TikTok is a popular short-form video-sharing social media platform, known for its funny lip-syncing videos. As of 2024, TikTok boasts a global user base exceeding 1.6 billion, with 1.1 billion being its monthly active users. Marketers are also active on TikTok, using the popular TikTok Shop feature to sell through influencers. As a matter of fact, our State of Marketing 2024 Report found that 51.98% of US-based marketers sell on TikTok Shop.
The platform has shown strong growth in terms of popularity and usage. And, the type of video content shared on it has also changed a lot since its launch.
In this post, we will discuss 20 different types of videos that you can post on TikTok to boost your popularity and follower count. Read on and find inspiration from these popular types of TikTok videos.
- 1. Social Media Challenges
- 2. Videos Based on Trending Hashtags
- 3. Dance Videos
- 4. Song Imitations
- 5. Dialogue Reenactments
- 6. Cute Animal Videos
- 7. Making Art
- 8. Answer Questions by Posing as Song Cover Photo
- 9. Satisfying/Calming Videos
- 10. Fruit Cutting
- 11. Voiceovers
- 12. Science Experiments
- 13. Makeover Videos
- 14 Collaborations with Influencers
- 15. Tutorials
- 16. Workout Videos
- 17. Food/Cooking Videos
- 18. Freeze-Frame Videos
- 19. Videos of Your Daily Life
- 20. Live Videos
- How to Get Your TikTok Videos Go Viral?
- Get Creative
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Social Media Challenges
It is safe to assume that most people know about viral social media challenges like the Ice Bucket Challenge. These challenges have a tendency to span across platforms and go viral.
Therefore, if gaining more followers is your main goal, then you should participate in trending challenges and post those videos on TikTok. Moreover, if you want to take it a step further, you can start your own challenge using a branded hashtag and hope that it goes viral.
Here’s an example of the US senator, Elizabeth Warren, doing the “Flip the Switch” challenge.
@nbcsnl??????? ??? ??????.♬ Nonstop - Drake
How to Do It?
- Identify a Trending Challenge: Browse TikTok's Discover page to find trending challenges.
- Plan Your Participation: Decide how you'll participate, whether solo or with friends.
- Film the Video: Use TikTok's camera to record your participation.
- Edit and Add Effects: Use TikTok's editing tools, or tools like CapCut, to enhance your video.
- Post and Engage: Add relevant hashtags and engage with viewers' comments.
To make your videos stand out, high-quality editing is key. Try CapCut’s editing tools with a 7-day free trial of CapCut Pro and see the difference for yourself.
2. Videos Based on Trending Hashtags
Another quick way to instantly get more views on your TikTok videos is to make videos on trending topics. You can do a search for trending hashtags on TikTok and create a video on the same theme using those hashtags.
The reason this strategy works is that you are copying already popular trends and making videos that have a high probability of being liked. Here's a video with the popular and trending hashtag #catsoftiktok.
@walter.the.catt It's his favorite hobby #catsoftiktok #foryourpage ♬ original sound - ice cream sandwich
How to Do It?
- Search for Trending Hashtags: Check TikTok's Discover page for current trending hashtags.
- Create Content: Develop a video idea that aligns with the trending topic.
- Film and Edit: Record your video and add any necessary edits or effects.
- Use Hashtags: Include the trending hashtags in your video description.
- Post and Monitor: Upload your video and monitor its performance.
3. Dance Videos
Anyone who uses TikTok regularly can tell you that the platform is filled with dance videos. Creators are using it to showcase their dancing talent and often invite other people for group dance performances.
If you have any dancing talent, then this type of videos will definitely help you gain more followers.
@charlotteseet OK LAST dc: @Liam Maughan #dance ♬ Paint The Town Red - Doja Cat
How to Do It?
- Learn a Popular Dance: Find a trending dance on TikTok and practice it.
- Select Music: Choose the appropriate song from TikTok's music library.
- Film Your Dance: Record your dance performance using TikTok's camera.
- Edit and Add Effects: Use filters and effects to make your video stand out.
- Post and Share: Upload your video with relevant hashtags and share it with friends.
