How to Go Viral on Social Media With Original Content

While short-form video content with lip syncing, pointing, and dancing trends can increase reach on Instagram and TikTok, they're not the only strategy. Why? Because solely following trends limits your creativity and makes it harder to stand out from other creators and brands. This is where original content comes into play. So, stretch those creative muscles and take a seat at our brainstorming table as we break down how you can go viral on TikTok and Reels — without trends. 

Table of Contents

What is Original Content?

To most marketers, original content is content that is unique and has never been published before. Straight from the brain of the creator, it may introduce a new idea or POV, and can take on many forms But while original content is unique, you don’t have to completely reinvent the wheel. It can be as simple as a tutorial, video essay, or the way you edit your content — with your own spin on it. . 

Why Should You Post Original Content on TikTok and Reels?

·        Trends can be entertaining (and are still an effective growth tactic) — but they don’t always allow for a deeper connection with your audience. 

·        Plus, if everyone is doing the same trend, it can make for a dull (and repetitive) scroll. 

·        With original content, you can stand out from the crowd. 

·        “We’re feeling fatigued from being served a lot of ‘suggested content' that isn’t relevant to us,” says Later's Social Content Lead, Lindsay Ashcraft.

·        “A lot of us are more online than we ever have been, and we’re looking to find more meaningful, niche topics to connect with.”

·        Original content allows you to be more strategic — so you can lean into creating evergreen videos that embody your brand and don’t become out of date so quickly. 

·        In other words, original content lets you turn viral moments into lasting engagement.

6 Viral-worthy Original Content Ideas for TikTok and Reels

Need help coming up with original content ideas? Here are six ways you can create scroll-stopping Reels and TikToks that don’t require the latest trends.

And bonus — you can come back to these again, and again:

1.     Vlog Your Day

2.     Talk to the Camera

3.     Start a Series

4.     Share a How-to or Tutorial

5.     Let Text Be The Star

6.     Start Your Own Trend

Idea #1: Vlog Your Day

·        Hitting the town? Take us with you!

·        Vlogs are as comforting and relaxing as they are interesting to watch, and there are so many ways you can get creative. 

·        Take your community behind the scenes by sharing a specific period of time.

·        Simply document your day (or days) with short video clips, and use a variety of angles.  

·        Draw inspo from content creator Kay’s Costa Rica trip recap. 

Idea #2: Talk to the Camera

·        One of the best ways to leverage TikToks and Reels is by having a conversation with your audience.

·        Getting candid gives a more personal feel to your content and can keep viewers engaged.

Idea #3: Start a Series

·        Just like a binge-worthy Netflix show, your audience is bound to stay engaged and keep coming back for more when you create a multiple-part series.

·        Plus, users get a sense of comfort in knowing what to expect from their favorite creators (and brands). 

Idea #4: Share a How-to or Tutorial

Don’t keep your hidden talent a secret, because it could land you a top spot on the For You page or the Reels Explore Feed.

Idea #5: Let Text Be The Star 

·        This idea really is as easy as it sounds — and it has the power to pull great numbers. 

·        Have an inspiring quote or a hot take to share? You technically don’t have to say it out loud. 

·        Simply plop your text on top of any video that fits the vibe and watch those numbers roll in. 

·        Get inspired with this raw and real one from Melanie Laurene

Idea #6: Start Your Own Trend

·        Why participate in a trend when you can start your own?

·        We’ve seen brands and creators post original content that makes both their video and audio go viral. 

·        And while the best trends happen by accident, an intentional funny clip can take you places too. 

·        A superstar example is this one from Mahdi Woodard.

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