How do you make a viral fitness video?

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on June 3, 2023 — Updated on November 14, 2023

So you want to learn how to make a viral fitness video? Ah, if only it were that easy. Well, here’s what you need to do to learn how to make your fitness video go viral, or, we should clarify: have the best chance of going viral. If you’re looking to take the fitness world by storm and reach a wider audience, creating a viral fitness video might be just what you need. With the right approach and technique, your video could potentially go viral, leading to more views, subscribers and ultimately, business growth. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements that go into creating a viral fitness video that’s bound to captivate your audience.

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Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

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Understanding the elements of a viral fitness video

It’s essential to know the elements that make up a viral video, regardless of the niche you’re catering to. A stunningly shot fitness video that fails to go viral isn’t necessarily bad; it merely lacks certain key components that make a video popular. Here are the key ingredients that go into the making of a viral fitness video:

The importance of a catchy title

The title of your video is what attracts viewers to click, watch and share your content. It should be catchy, descriptive and have a touch of intrigue to it. If possible, use keywords that highlight the benefits or results of the workout your video offers.

High-quality video production

Great production quality can make or break your viral video. Ensure that your video is clear, crisp, well-lit and that you use a tripod to keep the footage steady. Use the best camera and equipment you can afford, and consider investing in a high-quality microphone to ensure clear audio.

Engaging and dynamic content

When it comes to a viral video, content is king. Your exercises should be captivating and dynamic, and offer something new and unique to the viewer. You want to keep your participants engaged and motivated throughout the video, so they can complete the workout and come back for more.

The role of social media in virality

When you post your video online, your social media presence is crucial. You should leverage your existing fans and followers to share your content with their networks. Reach out to fitness influencers in your niche to help you spread the word and gain traction.

Identifying your target audience

Before creating any fitness video, it’s essential to identify your target audience. Age and fitness levels are two crucial factors to consider during the process, but you should also take into account that different groups have different fitness goals.

Age and fitness level demographics

You need to know the age groups that are most likely to engage with your video and create content that caters to their fitness level. For example, if you’re creating a video for seniors, you’re less likely to focus on high-intensity training than creating a low-impact workout that’s gentle on joints.

It’s important to remember that different age groups have different fitness needs. For example, younger individuals may be more interested in high-intensity workouts that focus on building muscle and burning fat, while older individuals may be more interested in workouts that improve mobility and flexibility.

Catering to specific fitness goals

It’s necessary to cater to specific fitness goals, such as weight loss, strength or flexibility. Make sure that one or all of these goals are highlighted in your video and that your workouts are explicitly tailored to the type of results your viewers are hoping to achieve.

For individuals looking to lose weight, you may want to focus on workouts that burn a high number of calories and incorporate strength training to build muscle and boost metabolism. For those looking to improve flexibility, you may want to focus on stretching and yoga-based workouts that improve range of motion and mobility.

Adapting to different workout styles

It’s also essential to remember that different people prefer different workout styles. You want to create a video that’s adaptable and open to multiple workouts.

For instance, people with a particular affinity for cardio may prefer workouts that focus on high-energy movements and constant movement. On the other hand, those who prefer strength training may prefer workouts that incorporate heavy weights and resistance training. It’s important to create a video that caters to a variety of workout styles to ensure that your audience stays engaged and motivated.

By identifying your target audience and catering to their specific fitness needs, you can create a fitness video that resonates with your viewers and helps them achieve their fitness goals.

Creating a unique and memorable concept

A great concept will ensure that your video stands out from other fitness content on the internet. It will also make the video more memorable for viewers, giving them a reason to come back and share it with others. Below are some ideas on how you can create a unique and memorable concept.

Incorporating popular fitness trends

Consider incorporating popular fitness trends, such as dance-based fitness, HIIT or yoga. You could also offer a hybrid workout that takes the best bits from multiple popular fitness styles. This will help you tap into a broader audience and keep them engaged throughout the video. Make sure to research the latest trends and incorporate them into your workout routine.

If you choose to incorporate dance-based fitness, for instance, you could create a routine that is easy to follow and fun to dance along to. You could also add in some popular music tracks that will keep your viewers motivated and energized throughout the video.

Developing your own signature workout style

Developing your signature workout might be the best way to create a unique and memorable concept. It could be something that incorporates your personality or personal training expertise, or even something as simple as using specific equipment or tools.

You could create a workout that is tailored to a specific group of people, such as new moms, seniors, or people with disabilities. This will help you stand out from other fitness content on the internet and cater to a specific audience.

Another way to develop your signature workout is to use specific equipment or tools that are not commonly used in other workout videos. For example, you could use resistance bands, medicine balls, or kettlebells to create a unique and challenging workout routine.

