Let’s face it: who doesn’t dream of their content going viral? Imagine your blog post, video, or meme spreading like wildfire across social media, racking up likes, shares, and comments from people you don’t even know. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not as impossible as it seems! The secret to creating shareable content that has the potential to go viral lies in understanding what makes people click that share button.
In this post, we’re going to dive into the art of crafting content that gets people talking, laughing, and most importantly—sharing. From catchy headlines to relatable themes, we’ll walk you through the key ingredients for content that stands out from the crowd and sparks a social media frenzy. So, grab your creative hat, and let’s start making content that’s not just good—but share-worthy!
What is shareable content?
Shareable content is anything that grabs people’s attention and motivates them to share it with their friends, followers, or network. It’s the type of content that spreads organically across social media, email, and word-of-mouth, because it resonates with people and invites them to pass it along. But what makes content "shareable" in the first place? Let’s break it down:
Relatability
Shareable content often taps into shared experiences, emotions, or interests. Think of the funny memes or trending topics that everyone on your feed is talking about. It resonates because people can immediately connect with it on a personal level and feel like they have to share it with their community.
Emotionally Charged
Whether it makes you laugh, cry, feel inspired, or angry—shareable content typically sparks an emotional response. People are more likely to share something that resonates with their feelings. Think viral videos, motivational quotes, or heartwarming stories that make people go, "I need to share this with my friends!"
Visual Appeal
In today’s fast-paced digital world, visuals are key. Shareable content is often visually striking—whether it’s a funny image, an eye-catching infographic, or a stunning video. The more captivating the visual, the more likely it is to catch someone’s attention and get shared across platforms.
Value and Utility
Sometimes, content gets shared because it’s helpful. Tips, how-to guides, and educational infographics offer real value. If your content helps solve a problem, answer a question, or provides some sort of benefit, people will want to share it with others who can use it too.
Humor
Humor is one of the strongest ingredients in shareable content. A funny joke, a clever meme, or a playful take on a trending topic often hits the mark when it comes to virality. Who hasn’t shared a funny video or meme just to make someone else laugh?
Timeliness
Content that taps into current events, trends, or viral topics is more likely to be shared. Being in the know and producing timely, relevant content means you’re giving your audience something they want to share because it’s hot right now.
Simplicity and Accessibility
Shareable content is often easy to digest and quick to consume. Short, punchy videos, simple infographics, and easily scannable articles are more likely to get shared because they don’t require much effort from the viewer. If it’s clear, concise, and easily understood, people are more likely to share it with their own networks.
In short, shareable content is anything that resonates deeply with your audience, makes them feel something, and is simple enough to pass along. When you create content that is emotional, funny, valuable, or visually appealing, you increase the likelihood that your audience will click "share" and spread it across their networks.
What makes shareable content go viral?
While creating shareable content is the first step, getting it to go viral is a whole different ball game. It’s not enough to just have great content—you need that extra spark that makes people hit “share” and spread it across the internet like wildfire. So, what exactly makes shareable content go viral? Let’s break it down:
1. The Power of Emotion
Emotional content is powerful. Whether it’s something that makes people laugh, cry, feel inspired, or even angry, viral content often sparks an emotional reaction. When people feel something deeply, they’re more likely to share it to connect with others who might feel the same. It’s that "I can’t keep this to myself" feeling. For example, heartwarming or funny videos are notorious for going viral because they hit that sweet emotional spot.
Example: A funny animal video or an uplifting story of kindness might make people want to share it to spread positivity or bring joy to others.
2. Timeliness and Relevance
Virality often comes from timing. Content that is relevant to current events, trending topics, or pop culture moments has a better shot at going viral. If it taps into what’s already on everyone’s mind—whether it’s a meme about a hot topic or a timely commentary on a major event—people are more likely to share it because they’re already talking about it.
Example: During major events like the Super Bowl, viral content often centers around memes or reactions from the game. Timely content gives people the chance to participate in the conversation.
3. Humor and Wit
Humor is one of the most potent ingredients in viral content. A clever joke, a witty one-liner, or a hilarious meme can catch people off guard and make them want to share it with others. Humor is universal, and it’s easy to share something funny because it instantly connects with the people you share it with.
Example: Memes like “Distracted Boyfriend” or funny TikTok challenges often go viral because they’re relatable, easy to consume, and shareable.
4. Simplicity and Shareability
The simpler, the better. Viral content is often straightforward, easy to consume, and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort to understand. Whether it’s a funny image, a short video, or a one-sentence tweet, the more instantly shareable the content is, the higher the chances it will go viral.
Example: Think of viral tweets, short GIFs, or catchy TikTok videos that pack a punch in just a few seconds. They don’t need a deep explanation—they’re immediately understandable.
5. The Social Currency Factor
People love sharing content that makes them look good, knowledgeable, or part of a "cool" crowd. If content gives them a sense of social currency—whether that’s appearing funny, smart, or in-the-know—they’re more likely to share it. This is especially true for content that is exclusive or feels like it gives someone insider knowledge.
Example: Sharing an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a celebrity or a viral challenge on social media gives users a sense of being "in the know" and makes them feel like part of the trend.
