Making Cat Videos that Go Viral (Step-by-Step)

After reaching over half a million subscribers across social platforms, I decided I had to create this blog post to help others do the same.

Here's my exact blueprint for making viral cat videos, or at least, producing cat content that has the potential to go viral!

In this comprehensive article, we will walk you through:

1. A short review of what makes videos go viral

2. The step-by-step process of producing captivating cat content that can capture the hearts of millions online.

By implementing the strategies and techniques outlined here, you'll increase your chances of creating successful content and reaching a wider audience.

Understanding the Power of Cats in Social Media

When I first started creating social media content I did not realize the power of pet lovers and pet content. It's been 3 years since I started this journey and I'm getting closer to living full-time in my content creation business. Isn't that crazy?

If you like content creation and want to try it, it's important to understand why recording your kitty has more potential of reaching millions than you do.

Why Are Cat Videos So Popular?

Cat videos and the internet have grown together, hand in hand. They are almost as old as the internet itself. But what makes this visual content so appealing?

Cats are known for their adorable and often hilarious behavior, and their videos evoke a wide range of emotions in viewers. From heartwarming moments to unexpected and fun antics, cats have the power to brighten anyone's day.

• Cats can trigger emotions

• Cats are unexpected

• Cats trigger our curiosity

• Cats have a wide appeal

• Cat lovers love to share cat content

What Makes a Cat Video Go Viral?

While cute cat videos were the way to go in the past, today there's no formula for creating viral content, there are a few things that most viral cat videos have in common:

• High Stopping Potential: This will cause people to stop scrolling.

• Strong Hook: People who stop will watch at least 2-3 seconds of the video.

• High View Through: This means that a big % of the video is watched.

• High Shareability: People who watch the video will have the need to share it.

In a very simplified way: You need to get viewers to stop scrolling, start watching your video, watch most of it, and interact with it (shares being the most important metric) when they are gone.

I know that now you are thinking... What are the main reasons that will make people stop, watch, continue watching, and share a video? Here's a list:

• Compelling content: Viral videos often have a unique, surprising, or captivating element that grabs viewers' attention and compels them to share it with others. In our case, walking my cat Mia on a leash was what created the stopping potential. In your case, it could be the unique features of your cat, the tricks you've taught them, or even some quirky things you do together. Cute cat videos still work, but there are a lot of cute cats out there so the bar is high, think about what makes your cat and your relationship with them unique.

• Emotional appeal: Videos that evoke strong emotions such as laughter, awe, surprise, or inspiration tend to have a higher chance of being shared as people want to share those feelings with others. Being very bold with this statement, but I believe that a video without emotions is very unlikely going to go viral.

• Relatability: Content that resonates with a wide audience by addressing common experiences, shared interests, or current trends is more likely to be shared and successful. Think of a video where you thought "Oh, this is totally my cat" or "I wish this was my cat". Did you share those videos? Probably yes, and that's what you are looking for.

• Short and concise: Let's be honest, no one is laying back waiting for your video. When content is concise, easy to consume, and gets to the point quickly, it has a higher chance of being watched.

• Visual appeal: High-quality visuals, interesting visuals, or visually stunning moments can greatly enhance the viral potential of a video. But, there's always a but. When content is too heavily produced, it feels professional, and that makes people expect professional storytelling and professional scripting... So when your video looks less heavily produced, it's easier to connect with the audience and they might be more willing to "see what happens next".

• Humor: Funny videos that are entertaining often have a strong viral potential as people enjoy sharing laughter and entertainment with others.

• User participation: Videos that encourage viewers to actively engage with the content, such as through challenges, contests, or interactive elements, tend to generate more shares and engagement.

• Influencer involvement: If a popular or influential individual shares a video with their large following, it can significantly increase the chances of it going viral. But not many of us have those contacts, so it's a hard one to use.

• Timeliness: Capitalizing on current events, trends, or topics that are already generating buzz can help a video gain traction and increase its viral potential. There are a couple huge trends right now when it comes to cats: Walking them on a leash and Talking Buttons. If you and your cat are good at those, use them in your favor!

• Easy sharing: Easily shareable across different platforms and devices, with clear calls to action for sharing, are more likely to spread rapidly.

Creating Viral Cat Videos Step by Step

Step 1: Identifying Your Target Audience

When we create content about our pets, we forget about our ego, we are focused on capturing moments that inspire, educate or entertain others. I tried to create content and grow a social following on my personal account for years. I never could.

This is because I was focused on showing my progress to feed my ego, not to help others. My most viral content was content that educated others and helped them achieve what I was doing, but I never understood that trend and most of my content never went anywhere.

When I started making videos about Mia my creative focus changed. I was creating content that would inspire my mom, and later on, I started creating content that would help others achieve what I was doing. 

When you focus on your audience, your audience notices, and that's what works.

Know Your Audience - Think like a cat person

To create kitty videos that resonate with viewers, it's crucial to understand your target audience. Different demographics have varying preferences, so take the time to research and analyze your potential viewers.

Consider factors such as interests and behaviors to tailor your content effectively: What are my audience's main motivators? What are my audience's biggest fears? What is my audience struggling with?

Engaging with Your Audience - Helping your audience pays back

Building a strong connection with your audience is key to fostering engagement and encouraging sharing. Responding to comments, asking for feedback, and even running contests or giveaways can help create a sense of community around your cat videos.

The more connected your audience feels, the more likely they are to share your content and help it go viral.

