Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Create a Viral Cat Video: 6 Simple Steps

Share

woman taking video of her cat

Cats have the power to attract billions of views online. A simple web search of viral cat videos will lead you to an endless supply of entertaining cat videos. While many of these videos become viral out of luck, there are some things you can do to create a viral cat video. So, if you have a cat with star power, you may be able to do a few things to boost their chances of being seen by millions. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to create a viral cat video.

divider 2 cats

Before You Start

The good news about going viral is that you don’t need fancy equipment to record your cat. Many viral cat videos are organic and candid footage of cats doing funny, cute, or weird things. You really just have to make sure you know how to use your camera to capture clear videos of your cat. Take some time to play around with your phone camera settings to see how you can get the images. Test the exposure settings to see which ones create the best lighting. Make sure also to check to see how much you can zoom in on your cat before the video becomes too grainy or pixelated.

divider 2 cats

The 6 Simple Steps on How to Create a Viral Cat Video

1. Be Ready at All Times

Cats are unpredictable, and their curiosity can land them in some funny situations. Since it’s difficult to tell when a cat will do something funny, it’s best to have your phone ready at all times. Make sure your phone’s default screen has a button that quickly opens up your camera app so that you’re ready to record as fast as possible.

woman photographs a stray cat with a smartphone
Image Credit: Serhii Ivashcuk, Shutterstock

2. Record Vertically

Most people will view your video on their phones while scrolling through social media or opening a link that was sent to them. Therefore, the most optimal and natural way to view videos is vertically.

Try your best to record videos vertically rather than horizontally. While horizontal videos will capture a wider range of scenery, most people won’t flip their phones sideways. This means that the image will appear smaller, and it will be more difficult for people to see what your cat is doing.


3. Hop on Trending Challenges

Staying updated on viral trends can help you create a viral cat video. Many people will create their own twist on a trend to make their video stand out. By joining these trends, your video has a higher chance of being viewed by more people. Some common types of trends your cat can be a part of are dance challenges, viral audio clips, or viral songs.

You can also try creating your own challenge with your cat video. For example, if your cat is making noises in the video, challenge viewers to create a caption for the video or stitch their own reactions to your cat.

cat lying in bed and watching videos on the phone_Lario_shutterstock
Image Credit: Lario, Shutterstock

4. Edit Your Video

Average social media video clips are between 10–17 seconds long. Every second counts, and you don’t have much time to capture your audience’s attention before they choose to scroll to the next video. Therefore, your video has a higher chance of going viral if it’s edited rather than just posting the full, unedited version of it.


5. Create a Cat Social Media Account

If you enjoy taking photos and videos of your cat, you may want to just start a social media account for your cat. Having a collection of videos can boost the chances of people finding your account and viewing your content.

Creating a cat social media account is certainly playing the long game. However, it can be a good investment and help widen your reach and increase the chances of people sharing your content.


6. Share Your Video With Friends

Make sure to upload your video to popular social media accounts and share the video link with your friends. This makes sharing much easier than sending full video files to them. Encourage your friends to share the video link with others to spread the word about your cat. Make it as easy as possible for people to send your video to others.

divider 1 paws

Conclusion

There isn’t a specific formula for creating viral cat videos, but you can do some easy things to produce a video that many people will like. You can edit clips and hop onto viral trends to boost your chances of getting more views. Creating a social media account for your cat and actively sharing your videos can also help spread the word about your cat. Lastly, make sure to have your camera ready at all times because you just never know when your cat will do something that will end up skyrocketing their internet fame.


Featured Image Credit: MariaBorovkova, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Chatting With Dr. Matt McGlasson About Special Needs Kitties, Social Media Fame, and Rating Cat Toe Beans | Chatty Cattys, Episode 32

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Dr. Karyn and Nicole sit down with a very special guest: veterinarian and social media...

Does Your Cat Need A Friend? How to Tell If Your Cat Is Lonely

Cats have a reputation for being perfectly happy on their own – independent, self-sufficient, and solitary. But, like many stereotypes, this one does...

Proof That Moving Cats Indoors Is Easier Than You Think

We know that indoor cats live longer and have significantly lower rates of illness and injury than those that spend part or all...

Why Cats Love To Get High

If you’re trying to find a cat in any home, the search almost always ends by looking up. They’ll be on top of...

More related

Why Does My Cat Rub Against Things? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats can do certain things that leave us feeling puzzled. One common behavior that cats often engage in is rubbing themselves against people...

Sphynx Cats for Sale in Ohio: Breeders List 2026

If you love the incredibly unique appearance of a Sphynx cat, you’re probably searching diligently for a breeder. Lucky for you, Ohio has...

Inhaler for Cats: Vet-Approved Tips on How to Use It for an Asthmatic Feline

Feline asthma is a respiratory condition that results from inflammation and muscle constriction in the airways. It is not well-understood in cats, but...

Seroma in Cats: Causes, Prevention, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer)

It is not uncommon for owners to notice a swelling around the area where a surgical incision has been made. The most likely...

Keep reading

National Pet First Aid Awareness Month – How & When Is It Celebrated? (Vet-Approved)

National Pet First Aid Awareness Month may be something you’ve never heard of, but it is definitely something you should know about if you are a pet owner or you know a pet owner. Many people lack the knowledge of...

Cat with first aid kit

7 Best CBD Cat Treats in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

The world of cat treats is constantly evolving, especially if you’re looking for some natural medical benefits from the treats too. Unfortunately there are no cat-specific CBD treats, although CBD has been recently shown to be well tolerated in healthy...

blue-maine-coon-having-treats

Can Cats Eat Eggs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

Cats can eat many human foods safely and gain some benefits, while other foods can be hazardous for cats to consume. Like most cats, yours is probably more interested in human food and table scraps than their own cat food...

Can Cats Eat Eggs

Can Cats Drink Milk? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Cats drinking a saucer of milk or cream is something we can all picture. Cats have been drinking milk in advertisements, cartoons, and even through popular sayings like the “cat that got the cream,” but can cats really drink milk?...

Can Cats Drink Milk

Can Cats Drink Apple Juice? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Advice

Plenty of cats love to investigate glasses that have been left on the counter. Maybe they just want a drink of water—instead of using that expensive water fountain that you bought them! But if you’ve got apple juice in that...

Can Cats Drink Apple Juice

Do Cats Need Wet Food? Vet-Reviewed Benefits, Facts & FAQ

Are you wondering whether wet food is necessary or just a luxurious treat for your feline companion? The truth is that wet food is not an absolute requirement for a cat’s health, but it does come with a few benefits...

cat eating canned tuna

Why Do Cats Love The “Pspsps” Sound? 4 Vet-Verified Interesting Reasons

Cats have astounding hearing, with most able to hear frequencies we humans can only imagine. They have 32 ear muscles that allow them to move their ears 180 degrees to locate sounds precisely. And they can even control each ear...

white-British-long-haired-cat-smiling-or-happy

How Long Do Bombay Cats Live? Vet-Verified Facts & Data

The medium-sized and short-haired Bombay cat has an intriguing personality and striking appearance, which makes it an excellent companion for any pet parent. For such a human attention-craving kitty, you’ll want to give your furry friend all the loving care...

Bombay Cat

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.