6. Shareable Format
Content that is in a format that’s easy to share increases the chances of going viral. Short videos, memes, gifs, and infographics are perfect examples of content that people can easily pass along. If your content fits neatly into a shareable format on social media or through messaging apps, it’s more likely to catch fire.
Example: A well-crafted meme with relatable humor or a visually appealing infographic that breaks down a complex concept will be more likely to be shared across platforms.
7. Controversy or Surprise
Sometimes, viral content goes viral because it’s surprising or controversial. A bold opinion, a shocking reveal, or something that challenges the status quo can stir up conversations and motivate people to share it—either because they agree, or because they feel the need to challenge it.
Example: Think about viral content that sparks debates or challenges social norms. People share it because they want to add their own voice to the conversation or because they’re shocked by the message.
8. Call to Action and Involvement
Viral content often encourages participation. Whether it’s a challenge, hashtag, or a call to tag friends, content that invites people to get involved and actively engage with it has a higher chance of spreading. When users participate and feel a sense of ownership, they’re more likely to share it with their network.
Example: Hashtags like #IceBucketChallenge or #TikTokDanceChallenge take something simple and turn it into a viral movement because they invite everyone to get involved.
9. Shareable by Design
The design of the content itself can also influence virality. Highly visual, easy-to-share formats (like short videos, images, or infographics) that stand out in social media feeds are more likely to go viral. People often share content that’s visually appealing or stands out from the typical posts they see.
Example: Eye-catching memes or visually stunning graphics that are formatted well for social media platforms (think Instagram posts or Facebook shares) naturally get shared more often.
10. The "Wow" Factor
Lastly, content that has a unique "wow" factor—something unexpected or remarkable—can capture attention in a big way. This could be a shocking fact, an amazing achievement, or an unforgettable moment that leaves people thinking, "I need to share this!"
Example: Viral content like "first person to skydive from space" or extraordinary feats of human achievement tend to get shared because of the sheer awe factor.
creating shareable content is about more than just posting something good—it’s about crafting something that resonates with people and encourages them to share it with their networks. Emotional impact, timely relevance, simplicity, and a dash of surprise can help propel your content into viral territory. So, next time you’re planning content, keep these elements in mind to increase the chances of it taking off!
10 tips to create shareable content that goes viral
1. Start with a Catchy Headline
A strong, attention-grabbing headline is the first step to making your content irresistible. Whether it’s a bold statement, a question, or a promise of something exciting, your headline should make people want to click and see more. The more intriguing, the better!
Tip: Use numbers, power words (like “amazing,” “unbelievable,” or “shocking”), or ask a thought-provoking question to get people’s attention.
2. Focus on Emotions
People share content that makes them feel something. Whether it’s joy, awe, anger, or excitement, emotional content is more likely to go viral. Craft your content to evoke a strong emotional response, and your audience will be more likely to share it with their network.
Tip: Ask yourself, "How do I want my audience to feel after they see this?" Aim to create content that resonates deeply—whether it’s funny, heartwarming, inspiring, or even controversial.
3. Keep It Short and Sweet
In today’s fast-scrolling world, brevity is key. Short, digestible content is easier to consume and share. Whether it’s a quick meme, a 30-second video, or a bite-sized tip, keep it short enough that someone can consume it in a few seconds and decide to pass it on.
Tip: Aim for content that takes less than a minute to read, watch, or engage with. People are more likely to share quick, snackable content with their followers.
4. Use Stunning Visuals
Humans are visual creatures. Posts with images, videos, infographics, or memes perform much better than text-only content. To increase shareability, make sure your content has strong visuals that catch the eye and stand out in people’s feeds.
Tip: Invest in high-quality images, use eye-catching thumbnails, or create shareable GIFs and videos to make your content pop.
5. Leverage Humor
Humor is a universal language. People love to share funny content, whether it’s a clever meme, a witty comment, or a funny video. If you can make people laugh, they’re more likely to share your content with their friends and followers.
Tip: Tap into popular humor trends, cultural references, or relatable situations that your audience can relate to. Just make sure it fits your brand voice!
6. Be Timely and Relevant
Viral content often comes from riding the wave of current events or trending topics. If you can tie your content to something that’s hot in the news or on social media, it’s more likely to be shared because it’s in the conversation already.
Tip: Keep an eye on trending hashtags, viral challenges, or big news stories in your industry. Don’t be afraid to jump in and create content that connects to those conversations.
7. Tell a Compelling Story
People love stories—whether it’s a personal narrative, a brand journey, or a customer success story. Storytelling makes your content more relatable and shareable. When people connect emotionally to a story, they’re more likely to pass it along.
Tip: Create content that’s not just informational but also has a narrative that draws people in and makes them want to share the experience with others.
8. Encourage Sharing with a Call-to-Action
A simple, clear call-to-action (CTA) asking people to share your content can make a huge difference. Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge to get people to spread the word.
Tip: Add a line like “Share if you agree!” or “Tag a friend who needs to see this!” to encourage engagement and increase your content's chances of being shared.
