In the age of social media, the term “going viral” has become a sought-after status for content creators, marketers, and everyday social media users. But what exactly does it mean to go viral? And how do you achieve it?
I’m Dayna, a Junior strategist at Purple Goat Agency and a Social Media Influencer who has experienced the thrill of going viral. In this article, I want to share my insights, explore the concept of going viral, discuss its implications, and provide tips on increasing your chances of going viral.
What does it mean to ‘go viral’?
Going viral is not a one-size-fits-all concept; its manifestation varies depending on the social media platform in question. However, at its core, going viral signifies a sudden surge in likes, follows, and shares on a piece of content. For many aspiring influencers, this surge can be a career-altering moment, often initiated by a single video.
A Case in Point: Charli D’Amelio
Consider the story of Charli D’Amelio, a dancer based in the USA. With a single video in which she shared a dance tutorial, she skyrocketed to stardom, securing lucrative deals with some of the world’s biggest brands. However, it’s important to note that there are more understated variations of going viral, and I happen to be one of them.
How I Went Viral
My own journey to virality began with a spontaneous decision to post a video delving into my personal experience with dyslexia in school. To be honest, I created it on a whim and never looked back. That single video paved the way for my first 10,000 followers, setting the stage for an entire career in the digital space. It ultimately led me to make a significant career shift, landing me a role at Purple Goat Agency.
Sustaining Viral Success
These days, I’m fortunate that every couple of videos I create have the potential to go viral, amassing 100,000+ views, likes, and shares. As time has passed, I’ve grown more comfortable with putting myself out there, and going viral has become almost second nature. However, even now, it continues to be a career-affirming experience, reminding me that the content I produce continues to resonate with people.
The Reality of Going Viral
The reality of going viral is that it’s often a fleeting state. The surge in engagement is typically short-lived, and maintaining that level of attention can be a challenging task. While you may experience a brief moment of viral fame, it doesn’t automatically translate into long-term success. Furthermore, the capricious nature of virality means that not all content will go viral, regardless of the effort invested. However, staying focused and consistently producing content that resonates with your audience increases the likelihood of achieving sustained success over time.
4 Tips for Achieving Viral Success
Here are some practical tips to help you increase your chances of going viral:
- Timing is Key: Stay aware of trends, events, and relevant topics in your niche or industry. Posting timely content that aligns with current conversations can significantly increase the likelihood of your content going viral. Use your knowledge to create content that’s both relevant and relatable. We post a recap of the latest trends on social media on our Purple Goat’s Instagram page, so that’s a great place to start!
- Engage and Interact: Building a community around your content is essential. Interact with your audience, respond to comments, and encourage sharing. Make your followers feel like they’re part of a larger conversation. This engagement not only boosts the visibility of your content but also fosters a sense of connection with your audience.
- Use Hashtags and Keywords: Employ relevant hashtags and keywords to make your content more discoverable. This is especially crucial on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, where these tools can significantly impact your content’s visibility. Use keywords strategically and choose hashtags that resonate with your audience and the topic you’re addressing.
- Collaborate for Amplification: Partnering with other content creators or influencers in your niche can be a powerful strategy. Collaborations can introduce your content to a broader and potentially new audience. Look for creators who share your target audience and values and work together on projects that benefit both parties. And the same goes for brands, make sure to invest in influencer marketing, as creators are a great way to reach your desired audience.
Conclusion
Going viral is desirable for many social media creators and brands. Still, it’s crucial to recognise that it’s not a guaranteed path to success, and the road to virality varies from one platform to another. Creating viral content involves creativity, strategy, and a dash of luck.
Ultimately, the key to long-term success on social media is consistently creating engaging, authentic, and relevant content that resonates with your audience. While virality is an exciting experience, it’s just one stop to building a meaningful and enduring online presence. Instead of fixating solely on going viral, focus on building a dedicated community of followers who genuinely appreciate your content. By maintaining authenticity and creating content that adds value to the lives of your audience, you’ll increase your chances of going viral and enjoy sustainable growth and success in the digital realm.
If you need help with your brand’s social media content creation or video production, get in touch!