Collaborating with influencers and fitness experts

Finally, consider working with fitness influencers or experts in your field to help market and promote your video. These collaborations could lead to broader exposure and further increase your chances of producing a viral video.

You could collaborate with fitness experts to create a workout routine that is backed by science and research. This will help you build credibility and trust with your viewers. You could also collaborate with influencers who have a large following on social media. This will help you tap into their audience and gain more exposure for your video.

Remember, creating a unique and memorable concept takes time and effort. But with the right approach and mindset, you can create a video that stands out from the rest and helps you build a loyal following of viewers.

Tips for filming and editing your fitness video

Once you’ve secured your target audience and developed a unique concept for your video, it’s time to get to filming and editing. Here are some tips to help you create a dynamic and engaging video content:

Choosing the right equipment and setting

Investing in high-quality equipment and choosing the right setting will go a long way in making your video visually appealing and professional. Find a location that has enough light and space. This will let you try out different angles and shots without bumping into the equipment or other objects.

When it comes to equipment, consider investing in a high-quality camera that can capture clear images and videos. You may also want to invest in a tripod to keep the camera steady and avoid shaky footage. Additionally, consider using a microphone to ensure clear audio.

When choosing your setting, think about the type of workout you will be filming. If you are filming a yoga video, for example, you may want to choose a quiet and peaceful location with natural lighting. If you are filming a high-intensity workout, you may want to choose a gym or outdoor space with plenty of room for movement.

Ensuring clear and concise instructions

Make sure that your workout instructions are clear and concise. Take the time to explain the various movements slowly and methodically. Keep in mind your target audience’s fitness level and incorporate variations of the exercises to accommodate different skill levels.

Consider using visual aids such as diagrams or animations to help explain the movements. This can be especially helpful for more complex exercises or movements.

It’s also important to remember to cue your viewers when it’s time to switch to a new exercise or movement. This can help keep them on track and avoid confusion.

Adding visual and audio enhancements

You can make your video more engaging by adding visual and audio enhancements such as graphics, text overlays, and upbeat music. Mix the various exercises to keep the viewers engaged and build excitement and motivation through music.

When it comes to graphics and text overlays, keep them simple and easy to read. Use contrasting colors to make the text stand out and avoid using too many different fonts or styles.

When choosing music, consider the tempo and energy level of the workout. Upbeat music can help keep viewers motivated and energized throughout the workout. Make sure to choose music that is royalty-free or that you have permission to use.

Finally, consider adding in some b-roll footage of the setting or the instructor to break up the workout footage and keep the video visually interesting.

What key elements make a fitness video go viral?

Viral videos often contain elements such as unique or compelling content, emotional resonance, and shareability. For fitness videos, this could include showcasing a unique workout, an inspiring transformation story, or providing value-packed tips in an engaging way.

How can I increase the chances of my fitness video going viral?

Increasing the chance of a video going viral involves creating high-quality, relatable content, optimizing your video’s title and description for searchability, promoting the video on various platforms, and encouraging viewers to share the video.

How important is the video quality for a fitness video to go viral?

While high-quality video can enhance the viewer experience, many viral videos are not professionally produced. What’s most important is the content of the video – it should be engaging, relatable, and shareable.

Can viral fitness videos help grow my online fitness business?

Yes, viral fitness videos can significantly increase visibility and awareness of your fitness brand, potentially attracting new followers, clients, or customers. It could be an opportunity to promote your services, like workout programs available on Exercise.com.

How can I leverage a viral fitness video to benefit my fitness business?

Once your video has gone viral, you can leverage the increased attention by promoting your products or services, interacting with your new audience, and creating follow-up content to maintain engagement. For instance, you can promote workout plans available on your Exercise.com app.

What should I do if my fitness video goes viral unexpectedly?

If your fitness video goes viral unexpectedly, capitalize on the moment by engaging with your audience, thanking them for their support, and providing more valuable content. This could be the perfect time to share about your custom-branded fitness app on Exercise.com.

What mistakes should I avoid when trying to make a viral fitness video?

Avoid focusing solely on trying to make a video go viral. Instead, concentrate on consistently creating valuable, engaging content for your audience. It’s also important not to ignore comments and shares – engagement with your audience can further boost the visibility of your video.

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Erica Nangle

Owner, Erica Nangle Fitness

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Creativity and diversity are essential components to develop a viral video that can boost the growth of your fitness business. Make an engaging title, have high-quality production and seek inspiration from your target audience’s demographics. Develop unique concepts, and add eye-catching instructions to make your viewers stick around and come back for more!

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Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.

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