How to Create Viral Content for Instagram and TikTok: Lessons from a Content Strategist

In the fast-paced world of social media, creating viral content can seem like a daunting task. Many business owners and marketers wonder how they can stand out amidst the noise on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This article aims to demystify the process of creating viral content by sharing insights from Kat Norton, a content strategist who has successfully scaled her business using short-form videos. By understanding and applying the principles of creativity, polarity, and energy management, you too can create content that resonates with your audience and propels your business forward.

The Genesis of a Viral Sensation

Kat Norton's journey into the world of TikTok and Instagram began in March 2020, at the onset of the pandemic. With her corporate job on hold, she found herself back at her parents' house, contemplating her life's purpose. With an abundance of free time, she dove into self-improvement activities, including reading and meditation. It was during this period of introspection that she received a business idea from a friend: to put Excel tips on TikTok.

Initially resistant, Kat eventually gave in to her gut feeling and decided to give it a shot. She filmed herself teaching Excel functions to the tune of a trending song and uploaded the video to TikTok. To her surprise, the video garnered significant attention, and by her fourth video, she had reached 100,000 views. This early success set the stage for her to create more content and eventually build a thriving business.

Why Short-Form Video?

For those skeptical about the power of short-form video, Kat's story serves as a compelling case study. Short-form videos are relatively easy to produce and allow creators to test various ideas quickly. They also have a higher chance of going viral due to the algorithms of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This makes them an ideal medium for marketers and business owners looking to increase their visibility and generate leads.

The Three Pillars of Viral Content

Kat's strategy for creating viral content revolves around three main pillars: polarity, creativity, and energy management. Understanding and applying these principles can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your content.

1. Polarity: Sparking Conversations

Polarity involves combining two elements that don't traditionally go together, thereby sparking conversation and engagement. For Kat, this meant blending Excel tutorials with dance routines. The unexpected combination caught people's attention and led to increased interaction with her videos.

Examples of Polarity:

• Combining golf tips with real estate advice.
• Mixing cooking tutorials with financial planning.
• Pairing fitness routines with motivational business talks.

The key is to find elements that are authentic to you and combine them in a way that is both surprising and engaging.

2. Creativity: Unleashing Your Inner Artist

Many people believe they are not creative, but Kat argues that everyone has a creative side that can be nurtured. The first step is to challenge the limiting belief that you are not creative. Once you accept that you have a creative potential, the next step is to find an outlet for it.

Kat suggests engaging in activities that tap into the right side of the brain, such as walking in nature, meditating, or dancing. These activities can help you enter a creative flow state, making it easier to come up with innovative ideas for your content.

Tips for Boosting Creativity:

• Take breaks to engage in creative activities.
• Keep a journal or notes app to jot down ideas as they come.
• Experiment with different formats and styles to see what resonates with your audience.

3. Energy Management: Maximizing Productivity

Time management is often emphasized in productivity discussions, but Kat believes energy management is even more critical. By aligning your tasks with your energy levels, you can be more productive and effective.

For example, Kat dedicates entire days to creative activities, allowing her to stay in a flow state and generate high-quality content. She also separates her analytical tasks from her creative ones, ensuring that she is in the right mindset for each type of work.

Strategies for Energy Management:

• Identify your peak energy times and schedule your most important tasks during these periods.
• Group similar tasks together to maintain focus and efficiency.
• Take regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.

Applying the Principles to Your Content Strategy

Combining these three pillars can transform your content strategy and increase your chances of going viral. Here’s how you can apply them:

1. Identify Your Unique Polarity: Think about the elements that define you or your brand. How can you combine them in a way that stands out?
2. Tap into Your Creativity: Set aside time for activities that stimulate your creative mind. Use this time to brainstorm and plan your content.
3. Manage Your Energy: Align your tasks with your energy levels. Dedicate specific times for creative work and separate them from analytical tasks.

Practical Steps to Get Started

If you're ready to start creating viral content, follow these practical steps:

1. Set Up Your Workspace: Create a comfortable and inspiring environment for your creative work. This could be a home office, a cozy corner, or even an outdoor space.
2. Research Trends: Spend time on TikTok and Instagram to see what's trending. Take note of popular formats, songs, and hashtags.
3. Plan Your Content: Use a content calendar to plan your posts. Include key dates, themes, and ideas for each piece of content.
4. Batch Create Content: Dedicate specific days to filming and editing your videos. This allows you to stay focused and efficient.
5. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and use feedback to improve your content.

The Role of MentionBrand

Tools like MentionBrand can be invaluable in this process. MentionBrand helps you find the best places to mention your product online and draft tailored responses. It identifies relevant conversations where your product can add value, increasing visibility and lead generation. By integrating MentionBrand into your strategy, you can ensure that your viral content reaches the right audience and drives meaningful engagement.

Conclusion

Creating viral content for Instagram and TikTok doesn't have to be a mystery. By understanding and applying the principles of polarity, creativity, and energy management, you can craft compelling videos that resonate with your audience and drive business growth. Remember, the key is to stay authentic, experiment with different ideas, and manage your energy effectively. With these strategies in hand, you're well on your way to creating content that not only goes viral but also adds real value to your audience.

The article is written by analyzing various content Kat Norton shared online. She is a content strategist and coach who helps businesses scale effortlessly through creative content. She is the founder and chief Excel officer at Miss Excel, where she combines her love for Excel and dancing to create engaging and educational videos.

By following these insights and leveraging the power of short-form video, you can take your content strategy to the next level. Happy creating!