4. Song Imitations
These are the videos, popularized by TikTok, where people lip-sync to a song and even enact the lyrics. Sometimes they recreate a scene from the original video. Sometimes they give their own twist to it.
Regardless of how you want to do it, lip-syncing videos of popular songs are a sure-shot way to get more viewers on TikTok.
@aammbbrroossiiaa Babygirl? #fyp #foryou #fy #trending #viral #blowthisup #baddie #babygirl #lipsync #mybrawlsuper #ahh ♬ yeah hot people use this sound - cxaluv
How to Do It?
- Choose a Song: Select a popular song to lip-sync.
- Plan Your Performance: Decide if you'll recreate the original video or add your own twist.
- Record Your Video: Use TikTok's lip-sync feature to film your performance.
- Edit and Add Effects: Enhance your video with filters and effects.
- Post and Engage: Upload your video and respond to viewers' comments.
5. Dialogue Reenactments
Adding to the previous point, lip-syncing videos can also be made for famous movie dialogues. The most popular ones often have a comedic take and enact the dialogue in a funny way. It doesn’t even have to be a movie dialogue but can be any random conversation.
You can do it alone or ask your friends to join you. Take a dialogue and reenact it in an interesting way to get more viewers.
Here’s an example where the creator is reenacting a conversation in a funny TikTok video.
@paigemackenzieI’m 17 and I still order off the kids menu ? ##clone ##fyp ♬ original sound - itssadowski
How to Do It?
- Select a Dialogue: Choose a famous movie or conversation dialogue.
- Rehearse the Scene: Practice your lines and actions.
- Record the Video: Use TikTok's camera to film your reenactment.
- Edit and Add Effects: Use effects to enhance the video.
- Post and Tag: Upload your video and tag it with relevant hashtags.
6. Cute Animal Videos
People love watching cute animal videos. Need we say more?
Here’s one example of a TikTok Account dedicated to cute animal videos and the number of likes on each says it all.
@appyanimals Cats video. #cats #catsoftiktok #petsfunnyvideos #cutecatclips #funnypets #petcatvideos #catvideos #petcats #tiktokcatsvideos ♬ original sound - Appy Animals
How to Do It?
- Plan the Scene: Decide what the animal will do in the video.
- Film the Animal: Use your phone or TikTok's camera to record the video.
- Edit and Add Music: Enhance the video with music and effects.
- Post and Share: Upload your video and share it with pet lovers.
7. Making Art
This one is for all the artists out there who want to showcase their talent on TikTok. Just record a video of yourself making an art piece, increase the speed, and post the video.
This works for all types of arts, crafts, and DIY projects. You can even record your friends or family members if they are the creative ones.
Here’s an example of one such TikTok video.
How to Do It?
- Set Up Your Workspace: Arrange your art supplies in a well-lit area.
- Film the Process: Use a tripod or a homemade stand to record yourself making art.
- Speed Up the Video: Use TikTok's speed feature to fast-forward the process.
- Edit and Add Music: Add music and effects to make the video more engaging.
- Post and Describe: Upload your video and describe your art piece.
8. Answer Questions by Posing as Song Cover Photo
This is a new trend on TikTok where people first show a question and then answer it by posing as a famous song’s cover photo. The title of the song usually answers the question.
See the example below where the prompt was “When my husband asks me why I married him” and the answer is self-evident from this picture.
@michellegulbransenTiktok tried to delete, but I won the appeal ? ##albumcoverchallenge ##husbandwifecomedy ##couplescomedy ##cardib ##money ##respectthedrip ##MMMDrop ##fyp♬ Money - Cardi B
How to Do It?
- Choose a Question: Pick a question you want to answer.
- Find a Song Cover: Find a song cover photo that answers the question.
- Pose for the Photo: Recreate the pose from the song cover.
- Edit the Video: Add text and music to enhance the video.
- Post and Engage: Upload your video and interact with viewers.
9. Satisfying/Calming Videos
These are the kind of videos where something seemingly mundane or weird can be oddly calming to the viewers. These kinds of videos are extremely popular on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
It’s difficult to explain exactly what these are, so here’s an example. Doesn’t it just soothe you watching those colors spread?
How to Do It?
