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

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

6 Strange Items Cats Like to Collect & Why (Vet-Reviewed Info)

Cats are interesting animals that often do things that remain a mystery to us. One behavior that some cats engage in is collecting...

Why Do Cats Like Running Water? 6 Interesting Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Most cats aren’t big fans of water, especially when it comes to bathing. They typically shy away from it and many owners also...

The Remarkable Russian Blue: Comparing Olga to the Breed Standard

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga. I didn’t know much about...

I Can’t Find My Cat Anywhere in the House: What to Do Next & Useful Tips

Not being able to find your cat can be a scary experience, and it’s easy to slip into panic mode, but keeping a...

More related

Can Cats Eat Jelly (Jam)? Vet-Reviewed Facts to Consider

Spreading jelly on your morning toast or putting it in a sandwich is an easy, delicious way to make a quick meal taste...

Ways to Play With a Cat Without Toys: 10 Vet-Approved Ideas

Keeping your cat entertained by playing is crucial for their health and well-being. Mental and physical stimulation keeps them in good physical shape...

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Cat Products & Supplies Deals in 2025

Black Friday is finally here! We’re here to help you find the best Black Friday deals for your kitty during the holiday season....

My Cat Ate a Hair Tie! Here’s What to Do (Vet Answer)

Any cat parent will know that their feline friends can be mischievous and love to play. Although cats are often more sensible than...

Keep reading

My Cat Ate a Fly: Vet-Verified Dangers & Tips

Cats will chase after and pounce on anything that moves, including small insects. Grasshoppers and flies are popular targets, and they flutter and glide with unpredictable grace full of starts and stops that are the definition of perfect feline entertainment....

My Cat Ate a Fly

Why Does My Cat Throw Up After Drinking Water? 5 Vet-Approved Causes

Cats vomit for various reasons. Sometimes, you’ll notice that they throw up their food soon after eating or unrelated to the feeding time. Other times, the vomit is clear or may contain bile. You may notice that your cat is...

cat-vomiting

Are Fiddle-Leaf Figs Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

With over 400,000 different land plant species on our beautiful green planet, indoor plants have become extremely popular. 1 Plants clean the air that you live in, are low maintenance, reduce noise, look nice, and add life to any space....

Catster_Are Are Fiddle-Leaf Figs Toxic to Cats

Why is My Cat Breathing So Hard? 9 Vet-Approved Reasons & What to Do

Just like dogs, cats may breathe heavily and pant in certain circumstances. Because this behavior is much rarer in cats than in dogs, it is usually something to be worried about, especially if it persists for prolonged periods. Panting is...

close up white cat breathing

How Many Nipples Do Cats Have? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’ve ever seen a pregnant cat nursing, you know that there are plenty of feeding stations to go around. Both male and female cats have nipples on their belly, arranged in two parallel rows. But the number of nipples...

A pregnant mother cat while resting on a wooden chair showing its tummy and nipples

Can Cats Eat Cereal? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you can’t resist sharing the last of your cereal and milk with your cat, you might wonder if this is a good idea. Is cereal bad for cats, or can you let them eat as much as they like?...

Can Cats Eat Cereal

How Much Space Does A Cat Need? Feline Necessities Explained

Before you bring a new pet into your home, you need to ensure you have enough space for them to be happy and healthy. When it comes to ensuring you have enough space for a feline, there are quite a...

European Shorthair

Is Peppermint Oil Safe for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats are incredibly explorative and curious animals, often found rummaging through forgotten corners of your home for a new adventure. If you have essential oils around your home, you may have noticed your cat taking an interest in them. However,...

Catster_Is Peppermint Oil Safe for Cats