While luck plays a part, sustained virality comes from understanding your audience, creating relatable content, avoiding common pitfalls like hashtag misuse, and consistently engaging with the platform's features and trends.
Ever wondered why some TikTok videos skyrocket to millions of views overnight, while others struggle to get noticed?
Going viral isn’t just about luck, it’s a delicate balance of creativity that demands strategy, consistency, and authenticity.
From hilarious skits and dance challenges to unexpected twists and emotional storytelling, certain videos have a way of capturing audiences and spreading like wildfire.
But what’s the secret to finding success? Is it trending sounds, the perfect hook, or sheer authenticity?
To uncover the formula, we spoke to several; content creators whose videos have gone viral on TikTok.
Naomi Wasike.
Naomi Wasike is a content creator whose dance videos have racked up millions of views, earning her a loyal following.
Naomi’s breakthrough moment came in 2023 when she posted a dance video that quickly went viral.
Unlike her usual content, this particular video had an element of surprise that made it stand out.
"My first viral video gained around 800,000 views within just a few days, with about 70,000 likes. After that, reaching a million views within a day became easy," she recalls.
The numbers skyrocketed, but why did this video resonate so strongly with viewers?
Naomi believes it was a mix of unexpected visuals, high energy, and audience curiosity.
For Naomi, the biggest difference between her viral video and her previous content was how she presented herself.
"I liked it because it was different from my normal videos. I had worn something completely different from what my audience was used to and it gave off a different aura," she explains.
Instead of her usual casual outfits, Naomi opted for a formal, professional look, a stark contrast to the high-energy dancehall music she was dancing to.
The mismatch caught viewers’ attention and sparked conversations in the comment section.
"I was dressed so officially and so professionally, yet I had mastered the dance steps perfectly. No one expected that! I kept getting comments about how my attire and the music didn’t match," she says.
This element of surprise kept people engaged, watching the video repeatedly and sharing it with friends.
The lesson? Naomi says TikTok users love content that challenges expectations and creates curiosity.
Content creator and TikToker Faustine Lipuku Lukale alias Baba Talisha.
Faustine Lipuku, better known as Baba Talisha says he found an unexpected path to virality by sharing his journey as a single father.
The father of one lost his wife, to a grisly road accident on Thika Superhighway on August 15, 2020.
His daughter, Talisha, spent over 20 days on life support in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit before recovering from her coma.
He says his first viral moment came in December 2020, when he posted a video documenting his daughter Talisha’s therapy journey. Within three days, the video had 1.5 million views, with thousands of comments pouring in.
"People were saying things like, ‘You are such a good father’, you know, the usual good dad comments," he recalls.
But his TikTok story is much deeper than just a viral video. When Baba Talisha first joined, he had no intention of becoming a viral sensation.
"After my wife passed away, I just wanted to share my life as a father. I wasn’t even sure TikTok was the right space for me. Before joining, I had only seen the app as a dancing platform. But soon, I realised it had a space for every type of content creator, from family bloggers to car enthusiasts to foodies."
Baba Talisha (brand name) is a father of 1 and works as digital marketer, influencer, photographer and videographer.
For Baba Talisha, that niche became fatherhood content, showing the everyday joys and struggles of raising a child alone. While it helped him build a brand and gain opportunities, it also came with its share of challenges.
"It is a good platform, but also a very toxic one. It depends on how you handle it," he says.
His biggest struggle? Online trolls. "People used to say nasty things, especially about my daughter. For me, I don’t really care. But when they target a child, that’s painful," he admits.
Despite the negativity, he chooses to focus on the positive—the love and support he receives from his followers.
"The best thing is the people who genuinely support you. They send messages of encouragement, and that means a lot," he says.
While many creators chase views and likes, Baba Talisha emphasises that the real value is in monetisation. "You need to learn how to monetise your content. Someone is always noticing your work, and that can lead to opportunities."
Despite the endorsements, brand deals, and increased visibility, it is not the only platform he relies on.
"Before TikTok, I was already on YouTube and Facebook. I’ve been building my brand for a while," he shares.
So, what does he say to those trying to make it big on TikTok?
"Stick to good, clean content. You don’t have to create drama to trend. Focus on making content that adds value and can be monetized," he advises.
Gift Musiq
For many content creators, going viral is a dream that takes months, if not years, to achieve. But for Gift Muziq, a talented artiste and digital creator, his rise to fame was more of an unplanned journey rather than a strategic pursuit.
Gift joined TikTok in April 2021, though he wasn’t entirely sure of the exact date. At first, his approach to content creation was far from consistent.
