How To Go Viral on Instagram (I went viral)

Introduction

After 8 months of content creation, I finally cracked the code on how to go viral. I've now reached around 20K followers, getting millions of views and accounts reached. Consistently achieving high-tier views is due to focusing on three key elements. I will go into extreme detail for each one, so by the end of this article, you'll be equipped to go viral and grow on your social platforms. If you're stuck in what I call "200 View Jail" like I was for six months, these tips will help you escape.

Tip 1: Content Research

Around 60% of a viral video's success comes from the content idea or topic. No matter how great your editing style is or how valuable your content, a poor topic won't perform well. It's crucial to conduct thorough content research. Here’s how:

Identify Top Creators: Look at the top five biggest creators in your niche. For example, if your niche is content creation or online business, identify the top influencers in these areas.
Analyze Their Content: Go through their Instagram page, specifically their Reels section, and identify their most viral videos.
Replicate and Improve: Don't copy the content word for word. Instead, create your own version by making minor adjustments and improvements. This way, you maintain originality while leveraging a proven formula.

Tip 2: Editing Style - Less is More

People are tired of crazy edits. While flashy edits were once a mark of professionalism, the trend has shifted towards clean, minimalist editing. Here’s why:

Simplicity is Key: Overcomplicated edits can be distracting and take away from the content's value. Minimalistic edits let the audience focus on your message.
Professionalism: Simplistic edits appear more professional and can be more appealing to potential clients or collaborators.
Understandability: Simplified edits make your content easier to understand, which is crucial for engagement and interaction.

Example of Minimalistic Edit:

Just clean, straightforward cuts.
Focus on your face and voice, not overwhelming animations or effects.
Ensure your message is clear and easy to follow.

Tip 3: Specific Value is Crucial

The type of value you provide can make or break your video. Avoid generic advice and instead focus on highly specific, actionable content. Here are some steps to ensure you deliver maximum value:

Be Specific: Give detailed, step-by-step guidance. For instance, instead of saying "improve your camera quality," show the exact camera settings to use.
Visual Proof: Accompany your advice with visual elements like screen recordings or B-roll. This helps in making your content more trustworthy and easier to follow.
Unique Content: Offer something unique that others can't dispute. If you’re discussing a tool or website, demonstrate its uses clearly to add undeniable value.

Keywords

Viral tips
Instagram growth
Content research
Editing style
Content creation
Specific value
Minimalist editing
Social media strategy

FAQ

Q: How do I identify the best content ideas?
A: Identify the top creators in your niche and analyze their most successful videos. Replicate these ideas by adding your unique twist.

Q: Should I stop using flashy edits in my videos?
A: Yes, minimalistic and clean edits allow viewers to focus more on the value you’re providing rather than being distracted by overly complex visuals.

Q: What kind of value should I aim to provide in my content?
A: Focus on specific, actionable, and detailed value. Generic advice won't help. Instead, provide step-by-step guidance and visual proof of your points.

Q: How do I make my content more professional?
A: Simplify your editing style, ensure clarity in your messaging, and back up your advice with visually understandable elements to make your content appear more professional.

Q: Can I directly copy viral content from other creators?
A: While you shouldn't copy content verbatim, it's a good strategy to replicate successful ideas by adding your unique elements and improvements.