How to Make Viral Reels for Your SaaS (7M+ per month)

Viral content can really change things for SaaS companies these days. Making reels that get millions of views isn't just about being lucky or creative, though. There's actually a lot of science behind it, especially when it comes to different platforms.

To make viral reels, you need to understand how people behave online and use popular audio. It's a mix of knowing what's trending and looking at data. The potential audience is huge - we're talking millions of views each month. But it's not guaranteed to happen.

Growing organically works better than paying for promotion. You also need to be consistent and make changes quickly. It's a bit like cooking - you need the right ingredients and to keep tasting and adjusting your recipe.

For SaaS companies trying to make viral reels, it's about finding the right balance. You need to know your audience, stay on top of trends, and be ready to adapt. It's not easy, but when it works, it can really help your company reach a lot of people.

Favorite Quote from the Author

just post don't overthink

Understanding Short-Form Video Platforms

Short-form video platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are similar, but each has its own unique characteristics. These platforms all use short, vertically scrolling videos, but they cater to different audiences and content types.

Instagram Reels is the most versatile of the three. It welcomes a wide variety of content, from entertainment to educational videos. This makes it suitable for many different types of creators and viewers.

TikTok has a strong focus on American culture. This can make it challenging for creators outside the United States to gain a large following. Content that resonates with American audiences tends to perform better on this platform.

YouTube Shorts prefers content that's specific to local audiences. Videos where the creator speaks directly to the camera are particularly popular. This platform often favors content that feels more personal and regionally relevant.

Understanding these differences is important for creators. What works well on one platform might not be as effective on another. Creating content isn't just about quality, it's also about understanding the specific preferences of each platform's audience.

It's worth noting that viral content isn't easily predictable. Cultural factors play a significant role in what becomes popular, and these factors are complex and often difficult to anticipate. Creating viral content involves more than just following a set formula; it requires a deep understanding of human behavior and cultural trends.

The Viral Reels Formula

Creating viral reels is about more than supply and demand. It's about grabbing attention and connecting with many people. This can be hard for content creators who aren't in touch with popular culture.

To make viral reels, you need to know your audience well. Think about what they do, which accounts they follow, and what posts they like. Understanding their culture is key.

Viral success isn't guaranteed with reels. Unlike paid ads, there's no direct link between what you put in and what you get out. Luck plays a big part, but you can improve your chances by trying different types of content.

The goal is to get past the "luck barrier" by having your first viral reel. Once this happens, the algorithm sees that you can make content people want to watch. This makes it easier for your future reels to go viral.

Even after this breakthrough, you won't go viral every time. There's always some risk with the algorithm that you can't fully avoid. The aim is to keep making content that speaks to your audience and hope for that viral moment.

Optimize for Watch Time

Watch time is crucial for popular reels on social media. It's about keeping viewers engaged with your content, not just accumulating views.

Some of the most successful reels have high viewer retention. For instance, a short video might be watched almost entirely by most viewers. Another brief clip could be replayed multiple times as people try to understand a clever element.

Social media platforms tend to promote content that keeps users engaged. When people watch a reel completely or replay it, the platform interprets this as valuable content. This often leads to more users seeing the reel.

To increase watch time, it's helpful to create brief, engaging content that encourages replays. This could involve using clever concepts, unexpected elements, or information that requires multiple views to fully grasp. In short-form video content, every moment is significant.

While other factors like text descriptions and tags have some importance, watch time is generally considered the most important metric. It's a clear indicator to the platform that the content is worth sharing widely.

Content Approach Strategies for SaaS Reels

Creating viral reels for SaaS involves two main approaches. The first is to really understand your target audience's culture. For example, if you're aiming at US customers, you need to get into their mindset.

The second approach is simpler: copy what works. You don't need to be a cultural expert if you can effectively replicate your competitors or similar accounts in your niche. This means looking at accounts that are successful with your target audience and copying what went viral for them.

To put these approaches into action, start by making a list of accounts your target audience might follow. Then, come up with different content ideas you could try out. It's important to test these ideas extensively using the reel format.

Remember, your reels should always relate to your product. There's no point in creating content just for views if it doesn't connect to what you're selling. This applies even if you're building a personal brand – you should still try to include your product somehow.

In the end, finding good content ideas comes down to observing what's working for others in your field. It's a simple but effective way to create engaging reels for your SaaS product.

Repurposing Viral Content for SaaS Marketing

Creating popular reels for your SaaS doesn't need to be complicated. The key is to use content that's already successful. You can do this by observing and adapting viral content that appeals to your target audience.

It's helpful to look through reels daily, focusing on accounts your ideal customers might follow. When you see a reel that's getting a lot of attention, think about how you could adapt it for your product. This doesn't mean copying it exactly, but understanding why it works and adjusting it to fit your brand.

For example, you might see a popular reel showing a before-and-after comparison. You could use this format to show how your SaaS product improves something. One person used this idea to contrast their lifestyle in 2020 with their current situation, showcasing their product as the reason for the change.

It's important to remember that your reels should always relate to your product in some way. The goal is to find a balance between what's trending and what's relevant to your SaaS.

This approach is both efficient and effective. By using formats and ideas that have already proven popular, you're giving your content a better chance of reaching and engaging your target audience. It's a straightforward way to improve your SaaS marketing.

Don't overthink, just post consistently

Creating social media content, especially reels, can be challenging when you start to overthink. Many people worry about perfection or brand alignment, which can lead to missed opportunities.

The key is to begin posting without too much hesitation. Even experienced content creators sometimes doubt their work. For instance, one creator kept a reel hidden for two weeks before sharing it, only to find it became their most viral content.

In the beginning, it's helpful to post consistently. Trying to post daily until you achieve your first viral reel allows you to experiment and refine your approach. This process helps you understand what your audience responds to.

Striving for perfection can hinder progress. Your initial attempts may not be flawless, but they're necessary steps in your journey. Each post provides an opportunity to learn and improve. By creating and sharing regularly, you allow your results to guide your future efforts.

Viral success is unpredictable

Getting content to go viral is unpredictable. Even if you do everything right, success isn't guaranteed. The person sharing this information tried for about 10 weeks before seeing results. They tested different approaches, including multiple accounts and various content types.

It's wise to explore different platforms rather than focusing solely on reels. This approach helps spread your efforts and increases your chances of success. Understanding your audience's culture can also be beneficial. By observing the culture you're exposed to daily, you can create content that resonates more with your target audience.

In the end, patience is crucial when aiming for viral content. While there's no foolproof method, consistent effort and cultural awareness can improve your odds. Remember, diversifying your approach and persisting through initial setbacks are key aspects of this process. It's a game of persistence and adaptability, where success often comes to those who keep trying and learning.

Conclusion

Creating viral Reels involves understanding your audience, using quality content, and experimenting with different strategies. Consistency and organic engagement are key to success.