.
8. Consistent Post + Analytics
Experiment with 1 Instagram Reel per day for 30 days. Let’s call it the “30-Day Reel Lab”.
Post consistently for a month. This will build momentum and attract viewers. Yet, see this period as your own research lab.
After the 30 days, go to your Instagram analytics or get help from Metricool. Analyze which Reels sparked the most engagement and performed better over time. This data is your treasure map to understand how to go viral on Instagram.
Leverage Transitions to Go Instagram Viral
On platforms like Instagram, transitions are essential for capturing attention and keeping viewers engaged.
Transitions seamlessly guide your audience through your content, enhancing its flow and impact. If you want to elevate your Instagram game and make your content stand out, explore our curated list of “The 6 Best Video Transition Effects Loved by Famous Creators.”
It's time to make your content truly shine!
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People Also Ask
How do you make your Instagram go viral?
Going viral on Instagram requires marketing strategies. Think high-quality, engaging content, strategic hashtags and trends. If you know how to go viral on Instagram, you know consistency matters, so keep posting even if you don’t make it at first.
How many views do you need to go viral on Instagram?
“Viral” is relative! It might be 5x your usual views for you, while for others, it's millions. Generally, exceeding 100,000 views and high engagement within a short timeframe suggests you went Instagram viral.
Why is my Instagram not going viral?
Going viral rarely happens overnight. Going viral often takes more than a single post. Think of it like building momentum: consistent, engaging content that resonates with your audience is vital.
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