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

Vets Urge Owners: Don’t Ignore Sweet Smell Coming From Cats

Cats are not particularly known for having a pleasant aroma. The occasional whiff of fishy cat breath and that unmistakable post-litter-box scent simply...

“A Cat Spay Costs How Much???”

America has a kitten problem. Every day, thousands of cats and kittens are abandoned, surrendered, or discarded. Those who are lucky enough to...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Is Seeking My Attention! (June 15, 2026)

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

Everything I Need to Know About Cartoon Comedy, I Learned From My Pets

If you’ve ever looked at your cat doing something ridiculous and thought, “There has to be a joke in that somewhere,” Scott Metzger...

More related

Why Does My Kitten Climb Me Like a Tree? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & How to Stop it

Your little rascal has already won their way into your heart, but maybe you don’t want to sacrifice your new pants or sensitive...

Is It Safe To Dye Your Cat’s Fur? Vet Approved Advice

If you’ve been online and pictures of cats with dyed coats have crossed your path, you may be wondering how the process works,...

9 Best Cat Scratching Posts in Canada in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

The scratching post is one of the best inventions for cat owners ever! It makes our cats happy — and it makes our...

13 Cat Sleeping Positions Explained (With Pictures)

Are you interested in why your cat sleeps the way they do? You’re not alone. Many cat owners are intrigued by the unorthodox...

Keep reading

Cat Flu: Causes, Signs & Treatments (Vet Answer)

Your cat has what you can only describe as the sniffles. They have a runny nose and watery eyes, and you’re sure you just heard a sneeze. Do cats get the flu? Let’s take a look at cat flu and...

Domestic gray fluffy purebred Maine Coon cat with green eyes

Why Do Kittens Sometimes Die Suddenly? Vet-Verified Causes & Facts

Having a litter of newborn kittens in your house can be a cause for celebration, but it can sometimes also cause heartache. These tiny little bundles of fluff are incredibly fragile, and sometimes you might wake up to find that...

newborn kitten in man's hand

How to Make a Hyperthyroid Cat Gain Weight: 4 Vet-Reviewed Ways to Help

Cats with hyperthyroidism can live healthier lives if their condition is managed. Since one major sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss, cat owners may wonder how to help their cats gain weight. An experienced vet is your best source of...

loss weight or skinny cat

How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer Without Air Conditioning: Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks

Summer is fun since the sun is scorching. But when the humidity goes high, then it ceases to be fun. The sun affects pets, and this is not limited to cats. The heat is as uncomfortable for them as it...

Adult-ragdoll-cat-lying-relaxed-in-the-garden

9 Best Litter Boxes for Kittens in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats can be particular and fussy, whether it be with food, toys, or grooming. And their bathroom habits are no different. Even the slightest change in the texture or color can quickly put them off, so finding a litter box...

gray kitten sitting in litter box

Why Is My Cat Scared All of a Sudden? 10 Vet-Approved Reasons

It can be very disconcerting to a loving cat parent when their cat starts acting scared. True, some cats are naturally more nervous or jumpy than others, but if the change is sudden and unexpected, it’s important to try and...

scared British blue-point cat hiding under the bed

Can Cats Eat Carrot Cake? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Every cat lover wants to celebrate their furry friend. If you plan on throwing a party for your cat, you’ll want to hold off on the cake–even if it is carrot cake. While a single bite of carrot cake isn’t...

Can Cats Eat Carrot Cake

Can Cats Eat Pastrami? Health Advice & Alternatives

We come back to our plate to find that our precious kitty has helped themselves to our pastrami sandwich, and we have no idea whether it’s toxic to them. Unfortunately, this happens often to cat parents. It feels nearly impossible...

Can Cats Eat Pastrami

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.