Want to Go Viral? Here’s Your Guide, According to Social Media Pros

Ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok at 2 a.m., wondering how some people hit the viral jackpot while your content barely gets noticed? The mystery of going viral might feel like an exclusive club, but Whitney and Lizzy, hosts of What It’s Giving, are giving us the inside scoop. In their latest episode, they sat down with some social media powerhouses to break down the blueprint for digital success.

Step 1: Own your niche (even if it’s just yapping)

Forget playing it safe—social media rewards the bold. This week’s guests, Sarel and Mason Blake, built their online presence by leaning into their unique voices. From Sarel’s razor-sharp hot takes to Mason’s theatrical personality, they’ve proven that authenticity is an online currency.

When Sarel launched her TikTok in 2020, she discovered an unexpected truth: while her immediate network didn’t vibe with her content, strangers on the internet certainly did. “Find your people—your community is out there waiting for you,” she insists. Meanwhile, Mason turned his theater background into viral gold, proving that a little DeLulu energy (manifesting your success) goes a long way. Both Mason and Sarel prove that success comes from creating trends, not chasing them.

Step 2: Confidence is key (even when you’re faking it)

Walking through the streets, phone in hand, creating content? Terrifying. But, as Sarel puts it, “You have to be your own biggest supporter.” Confidence is often a performance until it becomes second nature. Even Mason admits that he wasn’t sure what he was doing in the early days, but showing up consistently turned uncertainty into mastery.

Whitney and Lizzy agree: The difference between successful influencers and those who never quite get there is the ability to push past fear. No one really knows what they’re doing in the beginning. The key? Just start.

Step 3: TikTok vs. Instagram—know the playing field

If Instagram is the Met Gala, TikTok is an underground rave. The What It’s Giving crew breaks it down: TikTok lets creators be messy, real, and raw. “You can just be you—no airbrushing required,” Lizzy points out. Instagram, on the other hand, is all about the aesthetic, a place where mute and cute reigns supreme.

So, which one should you focus on? It depends. Want a polished brand? Lean into Instagram. Looking to build a strong, relatable community? TikTok is your best bet.

Step 4: Ride the trends—but make it yours

One of the best moments in this episode was the discussion about the power of trends. Henry, another guest, reminds everyone that one viral moment can open doors. The trick is putting your spin on it. Whether it’s a challenge, a meme, or an emerging audio clip, adding your personality makes all the difference between a forgettable post and a breakout hit.

Step 5: Resilience is a superpower

In the social media world, flopping is part of the process. Mason shares a humbling story about falling flat (literally) at an event, and Lizzy emphasizes how important it is to keep showing up even when things don’t go as planned. “Some people take breaks and never come back, but those who push through? They’re the ones who make it.”

Cancel culture, algorithm changes, and burnout are all real challenges, but Whitney and Lizzy stress that adaptation is everything. If you take an L, learn from it, pivot, and return stronger.

Step 6: Monetize your magic

At the end of the day, going viral is fun, but turning content into coin is the ultimate goal. As social media continues evolving, more brands are investing in digital creators. “Our parents used to say, ‘Go be a lawyer!’ Now they’re asking us how they can get in on content creation!” Whitney laughs. The industry is no longer a passing trend—it’s a full-fledged career path.

Mason and Sarel highlight how social media changed their lives financially and in terms of opportunities and self-growth. The lesson? Know your worth, pitch to brands, and never be afraid to turn your creativity into a paycheck.

For more social media gems, tune in to What It’s Giving every Wednesday on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. And remember: Be consistent, be confident, and above all—be yourself. Your audience is out there. Find them!