Creating Viral Content - What Makes Content Go Viral

Creating content that resonates with your audience and gets widely shared online has become the holy grail of marketing. But what exactly makes some content go viral while other content falls flat? Here are some key factors to consider when trying to create viral content:

Evoking Emotions

Content that evokes high-arousal emotions like awe, amusement, anger or anxiety tends to be more viral. Avoid content that only evokes low-arousal emotions like sadness or contentment. Using stories, metaphors and vivid language to provoke strong emotional reactions makes content more engaging and shareable.

Offering Practical Value

Content that provides practical, useful information has higher viral potential. "How-to" articles, life hack lists, and data-driven infographics tend to get shared frequently if they offer real value to readers. Make sure your content gives people takeaways they can immediately apply.

Optimizing for Readability

Readable content reaches a wider audience and gets shared more. Use simple language, short sentences and paragraphs, and headings and bullet points to make your content scannable. Aim for a reading level appropriate for the target audience.

Leveraging the Power of Influencers

Getting influencers or thought leaders to share your content gives it built-in social proof. Identify relevant influencers for your niche and create content that provides value for their followers. Reach out and build relationships with mutually beneficial partnerships.

Using Striking Visuals

Attention-grabbing images, info-graphics, illustrations or videos dramatically increase the viral potential of content. Invest in high-quality visual assets and content formats that make information easy to digest.

Making it Easy to Share

Include share buttons for different platforms and encourage viewers to share or create their own related content. Using relevant hashtags and tagging influencers also facilitates sharing.

Promoting at the Right Time

Timing the release to coincide with real-world events or anniversaries related to your topic gives content a better chance of going viral. Act quickly to create content about current trends while they are still hot.

Viral content creation is part science, part art. Test different angles and formats to see what resonates most with your audience. Analyze metrics not just for reach but also for engagement. With a strategic approach, you can craft content that cuts through the noise.