How to Go Viral On Instagram (Sort Of)

Ready to become a social media maven and watch your posts go viral on Instagram?

Okay – the truth is, there’s no one sure way to going viral. Sometimes posts pick up steam for reasons that are totally out of your control.

BUT – there are things you can do to help boost your potential to take the Internet by storm.

So buckle up, grab your favorite drink, and let’s dive in!

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

How Do Posts Go Viral On Instagram?

First things first, let’s talk about what makes a post go viral on Instagram. It’s like catching lightning in a bottle, right? Well, not quite.

While there’s no guaranteed formula, there are some tried-and-true strategies that can significantly increase your chances of hitting that viral jackpot.

Authenticity is Queen (and King!)

Let’s get real, friends. People can smell a fake from a mile away. Authenticity is your secret weapon in the quest for virality. 

Show off the heart and soul of your handmade business. Share behind-the-scenes peeks, stories about your journey, and the faces behind your brand. People connect with authenticity, so let your true colors shine!

If you watch viral videos, you’ll notice that many of them are not “perfect” – in fact, it’s the imperfections that cause that particular post to become popular. 

So don’t try to be someone else, and don’t worry about being perfect. Just be you, have fun, and show the world what your brand is all about.

Visual Feast for the Eyes

While your posts need not be perfect, they DO need to be visually interesting.

Use the best camera you have available, and learn how to use its features. 

Find the colors and aesthetic that your audience responds to. Using your brand colors in your posts is a great way to reinforce recognition, but it’s not necessary.

But if your brand is all about bright colors and uplifting messages, you don’t want to necessarily post videos that are muted and subdued. 

Lighting is even more important! You want to use natural light and make sure you or your products can be seen clearly. If natural light is not available, I urge you to invest in a ring light or other lighting – Amazon has many options that are affordable, such as this ring light.

Tell Stories that Stick

Humans are hardwired for storytelling, so use that to your advantage! Craft compelling narratives that captivate your audience and leave them wanting more. 

Whether it’s sharing the inspiration behind a new product or recounting a heartwarming customer testimonial, storytelling adds depth and dimension to your posts.

Take time to watch other viral posts to see what’s trending. This doesn’t mean you need to dance! There are many, many videos that do really well that have nothing to do with performing in front of the camera.

Find the viral videos that you feel you could create for yourself, and make them your own.

Don’t Forget to Be Social to Go Viral on Instagram

You get extra “social juice” by being engaged with others on social media.

Take some time engaging with other accounts. Search hashtags in your niche, and then find posts that you are genuinely interested in. Give them a comment, like and follow the ones that really speak to you.

And definitely respond to ALL comments you get on your own posts! 

Being social on the ‘Gram is a big part of building an audience and letting the platform know that you are actively involved in the community.

Read more about engagement on social media here:

Social Media Engagement Strategies for Handmade Businesses

Timing is Everything

Timing can make or break the success of your Instagram posts. Pay attention to when your audience is most active and schedule your posts accordingly.

You can find out when your followers are most active through the “Insights” section of your Instagram tools.

Experiment with different posting times and analyze your insights to determine the optimal posting schedule for maximum impact.

Captivate with Your Captions

Don’t underestimate the power of your caption. Use humor, wit, or emotion to grab your audience’s attention and keep them engaged.

Bring something of value to your audience. Whether it’s a lesson learned, a heartwarming story, or an educational post – think about what your customers need. 

Ask questions, tell jokes, or share interesting facts to spark conversation and encourage interaction. Remember, the more engagement your posts receive, the more likely they are to be seen by a wider audience.

Ride the Trend Wave

Keep your finger on the pulse of what’s trending on Instagram and find creative ways to hop on the bandwagon. 

Whether it’s participating in popular challenges, jumping on trending hashtags, or creating content that aligns with current events, riding the trend wave can give your posts a viral boost.

But do this with the intent of joining trends that appeal to you and that are aligned with your business. This goes back to authenticity – don’t do a trend just because you think it will go viral. Do it because it fits with your brand, and you think your customers will relate.

Don’t Chase Virality, Chase Value

Last but certainly not least, remember that virality isn’t the be-all and end-all of Instagram success.

Focus on creating valuable, meaningful content that resonates with your audience and adds genuine value to their lives.

Build authentic relationships, foster a strong sense of community, and let your passion for your craft shine through in everything you do.

After all, true success isn’t measured by the number of likes or shares, but by the impact you make on the hearts and minds of your followers.

How to Go Viral On Instagram (Sort Of)

So there you have it, friends! With a little bit of creativity, a sprinkle of authenticity, and a whole lot of passion, you can give your business posts the best chance to go viral on Instagram.

If you’re looking for more help with creating your content, look no further than Clear Cut Content! My self-paced course will help you create posts that lead to more sales, all while creating a system for yourself that will give you more time and less stress.

Click here to learn more about Clear Cut Content and get ready to master your social media like the boss you are!