logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
56m 18s

How to Go Viral on TikTok (and Profit Fr...

David Barnard, Jacob Eiting
About this episode

On the podcast I talk with Joseph about what’s currently working for apps on TikTok, how to create viral content, why you should try working with influencers who don’t have many followers.

Key Takeaways:

🔍 Getting noticed: How TikTok’s algorithm amplifies reach - TikTok’s “For You Page” prioritizes engaging content over follower count, so apps can go viral without a big audience.

📈 E-commerce strategies that work for apps on TikTok - E-commerce brands have mastered quick, punchy content on TikTok, and app marketers can adopt similar tactics. Short tutorials, “top 5” lists, and problem-solution demos grab attention fast and build trust.

🚀 Adding viral-ready app features for growth loops - Viral-ready features, like progress trackers or custom shareable visuals, give users a reason to promote the app. Highlighting milestones, achievements, or unique app insights adds a built-in social layer that drives organic growth.

📝 Think like a TikTok producer, not a consumer - Scroll with intention. Save top content by category to keep your ideas fresh and aligned with TikTok trends.

🧪 Testing app ideas and features on TikTok - Test app ideas and features on TikTok with waitlists and concept marketing to validate user interest before building.

About Joseph Choi
👨‍💼 Founder of the Viral App Founders Community, with a background in e-commerce marketing and a keen focus on helping app developers go viral, especially through innovative approaches on TikTok.

📈 Joseph has a deep understanding of viral marketing and influencer strategies, emphasizing the value of working with “micro-influencers” or creators with smaller followings who often drive authentic engagement.

💡 "On TikTok, it’s not about having a huge follower count; it’s about connecting with users through genuine, engaging content. Even a new account can achieve millions of views with the right approach."

👋  Follow Joseph on X → https://x.com/JosephKChoi

Subscribe to the podcast → https://www.subclub.co

Follow Us:
• David Barnard: https://twitter.com/drbarnard
• Jacob Eiting: https://twitter.com/jeiting
• RevenueCat: https://twitter.com/RevenueCat
• Sub Club: https://twitter.com/SubClubHQ

Episode Highlights 

[5:12] Leverage with TikTok: Joseph explains why TikTok’s unique “For You” page allows even new accounts to reach massive audiences without needing followers.
[11:35] Influencer shift: Why working with micro-influencers, or creators with smaller followings, can lead to higher engagement and more authentic content for apps.
[18:43] TikTok Shop revolution: Joseph dives into how TikTok Shop’s affiliate model has changed the game for e-commerce, allowing products to reach audiences quickly with creator-driven content.
[24:58] Crafting a viral hook: Apps that create emotional, relatable hooks gain traction, especially when leveraging TikTok’s algorithm to amplify visually appealing content.
[32:12] Power of authenticity: How TikTok users value authenticity over polished content and what that means for brands looking to grow on the platform.
[39:47] AI and content quality: Joseph discusses the intersection of TikTok’s AI and quality content, stressing that no algorithm trick beats a strong story and engaging format.
[45:09] Effective CTAs on TikTok: Best practices for call-to-actions on TikTok, focusing on subtle prompts over traditional “link in bio” strategies.
[53:20] Content inspiration: Joseph’s method of tracking viral content trends and adapting successful formats to keep app marketing fresh and engaging.

Up next
Yesterday
Turning a Side Project into a Six-Figure Subscription Business – Eric Duffett, Shot Pattern
On the podcast we talk with Eric about his journey from a failed first app to success with his second, the advantage of building for problems people are already talking about, and why he turned down a lucrative acquisition offer to keep building.Top Takeaways:🔍 Demand-first disc ... Show More
45m 26s
Jun 18
WWDC 2025: What Subscription Apps Need to Know
On the podcast, I talk with Charlie about why Liquid Glass represents a big opportunity for new and existing apps, Apple’s new on-device AI models and their practical limitations, and why the improved App Store Analytics complement rather than replace third-party tools like Appfi ... Show More
1h 12m
Jun 11
Building Apps Faster: How AI and React Native are Changing the Game – Charlie Cheever, Expo
On the podcast we talk with Charlie about why React Native has become the default for VC-funded apps, how AI is accelerating development cycles, and why speed of iteration matters more than programming language.Top Takeaways:⚡ Instant iteration cycles unlock agility React Native ... Show More
1h 4m
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
He built a startup using AI that prints money (full tutorial)
In this episode we dive deep into modern marketing strategies with Cody Schneider, focusing on the concept of "digital gravity" versus traditional marketing funnels. The discussion covers comprehensive tactics for both B2B and B2C companies, including detailed strategies for cont ... Show More
56m 10s
Feb 2024
AI in Marketing and Going Viral | Hook Point's Brendan Kane | Artificial Intelligence Podcast
In this episode of the AI For All Podcast, Brendan Kane, Founder of Hook Point, joins Ryan Chacon and Neil Sahota to discuss AI in marketing and creating viral content. Kane talks about the significance of qualitative analysis to optimize content, mastering storytelling, and the ... Show More
34m 39s
Apr 2021
Episode 210: Running a UX Patterns Library with Ramy Khuffash
What does it take to successfully run a content library for designers? What are the challenges? Our guest today is Ramy Khuffash, indie hacker and founder of Page Flows and Screenjar. You’ll learn about Ramy’s founder journey, how he works on multiple products simultaneously, how ... Show More
34m 37s
Mar 2025
How to win in the AI era: Ship a feature every week, embrace technical debt, ruthlessly cut scope, and create magic your competitors can't copy | Gaurav Misra (CEO and co-founder of Captions)
Gaurav Misra is the co-founder and CEO of Captions, an AI-powered video creation company and one of the most successful consumer AI products in the world today. Previously he was a product leader at Snap, where he created the design engineering function and spent years helping de ... Show More
1h 25m
Jan 2025
How to grow an internet audience in 2025
Join me as I chat with  Dr. Tyler Lemco, known for co-founding Epic Mealtime (600M+ views), where we discuss strategies for building an internet audience from scratch. The conversation covers practical advice for content creators, including bio optimization, platform selection, a ... Show More
48m 33s
Oct 2023
457 High Impact Content Marketing by Purna Virji
High-Impact Content Marketing: Strategies to Make Your Content Intentional, Engaging and Effective by Purna Virji About the Book: Create meaningful engagement, drive conversion rates and boost customer retention with this crucial resource to unlocking the true potential of your c ... Show More
1h 22m
Jun 25
Building Cluely: The Viral AI Startup that raised $15M in 10 Weeks
What if virality wasn’t a tactic — but the entire product?In this episode, a16z General Partners Erik Torenberg and Bryan Kim sit down with Roy Lee, cofounder and CEO of Cluely, one of the most talked-about consumer AI startups of 2025. Cluely didn’t raise a mega round or drop a ... Show More
38m 24s
Apr 2
ChatGPT for Marketing Latest Updates
Join Daniel and Ciaran for a fast-paced episode where they unpack the latest ChatGPT developments and explore their real-world applications for digital marketers. From image generation breakthroughs to AI-driven research and content production, this episode is your essential brie ... Show More
25m 43s
Oct 2024
From 10K to 10 Million Views: Brendan Kane’s Blueprint for Social Media Dominance
In this episode of the Marketing Secrets podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brendan Kane, a social media strategist, author, and expert in crafting viral content. Brendan has built a career helping brands and individuals achieve massive social media success. He’s th ... Show More
59m 39s