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.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Rescue Cats Deserve Beautiful Endings

We all know that beauty is only skin deep, and that scars always tell a story, and this is one cat with a...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Gets Diarrhea from Wet Food! (March 23, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Cat Shampoo Alternatives That Are Already in Your House

If your cat has ever gotten into something disgusting and you’ve found yourself without cat shampoo, we’re here to help. Before you panic...

Licky Treats: A Scientific Investigation into the Tube-Based Delights Taking Over Modern Cat Households

By Professor Lucifer Fluffovich, Department of Applied Snackology Human civilisation has produced many inventions of questionable usefulness: vacuum cleaners, pyramids, and the laser...

More related

Can Cats Get Colds? Vet-Approved Signs & Treatments

Cat colds exist, but they are most often referred to as upper respiratory infections. Cats can get some of the signs of a...

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...

26 Grumpy Cat Memes – Classic & Funny

Grumpy Cat memes have been bringing the world comic relief for years. Since her debut in 2012, Grumpy Cat’s fans haven’t been able...

Maine Coon Kittens for Sale in California: Breeders List 2026

Catster advocates for adopting before shopping, though we fully understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder. So, we encourage it to...

Keep reading

How to Detect and Prevent a Cat Attack: 4 Signs & Prevention Tips

We’ve all been there. You’re relaxed, petting your cat, when they suddenly turn and scratch, bite, or swat at you. It may seem unprovoked, but often, cats give subtle signs that they’re about to attack before it escalates. Below, learn...

cats fighting

Can Cats Eat Sour Cream? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & Safety Tips

Many people love to use sour cream on their favorite foods, particularly tacos, fajitas, burritos, and chili. Sour cream is dairy, like milk, and milk is commonly given to cats. So, you might surmise that sour cream is a perfectly...

Can Cats Eat Sour Cream

How Much Are Kitten Shots at PetSmart? Typical Cost & FAQ

Cats require vaccinations throughout their lives, but the most important ones are given when they’re kittens. This is a critical time in which kittens need to build up immunity, but those frequent shots can add up financially. Fortunately, you can...

vet giving kitten vaccine

Friskies Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary It might be one of the oldest pet food brands out there, so is Friskies a good cat food? The company was founded in 1934, which was only a few decades after the pet food industry began to...

Friskies Pate Cat Food Review

How to Get a Cat Used to a Collar: 5 Easy Vet Reviewed Tips

Cats like routine and familiarity, and trying new things is not their favorite activity. Trying new things may be necessary when it comes to your cat’s safety, such as wearing a collar. You must take your time with the process...

cat with red calming collar

Are There Birth Control Pills for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Alternatives

Most pet parents of female cats, unless they are intending to breed them, are keen to prevent their cats from having kittens and unwanted pregnancies. While women have several different contraceptive options available to them, felines have very little. This...

woman giving pill to a tabby cat

Indigestion & Acid Reflux in Cats: Causes & When to See a Vet

Acid reflux and indigestion are fairly common problems in cats. If your pet is struggling with this, take heart, as you’re not alone in the battle. Acid reflux is usually a secondary problem to other causes, so having your cat...

sick cat vomiting the food on a white background

Can Cats Drink Vegetable Oil? Vet-Approved Diet Facts & FAQ

Cats are curious creatures that like to put their noses, mouths, and paws everywhere. Moreover, cat parents who cook a lot know how difficult it is to keep their feline’s inquisitive nose out of their kitchen! But if your cat...

Can Cats Drink Vegetable Oil

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.