15 viral short videos made by travel apps
Short videos can help your travel app grow fast. These clips show what works—stunning destinations, travel tips, and bucket list moments.
Want to try it for your app? Let's do it.
Napolify's Resources
- More than 500 viral content pieces analyzed
- Case Studies of viral accounts (Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook)
- Free Marketing Tools & Calculators
- Latest Tiktok Trends
More blog posts
- Viral marketing trends for travel apps
- Viral social media strategies for travel apps
- Viral marketing strategies for travel apps
Budget Paradise Pt.2, 27M+ views
This TikTok video from Trip.com nails the hook right away with "Cheapest places to travel when you're young & broke Pt.2." The "Pt.2" creates curiosity about what came before and builds anticipation for what's next.
The video moves fast through stunning clips of Thailand - crystal-clear water, scenic boat rides, feeding elephants from hotel rooms. Each scene lasts just a second or two, perfect for TikTok's short attention spans. What makes this work is the constant overlay of specific costs: "Activities: $5-30," "Food: $1-3," "Hotel: $15-30." People can actually use this information.
The magic happens in how it solves the aspiration-affordability problem. You see these incredible experiences that look expensive, then immediately learn they're surprisingly cheap. That "I can actually do this!" feeling hits hard and drives people to save the video for later trip planning. It's one of the classic viral formats we have noticed.
The upbeat music keeps the vibe positive while viewers mentally plan their escape. People probably comment with questions about specific locations or tag friends saying "we should go here!" The combination of beautiful visuals with concrete, low-cost data makes exotic travel feel accessible, which is exactly what the target audience wants to hear.
@trip.com Cheapest places to travel when you are young and broke🏝Cr:@sunny_rung @skygoesplaces @mettaharaa @armypalakorn IG@rikkicarmen #traveltiktok #cheaptravel #thailand ♬ original sound - Trip.com
Culture Shock, 1.9M+ views
This TikTok from Fairytrail App hooks viewers with "3 CULTURE SHOCKS I had as an European visiting The U.S." The number creates a clear curiosity gap - people want to see all three examples.
The creator plays both tourist and waitress, which adds a creative element that stands out.
The first shock about free refills gets an exaggerated reaction ("Yeah, right," then "Really?!") that amplifies the humor.
The second shock about egg customization throws the tourist into such confusion she just leaves ("Thank you, bye"), which is relatable for anyone who's been overwhelmed by too many choices.
The third shock is more subtle - the waitress looking puzzled at a coin, likely about tipping culture or sales tax. This ambiguity actually helps engagement because people rewatch to figure out what the third shock was.
The humor works because these cultural differences are presented as harmless but absurd. Europeans watching feel validated, Americans laugh at seeing their customs from an outside perspective. This creates robust comment sections with people sharing their own cultural confusion stories or explaining their customs to others.
@fairytrailapp What cultural differences have you experienced?🤔 (credits: @Brenden Guy) #culturedifferences #cultureshock #travel #usa #europe ♬ Wii Shop Channel - McTweet
Decoding the Disney Dream Food Frenzy, 6.2M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Expedia showcases "Everything We Ate in a Day on the Disney Dream" with rapid-fire food content that keeps viewers glued.
The hook comes early with a "pro tip" about Mickey churro waffles only being available on the last day of the cruise. This insider knowledge feels exclusive and creates FOMO.
The video doesn't just show food - it builds a narrative of a special experience. Disney and Marvel IP alone brings massive, emotionally connected audiences.
The cruise setting suggests luxury and special occasions, making it highly aspirational.
What drives retention is the constant visual stimulation. Every few seconds there's a new themed food item or environment - from waffles to burgers to elaborate sundaes.
The relatability woven in ("one cup of coffee wasn't enough," "couldn't decide on one dessert") humanizes the creators even amid the Disney magic.
The direct call to action ("What would you eat first?") encourages comments, but the real engagement driver was probably the pronunciation quirks that triggered correction comments and rewatches. People would share this because it combines actionable cruise tips with pure food indulgence fantasy.
Kyoto's Fleeting Beauty, 1.4M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Expedia opens with cherry blossoms framed through a traditional red Torii gate, immediately setting an emotional tone with "The beauty of spring in Kyoto, Japan 🌸."
