Top 5 Trending Formats for Viral Shorts (Templates + Examples)

Have you ever been chatting with a friend over coffee when a short video blows your mind? It happened to me last week. My buddy slid his phone across the table, showing me a 15-second clip that began with a creepy deep voice: “Did you know that in 1947, a boy witnessed something so bizarre it changed his life forever?” I nearly snorted out my cappuccino. The wild part? That viral short was entirely AI-generated, not a human in sight. We both laughed in disbelief, and he asked, “Would you let an AI make your next TikTok Short?” (Spoiler: we later debated it at length in AI Shorts vs Human Creators!). But what really grabbed us was not who made the video, but what kind of video it was – the format, the style, the hook that made it so irresistible.

Short-form videos are everywhere now. TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts. In fact, by 2025 these bite-sized clips are expected to gobble up 90% of all internet traffic. Crazy, right? With numbers like that, it’s no wonder everyone (brands, creators, coffee buddies like us) wants to crack the code of going viral. My friend and I started geeking out about exactly that: what formats of short videos consistently blow up? We brainstormed and came up with the top five trending formats for viral Shorts. And you bet I took notes to share with you here.

When I say AI Shorts, I mean short videos (generally under 60 seconds) created with the help of AI – e.g. automatically generated script, voice, or visuals. If that concept sounds futuristic, check out What Are AI Shorts for a deeper dive. In a nutshell, AI tools (like our own platform, Shoorts AI) let you whip up trending videos without filming or fancy editing. Pretty neat, huh?

Alright, let’s dive in. Here are the five hottest formats for viral short videos right now, complete with examples, why they work, and how you can try them (even with a little AI assistance). Grab your latte and let’s go!

1. The “Did You Know” Story Hook (Surprising Facts & Tales)

Does the phrase “Did you know…?” ring a bell? If you spend any time on Reels or TikTok, I’m guessing it does. These Shorts start with that classic hook and then drop a compelling fact or story that demands attention. I see “did you know” story videos every single day. Often they’re spooky, surprising, or downright bizarre. For example, I watched one that began, “Did you know a man once survived 3 months lost at sea by drinking shark blood?” (Did I fact-check it? Nope. Did I watch till the end? Absolutely!).

Why does this format work so well? Because it nails the curiosity factor. You’re basically teasing the viewer’s brain with an intriguing question or fact, and they have to stick around for the answer or explanation. In the age of infinite scrolling, you have literally about 1.7 seconds to grab someone’s attention before they swipe away. A “Did you know…?” hook accomplishes that by instantly activating our wait, what? reflex. Marketing pros will tell you that asking a question at the start is extremely effective – viewers will stay just to find out the answer. It’s the same reason we click on trivia articles or watch those mystery YouTube thumbnails: we’re curious creatures!

How to do it: Keep it short and punchy. Lead with the most jaw-dropping part of the story or the most shocking fact. For example, “Did you know there’s a tree that can grow 40 different fruits?” or “Did you know that in 1965, a blackout led to a baby boom?” (yes, that’s a thing). After the hook, deliver the quick story or explanation in 20-30 seconds. Use text captions to reinforce the hook (many people watch with the sound off) and visuals that match the story – maybe some archival photo, a quick graphic, or even just bold text on screen. The tone can be dramatic or suspenseful (many of these have a spooky vibe, perfect for weird history or paranormal facts), or just excited and fun for lighter trivia. The key is that payoff – make sure you actually deliver an answer or a surprise by the end, so viewers feel satisfied (or spooked!).

Insider tip: You don’t need to be a historian or voice actor to create a killer “Did you know” short. I’ve been using Shoorts AI to generate these effortlessly. It has a built-in template for the “Did you know” story format – I kid you not. I’ll type in a cool fact or a brief spooky story, choose an eerie voiceover style (they have voices optimized for that creepy/narration feel), and hit generate. Boom – the video comes out with the text, images, and voice all synced. The first time I tried it, I had a chilling mini story video ready in minutes (and I may have freaked out a friend or two by sending it to them at midnight). Using AI this way feels like having a little production team in your pocket. 😉

2. The Top-X List Countdown (Most Viral Listicles)

Who doesn’t love a good list? I admit I’m a sucker for “Top 5” anything – and I know I’m not alone. In short-form video, the listicle format is pure gold. These are those snappy countdown videos: “Top 3 productivity apps you need this year”, “5 Biggest Mistakes in Crypto Trading”, “Top 5 Scariest Places on Earth”, and so on. The video quickly ticks through the items one by one, often with a voiceover or captions numbering each point.

