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

Why Chicken Bones Are More Dangerous for Cats Than Most Parents Realize

Chicken bones seem harmless enough, but for cats, they can cause serious damage quickly. Whether your cat swiped a piece off the counter...

Fantastic Pet Pantries and Where to Find Them

Let’s face it: times are really tough right now, and those of us in the 99% are struggling with the cost of just...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Refuses to Drink Water! (April 13, 2026)

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

Why Healthy Cats Still Vomit Sometimes (And How to Respond)

A cat that just vomited needs a specific kind of care, and the feeding decisions you make in the next few hours actually...

More related

Ask Dr. Paola – Travel, Biting & Kissing (December 8, 2025)

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

Can Cats Have Panic Attacks? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Pet owners know that curiosity is a formidable driver of cat behavior. It’s almost like a challenge to them if you bring something...

Can Cats Eat Apricots? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & Safety Tips

Apricots are a delicious fruit and an excellent source of essential vitamins and antioxidants for humans. Many people enjoy this amazing fruit and...

Boating With Cats: A Complete Vet-Approved Guide

Cats are believed to be notoriously reluctant to get wet or be on water. But many breeds have been sailing on boats for...

Keep reading

Can Cats Eat Sushi? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide

Sushi is a popular food for many people, and since cats are supposed to like fish, it’s not uncommon to wonder if sushi is safe to give your cat. The short answer is no. Your cat should not be offered...

Can Cats Eat Sushi

Can Cats Eat Collard Greens? Vet-Approved Nutrition Advice

Plain collard greens are perfectly fine for cats to eat. They provide a good source of fiber, along with nutrients and minerals. Cats cannot digest these greens quite as well as humans or dogs can, though, so they mostly act...

Can Cats Eat Collard Greens

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

Is Basil Safe for Cats? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts & Safety Guide

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), also known as sweet basil, is a member of the mint family. It is native to India but grown across the world, especially as a culinary herb. It is used heavily in Italian cooking and is the...

Catster_Is Basil Safe for Cats

Is It Normal For Well-Adjusted Cats To Get Into Fights? Vet-Verified Reasons & Solutions

Cat fights can be a serious issue in multi-pet households, both for the pets involved and the humans who love them. Not only can cats sustain injuries during these unpredictable events, but they can also create stressful environments that aren’t...

cat fighting close up

Can Cats Eat Nuts? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Guide

Cats can enjoy eating many different kinds of foods. With that being said, cat owners must still be mindful of what types of food and treats their cats eat because certain foods can still be bad for cats, even if...

Can Cats Eat Nuts

How Long Do Bengal Cats Live? Vet-Reviewed Average Lifespan Data & Facts

Bengal cats are a cross between a domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat. Bengals are known for their gorgeous spotted fur and affectionate personalities. If you have the space for a Bengal and the energy to keep up with...

Bengal Cat on the tree

Dealing With an Aggressive Cat? 7 Vet-Verified Reasons Why Cats Become Aggressive

Even the most experienced cat caretakers can find themselves charged up on adrenalin when having to face a cat in the midst of a fit of aggression. But encountering a hissing, growling, screaming, and possibly even scratching and biting cat...

owner petting a hissing angry tabby 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.