The next 30 seconds deliver a rapid montage of quintessential Kyoto spring scenes - cherry blossoms lining canals, people strolling under flower canopies, a woman in kimono with a parasol. Each shot reinforces the "dream destination" narrative. This pattern keeps popping up in our breakdowns of viral content.
The overwhelming aesthetic appeal triggers genuine awe. Cherry blossoms in this density create visual overload that people want to share. Japan carries cultural mystique for many viewers, and the fleeting nature of sakura season adds perceived scarcity that enhances value.
The pacing uses quick cuts of 1-3 seconds per scene, creating a highlight reel effect that prevents boredom.
The gentle instrumental music enhances the dreamy atmosphere without distracting from the scenery. This content works because it's pure visual beauty with low cognitive load - easy to watch, consistently positive, and inherently shareable.
Monaco's Annual Supercar Yacht Spectacle, 2.1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Travel by Travly opens with "This guy does the most ridiculous flex you'll ever see" - a Ferrari F40 being craned onto a luxury yacht in Monaco.
The hook delivers immediately on an outrageous promise.
The video escalates by showing this happens annually during the Monaco Grand Prix, featuring different hypercars each year - a Bugatti Chiron, then a McLaren Solus GT ("only 25 exist in the world"). This progression keeps viewers wondering what comes next while establishing it as a recurring spectacle rather than a one-off stunt.
The jaw-dropping display of wealth triggers multiple reactions - aspiration, envy, sometimes outright disbelief. Craning multi-million dollar cars onto superyachts isn't just rich, it's almost absurdly opulent. This novelty drives curiosity and a desire to see the process unfold.
People would share this as social currency to get reactions from friends.
The comments naturally invite a wide range of opinions from admiration to criticism to humor.
The connection to the "Sprinter" album cover (Central Cee & Dave) added unexpected cultural relevance for music listeners, sparking additional recognition and discussion.
The "Dream Getaway", 1.2M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Travel by Travly starts with a POV of opening a gate, then reveals "This entire house is for you & your friends 😂." The immediate setup taps into the fantasy of luxury vacation with your social circle.
Quick cuts showcase attractive features - pristine pool, grand staircase, recreational room with ping pong table, and notably a bright yellow indoor spiral slide. That slide becomes the major "wow" factor that differentiates this property from standard luxury rentals.
The most significant virality driver comes from the caption strategy.
The top comment incentivizes people to comment "EVERMORE" for a 25% discount, directly manufacturing high comment volume. This engagement hack signals high user interest to the algorithm, prompting wider distribution.
The "friends" framing creates strong shareability - people send this to group chats saying "we need to do this!" The indoor slide adds memorable novelty that people want to discuss. For us, it looks very familiar, because it's a proven format we've documented many times.
The direct question "Would you stay here with your friends?" serves as secondary comment bait beyond the discount incentive.
The "Green Time" Digital Detox Dream, 4.5M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Expedia opens with breathtaking Yosemite Valley during golden hour, overlaid with "less screen time, more green time." The simple phrase provides powerful context that transforms pretty nature footage into a lifestyle statement.
The video transitions through a powerful waterfall with rainbow mist, giant sequoia groves, and El Capitan's granite face. These aren't generic landscapes - they're iconic "bucket list" destinations that trigger awe and wonder.
The magic happens in marrying text with visuals. Without the text, it's just nature footage. With it, the video becomes a call to action that validates widespread screen fatigue. This creates immediate emotional resonance and feeling of being understood.
The message "less screen time, more green time" taps directly into contemporary guilt about digital overwhelm. Viewers who feel this need get validation, prompting likes and affirmative comments.
The calming combination of natural sounds and serene visuals offers a micro-dose of the "green time" it advocates, creating positive feelings that encourage engagement.
The Accidental Oversleeper's Dream Commute, 18M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Booking.com starts with relatable panic - "When you take a nap at 2 but your flight boards at 2:15." The woman groggily removes her eye mask, sees she's late (laptop shows 2:27 PM), and rushes to grab her boarding pass.
The powerful pattern interrupt comes when she opens what looks like a hotel room door but steps directly into an airplane seat. This surprise is the single most significant virality factor - it shatters expectations and creates an inherently shareable "wait, what just happened?" moment.
The setup is perfectly relatable - the fear of missing a flight resonates widely. But the fantastical solution taps into wish-fulfillment fantasy: imagine if getting to your flight was this easy.
