Creating Viral Vertical Videos: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Vertical videos have taken over the world of social media. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Stories thrive on short, vertical content that grabs attention and encourages engagement. But creating viral vertical videos isn’t just about hitting record—it’s about strategy, creativity, and understanding your audience. If you’re a beginner looking to make your mark with vertical videos, this guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you create scroll-stopping, shareable content.

1. Know Your Audience and Platform

Before you start creating, ask yourself:

• Who are you trying to reach? (Teens? Professionals? Fitness enthusiasts?)
• What platform are you creating for?

Each social media platform has unique trends, algorithms, and audience preferences:

• TikTok: Trending sounds, quick cuts, and relatable humor.
• Instagram Reels: Polished, aspirational, and visually appealing content.
• YouTube Shorts: Short but informative or entertaining snippets.
• Snapchat Stories: Raw, behind-the-scenes, or day-in-the-life content.

Understanding these nuances will help you craft videos that resonate with users on each platform.

2. Focus on the First 3 Seconds

The first few seconds of your video are critical. Social media users scroll quickly, and you need to hook them immediately.

Tips for Capturing Attention:

• Start with Action: Dive straight into the most exciting or intriguing part of your video.
• Ask a Question: Use curiosity-driven hooks like, “Have you ever wondered why…?”
• Use Bold Text: Overlay large, clear text to introduce your video’s topic or message.
• Leverage Trending Sounds: Popular audio clips can grab attention and boost discoverability.

Remember, the faster you capture attention, the more likely users are to watch your video to the end.

3. Keep It Short and Sweet

While vertical videos allow for up to 60 seconds (or longer, depending on the platform), shorter videos (15-30 seconds) tend to perform better. Social media users have short attention spans, so get to the point quickly.

Best Practices:

• Cut the Fluff: Eliminate unnecessary pauses or slow introductions.
• Highlight Key Moments: Only include the most impactful or entertaining parts of your content.
• End Strong: Finish with a bang to leave a lasting impression or encourage shares.

4. Use Vertical Space Creatively

Vertical videos provide a unique canvas to work with. Instead of treating it as a limitation, embrace the 9:16 aspect ratio to enhance your storytelling.

Use the Clipdirector free video cropping tool, it is the best way to make a horizontal video to vertical format.

Tips for Utilizing Vertical Space:

• Center Your Subject: Keep the focus in the middle of the frame for better visibility.
• Layer Visual Elements: Add text, stickers, or animations in the empty space above and below your subject.
• Play with Angles: Experiment with close-ups, low angles, and dynamic movements to make your video visually interesting.

5. Leverage Trends and Challenges

Social media thrives on trends, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Participating in trending challenges, dances, or voiceovers can increase your chances of going viral.

How to Stay on Top of Trends:

• Follow Popular Creators: Watch what’s trending in your niche.
• Use Trending Sounds: Check TikTok’s “For You” page or Instagram’s Reel music library for trending audio clips.
• Add Your Unique Twist: While trends are important, adding your personality or spin makes your video stand out.

6. Tell a Story

Even in short videos, storytelling is key to keeping viewers engaged. Structure your video with a clear beginning, middle, and end—even if it’s only 15 seconds long.

Example of a 3-Part Structure:

• Beginning: Hook the viewer with a question, bold statement, or action.
• Middle: Deliver the main content or value (e.g., a tip, joke, or reveal).
• End: Wrap up with a strong conclusion or call-to-action (CTA).

A well-told story keeps viewers watching until the end, which is crucial for boosting your video’s algorithm ranking.

7. Add Subtitles and Text Overlays

Many users watch videos with the sound off, so adding captions is essential. Subtitles also make your content accessible to a wider audience.

Tips for Effective Subtitles:

• Keep Them Short: Use concise sentences that match the pacing of your video.
• Use Bold Fonts: Choose readable fonts that stand out against your video background.
• Add Emphasis: Highlight key words or phrases with different colors or animations.

Text overlays can also enhance your video by emphasizing important points or adding humor.

8. Use High-Quality Visuals

Blurry or poorly lit videos will struggle to capture attention. Invest in good lighting, sharp visuals, and smooth transitions to keep your videos looking professional (even on a budget).

Tips for Better Quality:

• Shoot in Natural Light: Record near windows or outdoors for vibrant, well-lit footage.
• Use Smartphone Features: Most modern smartphones offer HD or 4K video recording—use these settings for sharp visuals.
• Stabilize Your Camera: Use a tripod or gimbal to avoid shaky footage.
• Edit Smartly: Use apps like CapCut, InShot, or Adobe Premiere Rush to clean up your videos.

9. Incorporate Music and Sound Effects

Audio plays a massive role in the success of vertical videos. Trending sounds or background music can make your content more engaging and help it get discovered by new viewers.

How to Choose the Right Audio:

• Trending Sounds: Use audio clips that are currently popular on your platform.
• Match the Mood: Ensure the music aligns with the tone of your video (e.g., upbeat for fun, calm for tutorials).
• Add Sound Effects: Enhance your video with subtle effects like swooshes, chimes, or comedic sounds.

10. End with a Call-to-Action (CTA)

A viral video is great, but what’s even better is getting viewers to take action. Always include a clear call-to-action at the end of your video.

Examples of CTAs:

• Engagement: “Like and share if this was helpful!”
• Follow: “Follow for more tips and tricks!”
• Comment: “What’s your favorite part? Let me know below!”
• Visit a Link: “Check the link in my bio for more!”

CTAs not only encourage interaction but also boost your video’s visibility in algorithms.

11. Test, Analyze, and Iterate

Not every video will go viral, and that’s okay! The key is to learn from your performance and tweak your approach over time.

What to Monitor:

• Watch Time: Are viewers watching your video until the end?
• Engagement: How many likes, comments, and shares is your video getting?
• Performance by Trend: Are your trend-based videos outperforming others?

Use analytics tools provided by platforms (e.g., TikTok Analytics, Instagram Insights) to see what’s working and double down on successful strategies.

12. Post Consistently

Consistency is critical for building momentum and keeping your audience engaged. The more often you post, the higher your chances of creating a viral hit.

Tips for Consistency:

• Batch Create Content: Film multiple videos in one session to save time.
• Stick to a Schedule: Post at peak times for your audience (check analytics for insights).
• Experiment: Try different styles, trends, and topics to see what resonates.

Final Thoughts

Creating viral vertical videos takes practice, creativity, and a deep understanding of your audience and platform. By focusing on high-quality visuals, engaging hooks, relevant trends, and strong storytelling, you can craft videos that grab attention and encourage viewers to engage, share, and follow.

Remember: not every video will go viral, but each one is a step toward improving your skills and building your presence. Stay consistent, experiment fearlessly, and have fun along the way!