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 About the Rainbow Bridge, Euthanasia, and Laughter During Grief | Chatty Cattys, Episode 24

If you’ve ever felt the loss of a beloved cat, or are dreading the day when your pet crosses the rainbow bridge, you’ll...

The Simple Reasons Cats Refuse to Let Anyone Use the Bathroom Alone

Cats have an extraordinary talent for making themselves present in the most inconvenient places, and the bathroom ranks near the top of the...

A Paw-sitive Milestone: Canada Officially Becomes a Declaw-Free Nation

Canada has officially become a declaw-free nation. On May 25, 2026, a new regulation was filed in Ontario under the Provincial Animal Welfare...

The Surprisingly Simple Ways to Help a Cat With Hairballs

Cats spend an astonishing amount of time grooming. It is part hygiene routine, part comfort ritual, and part instinct that traces back generations....

More related

Do You Have Cat Withdrawal While You’re Out of Town?

This picture is like, totally weird, right? Where’s the light dusting of fine hairs? Where are the two glowing little eyes either blinking...

Can the Vet Take My Cat Away? Our Vet Answers

Taking our cats to the vet can be stressful, even if it’s just for a vaccination. In most cases, it’s not our cat’s...

How to Train a Cat to Stay Off Counters: 5 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

Cats are naturally attracted to high places, but that’s not a good thing when it’s your kitchen counter. Aside from being a nuisance,...

My Cat Ate a Sewing Thread, What Do I Do? Our Vet Answers

Cats love playing with long, thin materials like string, tinsel, and sewing thread. This is likely because it excites and mimics their natural...

Keep reading

5 Natural Home Remedies For Ear Mites in Cats

If you’re a long-time cat owner, chances are you’ve had a run-in or two with cat ear mites. Ear mites are very common in cats, and they’re usually accompanied by itching and scratching, clear discomfort or inflammation around your cat’s...

woman-cleaning-cat-ear

Can Cats Eat Ranch Dressing? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Ranch dressing is popular in the United States. It was once only used as a salad dressing, but now, the tangy mixture is often a marinade for meat and seafood, dipping sauce for fried food, and a flavoring for processed...

Can Cats Eat Ranch Dressing

10 Best Flea Treatments for Cats (2026) – Reviews & Top Picks

Fleas are a pesky part of owning a cat. They can pop up at practically any point, even if your cat spends all their time inside. Once you have an infestation, they are very hard to get rid of. They...

Man in gloves holds medicine

Does Salt Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet Reviewed Effectiveness & Safety

A flea infestation can really ruin your week. Not only are fleas a nuisance for your cat, but they can also be a nightmare to get rid of in your home. There are plenty of products to treat flea infestations,...

Salt

When Can Kittens Leave Their Mom? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Kittens are born helpless and blind—dependent on mom to get them through life. After the first several weeks, mom and onlookers alike will be shocked at how quickly they grow and become independent entities apart from their caretaker. If you...

Asian leopard kitten on the wooden table

Turkish Van Cat Health Problems: 8 Vet-Reviewed Issues

The Turkish Van cat breed is relatively healthy. These beautiful yet rare cats are still susceptible to many of the same health issues that cats of any other breed are, though. Today we’re going to provide information about some of...

Catster_Health Problems of Turkish Van

Can Cats Eat Sauerkraut? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Sauerkraut is a food that generates strong opinions. Most people fall into one of two categories with sauerkraut: They either hate it or love it. Very few people fall in the middle. It’s a food with a strong, distinct taste...

Can Cats Eat Sauerkraut

10 Vet Reviewed Facts About Cat Anal Glands

If you’ve ever noticed a stinky, fishy smell coming from your cat or a swelling next to their anus, then you’ve likely noticed their anal glands. The anal glands contain chemicals that act as territory markers, although they do serve...

vet checking up a 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.