The brilliance of the list format is that it creates built-in suspense and satisfaction. If you start at #5 and count down to #1, viewers stick around because they want to see the #1 thing – it’s like needing to know the winner of a contest. Even in text content, headlines with numbers get way more engagement (LinkedIn found headlines with numbers have 37% higher click-through rates than those without. Our brains just love numbers and lists – they promise a quick, organized hit of information. In video form, it’s even more powerful: you’re delivering multiple mini-payoffs (each item in the list) with the biggest payoff at the end. I can’t count how many times I’ve watched something like “Top 5 travel hacks” and found myself glued till the #1 hack, even if I knew some of the earlier ones.

How to do it: Keep the list relatively short – in a 30-second Reel, you might do a Top 3 or Top 5 at most. Start your video by announcing the list title in a catchy way (and on-screen text helps a ton here). For example: “Top 3 AI tools to save you time – Number 3 will surprise you!” Then quickly present #3, #2, #1 with a brief description or visual for each. A popular approach is to use a countdown voiceover or text: “#3: [Tip or product name]. [One-liner detail]. #2: …” etc. If you’re on camera, you can literally count on your fingers or show items one by one. If not, use text overlays (“3…2…1”) to cue the countdown. Try to maintain a brisk pace – list videos work because they’re dense with info but not lingering too long on any single point.

For instance, an effective format could be: “Top 5 Viral Short Video Ideas: #5 – Behind-the-scenes clips (audiences love a peek backstage); #4 – Reaction duets; #3 – ‘Did you know’ facts (as we mentioned!); #2 – Quick how-to tutorials; #1 – Engaging challenges.” Each item gets a second or two on screen with either a quick clip or a descriptive subtitle. By the time you hit #1, you’ve delivered a ton of value in under a minute.

Making list videos is actually super straightforward with AI assistance. I’ve used Shoorts AI to generate listicle-style Shorts by simply inputting the list points I want to cover. The platform automatically formats it into a countdown with dynamic text for each number, and even throws in slick transition effects between them. It’s like having an editor who loves making top-ten videos. I’ve done “Top 5 tips for SEO” and “Top 3 coffee brewing hacks” with zero manual editing – the tool handled the timing and visuals for each point. If you’ve ever struggled to manually sync text and images to a voiceover for a list, trust me, this feels like magic.

One more thing: always put your strongest or most surprising item at the end of the list. It keeps people watching and ends the video on a high note (literally the top of the list). And don’t forget a quick call-to-action at the end – something like “Did I miss any? Comment your favorite!” – to boost engagement. List videos often get people tagging friends or chiming in with their own picks.

3. The UGC-Style Product Review (Authentic “User” Content)

Imagine a short video that doesn’t feel like an ad at all: someone on camera, maybe selfie-style, saying “Guys, I have to tell you about this new gadget I found – it’s a game-changer.” They show the product in a real-life setting, talk casually about it, maybe even point out a flaw or two, and genuinely gush about how it helped them. That’s the vibe of UGC-style shorts, where UGC stands for user-generated content. Essentially, it’s a video made to look like it’s by a real user (not a brand), sharing an authentic experience or review.

Why is this format exploding? Because it builds trust like nothing else. It feels like getting a recommendation from a friend rather than being sold to by a company. And guess what – nearly 90% of people trust personal recommendations from friends and family over traditional ads. No glossy corporate promo can beat a genuine “OMG I love this” from a regular person. As Ashlee Fitzgerald, a Video Production Director, explains about UGC content:

“Real people doing real things. That’s what we want to see and that’s what UGC is about.” – Ashlee Fitzgerald

In short (pun intended), authenticity wins. Viewers today crave it. They’re a bit jaded by perfect ads, but if Emily from down the street (or someone who feels like her) raves about a skincare product or a new app, we listen. Brands know this too – some run entire campaigns by leveraging actual user videos or simulated UGC because it comes off as more credible.

