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What are the 3 Formats That Actually Drive Results

Improve the effectiveness of your campaigns and convert better

This Week's Newsletter Includes:

✅ The 3 formats that convert the best
✅ The psychology behind high converting formats
✅ Access to the IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST
✅ Access to our internal tracking tool we’ve used to gain 500M+ views

Most brands throw content at TikTok hoping something converts. But after analyzing thousands of viral videos, three formats consistently outperform everything else.

Here's what actually works and why.

🔧 FORMAT #1: UTILITY-FOCUSED CONTENT

The Problem-Solver Format

What It Is: Content that solves a real problem in under 60 seconds. Think life hacks, tutorials, or quick fixes that provide immediate value.

Why It Works:

  • TikTok's algorithm loves content with high completion rates

  • Users save utility content more than any other format

  • Creates genuine value exchange with your audience

  • Builds trust through helpful actions, not just promises

The Formula:

  1. Hook with the problem (0-3 seconds): "You gave up on [specific pain point] until I found this..."

  2. Promise the solution (3-5 seconds): "Here's what actually works..."

  3. Deliver step-by-step (5-45 seconds): Show, don't just tell

  4. Reinforce the benefit (45-60 seconds): "Now you'll never [pain point] again"

Actionable Strategy: Map out your audience's daily frustrations. What takes them 10 minutes that you can solve in 60 seconds? The more specific the problem, the more viral the solution.

Pro Tip: The best utility content feels accidental. Present solutions like happy discoveries, not corporate tutorials.

@adrianna.myfig

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💭 FORMAT #2: EMOTIONAL STORYTELLING

The Relatability Engine

What It Is: Personal narratives that tap into universal experiences, struggles, or "that's so me" moments. Not your brand story—your audience's story.

Why It Works:

  • Creates parasocial connection through shared experience

  • Triggers the urge to comment and share personal stories

  • Higher emotional engagement = higher algorithm prioritization

  • Builds community around common struggles

The Narrative Arc:

  1. Relatable setup (0-5 seconds): "Why do..."

  2. The struggle/drama (5-30 seconds): The messy middle

  3. The revelation/outcome (30-50 seconds): What changed

  4. Universal truth (50-60 seconds): Why this matters to everyone

Emotional Triggers That Work:

  • Imposter syndrome moments

  • Awkward social situations

  • Work/life balance struggles

  • Family dynamics

  • Self-discovery realizations

  • "Everyone else vs. me" scenarios

Actionable Strategy: Create a "feelings bank"—collect emotional moments your target audience experiences. The more specific the emotion, the more universal it feels.

Warning: Avoid trauma dumping or oversharing. The goal is connection, not therapy.

@ananya.girlhacks

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🎭 FORMAT #3: MEME-BASED & TREND-DRIVEN

The Native Content Format

What It Is: Content that feels like it was born on TikTok. Uses trending sounds, formats, or cultural moments in ways that feel natural, not forced.

Why It Works:

  • Rides existing algorithm momentum from trending elements

  • Feels native to the platform (doesn't scream "brand content")

  • Easy for users to participate in or riff on

  • Creates immediate familiarity and comfort

The Trend Adaptation Framework:

  1. Identify the core emotion of the trending format

  2. Map to your audience's experience with that same emotion

  3. Adapt without copying - same feeling, different context

  4. Add your unique angle - what perspective only you can bring

Smart Trend Participation:

  • Jump on trends in their growth phase, not peak phase

  • Adapt the format, don't just copy the execution

  • Your version should feel authentic to your brand voice

  • If you're explaining the meme, you're too late

Actionable Strategy: Set up trend monitoring systems:

  • Daily check of TikTok's Discover page

  • Follow trend-tracking accounts in your niche

  • Monitor what your competitors are adapting (then do it better)

  • Track sounds before they peak

@bia.chats

how would i respond to this?? #funny #storytelling #creativewriting #unhinged #aichat

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR STRATEGY

Start With Format, Then Fill Content Most creators do this backwards. Pick your format first based on your goal: utility for expertise, storytelling for connection, trends for reach. Then create content that fits the format perfectly.

The 80/20 Rule of Content Types Allocate your content: 40% utility (builds authority), 40% emotional storytelling (builds community), 20% trend participation (builds reach). Adjust based on your current growth phase.

Native Over Polished TikTok punishes content that feels too produced. All three formats work because they feel authentic to the platform. Your iPhone camera often outperforms your production budget.

📊 IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST

This Week:

  • [ ] Audit your last 20 posts - which format performed best?

  • [ ] Create a problem bank: List 10 pain points your audience faces

  • [ ] Set up trend monitoring workflow

  • [ ] Plan next week's content using the 80/20 allocation

This Month:

  • [ ] Test all three formats with consistent posting

  • [ ] Track which format drives the most meaningful engagement for your goals

  • [ ] Build templates for your top-performing format

  • [ ] Create a content bank for quick trend adaptation

Got questions about implementing these formats? Hit reply - we read every response and use your feedback to shape future insights.

🚨 Pro Tip: Use a tool like Trackr to create a collection of competitors to save viral formats to use for your own UGC campaign!

Screenshot from a Collection in Trackr

Use Trackr to analyze competitors and track their save rates to leverage into your own app. Here’s how you do it.