How to Go Viral on TikTok Without Endless Editing

By Isobel Bryant, content manager, AMBITIOUS

TikTok continues to dominate as the go-to platform for corporate brands seeking to drive engagement and connect with audiences in creative, authentic ways. AMBITIOUS, a leading strategic communications agency based in Bristol, recently demonstrated this with a TikTok post that has taken the platform by storm. Collecting over 600,000 views in a matter of days and reaching over one million views two weeks later, this organic, somewhat unpolished video wasn’t meticulously planned or heavily produced—but it simply captured the imagination of viewers and sparked unprecedented engagement for the brand.

This viral success highlights a fundamental truth about TikTok: it thrives on authenticity and spontaneity. Over-produced content often pales in comparison to moments that feel real, relatable, and relevant.

AMBITIOUS’ post is a prime example of how even modest content can make an outsized impact when it aligns with TikTok’s unique culture; fast entertainment, acknowledging trending themes that drives engagement. Wanting to replicate this success? Here’s some best practice:

Text placement is a must

Ensure the title is visible within the first three seconds and positioned safely above the app’s buttons. Subtitles and captions, added natively, not only make videos accessible but also enable the algorithm to crawl this text making the video searchable and increasing its reach.

Audio plays a starring role

Trending sounds and TikTok-recommended audios, even when layered under voiceovers, can help videos ride the wave of virality. Experimentation is key; from photo carousels, using text to speech, videos with voiceovers, videos with just text, duets, and replies, varying formats can provide insight into what resonates most with audiences.

Remember to tag

Tags are a gateway to reaching the right viewers. Use between three and five relevant hashtags and choose the ones with the highest views. Tagging locations can also help with a hyper-targeted reach.

Keep focused on the “For You” page

To truly harness TikTok’s potential, brands should remain agile and trend-aware by regularly exploring the platform’s “For You” page to spot emerging opportunities. When something works, double down on it. Viral posts can be extended through follow-up videos, sequels, or collaborations with influential creators in the same niche.

If there’s one thing AMBITIOUS’ viral TikTok has proven, it’s that the TikTok journey is one of patience, experimentation, and consistent posting. Building a strong presence doesn’t happen overnight, but by embracing flexibility and fun, brands can unlock a platform that offers unmatched potential for growth and engagement.

10-step checklist for going viral on TikTok:

1. Regularly browse the For You Page and save or bookmark videos and sounds that are trending (have high views), to later use and recreate.
2. Follow influential creators within your audience to stay up-to-date.
3. Make a note of the hashtags that receive the most views and use them in your captions.
4. Utilise CapCut templates (For example: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGdFkPjjH/ and https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGdFk4J8V/) 
5. Engage with other creators’ content with duets and replies. 
6. If one of your videos does go viral, then do it again in part two!
7. Hook your audience within three seconds. 
8. Experiment with new TikTok features.
9. Never delete old content​.
10. Act fast on trends and have fun!