How to do it: The UGC-style short usually has a handmade, selfie aesthetic. It might be shot vertical on a phone, sometimes with the creator talking directly to the camera (“POV: I’m your friend telling you about this”), or it might be voiceover with candid clips. The tone is conversational, imperfect, and real. Start by identifying a pain point or a relatable situation: “I’ve been struggling with acne for years…” or “As a mom of two toddlers, I never have time to cook…” – something that grabs the target viewer with “hey, that’s me.” Then introduce the product or tip that solved it: “...until I tried this new cleansing foam” or “...so this meal-prep app was a lifesaver.” Show the product in use – if it’s a gadget, demonstrate it; if it’s a service, show your screen or a before/after scenario. Keep it honest: mention a small con or a funny aside (“I was skeptical at first” or “I know this sounds like an ad, but I promise it’s just cool!”). The credibility comes from the video feeling like a genuine user story, not a script.

If you’re camera shy or don’t have the product on hand, you can still create UGC-style content using AI. I’ve done this for a friend’s startup – we wrote a first-person style script (“I’ve been using X for a month, here’s my experience…”), then used Shoorts AI to generate a video with a friendly-sounding AI voiceover that mimics that personal tone. We even had the option to use an AI avatar (a photo-realistic person) to deliver the lines on camera, making it look like a real user speaking. It was kind of mind-blowing how real it felt – like a genuine customer testimonial. If you go this route, just be sure the tone of the script stays casual. Use I and you, throw in a little humor or a moment of “ums” and “honestly, guys…”. A slight imperfection or two (like a quick camera shake or a mispronounced word that you correct) can actually enhance the authenticity.

UGC-style videos work across any niche – from beauty and gadgets to food, apps, and even B2B software. The formula is simple: real talk + real people = real engagement. And the best part? They’re cheap and easy to make. No fancy studio needed. Some of the most viral “product mentions” I’ve seen were literally shot in a car or a kitchen with zero editing. If you enable captions (which you should, because again, many watch silently), and perhaps add a tiny bit of background music, you’re good to go. This format proves you don’t need a big budget to build big trust.

(P.S. If an AI avatar feels too uncanny for you, you can always use your own voice or face for the UGC short – and still use AI for the script or editing. Shoorts AI, for example, can generate a script based on a few bullet points and even suggest the kind of “authentic” language that works. Think of it as your scriptwriting assistant to sound more natural. I’ve had it riff lines like “I was super skeptical, but guys, it actually works” which sound pretty darn human.)

4. The Quick Tutorial (How-To in a Hurry)

Ever learned a life hack from a 30-second video? I know I have – I think I owe one TikTok Short for finally teaching me how to chop an onion without crying (seriously, life changing!). The quick tutorial format is all about delivering useful how-to content in an ultra-condensed package. These Shorts usually start with a title like “How to __ in 3 Easy Steps” or “Tutorial: __ for Beginners,” and then promptly walk you through it. By the end, you’ve learned something new – all in the span of a TV commercial break.

Educational content thrives on short video platforms. Why? Because if you can solve someone’s problem or teach them a cool trick in under a minute, you’ve won their attention and appreciation. Viewers often save or share tutorial vids that they find handy. And the engagement stats are off the charts: one study found that how-to videos under a minute long boast an 82% average completion rate. Think about that – most people who start a quick tutorial actually watch it to the end, which is a big deal in an era of swiping. (For comparison, many videos struggle to get 50% completion.) It makes sense – if I know the video will teach me a skill quickly, I’m hooked until I get the answer. On a broader scale, people increasingly turn to video for learning; a huge chunk of YouTube users say they use the platform specifically to learn new things each week. So this format isn’t just trending – it’s becoming a staple.

How to do it: Pick a very specific topic or task. You can’t teach someone everything about, say, woodworking in 60 seconds, but you can teach “How to tie a proper knot” or “How to sand and finish a tabletop.” Narrow is good. Start the video by explicitly stating what you’ll teach (overlay text like “How to Remove Background from a Photo (in 3 Steps)” works great as a hook). Then dive straight into the steps or tips with no fluff. Usually, it helps to number the steps on-screen: Step 1, Step 2, Step 3… This gives viewers a sense of progress and structure.

