Who hasn’t dreamed of having their cat star in a video that’s taking the internet by storm? Most of us have captured cute, funny or endearing moments of our cats on video, but the reach has only gone as far as Grandma, Aunt Doris and our best friend from high school. Is it just luck or are there tactics for making a viral cat video? As you know, with cats, there’s no predicting anything, and everything is possible; however, there are a few tips that may help you pick up traction online — and even go viral!
The 7 Steps in Creating a Viral Cat Video
1. Patience is Key When It Comes to Viral Cat Videos
Most cats don’t want anyone telling them what to do and prefer to stick to their own timing, thank you very much. Trying to persuade a cat to be hilarious on command might not get you anywhere but frustrated. Sometimes, we manage to immediately capture the sweetest kitty cuddle moment ever, but mostly we wait around with our cameras or phones, hoping for something interesting to develop. If you want to snag a winning video, you’ll probably need to be OK playing the waiting game — and sometimes following your cat from room to room, looking for video gold. Or, just always having your smartphone handy and ready to record.
2. Keep the Content in Mind When You Record
Ask yourself if you’d randomly watch the video you’ve recorded. Viral cat videos usually have a hook and last somewhere between 5 to 15 seconds. They typically feature feline activity that’s either cute, funny or unique — sometimes all three!
3. Video Quality Counts
You don’t need a fancy, expensive camera. These days, mobile phones come equipped with fantastic cameras that take crisp, clear videos. Avoid posting footage that’s out of focus or jerky, though. Some viral videographers use music to complement the on-screen action. This can be a great idea, as long as there is no copyright infringement.
4. Don’t Step Out of Your Cat’s Comfort Zone
Please don’t put your kitty in any situation that might be dangerous, harmful or make her uncomfortable just to get attention. If your cat seems annoyed, scared or distressed, stop shooting the video and let her decompress.
5. Staged Cat Videos Go Viral — Sometimes
It’s true — sometimes staged scenarios can result in overwhelmingly popular cat videos (think: a cat in shark costume riding a Roomba). If your cat is patient or takes direction well, you may be able to create a video masterpiece.
If you have editing skills (or know someone who does), you might want to try your hand at producing something with a little more polish. There are some hilarious spoof videos starring cats floating around out there.
Put on your pop culture cap and think about how you might piggyback on what’s current. Chances are, the parody would be based on something with which the audience is already familiar, so you’ll automatically have a leg up. But remember, you know your cat better than anyone. If she’s not comfortable wearing a hat or meowing on command along to “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” don’t even go there.
Aaron Benitez of Aaron’s Animals produces videos that rack up millions and millions of views. This is all thanks to his special-effects skills and his very agreeable cat, Prince Michael. Benitez told ABC News, “I got Prince Michael a couple of years ago, and I noticed he was a super chill cat, so I started making these videos.” And these videos are nothing short of roll-on-the-floor hysterical.
So, you’ve made the cutest, funniest and coolest video ever. Now what? Share your work near and far! Post it on your social media outlets, and ask your friends and family to share it as well. Use popular hashtags, and tag publications that might share the video or brands that you’ve featured. If it picks up steam, it may end up being featured on a major site or social channel, where the odds of it becoming viral are definitely improving!
7. The Final Word on Viral Cat Videos
Remember that creating a wildly popular cat video doesn’t require expensive equipment or a storyboard (although you could have both of those). The main keys are to be patient, know your cat, record quality content and share, share, share!
Get more tips on Catster.com:
- How to Treat Cat Bites and Cat Bite Infections
- Sink Your Teeth Into These 10 Cat Teeth Must-Knows
- The Orange Tabby Cat — 8 Fun Facts
Feature Image Credit: Photography ©Manuel-F-O | iStock / Getty Images Plus.
- 1 The 7 Steps in Creating a Viral Cat Video
- 1.1 1. Patience is Key When It Comes to Viral Cat Videos
- 1.2 2. Keep the Content in Mind When You Record
- 1.3 3. Video Quality Counts
- 1.4 4. Don’t Step Out of Your Cat’s Comfort Zone
- 1.5 5. Staged Cat Videos Go Viral — Sometimes
- 1.6 6. Share Your Cat Video — In Hopes That It Will Go Viral
- 1.7 7. The Final Word on Viral Cat Videos