The brand integration feels organic because Booking.com becomes the hero that solves the problem rather than an intrusive ad.
The humor in her sleepy demeanor and the pun "Ms. Boo King" adds lighthearted tone. People would share this because of the unexpected, almost magical solution to a universally stressful situation. It's a recurring element we've seen in multiple viral case studies.
The Alpine Coaster Rush, 2.5M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Travel by Travly shows a woman on a red overhead rail system above a quarry with turquoise water.
The caption "I can feel the neck pain from here 😂🤣" immediately plants doubt and curiosity.
This caption is the masterstroke. It makes viewers watch more intently for signs of discomfort, increasing watch time.
The relatability of imagining jolting neck pain creates instant connection. More importantly, it's practically designed to generate comments - people want to agree, disagree, or share their own thrill ride experiences.
The woman's authentic reaction ("Oh shit! I'm actually really scared") followed by nervous laughter breaks the "invincible adventurer" stereotype. This vulnerability builds stronger connection than a stoic rider would.
The visual spectacle of the unique ride (not standard zipline or rollercoaster) combined with dramatic quarry scenery creates "wow" factor that stops scrolling. People would share this asking friends "would you dare?" or saying "we have to do this!" The provocative caption turns passive viewing into active mental and comment participation.
The Booking Blunder and Blissful Bailout, 5.5M+ views
This TikTok from Booking.com opens with a woman in distress, staring at her phone with text "POV: you realize you've booked the hotel in Paris, TEXAS not France..." The frantic music mirrors her internal panic as she hastily throws clothes into a suitcase.
The critical turning point comes with "You remember Booking.com has free cancellation." Her entire demeanor shifts instantly - the chaotic music cuts to upbeat Kylie Minogue, and she breaks into celebratory dance. This sharp emotional contrast creates powerful cathartic release.
The brand integration feels organic because Booking.com becomes the problem solver, not an intrusive advertiser.
The dramatic music shift isn't just accompaniment - it actively drives the emotional whiplash that makes the relief palpable and the humor pronounced.
The initial scenario taps into a relatable fear of making a significant booking error. People probably comment with their own similar travel mishaps or express how they'd react.
The exaggerated panic followed by pure elation creates a satisfying mini-story that people want to share for the emotional journey alone.
@bookingcom Who knew there was a Paris in Texas?! We did... of course. #travel #traveltok #vacation ♬ original sound - jennawill
The Cliffside Tumble, 8M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Vacation | Travel Memes shows a woman posing stylishly on a rock, blowing a kiss for the camera. When she tries to adjust her pose, she loses footing and tumbles down a steep, rocky slope for a considerable distance.
The shock value and schadenfreude drive virality. Viewers go from watching a common tourist activity to witnessing a dangerous accident.
The ironic twist - pursuing the perfect pose creates chaotic, uncontrolled, and far more captivating content - appeals to people's enjoyment of misfortune linked to perceived vanity.
The suspense of the unresolved outcome fuels engagement.
The video cuts while she's still rolling, creating a cliffhanger that compels viewers to seek answers in comments. This uncertainty generates massive speculation and discussion about what happened next.
The camera operator's decision to keep filming and follow her descent prolongs the dramatic action, emphasizing the severity. This sustained visual makes the event more memorable and shareable, while also fueling debate about filming ethics versus helping, adding another engagement layer.
The Road Trip Cat-astrophe, 3.1M+ views
This TikTok from Trip.com uses cat memes to represent a road trip dynamic. On the left, different cats represent "me" (the passenger) going through phases - excited, asking for bluetooth, dancing, eating snacks, sleeping, wanting to pee. On the right, the "boyfriend" cat always shows "focus on driving."
The profound relatability of the passenger-driver dynamic creates immediate connection. Many viewers, especially in relationships, recognize this exact scenario.
The time progression ("10 min later," "30 min later") creates anticipation - people want to see what the passenger cat does next.
Each cat meme has established comedic value (pop cat for demanding, dancing cat for playful, snoring cat for tired), offering constant visual novelty within a familiar framework.
The sound design perfectly matches emotions - explicit Spanish song, snoring sounds, confused "huh?" - amplifying the humor.
People would comment by tagging partners ("this is so us!") or sharing their own road trip experiences.