- Select an Activity: Choose a calming or satisfying activity to film.
- Set Up the Scene: Arrange your materials in a visually pleasing way.
- Film the Process: Use a tripod or homemade stand to record the activity.
- Edit and Add Music: Use soothing music and effects to enhance the video.
- Post and Relax: Upload your video and share it with others.
10. Fruit Cutting
In this type of video, the TikTok creator cuts fruit or vegetables in an innovative way. These videos work on two levels. First, they teach a hack to people who watch videos to learn things. Second, these are oddly satisfying and nice to look at.
See the example below. Isn’t it fun to watch?
Well, that’s the beauty of these oddly specific, yet massively popular videos.
How to Do It?
- Choose a Fruit: Pick a fruit or vegetable to cut.
- Plan the Cutting Style: Decide on an innovative way to cut the fruit.
- Film the Cutting: Use TikTok's camera to record the process.
- Edit and Add Effects: Enhance the video with effects and music.
- Post and Share: Upload your video and describe the cutting technique.
11. Voiceovers
TikTok has a new voiceover feature that lets users take any video and add commentary to it. There are a lot of possibilities with this feature, so experiment with it, tell stories, make funny commentaries, or anything else that you can think of.
Here’s a compilation of some TikTok videos for inspiration.
How to Do It?
- Select a Video: Choose a video to add a voiceover to.
- Plan Your Commentary: Decide what commentary or story you want to add.
- Record the Voiceover: Use TikTok's voiceover feature to add your commentary.
- Edit and Add Effects: Enhance the video with effects and music.
- Post and Share: Upload your video and interact with viewers.
12. Science Experiments
Do you remember those science experiments that you used to perform as a kid? Well, you can try those again and, this time, post it on TikTok and get more views on your content.
These videos are fun to watch, informative and often look like magic tricks to those who don’t understand the science behind it. Here’s an example.
How to Do It?
- Choose an Experiment: Select a fun and safe science experiment.
- Gather Materials: Collect all necessary materials for the experiment.
- Film the Process: Use a tripod to record the experiment step-by-step.
- Explain the Science: Add text or voiceover to explain the science behind it.
- Edit and Add Effects: Enhance the video with effects and music.
- Post and Share: Upload your video and describe the experiment.
13. Makeover Videos
As the name suggests, these videos show a makeover, whether it is a hairstyle, wardrobe change, makeup, or something else. A recent trend within this genre is that of videos featuring the TikTok beauty mode filter. These videos show people who are dressed shabbily, and they click on beauty mode and transform into a different look.
A lot of TikToks fashion influencers have made makeover videos featuring this beauty mode. Here’s an example to demonstrate exactly what it entails.
@caughtinacuffWhat the hell is ##beautymode ? ?? ##beautymodechallege♬ original sound - RIZXTARR
How to Do It?
- Plan the Makeover: Decide on the type of makeover (e.g., hairstyle, makeup).
- Set Up Your Workspace: Arrange your tools and products.
- Film the Makeover: Use TikTok's camera to record the transformation.
- Edit and Add Effects: Use effects to highlight the before-and-after shots.
- Post and Engage: Upload your video and respond to viewers' comments.
14 Collaborations with Influencers
Just like any other social media platform, influencer marketing works for TikTok as well. Invite an influencer to be featured in your videos and you will immediately draw the attention of their followers.
You can work with influencers on any type of TikTok videos or even ask them to create a video for your brand.
How to Do It?
- Identify Influencers: Find influencers in your niche who are open to collaborations.
- Plan the Content: Decide on the type of video you will create together.
- Film the Collaboration: Use TikTok's camera to record the collaborative video.
- Edit and Add Effects: Enhance the video with filters and effects.
- Post and Tag: Upload the video and tag the influencer.
15. Tutorials
Tutorial videos are very popular on almost all social media platforms, including TikTok. However, given the short-form nature of TikTok videos, tutorials here are less detailed and mostly self-explanatory.
This means that you can make a quick tutorial showing all the steps of a process without commenting on it. You can also fast-forward the whole clip to fit a tutorial in the time limit.
Fenty Beauty posts a lot of makeup tutorials on TikTok, usually featuring one of their products. Here’s an example.
