A Bristol-based communications agency, AMBITIOUS, has achieved viral success on TikTok with a video that soared to over one million views in just two weeks. The video, which garnered more than 600,000 views in the first few days, is a prime example of how brands can harness TikTok’s potential by embracing authenticity over highly produced content.
AMBITIOUS, known for its strategic communications work, proved that success on TikTok doesn’t always require meticulous planning or heavy editing. In fact, the video’s organic, unpolished style is what helped it resonate with the platform’s users. As TikTok continues to dominate as a creative space for brand engagement, the agency’s viral post highlights the importance of staying true to the platform’s culture — one that thrives on spontaneity, relatability, and fast-paced entertainment.
“We didn’t set out to create something polished; we simply created something that felt real and aligned with what was trending at the time,” said Isobel Bryant, Content Manager at AMBITIOUS. “TikTok rewards authenticity, and that’s what we focused on.”
The video’s success also underscores a key lesson for brands: the TikTok algorithm favours organic content that feels fresh and relevant. Over-produced, overly scripted videos often fail to capture the audience’s attention in the same way. Instead, TikTok thrives on moments that feel timely and unfiltered.
For other brands looking to replicate AMBITIOUS’ success, the agency has shared several best practices that contributed to the video’s viral reach:
- Text Placement: Ensure the title appears within the first three seconds of the video and is placed above the app’s buttons. Subtitles and captions not only make the content more accessible but also help the algorithm understand and rank the video.
- Audio is Key: Using trending sounds or TikTok-recommended audio can greatly enhance a video’s chance of going viral. Mixing voiceovers, text-to-speech, and creative audio formats also adds variety and keeps the content fresh.
- Use Tags Wisely: Relevant hashtags play a significant role in ensuring your video reaches the right audience. Limit the tags to three to five, and choose those with the highest views. Tagging locations can also help you target specific regions.
- Focus on the “For You” Page: To maximise your TikTok presence, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the “For You” page, which showcases trending content. By staying on top of emerging trends, brands can swiftly capitalise on opportunities for viral engagement.
AMBITIOUS has also shared a 10-step checklist to help brands go viral on TikTok. This includes regularly checking the For You page for trending sounds and hashtags, collaborating with influential creators, and experimenting with new features on the platform.
“The TikTok journey is one of patience, experimentation, and consistent posting,” Bryant added. “If you embrace flexibility and keep things fun, you can unlock a platform with unparalleled potential for growth.”
AMBITIOUS’ viral success proves that with the right strategy, brands can achieve significant engagement on TikTok without the need for expensive production or complex editing.