More than 1 billion people now use TikTok to find quick inspiration, share entertaining moments, or learn new skills. That’s a huge audience for creators looking to connect and grow their following. But let's admit it: generating fresh TikTok video ideas can feel daunting. Whether you just downloaded the app or have been posting videos and need a spark of creativity, you’re in the right place.

Why does TikTok content go viral

By design, TikTok is all about short, snappy content that hooks viewers and keeps them watching. When a video strikes the right chord—whether it’s relatable, inspirational, educational, or just plain entertaining—it becomes instantly shareable. Viewers watch, comment, like, share, and re-watch, and TikTok’s algorithm takes that as a signal to show it to even more people.

The app surfaces videos on the For You Page (FYP), which is personalized to each user. Here’s what TikTok considers when deciding which videos to send viral:

• User interactions: Likes, follows, shares, and watch times.
• Video information: Captions, sounds, hashtags, and on-screen text.
• Device and account settings: Factors like language or region have a smaller but still noticeable impact.

To boost your chances of going viral, think about how you can make your TikTok videos resonate. Capture strong audience reactions, include relevant keywords and hashtags, and test different ideas to see what unlocks engagement.

16 TikTok video ideas to try

Step 1: Create an ASMR video

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos are all about blissful sounds and soothing visuals. Pumping water from a spray bottle, tapping lightly on a desk, or unfolding packaging can create calming sensations that viewers love.

On TikTok, #ASMR boasts over 500 billion views, covering everything from restocking, cooking, morning routines, and more. If your niche involves any repetitive or subtle sounds, consider turning them into an ASMR moment. Highlight these sounds clearly and remove any background noise or distractions, so your audio truly sings.

How to make it work

• Pick a topic or routine that naturally produces pleasing sounds.
• Focus on audio clarity. Techniques like reducing background noise help you get that signature ASMR calm.
• Use EQ and compression (or other mixing tools) to highlight your most relaxing frequencies.

Step 2: Stitch a popular video

Stitching is a built-in feature for easily referencing another user’s content. You take a segment of their video and then add your own footage. It’s a great way to respond to trending topics, hop into a conversation, or test seemingly wild “hacks” you see on your feed.

How to make it work

• Find popular clips that invite a new perspective (opposing takes, missing details, humorous commentary).
• Look for videos that align with your niche—topics your audience already cares about.
• Show or disprove hacks. For example, Khaby Lame famously stitches absurd “life hacks” and reveals a simpler, more obvious alternative.

Step 3: Create a duet video

Duets display your video side-by-side with someone else’s, letting you react in real-time or layer your content into the original. This collaborative energy is part of what gives TikTok its sense of community.

How to make it work

• Add comedy by narrating or reacting to the original video’s visuals or storyline.
• Use the split screen to show your genuine expressions or humorous commentary.

Step 4: Hop on a TikTok challenge

Challenges—often dance-based—are a mainstay on TikTok. If dancing isn't your style, consider using the challenge’s music or theme in a non-dance way. Either approach can help you tap into trending sounds and comedic scenarios.

Even if you’re a business account, encouraging your team to tackle a challenge can be a fun way to show off your culture and personality.

How to make it work

• Stay on the lookout for rising challenges on your TikTok Discover page or For You feed.
• Adapt the challenge to fit your brand or niche. Creativity within these trends can lead to more engagement.

Step 5: Try out a new trend

TikTok trends usually revolve around a single sound or short phrase. Creators then put their own spin on it, often with comedic or poignant twists. Using these sounds positions your video alongside popular content in the same trend.

How to make it work

• Scan the trending tab or For You Page to see what’s buzzing.
• Think: “How does this trend apply to my niche?” Then adapt it to your style, experiences, or brand identity.
• Click “Use this sound” from any trending video to begin.

Step 6: Create a GRWM video

“Get ready with me” (GRWM) videos are quick glimpses into how people start their day or prep for an event. Whether you’re heading to work, going to an evening party, or simply navigating your morning routine, showing off the real (or aesthetic) details can be fun and relatable.

How to make it work

• Authentically show your prep process—messy or neat—and share any unique tips or utter chaos balancing coffee and mascara.
• If you prefer background music over talking, build a clear storyline through your footage.
• Consider going all-in on storytelling. You can share interesting life facts or routines while you film.
• Try “Get unready with me” if your nighttime process is more intriguing.

Step 7: Make a day in the life vlog

These vlog-style videos highlight your routine from dawn to bedtime, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at a day in your world. Whether you work the night shift, juggle an at-home business, or parent a lively household, these glimpses can be refreshingly relatable.

How to make it work

• Keep it real. Show genuine moments—struggles and wins alike—so your audience connects with your authenticity.
• Write a script or outline to ensure you capture the stories you want to share.
• Give your video a title that draws curious viewers, like “A day in the life of a busy nurse.”

Step 8: Share your creative process

Maybe you’re a painter, potter, or jewelry maker. Filming the creation of your work—especially sped up—can entrance viewers. Small business owners, for instance, can showcase product assembly or design work, helping potential customers see the care and effort that goes into each piece.

How to make it work

• Use TikTok’s Speed feature for short processes. For more involved projects, filming separately and then adjusting playback speed in Descript or another editor may do the trick.
• Share insights or reasons behind your methods. Viewers love learning how the magic happens.

Step 9: Show behind the scenes

If you’re a podcaster, video creator, or any kind of visual storyteller, give your audience a peek at your setup, workflow, and bloopers. This “making-of” style video lets people see the gear, the process, and even a few accidental slip-ups—but that’s exactly what humanizes your content.

How to make it work

• Film your main shot, then position a second camera or phone to capture the behind-the-scenes angle.
• Show the final product at the end—or link to it in the comments so people can see how it turned out.