Keep each step bite-sized. A classic formula is “Step 1: Do X. Step 2: Do Y. Step 3: Do Z.” accompanied by visuals of each step. Let’s say you’re doing a quick cooking demo: Step 1 might show adding ingredients, Step 2 mixing, Step 3 the final plating. Use text captions for each step, because again, viewers might not have sound on and you want the tutorial to be followable just by reading if needed. And try to keep the whole thing brisk – you’re not giving every detail, just the key actions. If it’s really complex, you might do a series of Shorts (Part 1, Part 2, etc.), but one video = one focused mini-tutorial is usually best for virality.

Here’s an example template for structure:

• Step 1: Introduce the problem or set-up quickly. (“Got a stubborn jar lid that won’t open? Here’s a trick…”)
• Step 2: Show the process. (“First, run the lid under hot water for 30 seconds.” [Clip of step])
• Step 3: Continue the process. (“Next, tap the lid around the edges with a spoon.” [Clip])
• Step 4: Finalize the solution. (“Finally, twist it off with a towel for extra grip. It should pop right open!” [Clip of lid coming off])
• Result: (Optional) Show before/after or the result working. Celebrate briefly. (“And voilà – jar opened! 🥳”)
• Call-to-action: Prompt engagement. (“Save this for the next time you’re wrestling with a jar!”)

In a 30-45 second video, that format flows nicely. It identifies a problem, then gives a clear sequence to solve it.

Now, making these tutorials can be super simple with the right tools. I’ve used Shoorts AI to create “how-to” Shorts by just providing the written steps and a few reference images. For instance, I made a quick tutorial on how to reset a Wi-Fi router (exciting stuff, I know!). I entered the three steps in text, and Shoorts AI automatically generated a video with each step as a subtitle, a matching stock visual (a person unplugging a router, etc.), and a pleasant voiceover guiding through the steps. The resulting video looked like something I could have spent an afternoon editing – but it took me maybe 5 minutes to produce. The AI even handled zooming in on the important part of the image and highlighting the keywords on screen. Talk about efficiency.

For educational content, clarity is key, so I love that AI tools force you to be concise (they often have character limits for captions). It trains you to cut to the chase. One more pro tip: use a consistent format for your tutorial series. For example, always do “3 Steps” or “Top 5 Tips” if you’re doing multiple videos. People start to recognize the pattern and will follow you for that reliable value. I’ve seen accounts blow up by consistently sharing, say, “Quick Excel tricks” in the same style every week. Once you find a tutorial format that clicks with your audience, repeat it with different topics.

Bottom line: teach us something useful, and we’ll not only watch – we’ll probably share it. That’s how these little how-to Shorts often go viral, even beyond your follower circle.

5. The Trend Challenge (Joining the Viral Wave)

Ever see a short video of someone doing the latest TikTok dance or participating in a viral challenge? Of course you have – those trend challenges are everywhere. From the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge back in the day, to the recent dance crazes and hashtag challenges, hopping on a viral trend is one of the fastest ways to get views. The concept is simple: a lot of people are doing X, so if you also do X (with your own twist), the algorithm is more likely to show your video since viewers are already eating up that trend.

We’ve all witnessed how powerful this can be. Remember Chipotle’s famous #GuacDance challenge? It invited users to post a dance celebrating avocados (yes, really). The result: over 1.1 billion views on the hashtag in a matter of days, and a ton of free publicity for Chipotle. When a challenge catches fire, everyone wants to watch the different takes on it. It creates a communal viewing experience – “let’s see how this person did it vs. that person.” Brands and creators who ride that wave early often reap huge rewards in reach and engagement. In a survey, 20% of marketers said they’ve leveraged branded challenges, and 42% of those said the results exceeded their expectations. So yeah, trends aren’t just silly dances; they can be serious growth hacks.

How to do it: The key to trend challenges is timing and context. You want to jump in while the trend is hot (when the hashtag is on the rise, not after it’s played out), and you want to adapt the trend to your style or niche. If the trend is a dance or lip-sync, you might perform it but with a twist related to your content (maybe you do the dance in your bakery kitchen while holding a cake – you get the idea). If it’s a hashtag like #DidYouKnowChallenge or some storytelling meme, you craft your entry in that format. Keep an eye on the For You page or Instagram’s Explore – if you start seeing the same format or sound over and over, that’s a clue. Also, check trending hashtags or challenges (TikTok’s Discover page will literally tell you what’s trending each day).

