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Designing for Virality: What Makes a Visual Go Trendy on IG & TikTok?

July 1, 2025

Designing for Virality: What Makes a Visual Go Trendy on IG & TikTok?

In the fast-paced world of social media, attention is currency. Each scroll is a split-second decision — and in that fleeting moment, design becomes much more than decoration. It’s the very first point of connection between a brand and its audience.

At Hoa Đất, we believe that going viral isn’t luck. It’s the outcome of intuitive creativity combined with a deep understanding of digital behavior and cultural pulse. And at the heart of it all? A visual that not only “follows trends” — but rides them with unmistakable personality.

When a Design Makes You Stop Mid-Scroll

Source: KFC

Virality often begins with a pause. If a design can make a user stop, even briefly, amid the endless flow of content, it has done its first job: capture attention.

That doesn’t always mean complexity. In fact, it’s often the most simple, bold, or unexpected visuals that work best. A striking layout. A pop of color that breaks the norm. A line of copy placed just right.

And if that visual sparks curiosity or emotion, its chances of being remembered—or even shared—grow exponentially.

Not About Chasing Trends — But Owning Them

Soure: GrabFood

Social media thrives on trends. But brands don’t have to follow all of them. The magic lies in identifying which trends feel right, and reinterpreting them in a way that feels authentic to your voice.

Sometimes, this means taking a trending sound, format, or meme, and reframing it into your brand’s aesthetic. When it works, the result is familiar but fresh — the audience recognizes the trend, but now sees it through your creative lens.

Emotion: The True Driver Behind Shares

A post may be visually beautiful — but that alone doesn’t make it shareable. What fuels virality is emotional resonance.

It could be humor, nostalgia, a powerful truth, or a relatable quote that feels “too real.” The best-performing visuals often make people feel seen, or say exactly what they were thinking. These are the designs users don’t just like — they save, send, tag, and repost.

When Users Feel Like Co-Creators

Source: Vincom

Another viral ingredient? Interactivity. The best visuals don’t just speak at the audience — they invite them in.

We’ve seen formats like “Fill in the Blank,” “This or That,” or “Tag someone who…” go wildly viral not just because they’re fun, but because they involve the viewer. The audience becomes part of the content — and the content becomes part of the conversation.

This user participation doesn’t just increase reach. It creates a sense of community, built through design.

Virality Alone Doesn’t Build Brand Recall

Trends can help a post take off — but consistency is what makes it stick.

The most impactful visuals are those that carry a clear visual language: color palette, typography, layout rhythm, illustration style — all aligned with brand identity. So even when a post goes viral, people know exactly who made it.

That’s how brands move from being “the creator of that one viral post” to being unforgettable.

At Hoa Đất, We Don’t Just Design Posts — We Craft Visual Experiences

We create visuals not just to look good — but to live and move on social platforms.

Every social design from Hoa Đất is shaped by the intersection of:
- Deep audience insight
- Cultural and platform trends
- Unique brand tone and aesthetic

Our goal? To help brands create visuals that capture attention, spark connection, and invite participation, with designs that aren’t just trendy, but timeless.

Looking to create visuals that stop the scroll — and start real conversations?
📩 Let’s talk. At Hoa Đất, we design with virality in mind, and storytelling at heart.

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