Step 10: Show Instagram vs. reality

Instagram often portrays only the prettiest, most curated side of life. TikTok, though, thrives off authenticity—even the not-so-pretty stuff. By showing “Instagram vs. reality,” you reveal what’s really going on outside that perfect crop or edited snapshot. This style can be comedic, eye-opening, or reassuring for your viewers.

How to make it work

• Contrast a “perfect feed shot” with the chaotic or hilarious behind-the-scenes reality.
• Lean into vulnerability—sometimes it’s refreshing and memorable.

Step 11: Show a transformation

There’s something incredibly satisfying about before-and-after reveals. Whether you’re flipping an old piece of furniture, renovating a room, or sharing a fitness journey, transformation videos are catnip for TikTok scrollers.

You can even explore non-physical transformations—like career, finances, or mental health—if it fits your narrative. The key is highlighting the contrast and the steps taken to get from A to B.

Step 12: Share helpful tips

As TikTok’s popularity skyrockets, so does the spread of quick fixes—and sometimes questionable hacks. Don’t let misinformation go unchallenged. Share your own specialized knowledge: a dermatologist walking through skincare myths, a tech-savvy person solving device issues, or a maker showing new tools.

How to make it work

• Check your comments to see FAQs. Address them in a short, helpful tips video.

Step 13: Answer questions in a Q&A

Chances are, your followers have questions about you, your brand, or your niche topic. Gather these from TikTok comments or other platforms and turn them into a structured Q&A video. It’s a great balancing act of personal connection and informational content.

Step 14: Test a life hack

The platform is crawling with videos claiming to make life simpler—often on the edge of believable. Testing these hacks can be entertaining and useful, especially if you show viewers potential pitfalls or easier alternatives.

How to make it work

• Focus on hacks that resonate with your audience—cooking, home improvement, or tech tips, for instance.
• Indicate if the hack genuinely works or fails. Honesty earns trust.

Step 15: Use a trending sound

Jump onto a popular sound to drastically boost discoverability. Saving these sounds from other people’s videos, or tapping “Use this sound,” leads you into the trend flow. Tie it back to a relatable personal experience or comedic moment, and you’ve got a ready-made skit or mini-story.

How to make it work

• Frame your video around the sound that captures the essence of your narrative.

Step 16: Share an educational tutorial

TikTok doubles as a search engine for immediate how-tos. Teachable content—like cooking recipes, editing techniques, or study hacks—often does well because people are searching for quick knowledge. If you’re confident in a specific topic, share it in a digestible, step-by-step format.

How to make it work

• Search for the top-performing tutorials in your niche. Spot any knowledge gaps or unanswered viewer questions, then fill those holes.
• Plan your video content. Storyboarding a short tutorial helps keep your instructions sharp and clear.

Tips to create viral TikTok videos

Start videos with a hook

Make your first moments irresistible. Pose a question, create suspense, or dramatize a relatable problem right away so viewers don’t scroll past. Those powerful opening seconds convince them to watch through your entire clip.

Add text on screen

Whether it’s a single line teaser or full captions, on-screen text helps hearing-impaired viewers and grabs scrollers with the gist of your content. Subtitles also improve SEO—people might search for words you mention in the video, especially if visible on screen.

You can use TikTok’s built-in captions or Descript to polish subtitles and add animations.

Use relevant hashtags

Hashtags let TikTok’s algorithm categorize your content quickly. Pair niche phrases (#FoodHacks, #GRWM, #SmallBusinessTips) with more general hashtags (#TikTokTips) so you can show up in both targeted and broader feeds. Avoid spamming too many hashtags—stick to the ones that matter most.

Be consistent with posting

People follow you because they like your content or personality, so they’ll expect more. To stay on their radar, aim for a reliable posting rhythm. One strategy: batch-produce several TikToks in a day, then schedule them over the week. That way, you’re not scrambling for daily ideas.

Post at an ideal time

If your audience is mostly night owls, posting early in the morning might cripple engagement. Check your analytics (or experiment with different slots) to see when your followers—and prospective viewers—are online and more likely to watch and engage.

Engage with viewers

Encouraging users to comment, like, and share can help push your video further up the algorithm’s priority list. Responding to comments shows you value your community and provides a reason for future viewers to leave their own feedback.

Focus on quality editing

Mistakes or messy audio might cause people to scroll by. Keep lighting intentional, remove background noise, and position your camera for clarity. If you’re stitching multiple clips, remember that quick transitions and a seamless flow can improve watch times. You can also check your audio levels for clarity and use good lighting to make your visuals pop.

Frequently asked questions

Which topic is best for TikTok?

Ultimately, the best topic is one you’re passionate about — or at least curious enough to keep experimenting with. From business and gaming to travel vlogs or food hacks, there's room for any interest. As TikTok itself shows, variety is endless. Focus on topics you love and that your audience wants to see.

What type of videos do well on TikTok?

TikTok favors content that’s emotionally engaging, topical, and visually punchy. Quick comedic skits, dance challenges, behind-the-scenes peeks, or heartfelt narratives often thrive. The key is hooking people fast, delivering on that promise, and inspiring them to respond or share.

How do I make a catchy TikTok video?

Start with a strong hook, make every second count, and keep it authentic. If you’re messing up, share it—sometimes that rawness wins hearts. Add relevant sounds or music, on-screen text, and bright visuals that reflect your vibe. And always remember to engage with commenters who show up for your content!

Creating compelling TikTok video ideas is about hitting that sweet spot between authenticity and shareability. Whether you want to educate, entertain, or spark conversation, there’s an audience waiting for what you bring to the table. Explore the tips above, try out new trends, and refine your process until you find your winning formula.