@fentybeauty Accessible for ALL! ?@Rihanna’s vision for #FENTYBEAUTY since DAY 1, fam. We’re officially 4️⃣ days away from #FENTYAFRICA ♬ original sound - Fenty Beauty
How to Do It?
- Choose a Topic: Pick a topic you are knowledgeable about.
- Plan the Steps: Break down the process into clear, concise steps.
- Film the Tutorial: Use a tripod to record the step-by-step process.
- Edit and Fast-Forward: Use TikTok's speed feature to fit the tutorial within the time limit.
- Post and Describe: Upload your video and provide a brief description.
16. Workout Videos
Just like dance videos and tutorials, workout videos are also something that is popular on all major social media platforms. People love taking inspiration from their favorite social media influencers and copying their workout regimes.
Even if you are not in the fitness industry, you can still post your own personal workout regime to attract more followers to your account. Here’s an example from a popular fitness influencer on TikTok.
@kikifitness add these to your next upper body day ❤️? #workoutideas #backmuscles #backexercises ♬ original sound - Female Rap
How to Do It?
- Plan Your Workout: Choose a workout routine to share.
- Set Up Your Space: Arrange your workout area and equipment.
- Film the Routine: Use a tripod to record your workout.
- Edit and Add Music: Use music and effects to enhance the video.
- Post and Engage: Upload your video and interact with viewers.
17. Food/Cooking Videos
If you like cooking and often do it at home then you can post your cooking videos on TikTok. It is not easy to fit an entire cooking video in a few seconds, but it’s definitely possible.
Just like with tutorials, don’t add commentary and make your videos fast-paced and self-explanatory.
If you are not a cook, don’t worry, you can still post videos of the food that you eat.
@chefsarahtodd##Whatieatinaday ##cookathome♬ JOEMAMA - joewaud
How to Do It?
- Choose a Recipe: Select a recipe to cook.
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients.
- Film the Cooking Process: Use a tripod to record each step.
- Edit and Fast-Forward: Use TikTok's speed feature to fit the cooking process within the time limit.
- Post and Describe: Upload your video and describe the recipe.
18. Freeze-Frame Videos
These videos became popular after TikTok launched its freeze-frame filter. You can literally freeze a frame and use it as a background for your video. This results in some really interesting and funny videos, as shown in the example below.
How to Do It?
- Choose a Scene: Decide on a scene to freeze-frame.
- Use the Freeze-Frame Filter: Apply the freeze-frame filter on TikTok.
- Film the Video: Record your video with the freeze-frame background.
- Edit and Add Effects: Enhance the video with filters and effects.
- Post and Share: Upload your video and interact with viewers.
19. Videos of Your Daily Life
Who says that you have to do something extraordinary to stand out? Some people have made it on TikTok just by posting about their life in general.
Find inspiration from the most trivial things in your life and turn them into interesting TikTok videos.
Here’s an example of a mom who has a successful TikTok account where she posts about her husband, kids, daily routine, and anything else from her life.
@erinbachman_You’re telling me I don’t have to cook OR pick where to get food from?? THAT’S MY TYPE?? ##marriedlife ##momlife ##momsoftiktok ##parenting♬ My Type - Saweetie
How to Do It?
- Plan Your Content: Decide which aspects of your daily life to share.
- Film Your Day: Use your phone to record various activities throughout the day.
- Edit and Compile: Use TikTok's editing tools to compile and enhance the video.
- Add Music and Text: Use music and text to make the video more engaging.
- Post and Share: Upload your video and engage with viewers.
20. Live Videos
TikTok provides the option to stream live videos to your audience. You should try to incorporate live videos into your content mix as they give you the opportunity to connect with your audience in real-time.
Live videos on TikTok, though not yet as popular as on Instagram or Facebook, have a huge potential that you should take advantage of.
How to Do It?
- Plan Your Live Session: Pick a topic or activity for your live video.
- Promote Your Live Video: Inform your followers about the upcoming live session.
- Go Live: Use TikTok's live feature to start your live video.
- Engage with Viewers: Interact with viewers in real-time, answering questions and responding to comments.