When you do a challenge video, use the exact hashtag and sound (if applicable) that’s trending. Often, half the virality comes from viewers clicking that hashtag or audio and binging all the related videos. You want to be in that carousel. For example, if there’s a “#FlipTheSwitch” challenge (remember that one where people swapped outfits to a Drake song?), you’d use the same song clip and hashtag so your video joins the party. The content of your video should follow whatever the challenge format is – but feel free to add creativity or humor to stand out. Maybe you subvert the expectation at the end (those often go viral as “the twist” entries).

A word of caution: not every trend will fit your brand or persona. And that’s okay! It’s better to do the ones that you can nail rather than force something that feels off. Also, trends move fast. Some are literally a 1-2 week window. So if you see something that you think is a perfect fit for you, drop everything and film it! Speed matters. There’s a term FOMO (fear of missing out) that applies here – audiences have FOMO to watch trends, and creators should have a bit of FOMO to participate before it’s old news.

One thing I love about Shoorts AI is that it actually keeps an updated library of trending formats and styles. This has been a lifesaver for me. I’ll log in and see, for example, a template for “Before/After Challenge” or “Trending Meme Caption format” that was literally popular this week. The team behind the tool is watching the trends for me. So instead of me scrambling to figure out how to edit my video to match a trend, I can just drop my content into the ready-made template. Recently, there was a trend where people would do a quick cut as the beat dropped to reveal a transformation (popular in fashion and fitness videos). I found a template on the app for that exact thing – I just had to import my two clips (before and after), and it perfectly timed the transition to the music. Staying ahead of trends is practically built-in, ensuring I don’t accidentally use last month’s meme (phew!). If you’re aiming to consistently ride the viral wave, having this kind of support is huge. It means you can spend more time coming up with a clever spin and less time fiddling with editing.

Lastly, when doing challenge content, engage with the community. Comment on other challenge videos, use duet/stitch features if on TikTok to riff off others’ clips, etc. The more you join the conversation, the more the algorithm seems to reward you as a participator, not just an observer. And have fun with it! Audiences can tell when you’re genuinely enjoying a goofy dance or challenge versus doing it begrudgingly. Some of my own best-performing Shorts were ones where I initially thought, “ugh, this is goofy,” but I leaned into the silliness and it paid off.

Those are the big five formats killing it in the short-form world right now. From jaw-dropping facts to countdowns, authentic chats, quick how-tos, and trending antics – each of these offers a different way to grab viewers and keep them watching. I’ve personally experimented with all of them (hey, I take my own advice!), and it’s been a blast. In fact, my friend who almost made me spill my latte is now nudging me to post more of these – he wants more binge-worthy Shorts in his feed, and apparently I’m his supplier!

Pro tip: Mix and match these formats to keep things fresh. One week you might drop a “Did you know” horror story, the next a friendly UGC review, then a tutorial, etc. This keeps your audience on their toes and hits different segments of your niche. Also, pay attention to your analytics – maybe your audience really loves the tutorial videos more than the challenges, or vice versa. Use that data to double down on what works.

Before I sign off, I’ll leave you with this: consistency is key. The more you post (quality content, that is), the more chances you have to hit the algorithm jackpot. Each of these formats is relatively quick to produce – especially if you leverage AI to streamline the process – so you can realistically put out content daily or a few times a week without burning out. (If you need help planning it all out, we have a whole guide on Content Strategy for AI Shorts which is worth a read.)

Most importantly, have fun with this. Short videos are meant to be a bit playful and experimental. Try new things, see what resonates, and don’t be afraid to be a little silly or vulnerable on camera. Sometimes the most “human” moments – a laugh, a blooper, an off-the-cuff remark – are what make a video go from good to great.

Now I’m curious: which format are you excited to try first? Maybe you’re itching to tell a spooky “did you know” tale, or perhaps you’ve got a top 5 list idea burning a hole in your brain. Give it a go! And if you do, let me know how it turns out. Drop a comment, send me a link, tag me – I’d love to see your creations. We’re all learning and riding this short-form wave together.

