Have you ever watched a video and thought how it became so popular?
Some videos, like funny clips, an impressive stunt, a great recipe, or an emotional moment, become the talk of the internet, while others barely make a dent.
While luck may be playing a role here, there is also an art and science behind creating viral content. When you understand the elements and make shareable content, you can also increase your chances of going viral.
Let’s take a look at some of the key elements that go into the recipe for a perfect viral video.
Strong Emotional Pull
As humans, emotions drive us! People are more likely to share something when it evokes strong feelings- those emotions could be laughter, awe, surprise, or even anger.
A viral video is not just intended to entertain; it also brings out your emotions.
Here are some emotional triggers:
- Humor- Funny videos are the most shared online. A viral skit or meme that leaves you laughing out loud has a higher shareability potential. You may also see relatable content that is also hilarious and you may be tempted to share it with others who can also relate to it.
- Inspiration and awe- Videos that inspire- like someone achieving a remarkable feat or a random act of kindness
- Shock or surprise– Sometimes, the element of surprise is enough to get people talking- like a bizarre situation or a shocking stunt.
Understanding emotions that appeal to your audience may help you in creating viral content. However, it is important to be careful, particularly when dealing with negative emotions. Controversy may boost shares, but if not handled sensitively, it may backfire too.
The Impact of Visuals
We live in a visual world, and a strong visual element is usually the focal point of viral videos. These could include an unexpected moment caught on camera, a fun animation, a stunning landscape, etc.
Here are some types of visually engaging content.
- Short, bite-sized videos that are easy to see and share
- An unconventional shot or angle that leaves the audience hooked
- A striking infographic or image that instantly grabs attention or is perceived to be very valuable
The Aspects of Relatability and Shareability
People also like to share content that reflects their experiences, desires, or thoughts. If your videos show a widely shared experiences or tap into a common sentiment, it has a greater chance of going viral.
Here are some relatable themes
- Memes– relatable, fun to see, and easy to share
- Life hacks or solutions– practical tips that make life easier
- Shared experiences- Relatable content like the ups and downs of parenting struggles with work-from-home dynamics! It may also include dealing with a global crisis that many can understand and relate to
When your content is more relatable, it helps you boost your engagement and form a personal connection. People do not just watch- if they like it, they will be more eager to share it with others.
The Importance of Timing
You may have noticed that some videos go viral because they leverage the timing. Making great content is good, but if you post it at the right moment, you have the perfect recipe for success.
This would require keeping an eye on trends, current events, and even viral challenges that are exploding on the internet at a certain time.
Here is how you can use timing to your advantage.
- Leverage a trending topic, like making content on a current event, a trending hashtag, or a pop culture moment.
- Make content on a cultural moment like a global event or a popular holiday
- Post regularly and make use of the trends or popular topics to build a following that also likes to engage actively.
Attractive Narrative Structure
At times, a video becomes viral because it tells a great story! As humans, we are wired to react and respond to stories. It is because they tend to engage us emotionally and are easy to follow as well.
So, when you tell a story in your video, you make it more memorable and shareable as people become invested in your narrative.
Here are some key elements of a good story:
- Make a clear story with a problem and a solution- it should have an introduction, conflict, and resolution
- Make your characters relatable and authentic as people connect with real people and not just an abstract concept
- Incorporate an emotional payoff- something that leaves people feeling good, inspired, or surprised.
Good storytelling will always turn a simple video into an experience that people will remember and also like to share.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, creating a viral video requires understanding the right ingredients. While incorporating these in your content as you deem fit can boost your chances of making a video viral, it also depends on how easy you make it for your viewers to share.
You must ensure that your video is optimized for social media, includes share buttons and also encourages viewers to tag their friends.
When you have the right combination of content elements, your videos may have a strong chance of going viral. So, put your creative boots on, think strategically, and see how your videos spread across the internet.