1 – Don’t mention the app’s name
Show the app in action, but never say its name or explain how to find it. That way, it looks natural and makes people curious enough to ask about it.
The goal is to spark FOMO so viewers start commenting “what’s the app?” Because you never mention it directly, the video feels less like an ad.
Whenever a post takes off, use a secondary account to drop a “What’s the app?” comment yourself, then pin it on Instagram to max out engagement.
2 – “Forgetting” the link
Tell people “link below” or “link in bio,” but don’t add the link right away. As the video blows up, people will go wild in the comments saying the link isn’t there. Let the hype grow before finally dropping the link.
3 – User input for customized app output
Color Analysis (tt@coloranalyses) pulled this off really well. The idea is to share certain answer combos from the app that lead to a clear result.
Since viewers can’t see their own combo, it makes them want recognition, so they jump into the comments to ask for theirs.
Example: A – blue eyes, A – blonde hair, C – pale skin = AAC = “Bright Summer Palette.” Most people naturally think about themselves first.
4 – Intentionally saying something wrong
In a WhatColors (tt@whatcolors.fashion) video, the creator claimed “Billie Eye-Lash” was wearing a green shirt, even though it was clearly blue.
That mistake sparked an instant need to correct him, playing into viewers’ urge to show what they know. The comments filled up fast with people pointing it out.
5 – Writing with typos
Just like making a mistake, you can misspell a word on purpose. This sparks the same reaction as before, since people can’t resist correcting it. Let the grammar purists flood the comments.
6 – Doing math wrong
Nothing triggers people more than obviously wrong math. This account gets all its views by intentionally messing up math problems.
7 – Adding an “irrelevant” detail in the video
TogetherKeys (tt@togetherkeys1) shows off keychain holders but slips in Ferrari and Porsche keys to catch attention and spark comments.
Viewers can’t help but notice and call it out. It’s a smart move, especially with a steady format behind it.
They nailed a format that works and leveled it up by adding small but striking details like this.
8 – Self-categorization
Color Widgets (@color.widgets) posts slideshows of different app aesthetics with the question “Which one are you?”
It taps into self-identification, using categories like zodiac signs, vibes, and palettes. Just like astrology slideshows, people jump in the comments to say what fits them, and it naturally drives shares.
If you spot your friend’s sign, you’ll want to send it their way. Let people claim their identity.
9 – Share an exclusive, not available feature of your app
SUSH (tt@sush_app) nails this strategy by showing a feature that needs a code but never giving the code out.
Viewers get impatient and fill the comments asking for it. This trick only works if the app is already popular in the target community.
10 – Cognitive challenge
Question AI (@question.ai.mathworld) shares math quizzes that spark instant engagement.
People jump in to show off their skills, earn recognition, and argue over the right answer.
11 – Forget a category
Just like the “forget the link” trick, you can skip a whole category. Astrology slideshows do this by leaving out one or two signs on purpose.
Roughly one in twelve viewers will feel left out and jump into the comments with, “What about me?”.
12 – Replying to
Replying to comments with follow-up posts works really well on TikTok.
Viewers notice when you answer others, and it makes them comment their own requests, hoping you’ll pick them too.
13 – Referral code
Glam Up pulled this off by launching an app that gives users credits for referrals. Aimed at teenage girls who rarely spend money, it pushes them to return to the video and drop their codes.
Some even comment their codes on every post.
14 – Waitlist or gated app
Lots of apps have used this strategy, especially social apps before launch.
You tease a wild new app, people rush to the App Store, find a waitlist, then return to comment that it’s not live or that they need a code.
Even if the app isn’t that exciting, this still works if the video blows up and sparks FOMO.
15 – Random detail on the face
This trick shows up a lot with male creators who put something random on their face but act like nothing’s there.
That small detail becomes a visual hook and drives comments. Even tiny touches can push a video viral.
16 – Comment “X” to get
A strategy long used on LinkedIn and Instagram is shifting to TikTok as DMs get better.
It works great for lead magnets, building email lists, developer tools, and prosumer products.
17 – Overly AI-generated face shots
One app pulled in more than 200M views with this strategy. While some videos might have had ad spend behind them, plenty blew up on their own.
The comments centered on the AI person in the opening shot, building an engagement loop that pushed the videos viral.
18 – Fake discount
The fake big-discount trick drives curiosity. Viewers try it out, then rush to comment, “It really works.”
Fresh viewers spot those comments and jump in too, fueled by FOMO.
19 – Hook starting with “Am I the only one that…”
This type of hook hits on a shared problem and kicks off big conversations.
Viewers jump in to comment, whether they agree or want to argue against it.
20 – Hide and reveal
Hide a detail in the background, then reveal it later to hold attention.
Boost comments by adding a cue like “Who do you think will win the elections?”
21 – Concealing app with phone notification
This tactic pulled 11.5M views on a very first video. The app was hidden in a sneaky phone notification, which sparked comments during viral skits.
When a comment ranks at the top, new viewers notice the notification and also a reply like, “TELL ME HOW TO MAKE MONEY REVIEWING SONGS.”
22 – Random Chrome tabs open
Small details can make a video blow up. Show your web app in Chrome with odd or funny tabs open, like “X’s foot fetish” or “how to goon.”
People rush to the comments, convinced you left them open by mistake.
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