Creating viral videos in 2025 is both an art and a science. With the sheer volume of content uploaded daily, it’s no longer enough to rely on luck. Successful creators use strategic techniques to captivate audiences, maximize engagement, and leverage platform algorithms to their advantage.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, this guide will break down the essential steps on “How to make a viral video”. From mastering the first few seconds to boosting engagement and navigating challenges, let’s dive into the strategies that will set you apart.

The First 3 Seconds: Start with an Irresistible Hook

The first three seconds of your video are critical. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are designed for endless scrolling, where users make split-second decisions to either keep watching or move on.

Why Hooks Matter

In today’s fast-paced digital world, attention spans are at an all-time low. Studies show that viewers decide within moments whether a video is worth their time. This is why successful creators prioritize the “3-second rule.” If you can’t hook your audience immediately, you’ve lost them.

How to Craft an Effective Hook

1. Pose an Intriguing Question: Start with a question that demands answers, like, “What happens if you spend 24 hours in total darkness?”
2. Show Unexpected Action: Start with an exciting or shocking moment. For example, MrBeast often begins his videos with dramatic visuals or surprising actions.
3. Create Emotional Stakes: Appeal to curiosity, surprise, or suspense. Videos that tease the unexpected—such as challenges or transformations—keep viewers engaged.

Example: Check out this MrBeast video where he pulls viewers in with high-stakes action right from the start.

Engagement and Watch Time: Keys to Viral Success

Once you’ve grabbed your audience’s attention, the next challenge is keeping them engaged. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram measure a video’s success by two key metrics: watch time and engagement.

Watch Time: Why It Matters

Watch time refers to the total amount of time viewers spend watching your video. Longer watch times signal to algorithms that your content is compelling, which leads to higher visibility and recommendations.

The Psychology of Watch Time

Humans are wired to seek resolution. This is why videos that create suspense or promise a reveal are so effective. Known as the Zeigarnik Effect, this psychological principle explains why people are driven to stick around until the end of a task or story.

Examples of Watch Time in Action

Cooking Videos: A creator starts preparing a complex dish, teasing the final reveal with, “Wait till you see how this turns out!”

Challenge Videos: Videos like “Last to Leave the Circle Wins $10,000” keep viewers hooked as they anticipate who will win.

Tips to Improve Watch Time

Tease the Ending Early: At the start of your video, hint at an exciting or surprising conclusion to keep viewers intrigued.

Maintain Tight Pacing: Cut out slow segments and filler to maintain a fast, engaging flow.

Use Open Loops: Pose a question or set up a mystery that resolves only in the final moments.

Engagement: Driving Interaction and Virality

Engagement—measured by likes, comments, shares, and saves—is just as important as watch time. These interactions signal to platforms that your video resonates with viewers, making it more likely to appear in feeds and recommendations.

How to Boost Engagement

Use Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Encourage viewers to like, comment, or share your video. For example, ask questions like, “What would you do in this situation? Let me know in the comments!

”Invite Participation: Poll your audience or ask for their opinions. For instance, “Team green or team blue? Comment your favorite!

”Build Community: Respond to comments to foster a sense of connection and encourage further interaction.

Why Comments Are Crucial

Comments create a feedback loop: the more comments a video receives, the more likely it is to be shown to new audiences. For example, MrBeast often asks open-ended questions like, “What would YOU do with $10,000?” to spark conversation and engagement.

Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

Even with the best strategies, not every video will go viral. It’s important to stay consistent and realistic while avoiding common mistakes.

Key Best Practices

• Consistency is Crucial: Regular posting builds momentum. Many creators start with low view counts, but one viral video can change everything. For instance, creators who average 70–100 views per video often find that a single viral hit boosts their entire profile.
• Stay Authentic: Don’t chase trends at the expense of your unique voice. Authenticity fosters long-term loyalty.
• Experiment and Learn: Test different formats, styles, and topics to see what resonates with your audience.

Avoid These Pitfalls

1. Overusing Clickbait: Sensational thumbnails or titles that don’t deliver will alienate your audience.
2. Focusing Only on Trends: While trends can boost short-term visibility, originality is what builds a lasting audience.
3. Obsessing Over Metrics: It’s easy to get caught up in analytics, but remember that consistent effort matters more than short-term results.

Final Thoughts: The Path to Virality

Viral success isn’t just about luck—it’s about preparation, strategy, and persistence. Even if most of your videos get modest views, remember that it only takes one viral moment to transform your presence online.

Key Takeaways

• Start with a powerful hook that grabs attention in the first 3 seconds.
• Maximize watch time by building suspense and delivering on your promises.
• Encourage engagement with CTAs and by fostering community interaction.

A Motivational Note

Every creator starts somewhere. If your videos aren’t going viral right away, don’t get discouraged. Success comes from consistent effort and a willingness to learn from every upload. Stick to these principles, and your viral moment might be just around the corner.

Remember: Your next upload could be the one that changes everything.