- Save and Share: Save the live video and share highlights with your followers.
How to Get Your TikTok Videos Go Viral?
Creating content that goes viral on TikTok involves a mix of creativity, timing, and strategy. Here are five actionable tips to help you craft videos that have the potential to go viral:
Stay on Top of Trends
A point we've already mentioned a few times, monitoring the Discover page regularly is crucial to staying updated on the latest trends. Participating in trending challenges and using popular hashtags can significantly increase your video’s visibility.
For example, TikTok influencer Charli D’Amelio often participates in dance challenges, which helps her videos reach a broader audience. But what she does differently from others is she puts a unique spin on these trending topics. Doing this improves her chances of going viral. Case in point is her latest video, which went viral with 26 million views at the time of writing.
@charlidameliotag dc!♬ whip out the stick by pyt ny - bless.
Optimize Video Length and Quality
Keeping your videos short and engaging is essential since TikTok videos are typically brief. Aim to hook viewers within the first few seconds. Using high-quality equipment ensures good lighting and sound quality. Even if you’re using a smartphone, investing in accessories like tripods and microphones can make a significant difference in your video production.
Zach King, known for his magic vines, utilizes high-quality equipment to create visually stunning content that captivates viewers instantly. Check out some of them, like the one below. It's truly amazing what he does!
@zachkingBreakfast in bed ?♬ original sound - Zach King
Leverage Music and Sounds
Choosing popular sounds and music in your videos can give you an edge, as these are often favored by the algorithm and can boost your chances of being featured on the For You page. Syncing your video actions with the beats of the music creates a more engaging and rhythmic feel.
Influencer Addison Rae frequently uses trending sounds and music in her dance videos, which contributes to her massive following and frequent appearances on the For You page.
@addisonrethankful grateful and ready for 2024 ???????????♬ original sound - kat
Engage with Your Audience
Engaging with your audience by responding to comments and encouraging interaction can significantly boost your video’s performance. Interaction fosters a sense of community and keeps viewers coming back for more.
For instance, Brittany Tomlinson, also known as Brittany Broski, is known for her humorous and relatable videos. She often responds to comments, creating a loyal fan base that actively engages with her content.
@brittany_broski Reply to @chris_fil_ayee #greenscreen ♬ original sound - Brittany
Consistency is Key
Posting regularly is vital to keep your content fresh and maintain audience interest. Aim to post at least once a day and use TikTok’s analytics to understand what works best. Adapt your content strategy based on the performance of your previous videos.
Get Creative
Hopefully, these 20 types of TikTok videos have given you the inspiration that you need to create winning content for the platform. However, you should not limit yourself to certain types of videos.
In fact, we strongly recommend that you experiment with different types of videos and find your own unique style. The beauty of this platform is that you can make a video of anything that you like and post it. You never know, you might find people who enjoy your authenticity and weirdness.
So, get creative and start making your own unique brand of TikTok videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What videos do well on TikTok?
Some of the best-performing videos on TikTok include:
- Challenges
- Dance videos
- Song imitations
- Dialogue reenactments
- Animal videos
- Art videos
- Q&A videos with song covers
- Satisfying/calming videos
- Fruit cutting videos
- Voiceovers
- Science experiments
- Makeover videos
- Collaborations
- Tutorials
- Workout videos
- Food/cooking videos
- Freeze-frame videos
- Daily life videos
- TikTok Lives
What content goes viral on TikTok?
The most viral TikTok videos are those that often include trending songs, hashtags, and popular music. The TikTok algorithm pushes these videos to users' FYP (for you page), thus encouraging users to follow along for a chance to go viral themselves.
Should you add live videos to TikTok?
Yes! Live videos are one of the top TikTok video ideas. TikTok offers users the option also to stream live videos to their audiences. While live videos on TikTok are not as popular as on Instagram or Facebook yet, they offer a lot of potential that you should make the most of. By incorporating live videos into your content mix, you have the chance to connect with your audience in real-time.
What are the three things that create a viral TikTok video?
When it comes to going viral, the three things you need are:
- To keep the video short
- To follow trends
- To know your audience
Do these three things and your chances of going viral will improve!
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