In today’s digital age, creating viral content has become the holy grail for marketers and content creators. The ability to create content that captures the attention of millions of people and spreads like wildfire across the internet can have a tremendous impact on an organization’s brand awareness and reach. However, creating viral content is no easy feat. IT requires a deep understanding of human psychology, social dynamics, and the ever-changing landscape of the internet. In this article, we will unravel some unbelievable secrets to creating viral content that will help you elevate your content game to the next level.
The Power of Emotion
One of the key factors that determine whether content goes viral is its ability to evoke strong emotions in the audience. Emotionally charged content tends to resonate more with people and has a higher likelihood of being shared. Whether it’s joy, awe, anger, or surprise, evoking a powerful emotional response can significantly increase the virality of your content.
For example, the “Dumb Ways to Die” campaign by Metro Trains in Melbourne, Australia, went viral because it used dark humor to convey a serious message about train safety. The catchy song and cute characters combined with the shocking and unexpected deaths made the video both entertaining and emotionally compelling, resulting in over 180 million views on YouTube and widespread media coverage.
Creative Storytelling
Storytelling has been a fundamental part of human culture since the beginning of time, and it continues to be a powerful tool for creating viral content. People are naturally drawn to stories because they provide a sense of connection and empathy. When crafting content, think about how you can tell a compelling story that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impression.
An excellent example of this is the “Like a Girl” campaign by Always, which challenged the negative connotations associated with doing things “like a girl.” The campaign featured a powerful video that told the stories of young girls and women who felt empowered by being strong, confident, and unapologetically themselves. The emotional storytelling struck a chord with millions of people, leading to over 90 million views on YouTube and a significant impact on the brand’s perception.
Surprise and Delight
Creating content that surprises and delights your audience can be a game-changer for virality. When people encounter something unexpected or exceptional, they are more likely to share it with others. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping stunt, a bizarre invention, or an out-of-the-box idea, tapping into the element of surprise can result in your content being shared far and wide.
A classic example of this is the “Will It Blend?” video series by Blendtec, where the CEO Tom Dickson blends unusual items like iPhones, golf balls, and even a rake. The sheer shock value and entertainment factor of watching everyday objects being pulverized in a blender captured the curiosity of millions of viewers and earned the brand viral fame.
Timing Is Everything
Timing plays a crucial role in the virality of content. Keeping an eye on current events, trends, and cultural moments can help you capitalize on the right timing to make your content go viral. Whether it’s capitalizing on a trending hashtag, referencing a popular meme, or capitalizing on a global event, aligning your content with what’s top of mind for your audience can significantly increase its potential for virality.
A notable example of this is the “Oreo Super Bowl Blackout” tweet during the 2013 Super Bowl when the power went out in the stadium. Oreo seized the moment with a cleverly crafted tweet that said, “Power Out? No Problem. You can still dunk in the dark.” The tweet quickly went viral, capitalizing on the immediate and unexpected blackout, and earned significant attention for the brand.
The Power of Community
Creating content that resonates with a specific community or subculture can amplify its potential for virality. When people feel seen, heard, and understood, they are more likely to rally around and share content that represents their interests, values, and beliefs. By tapping into niche communities, you can create content that fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, leading to increased engagement and sharing.
A great example of this is the “It Gets Better Project,” which was started by Dan Savage to support LGBTQ+ youth who were struggling with bullying and discrimination. The project encouraged people to share their stories of hope and resilience, creating a supportive community and igniting a global movement of solidarity and acceptance.
Optimizing for Sharing
When creating content with the goal of virality, it’s essential to optimize it for sharing across various platforms. This includes crafting attention-grabbing headlines, using compelling visuals, and making it easy for people to share the content with their networks. Incorporating social sharing buttons, creating bite-sized content for social media, and leveraging interactive elements can all contribute to the virality of your content.
For instance, Buzzfeed’s Tasty videos are designed specifically for social sharing, with quick and visually appealing recipe videos that are optimized for the platform. The mouthwatering visuals and easy-to-follow instructions make it easy for viewers to share the content with their friends and family, leading to widespread engagement and reach.
Closing Thoughts
Creating viral content is a combination of art and science, requiring a deep understanding of human behavior, storytelling, and digital dynamics. By tapping into the power of emotion, storytelling, surprise, timing, community, and sharing optimization, you can increase your chances of creating content that spreads like wildfire across the internet. While there’s no guaranteed formula for virality, incorporating these secrets into your content strategy can significantly elevate your chances of creating content that resonates with the masses.
FAQs
How do you define viral content?
Viral content refers to a piece of media, such as a video, image, or article, that spreads rapidly and widely across the internet through social sharing and word-of-mouth. It typically garners a large volume of views, engagement, and shares within a short period, often propelled by its emotional appeal, entertainment value, or relevancy to current events.
What are the key ingredients for creating viral content?
The key ingredients for creating viral content include evoking strong emotions, crafting compelling stories, delivering surprise and delight, capitalizing on timing, connecting with specific communities, and optimizing for social sharing across platforms. By incorporating these elements into your content strategy, you can increase the likelihood of your content going viral.
Is there a guaranteed formula for creating viral content?
While there’s no foolproof formula for creating viral content, understanding the psychology of sharing, staying attuned to cultural trends, and tapping into the power of human emotion can significantly increase the potential for virality. Ultimately, creating viral content requires a combination of creativity, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of your target audience.
How can I measure the virality of my content?
The virality of content can be measured through various metrics, including the number of views, shares, likes, comments, and engagement it receives across different platforms. Additionally, tracking the reach and impact of your content, monitoring social media mentions and trends, and analyzing the sentiment around your content can provide insights into its virality.
Are there any tools or resources to help create viral content?
There are numerous tools and resources available to help creators and marketers enhance their content’s potential for virality. These include social media analytics tools, content planning and scheduling platforms, creative design software, and influencer marketing platforms. Additionally, partnering with agencies or services like backlink works who specialize in content amplification and distribution can support your efforts in creating and promoting viral content.
Creating viral content is a coveted achievement in the digital landscape, and while there’s no guaranteed recipe for virality, understanding the secrets and strategies behind creating content that resonates with audiences can significantly increase your chances of making an impact. By tapping into the power of emotion, storytelling, surprise, timing, community, and sharing optimization, you can elevate your content game and aspire to create content that captivates the masses.
