Let’s begin with the definition.
Many describe viral videos as content with lots of views in a short period. That’s true but misleading. Viral videos can continue to get views long after the initial distribution period ends. Think “evergreen.” A true viral video gets shared instead of just viewed.
This is what creates the prolonged bumps in views over time. People view it and then feel obliged to share it with like-minded individuals. Psychologically, there are many reasons this occurs. And you can leverage these reasons when creating your videos.
Read Also: 7 Ways of Earning Money by Uploading Videos on YouTube
Table of Contents
Top 5 Strategies for Crafting Viral Videos
Virality isn’t just about a burst of views at launch but rather about sustained engagement over time, making the content evergreen. In this blog post, we have explored the science behind viral videos and useful tips for making your video unique.
1. Relatability
People share content that resonates with them on a personal level. “Everyone is unique, just like us,” goes the comedic saying. The key is to find something universally relatable while making it feel personal. Your content should help your audience see themselves.
Leverage Shared Experiences
- Think about your specific audience—maybe it’s soccer moms over 40 who love half-marathons and organic food.
- Highlight the chaos of juggling too many tasks at once rather than making fun of them. That’s something almost everyone can relate to.
Spotlight Everyday Moments
- Some of the most shareable content comes from small, overlooked experiences.
- Consider business content; ever hit “Send” on an email only to discover you forgot the attachment? It’s a tiny moment, but we’ve all been there.
Make It Share-Worthy
- Whether through humor, storytelling, or a clever visual, find a way to bring these moments to life.
- If your content speaks to your audience, they will not just laugh—they will click share.
2. Shock Factor
People share shocking things as long as the shock doesn’t offend or disgust them. Surprise is a cousin of shock and also works well. Surprises can be beautiful or amazing and don’t have to be over-the-top. For example, many videos of people being surprised by marriage proposals go viral because they’re heartwarming and surprising.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, an old man getting kicked in the head by a wayward soccer ball is odd enough to be shocking but not offensive or disgusting. Use shock and surprise carefully, though. They must support your brand message and call to action and not overshadow them. Otherwise, people may share your video but not understand how it relates to what you do. If your video is confusing, it won’t lead to new customers.
3. Timeliness
People tend to share content that connects to what’s happening right now or has just recently unfolded. Big news events drive spikes in viewership across all types of media, and each major story brings along smaller, related stories. These moments create great opportunities to tie your content into the broader conversation.
Leverage Current Events
- Spot trending subjects and figure out how naturally you may include them in your content.
- Keep up with news that resonates with your audience’s interests.
Be Tactful and Authentic
- Avoid taking advantage of tragedies or crises just for engagement.
- Make sure your content adds value rather than simply chasing trends.
Example: The Hollywood Writers’ Strike
- During the Hollywood writers’ strike, everyday discussions revolved around topics like
- The emergence of streaming services and their consequences
- Whether the quality of television shows was declining
- The shift in the movie industry and the flood of superhero films
A great video idea could be someone venting about having to sit through yet another X-Men movie—this setup could spark plenty of funny and timely content.
4. Trendy
People share things that are on trend even if they don’t personally relate to the trend or haven’t adopted it themselves. Trends often fall into categories such as fashion, music, technology, and food. But trends can also be behaviors, activities, or philosophies — for example, work-life balance, meditation, or van life. Trends sometimes emerge from news events, but not always.
For example, faux hawks in haircutting have come and gone without any relation to the news. TikTok, as a social media platform, is a trend as well as a trending behavior — short-form video content is not new, but the current rise of its consumption on mobile devices makes now a trending time for it as a platform. Examine trends affecting your audience — what are they consuming, how are they living? You don’t have to jump on a trend, but doing so in a unique way can get you noticed.
5. Boosting Initial Momentum for Virality
On sites like YouTube for videos, initial impressions and early traction rule everything. Purchasing views, likes, and subscribers will help YouTube’s algorithm to be triggered, therefore increasing the likelihood of a recommendation for your video. The platform gives content that seems to be a top priority, so naturally, increasing interaction will assist your videos in breaking through the initial visibility barrier.
Real users are more inclined to participate, share, and drive it forward once it begins acquiring organic traction. Many viral phenomena began with a calculated effort to build momentum, landing on trending sites and recommended feeds. Purchasing engagement applied sensibly might be the hidden weapon to make your video stand out in a crowded environment.
Conclusion
Making viral videos requires knowledge of human psychology and the use of relatability, shock, timeliness, and trends—not just chance. By deliberately increasing the starting momentum, you raise your chances of breaking through the noise. Focus on relevant content, and your video could well go viral right away.
Read Next: Best Ways of Using Slideshow videos in digital marketing