Step 2: Creating Compelling Content

Uniqueness and Originality - Be original

In a sea of cat videos, it's important to stand out. Find ways to showcase your cat's distinctive personality or capture the content about your pet in ways no one did before, a few concepts that will help you with that:

1. Unexplored Concepts: Embrace your imaginative side and delve into uncharted territory, unearthing fresh concepts that have yet to be widely explored. For instance, you might consider using a body camera on your cat or using home cameras to capture unique angles and stories. These surprising and novel elements will leave a lasting impression, igniting curiosity and encouraging viewers to share your content.

2. Showcasing Personality: Cats possess distinct personalities, and capturing these idiosyncrasies will make your videos stand out. Whether it's their mischievous antics, endearing quirks, or comical reactions, authentically capturing these moments will create relatable and captivating content. Aim to spotlight a variety of feline personalities, ranging from the adventurous explorer to the leisure-loving couch potato, catering to diverse audience preferences.

3. Creative Editing: The editing process is a canvas for your artistic flair, allowing you to amplify the impact of your cat video. Embrace experimentation by employing various editing techniques to infuse humor, suspense, or emotional resonance into your content. Explore the possibilities of split screens, slow-motion effects, or seamless transitions to mesmerize your viewers visually. Enhance the overall viewing experience by incorporating catchy sound effects or thoughtfully selected background music.

4. Storytelling: Weave a compelling narrative around your cat video to captivate and engage your audience. Develop a cohesive story arc, introduce conflict or suspense, and create a sense of resolution or surprise. For example, you could document the remarkable journey of a rescued cat, showcasing their transformation and ultimate adoption into a loving home. By tapping into the power of storytelling, you evoke emotions and forge deeper connections with your viewers, increasing the likelihood of them sharing your videos.

5. Unexpected Interactions: Inject your videos with surprising and extraordinary interactions to instantly seize viewers' attention. Incorporate unexpected encounters with other animals, playful engagements with inanimate objects, or even collaborations with popular content creators. These unforeseen moments of excitement and novelty add an extra layer of intrigue to your videos, heightening their potential to go viral.

6. Education: Are you good at something that a part of your audience is not? Would your audience be interested in getting better at it? If that's the case, you are sitting on top of a viral goldmine. Use your unique skills to create content your audience wants to watch!

As you venture into the realm of crafting a unique cat video, remember that balancing originality and understanding your audience is essential. Stay true to your creative vision while considering what resonates with viewers.

Remember, creating unique content requires a balance between originality and understanding your audience.

Stay true to your creative vision while considering what resonates with viewers. By incorporating these tips into your cat video, you'll increase the likelihood of capturing the hearts of viewers and creating viral content that spreads like wildfire across the internet.

Quality Production - Make videos worth watching

While you don't need professional equipment to create a compelling cat video, investing in a camera with decent video and audio quality can significantly enhance the viewer's experience. Ensure your videos are well-lit, have clear audio, and are shot from various angles to keep things visually interesting. A visually appealing video is more likely to capture and retain viewers' attention.

Telling a Story - Captivate your audience

Crafting a narrative within your viral cat video can make them more engaging and shareable. Think about the storyline you want to portray and how it can resonate with your audience. Whether it's a heartwarming tale or a humorous sequence of footage, storytelling adds depth and emotional connection to your content.

There are very good storytelling frameworks out there, but that's a topic for another day. Maybe you want to click here to learn more about storytelling.

Step 3: Optimizing for Virality

The Hook! - Stop the scroll

When uploading your cat videos, pay close attention to the words and images your viewers see at the beginning of the video. These elements are the first things potential viewers see, and they can make or break their decision to click and watch.

Use catchy hooks that pique curiosity and select thumbnails that showcase an intriguing moment from the video.

Video Length and Engagement - Keep them watching

While cat videos can range from short clips to longer compilations, it's essential to keep your audience engaged throughout the cat video. Aim for a balance between brevity and content depth, ensuring that your videos maintain viewers' attention from start to finish.

Consider using timestamps or chapter markers for longer videos to allow viewers to navigate easily. Also, add music to keep engagement high, music helps with emotions and keeps the video interesting.

Calls to Action - Get them to act

Encourage viewers to engage further with your cat videos by including clear calls to action (CTAs). Whether it's subscribing to your channel, following your social media accounts, or sharing the video with friends, CTAs can motivate viewers to take the desired action. Be strategic in placing these CTAs to maximize their effectiveness.

Step 4: Promoting and Sharing

Leveraging Social Media - Promote across platforms

Harness the power of social media platforms to promote and share your dog and cute cat videos. Create accounts on popular platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and tailor your content to each platform's specific audience and format. Engage with followers, collaborate with other content creators, and use relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.

Cross-Promotion - Collaborate with others

Collaborating with other cat video creators or influencers within your niche can expose your content to a broader audience. Explore opportunities for cross-promotion, such as featuring each other's videos or participating in collaborative projects. This mutually beneficial approach can help increase your reach and attract new viewers.

Conclusion

While creating content for cats and reaching millions of people can sound interesting, it's not easy money. YouTube ads account for only 5% of my monthly revenue as a content creator. In this article, I outline 5 Proven Methods to monetize your love for your cat.

Creating cat videos that go viral requires a combination of creativity, strategic planning, and understanding your target audience. By following the step-by-step you now possess the knowledge and tools to produce compelling cat videos with the potential to captivate and entertain millions. Remember to stay true to your unique style, experiment with different approaches, and consistently engage with your audience. With perseverance and a bit of luck, you might just create the next viral cat video sensation!

Stay Wild, Stay Safe, and we'll see you outdoors!

Albert & Mia