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

Can Cats Have Purple Eyes? Vet-Reviewed Facts

Cat eyes come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Not only are feline eyes striking to look at, but the intriguing colors seem...

National Cat Day in Japan 2025: How & When Is It Celebrated?

National Cat Day in Japan is celebrated on February 22 every year. This date was chosen because the date in Japanese resembles “nyan,...

I’m Worried About Leaving My Cat When I Go on Holiday: 12 Vet-Approved Care Tips

The holiday season is prime time for travel. If you can’t take your cat with you, who watches him while you’re away? See...

DIY Cat Shampoo: 3 Homemade Recipes With Simple Ingredients

As a cat owner, you usually don’t need to worry about giving your cat a bath all that often. But sometimes it’s necessary—perhaps...

More related

Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Cats? Common Houseplants Examined

Hydrangeas are beautiful blooming flower bushes that are a stunning addition to any home garden. If you have cats, however, you should tread...

Should I Bring My Cat to Work? Pros & Cons of Having Cats in the Workplace

Our pets are tasked with service roles, both emotionally and physically helping people. It’s no secret these days that having dogs and cats...

Why Do Cats Rub Against Your Legs? 3 Vet-Verified Reasons for This Behavior

Trying to understand any aspect of your cat’s behavior can be frustrating, and as all cat owners know, cats have a wide array...

Is Catnip Bad for Cats? Vet-Verified Facts to Know

If you have seen your cat go crazy for catnip and act as if they are “high” and you want to know if...

Keep reading

Can Cats Eat Hemp Seeds? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats like to explore their surroundings, and their adventures often lead them to foods and items they should avoid. With cannabis products becoming more available in the United States, pet parents may be concerned that hemp-related substances are toxic or...

Can Cats Eat Hemp Seeds

Is Cat Water Additive a Good Idea? Vet Approved Pros & Cons

Dental hygiene plays an important role in a cat’s overall health. It’s essential to develop a dental hygiene regime to ensure the teeth and gums stay healthy in order to prevent other medical problems occurring down the road, such as...

hepper nom nom cat food bowl water

Why Do Cats Meow Back at You? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior

If you have a cat, you might have noticed that they sometimes meow back at you when you talk. Some cats will even meow at you when you sneeze or make a noise. The anecdotal explanation for this behavior is...

black cat

Why Do Cats Walk in Circles Before Lying Down? Facts & FAQ

Cats are known for their weird yet fascinating behavior, which can sometimes leave owners shaking their heads. One of the most peculiar behaviors that many cat owners have observed is their tendency to walk in circles for a minute or...

russian blue lying down

Is Caladium Toxic to Cats? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Tips

The pinkish-red and green heart-shaped leaves of the caladium plant make it a vibrant addition to any household. However, its pretty appearance is deceptive: Caladium is toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and humans1. Ingesting the plant can make your cat...

Catster_Is Caladium Toxic to Cats

Cat Body Condition Score: What Is It & How To Work It Out

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a quantitative method for evaluating body fat. Think of it as the animal equivalent of the Body Mass Index (BMI) for humans. The BCS is used as a yardstick for measuring the ideal weight...

veterinarian with gloves weighing a big persian cat with a scale at the animal clinic

Does Sevin Dust Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Verified Risks & Safety Info

Sevin Dust is an insecticide with active ingredients, including carbaryl, bifenthrin, and zeta-cypermethrin. It is commonly used in garden spaces to kill unwanted pests. Sevin Dust should never be used directly on your cat, it is highly toxic to cats....

vet holding magnifying glass searching cat fleas

How to Find a Cat-Friendly Vet: 5 Vet-Reviewed Steps

If you’ve just moved or recently adopted a cat, and you’re looking for a vet to take them to for their checkups and medical emergencies, there are some surefire ways to determine if a vet is good for you and...

vet and assistant holding cats