Lastly, if you haven’t already, do check out The Ultimate Guide to AI Viral Shorts. It’s our comprehensive pillar post that ties together all the tips (including some from this article) into a big-picture strategy. Trust me, it’s a coffee-break read that will level up your short-form game even further.

Happy creating, and may your next short video go mega-viral! 🚀

– Louis

FAQ: Top Formats for Viral Shorts

Q1: What is a “Did you know” short video format?
A: It’s a short-form video that starts with the phrase “Did you know…?” to hook viewers with a surprising fact or story. This format quickly presents an intriguing piece of information (often a fun fact, historical tidbit, or mini scary story) to grab attention. The payoff or explanation comes immediately after the hook, keeping the video brief and engaging. These videos leverage curiosity to make viewers stop scrolling and watch the whole story.

Q2: How do I create a viral Top-List (listicle) short video?
A: Keep it snappy and structured. First, choose a topic that fits a “Top X” list (e.g. top 5 travel tips, top 3 anime fights). Start the video by introducing the list topic in an exciting way, then count down the items with clear labels (using on-screen text like “#3”, “#2”, “#1”). Give a quick, valuable nugget of info for each item. The last item should be the most interesting or surprising. Use fast cuts or transitions to maintain momentum. End with a prompt like “Which one is your favorite?” to encourage engagement. This format works well because it builds anticipation and delivers multiple points of value in one video.

Q3: What does UGC mean in short videos, and why is it effective?
A: UGC stands for User-Generated Content. In the context of short videos, UGC-style means the video is made to look like content from a regular user rather than a polished ad or production. It often features a person talking casually about a product or experience (like a quick review or testimonial), filmed in a natural setting (home, car, etc.). It’s effective because it feels authentic – viewers perceive it as “real people sharing real opinions.” This builds trust. UGC videos often use a conversational tone, imperfections (ums, laughs, handheld camera), and a personal perspective (“I tried this and here’s what happened”), which resonate more with audiences than overt advertising.

Q4: Can I create short videos without showing my face or voice?
A: Absolutely. There are several faceless video formats that go viral. For example, you can do text-based storytelling (white text on a colored background or stock footage) with a voiceover – and that voiceover can be an AI voice or just text-to-speech if you prefer not to use your own voice. Formats like “Did you know” stories, listicle videos, and tutorials can all be made using captions, images or clips, and background music, with no need for a on-camera host. Many creators use tools (like AI video generators) to add subtitles, graphics, and royalty-free footage to create engaging faceless content. As long as the content is interesting (and ideally has captions for the sound-off viewers), you don’t need to appear on camera to rack up views.

Q5: How long should a viral short video be?
A: Most viral Shorts, Reels, and TikToks are under 60 seconds, and often in the 15–30 second range. That said, the optimal length is “as short as possible while still delivering value or entertainment.” You want to hook the viewer quickly (within the first 2–3 seconds) and keep the pacing tight so they watch till the end. If your content needs a bit more time (say a 45-second mini-story or a 60-second tutorial), that’s fine – just make sure every second counts. Watch-time and completion rate are key metrics: a 20-second video that people watch fully is better than a 60-second video where most drop off after 20 seconds. In summary, aim for brevity and impact. It’s often better to split a longer concept into a series of shorter videos than to cram too much into one.

Q6: How often should I post Shorts to improve my chances of going viral?
A: Consistency is important. Posting frequently (at least a few times a week, if not daily) increases your odds of hitting on a viral success, because each video is a new opportunity. Many successful short-form creators post daily or even multiple times a day. However, quality matters more than pure quantity – it’s better to maintain a schedule you can handle without the content suffering. A good approach is to start with 3-4 Shorts per week and see how the audience responds, then adjust. Regular posting also helps you learn (via feedback and analytics) what formats or topics resonate. Remember, the algorithms favor consistent engagement, so steady posting can keep you in the feed. But don’t spam low-effort videos; focus on delivering something valuable or entertaining each time. (For more tips on planning and consistency, check out our guide on Content Strategy for AI Shorts for a deeper discussion on scheduling and strategy.)