The running gag of the boyfriend always staying focused makes the passenger's escalating antics funnier by contrast. This creates a complete emotional journey that mirrors real long-drive dynamics.
@trip.com POV: going on a road trip with your boyfriend🚘 Which type are you 🤣 #tripcom #catmeme #travel #fyp #couple #lol #funny ♬ original sound - Trip.com
The Solo Traveler's Social Proof, 1.1M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Expedia starts with "traveling solo is lonely" then immediately counters with a montage of friendly hotel staff, enthusiastic local women waving, students at a train station, and the protagonist dancing with others and sharing experiences.
The effective use of cognitive dissonance drives engagement.
The initial statement sets up a common fear, then rapid visual evidence contradicts this stereotype. Viewers who fear loneliness in solo travel get compelling proof otherwise, creating a satisfying narrative where a perceived negative gets overcome.
The quick cuts through diverse, positive scenes maintain high visual interest and prevent drop-off. Each clip efficiently delivers its "proof" - from spontaneous connections to shared adventures like jumping off a pier or clinking drinks with new friends.
The content taps into social validation needs by normalizing solo travel and showing easy connection-making. People probably share their own positive solo experiences or express newfound desire to try it.
The aspirational beautiful locations combined with natural-seeming interactions makes the narrative feel both amazing and achievable.
The Timeless Allure of Sommarøy, 4.5M+ views
This TikTok from Trip.com opens with an intriguing hook: "This is the only island in the world where time doesn't exist!" This creates immediate curiosity gap that compels viewers to understand how such a place could be real.
The video reveals Sommarøy in Northern Norway experiences 69 days of continuous sun in summer and months of darkness in winter. Visual transition from dark winter scenes to lush green summer landscape effectively illustrates this contrast while maintaining engagement.
The core appeal taps into universal desire for escapism. Phrases like "here clocks don't matter," "no fixed schedules, no stress, just pure freedom" directly address modern anxieties. Showing people painting houses at 2 AM or swimming at midnight visually reinforces this liberating concept.
The stunning cinematography featuring dramatic landscapes, the iconic Sommarøy Bridge, pristine beaches, and vibrant Northern Lights provides continuous visual feast.
The claim of "most beautiful Aurora island in the world" adds exceptionalism. People would share this because it presents a unique, almost fantastical concept about different ways of living, supported by breathtaking visuals.
@trip.com 🌍✨ Welcome to Sommarøy, the island where time doesn't exist! Located in Northern Norway, enjoy endless summer sun and epic winter Northern Lights. 🌞🌌 Live free—no clocks, no stress. Paint, swim, and relax anytime! 🏡🏊♂️ Could you live without time? ⏳💭 #Sommarøy #TimelessIsland #ArcticVibes#travel #islands #tripcom ♬ original sound - Trip.com
Zanzibar, 2.5M+ views
This TikTok from Trip.com starts with a woman on a traditional sailing boat in crystal-clear turquoise water.
The text "This is not the Maldives" immediately creates pattern interrupt and curiosity gap - people familiar with tropical imagery often assume such scenes are the Maldives.
The strategic tease continues with "This is..." before revealing Zanzibar with the Tanzanian flag. This payoff satisfies because it introduces a potentially less recognized but equally stunning alternative to an overexposed destination.
The rapid-fire clips showcase diverse Zanzibar beauty - beach swings under rock formations, floating in clear water, swimming with sea turtles, walking toward breathtaking sunsets. Each scene reinforces the location while the upbeat music enhances joy and escapism feelings.
The initial hook challenges assumptions and promises novel discovery. Presenting Zanzibar as an equally beautiful, perhaps less saturated alternative gives viewers a sense of discovering a "hidden gem." This triggers comments about adding Zanzibar to travel lists and motivates shares as travel suggestions to friends seeking alternatives to mainstream destinations.
@trip.com Add Zanzibar to your summer travel bucket list 🏝Cr:@ieva - travel photographer #zanzibar #travel2023 #thisisnotmaldives #fyp #maldives ♬ original sound - Trip.com
Napolify's Resources
- More than 500 viral content pieces analyzed
- Case Studies of viral accounts (Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook)
- Free Marketing Tools & Calculators
- Latest Tiktok Trends
More blog posts
- Viral marketing trends for travel apps
- Viral social media strategies for travel apps
- Viral marketing strategies for travel apps