"I’d barely post. I could go a month without posting," he said.
Unlike many influencers who carefully curate content to maximise engagement, Gift was more laid-back, posting only when he felt like it.
Initially, he focused on music-related content, documenting his performances in high schools and sharing clips on TikTok. But back then, he wasn’t too concerned about views.
"I wasn't interested in those things at that time. If I got 15K or 20K views, it was okay," he says.
However, things changed in 2023, when his content took on a new dimension. As he ventured into acting and comedic skits, his videos started gaining massive traction.
"It’s funny. I don’t even remember the exact video that went viral," he laughs. "But I think it was one we did together—something about ‘How I Met Your Father’ or a church-related sound I used at home."
He says his relationship with fellow TikToker, Alma Mutheu has made his videos more viral.
Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok's Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa spoke to Nation Lifestyle on common mistakes creators make and how they can achieve and sustain success on the platform.
Social networking service TikTok's logo.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
According to Sidwaba, one major mistake creators make is the misuse of hashtags.
“Some creators believe that using popular hashtags will make their content more discoverable, but it often has the opposite effect,” she explains. “Adding unrelated hashtags associates your content with irrelevant topics, reducing its reach. It's best to stick to relevant hashtags and avoid excessive use.”
Another misstep is violating TikTok’s community guidelines. Risky content can trigger the platform’s moderation system, preventing it from appearing on users’ ‘For You’ feeds.
"Authenticity is the key to building a loyal community. Finding a niche, like #FoodTok, #SportsonTikTok, or book reviews, helps creators connect with like-minded audiences," Sidwaba adds.
The Secret to Going Viral
When asked what makes content go viral, Sidwaba emphasises three factors: authenticity, creativity, and relatability. TikTok users are drawn to short, entertaining, and relatable videos that align with current trends and challenges.
“Creators should understand their target audience and tailor content accordingly,” she advises. “Participating in popular challenges, experimenting with visual effects and filters, and leveraging humour can significantly boost engagement.”
TikTok also provides creators with analytics tools to monitor content performance and adjust strategies. “Using the Creator Search Insights feature helps identify high-demand, low-supply topics, making it easier for creators to align content with user interests,” Sidwaba notes.
Sustaining Momentum After Going Viral
Going viral is just the beginning—maintaining that momentum requires consistent effort. “Always stay authentic and keep posting consistently,” Sidwaba advises. “Collaborating with other creators allows you to tap into each other's communities, expanding your reach.”
Leveraging TikTok Studio’s analytics tools can provide deeper audience insights, while Creator Search Insights identifies trending content gaps. “You never want the algorithm to forget you,” Sidwaba warns.
TikTok's Evolving Support for Creators
TikTok continues to innovate to support creators. Recent developments include the ability to post up to 60-minute videos on a desktop and the launch of Effect House, an augmented reality tool for designers.
The upcoming Creator Academy will further educate creators on platform features.
In Kenya, TikTok’s partnership with Wowzi aims to empower the local creative community.
"This collaboration ensures that creators can manage their content effectively while expanding their reach," Sidwaba explains.
Kenya's TikTok Stars
The TikTok Community determines what is popular or goes viral on the platform in a specific country. For example, data insights have shown that the top content categories consumed by Kenyans include: comedy, entertainment, motivation, beauty, lifestyle and sports
Examples: Several TikTok creators have gained popularity in Kenya through the content they produce that is relatable to their audience.
FatboyKenya is a big name in the animation space and his content has grown and become popular among the public over the years. Currently, he has over 1M followers on TikTok
BoxtoBoxregista is a sports creator who has crafted his brand through TikTok and his work has grown his popularity on the platform. Has over 80K followers on the platform
Roy Kanyi- Roy a tech enthusiast and creator, was announced as one of the creators to watch in the 2025 TikTok Discover List. He simplifies the complex world of gadgets and electronics. His engaging, relatable content helps users make informed decisions about tech and gadgets, making him a go-to creator for tech education.
Simplyyemi- From African cuisine to sweet treats and juices, Eugene Kamara has taken TikTok by storm with his mouthwatering recipes. TikTok has helped him grow his culinary passion, making him one of the sought-after food creators in Kenya. He won the Food Creator of the Year in the 2024 TikTok awards.
Flaqo Flaqo an entertainment creator, was recently crowned the entertainment culture creator of the year during the 2024 TikTok Awards. With over 2 million followers, he brings laughter and cultural insights to TikTok every day.
Makeup_by_ceecee- Caroline Wambua always gives a refreshing take on beauty content. She emerged runners-up in the Beauty creator of the year category during the 2024 TikTok Awards.
