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

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Momma Cat Is Very Thin! (May 18, 2026)

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

The Cat Biting Mistakes Most Owners Make (And What Works Instead)

Cat bites sent more than 400,000 people to emergency rooms in the US each year.1 Not scratches. Bites. And the reason they’re so...

Do Cats Cause Schizophrenia? Scientists Find a Link – Here’s What It Means

Being a fierce advocate (and occasional recipient of) mental health support and awareness, the term ‘crazy’ is not one I like to fling...

One in 100 Cats Gets Diabetes – Here’s How to Catch It Early

One in every 100 cats develops diabetes.1 That’s not a rare, unlucky condition reserved for cats with obvious health problems. It’s common enough...

More related

Charcoal Bengal Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Facts, Origins

The popular Bengal cat is a gorgeous animal that’s easily recognized by its spotted coat which is similar to its wild ancestor, the...

Cat Spraying vs Peeing: Vet-Verified Differences

Dealing with your cat peeing inappropriately in your home can be exceedingly frustrating. Many cat owners don’t realize there’s a difference between your...

Why Does My Cat Have a Fever? 5 Vet-Reviewed Common Causes

Cats normally have temperatures between 100º F and 102.5º F; anything above that is considered to be a fever, also known as pyrexia....

Persian 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

Why Does My Cat Sit By the Door? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons

To many cat owners, it may seem as if their beloved kitties intentionally and precisely plan their actions to confuse us! Many of our cats’ behaviors are obvious and easily understood, but there are still more that we may never...

cat-meowing-or-trilling-by-the-door

Are Hyacinths Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Approved Safety Guide

Hyacinths are beautiful, colorful plants that bloom once a year in mid-spring. They are known as “nature’s perfume” because of the intoxicating smell they emit, and they add plenty of color to any landscape. These plants bloom in an array...

Catster_Are Hyacinths Poisonous to Cats

Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Sleeping? 4 Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons

Cats stick their tongues out often, usually to the delight of their owners. You may even notice your cat sleeping with their tongue out, which can be alarming. There are a few reasons for your cat to be sticking their...

ginger cat sleeping with tongue out

Can Cats Have Tics? Vet-Verified Signs, Causes, Treatment & More

Have you ever noticed your cat twitching uncontrollably or showing some type of repetitive behavior, such as excessive grooming, tail chasing, or frantic biting? Such a display may point to a neurological issue, and to some, these the signs may...

white cat wave his paws

Will Bed Bug Spray Hurt My Cat? What You Should Know!

Bed bugs can cause a troubling infestation in any home, and while they rarely bother cats, they can use pets as a form of transportation to spread throughout the house. You will want to get rid of them as soon...

hand spraying on bed

Does Massage Help Constipation in Cats? Vet-Verified Facts & Treatments

Constipation in cats is not that uncommon, but that doesn’t mean it should be treated lightly. Massage therapy is among the remedies that have been evaluated in numerous clinical studies—in humans.1 But does it truly help with constipation in cats?...

cat-massage

Costs of Treating Cat Injuries & Diseases (2026 Price Guide)

If you’re considering bringing a fluffy friend into your life, it’s essential to be clued up on the potential cost of treatment if they’re unlucky enough to get sick or injured. Unfortunately, while vet fees vary and some clinics offer...

vet holding cat in the clinic

Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants

We love our cats, and we want what’s best for them. So, when it comes to choosing houseplants, we want to make sure that they’re safe for our feline friends. But are air plants toxic to cats? The short answer...

Catster_Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats

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.