Hey there, makers and entrepreneurs! If you want new eyes on your content, brand establishment, or merely an uptick in views, short-form video is the way to go. Platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts and let’s not forget TikTok are cultivated to help your easily consumable, thumb stopping video go far. But the number one question I’ve been asked is:

“What kind of videos go viral?”

Well, I’m here to answer. Below are the most interactive, entertaining, and easiest types of video content you can create starting today, even on a budget and as a novice.

Hook Them in the First 3 Seconds—Start with a Hook
Short-form content is made or broken in the first few seconds. Judgments are cast so quickly that viewers either swipe away or stick around. You need to hook them from the very beginning—with something compelling for attention.

For example:

Ask a Question: “What’s the #1 thing ruining your skincare routine?”

Add Motion: Pan the camera into a product or enter the screen with a pop of color effect.

Make an Outrageous Claim: “No one’s telling you this secret…”

Relevant keywords: hooks for videos, how to go viral, short video retention ideas

1. Including a BTS Moment
   People love seeing the inner workings. Whether you’re an at-home creator or a brand, showcasing the BTS creation process makes it seem even more genuine.
2. “Behind the Scenes” or “How It’s Made” People love finding out how much work goes into achieving the product or presentation. These work well with no pressure held beforehand. Ideas: Packing orders with fun edits, your workspace setup transformation, how you create your product (or content) They humanize your brand and help foster trust. Keywords: behind the scenes video, content ideas for small business, authentic video content
3. “Before and After” or “Then vs. Now” People love transformations. It’s visual, dramatic, and satisfying. These videos entertain AND foster growth, which helps establish rapport. Ideas: Makeover DIYs, personal fitness or skincare journeys, transforming your rough cut to your final edit BONUS: Use a trending song to expand your reach. Keywords: before and after video ideas, transformation reels, TikTok trends
4. Quick Tutorials That Teach
   One way to get someone to remember your name (and follow you) is to teach them one valuable lesson in under 30 seconds.

Ideas:
“3 tips to fix frizzy hair in a jiff”
“How to photograph product shots from your phone, the easy way”
“You can fix this website error in 60 seconds”

Keep it simple and always use voiceovers.

Keywords: quick how-to videos, helpful tips videos, instructional videos

1. Relatable Comedy & Humor
2. If you can make someone laugh, you can get them to like, comment, and share. Comedy skits, relatable rants, and relatable fails perform incredibly well.

Ideas:
“POV: You have to explain to your grandmother what you do for a living”
Work frustrations
Skit videos about zodiac signs, shopping habits, or what you did on your last date.
Even reacting to a trending audio sound with your take can go viral.

Keywords: funny audio reels, relatable video topics, skit ideas for TikTok

Timelapse + Voiceover
Good for artists, creators, and brands. Just record yourself doing something and add a relaxing or motivational voiceover. Minimal effort, maximum return.

Topics:
“Watch me design a logo from start to finish”
“This is how I got this business started…”
“The one thing I did wrong that almost derailed me”

It’s personal without the need to be overly perfected.

Keywords: videos with voiceover, timelapse social media, storytelling videos

AMA/Q&A Videos
Take questions that your audience is already asking and compile them into a fun, quick-paced video answering them. “Do I need a website to sell products?” “How do I grow without posting every day?” “What is the first step in starting a brand?” Not only does Q&A foster trust between you and your following, but it also positions you as an expert in your field. Key takeaways: AMA video content, answer follower questions, short Q&A video.

Follow Trends Without Losing Your Brand

Following trends is a great way to go viral—but be sure to always add your own twist. Find a trending sound or challenge and adapt it to fit your niche.
For example:
A baker would film:
“Me when someone says store-bought cake is better and I spill my tea…”

Keywords: trending reels, custom TikTok trends, personality-driven viral content

Bonus Engagement Tricks:

• Use closed captions—85% of viewers watch without sound.
• Use large readable text—This is true especially on TikTok and Reels.
• Finish with a call to action—Ask them to comment, follow, or share.

Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be perfect to create content that connects, you need to be real. The best videos feel like conversations, not infomercials. You don’t need the best camera or a large production team. You just need something to say and the courage to hit play.
And remember I’ve been a blogger and brand builder for 14+ years. I have a particular penchant for SEO, social media strategy, and compelling video storytelling. If you ever feel confused, overwhelmed, or don’t know where to begin, reach out. My sole purpose is your growth.