How to Make Instagram Videos That Go Viral

Matthew Watts

Industry Tips & Tricks
Oct 11, 2017
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How to Make Instagram Videos That Go Viral

We've all enjoyed laughing, learning, and liking some of the most popular Instagram videos of all time.

But have you thought about how going viral can help to grow your business, increase brand recognition, and get you thousands of new social media followers?

In today's world, it's not just people that want to be "Insta-famous." It's brands and companies, too.

Want to learn how to make Instagram videos that go viral?

You should start by understanding what it is that makes content get shared by millions of people around the globe.

Keep reading to find out the key ingredients of the "going viral" secret sauce.

How to Make Instagram Videos Go Viral: The Foundation

Before you even start creating content, there are a few things you need to ensure you've done when it comes to your account.You also need to conduct a little bit of research and get to know what's popular within the niche of your industry.

Complete Your Account

You'd be surprised just how few brands and individuals take the time to completely fill out their Instagram profiles.Keep in mind that your profile information is a golden opportunity when it comes to branding. It's also a great way to ensure that when your Instagram video does go viral, viewers can connect with your brand and get to know what you have to offer.Always ensure that your profile photo is consistent with your other social media accounts and any photos you have on your website.Additionally, make sure that you've linked to your pages on other social media accounts. People will likely want to follow you there, as well!Finally, the first step to going viral is creating a killer "About Me" section. Keep it on-trend, update it often, and don't be afraid to use humor.

Get to Know Your Hashtags

The other "foundational" step you need to complete before you create that viral content?Conduct serious hashtag research.Which ones are popular in your industry?If you're having trouble figuring out your top hashtags on your own, you should consider working with a professional marketing service that can help you.Always remember: keep your hashtags short and sweet. While #BestCarDealershipInOklahomaCity might give valuable information, it's not exactly something people are going to type in and search for.Instead, research current "trending hashtags" on Instagram. Make sure you include several hashtags in your video post description and stick to things like "#CarDealership" or "#NewCar."

Creating Viral Instagram Videos: The Next Steps

The next steps in learning how to make Instagram videos that go viral?It's time to focus on the content itself! Read on to learn how to create videos that viewers will want to loop over and over again, and share with their friends.

1. Production Value Matters

Let's get real: while individuals can get away with shaky cameras, blurry images, and less-than-stellar production values, brands can't.Remember: you're not capturing a candid moment. You're trying to connect with your target market and educate viewers about what your brand has to offer.You may want to consider working with a professional video company to ensure you get the most out of your 60-second video. Think crisp, clean images, bold colors, and a clear story arch.Start thinking of your Instagram video as a short film instead of an ad.

2. Make Viewers Feel Something

Instagram ads and videos are best known for making people laugh.But whether your viewers are cackling, crying, or stopping to think, it's important that they feel something when they watch your video.Instagram videos that create an emotional response in the viewers are much more likely to be shared than bland, play-it-safe videos that don't have a clear message.

3. Keep It Relevant

This is similar to our earlier advice regarding conducting thorough hashtag research.However, you also need to know what your target market is watching, liking, and sharing on Instagram. Make sure you follow as many of your demographics' accounts as possible.Familiarize yourself with what they like to see.Then, create content that you know will connect with them. When you want to learn how to make Instagram videos go viral, your target market is your base audience.While, yes, your video should be able to be understood by everyone who watches it, you need your core audience to start the liking and sharing process.Keeping it relevant to their interests, current events, and other topics they like will help.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Pick a Side

We're living in divided times.However, recent research shows that customers want to see brands choosing a side in a debate or opinion, and sticking to it.We know this can feel like a big risk, especially to smaller businesses.However, making it clear what you stand for proves to your target market that you have integrity. Taking a stand can seriously help your Instagram video to go viral.You don't necessarily have to pick one of the most controversial hot topics of the day. Start small. If standing up for what you believe in costs you customers, trust us (and the research above) when we tell you that it will help you gain even more.

5. Work With Other Influencers

Our final tip for a viral Instagram video?Connect with influencers (people with a huge social media following and reach) in your industry.Have them do a cameo in your video. Then, ask them to share your video on their Instagram accounts. Not only will this increase your clout right off the bat, but you'll also prove to your followers you're close to the top authorities in your industry.

Ready To Make Your Instagram Video Go Viral?

Thanks to this post, you now know what it takes to learn how to make Instagram videos that explode over the Internet.Of course, you'll still need to do a lot more work to make it happen. You'll need to conduct rigorous market research, develop a unique script and storyline, and shoot your video to perfection.Sometimes, you need a little help from the professionals to get it done right.That's where we come in.Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you create content that goes viral, expands your influence, and turns your followers into customers.