Going viral has become the holy grail of social media. Many of us believe that once we create a great video, we’ll post it and BOOM! It’ll go viral. We all dream of creating that one post, video, or tweet that will blow up and get shared by millions. However, this might sound great in theory, but it’s not a realistic goal for growing your business. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why going viral is so hard to achieve.
First of all, let’s define what we mean by “going viral.” Going viral refers to a piece of content, whether it’s a video, image, or article, that spreads rapidly and widely across the internet, garnering millions of views, shares, and comments.
Why is it so hard to go viral?
Going viral doesn’t solely depend on how good your content is. You could have the best video but only get a few likes. It mostly has to do with the algorithm, and it’s not easy to get a lot of shares, especially if you have a small following or anything less than 10k. It’s mostly bigger accounts on social platforms that continue to do well as they already have the necessary amount of people, and even if a small number of them share, like, or comment, it’s much more likely to go viral.
The second reason going viral is difficult is that it’s unpredictable. There’s no surefire way to guarantee that a piece of content will go viral. Sure, there are certain types of content that tend to do well, such as funny videos, heartwarming stories, or controversial topics, but even then, there’s no guarantee. There are plenty of hilarious videos that never take off, just as there are plenty of controversial articles that don’t gain traction.
Ways to increase the chances of your content going viral:
1. Make sure you evoke emotions
Almost all content that has gone viral has evoked emotions that drive viewers to like, comment, or share it. If it were just a video or a white wall, it is very unlikely that it would go viral. Often, it can be a topic of debate. According to Harvard Business Review, the emotions that make marketing campaigns go viral include curiosity, amazement, interest, astonishment, and uncertainty.
2. Encourage sharing
This is one of the most critical aspects of helping your posts go viral. Without being shared through messages or on others’ feed, it will be challenging to reach a wider range of people. Make sure your post is public and shareable to encourage others to share it.
3. Time your post correctly
The audience and purpose of each social platform are unique. There is a vital role for every platform in the social media ecosystem. Determine which platforms your target audience spends the most time on, and after narrowing down your target audience, create a digital journey for your brand’s customers.
Once you have determined where your audience is most engaged, determine when they are most active. Posting at optimal times can help your content stand out in crowded feeds. You can find the best times to post on social media in our blog.
4. Use trending music, if possible, especially for Reels and TikTok
Trending music can be an easy way to engage different audiences even without using all the tactics listed above. Once you add a viral soundtrack to your reel on Instagram, others can see it when looking at that music track and the reels that used it.
5. Creativity and originality
Creativity and originality are crucial elements for any business that wants to stand out in a crowded marketplace. With so much competition, it’s essential to bring something new and unique to the table. By showcasing your creativity and originality, you can set yourself apart from the competition and create a distinctive brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Ultimately, businesses that prioritize creativity and originality are more likely to succeed in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world.
What else can you do?
You can invest in paid advertising to amplify your content’s reach and increase its chances of going viral. While organic reach on social media can be limited, paid advertising allows you to target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring that your content is seen by the right people. Plus, many social media platforms offer cost-effective advertising options, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to advertise. Just remember to create compelling ad content that captures your audience’s attention and encourages them to engage with your brand. With the right strategy, paid advertising can be a powerful tool to boost your content’s visibility and achieve your social media goals.
When it comes to businesses and B2B brand videos, going viral may not be the most realistic goal. Instead, focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. To increase your chances of success, evoke emotions, encourage sharing, time your posts correctly, and use trending music where possible. Additionally, consider investing in paid advertising to amplify your reach and achieve your social media goals. However, remember that going viral should not be the only focus of your social media strategy. By creating consistent, high-quality content, you can build a loyal following and establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry, ultimately leading to long-term success.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that going viral should not be the only focus of your social media strategy. While it can be a great way to gain exposure, it’s not sustainable in the long run. Instead, focus on building a strong brand presence on social media by creating consistent, high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. This will help you build a loyal following and establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry. So, while going viral may seem like the ultimate goal, remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to social media success.
Need videos to help you go viral? Contact us for a free marketing consultation.
Becky Lomas