9. Create Content That Solves Problems
Shareable content often provides value—whether it’s educational, insightful, or helpful. If your content can solve a problem or make life easier for your audience, they’re more likely to share it because it offers real-world benefits.
Tip: Create how-to guides, tutorials, life hacks, or helpful tips that your audience can easily use and pass along to others who might benefit from it.
10. Make It Easy to Share
The easier you make it for people to share your content, the more likely they are to do it. Ensure your content is optimized for sharing on multiple platforms and that share buttons are easy to find. The fewer clicks it takes to share, the better.
Tip: Add social sharing buttons to your website and blog posts, optimize your content for mobile sharing, and make sure it’s easily shareable across different social media platforms.
Bonus Tip: Be Consistent and Keep Experimenting
Not every piece of content will go viral, and that’s okay! Consistently creating high-quality content and experimenting with new formats, headlines, or approaches will help you discover what works best for your audience.
Creating shareable content that goes viral requires a mix of creativity, timing, and strategy. Focus on creating content that resonates emotionally, is easy to consume and share, and speaks to your audience’s needs or interests. Follow these tips, and who knows—your next piece of content could be the one that takes off!
What happens when a content goes viral?
When content goes viral, it doesn’t just sit quietly in one corner of the internet—it spreads rapidly and widely across platforms, drawing huge amounts of attention, engagement, and often, a massive influx of traffic. But what exactly happens when something goes viral? Let’s break it down:
1. Explosive Reach and Exposure
The first and most obvious thing that happens when content goes viral is that it reaches a huge audience. Instead of staying confined to your usual followers or audience, viral content spreads to people who may have never encountered your brand or content before. This can lead to millions of views, shares, and interactions from people all over the world.
Example: A video that was originally shared by a small influencer can suddenly explode, being shared by major media outlets, celebrities, and influencers, dramatically increasing its visibility.
2. Increased Engagement
Viral content sparks tons of engagement. People comment, share, like, and discuss the content. Conversations surrounding the content pick up across social media, forums, and even offline. This means your content is generating buzz, and it’s not just passively being watched—it’s actively being talked about.
Example: A meme that goes viral might lead to endless user-generated responses, such as people creating their own versions of the meme, discussing it, or tagging friends. The engagement doesn’t stop with the initial post—it snowballs.
3. Boost in Traffic and Followers
As people share your content, it drives massive amounts of traffic back to your website or social media pages. New users discover your brand, and this often leads to more followers, sign-ups, or subscribers. If your content is linked to your products or services, viral content can even translate into higher sales or conversions.
Example: A viral blog post or video that links back to your website could lead to hundreds of thousands of new visitors checking out your content, signing up for your newsletter, or making a purchase.
4. Brand Awareness and Recognition
When content goes viral, it often results in an increase in brand awareness. People start recognizing your name, logo, or hashtag. This increased recognition can help establish your brand as a thought leader or even a cultural phenomenon—if your content resonates deeply with people.
Example: Companies like Red Bull or Nike have created viral campaigns that solidified their status as major global brands, with their content becoming synonymous with their brand values.
5. Reputation Boost
Going viral can massively boost your reputation, especially if the content aligns with positive values or presents your brand in a fun, relatable way. A viral campaign that resonates emotionally with audiences can lead to increased trust and affinity with your brand.
Example: A heartwarming video that showcases a brand’s commitment to social causes or a charitable endeavor can quickly boost your brand’s reputation, making people view your brand more favorably.
6. Increased Media Attention
When something goes viral, media outlets—both traditional and digital—are likely to take notice. Journalists and bloggers often look to viral content to report on, which can lead to news articles, TV segments, and interviews. This media attention can push your content even further, giving you even more credibility and exposure.
Example: A viral tweet or video might lead to interviews with media outlets like The New York Times or major TV networks, significantly increasing your brand’s authority.
7. Potential for User-Generated Content (UGC)
Viral content often inspires others to create their own related content. This user-generated content (UGC) is a powerful form of marketing because it shows that your audience is actively participating in your content, making it a key ingredient in sustaining virality.
Example: A viral hashtag challenge, like the #IceBucketChallenge, inspires people to create and share their own versions, which continues the viral cycle. Brands can then curate and repost this UGC, giving their audience a voice and further building community.
8. Increased Sales and Conversions
If the viral content is tied to a product, service, or cause, the spike in traffic and attention often translates into an increase in sales or conversions. Even if the content itself isn’t directly selling something, it creates opportunities for brand awareness that lead to future purchases or sign-ups.
Example: A viral unboxing video of a product can inspire thousands of people to make a purchase after seeing the excitement and positive reactions from the initial content.
9. Pressure to Follow Up
While going viral is great, it also brings the pressure to follow up with more high-quality content. You’ve set expectations, and people want more of what they loved. If you don’t deliver, there’s a risk of losing that momentum. The viral hit can push your brand into a new level, and you’ll need to keep up the energy.
Example: After a viral ad campaign, companies often rush to create follow-up campaigns that attempt to replicate or build upon the success of the original content. If the next piece isn’t as good, it could hurt the brand’s reputation.
10. Viral Content Can Be Short-Lived
Virality often has a shelf life. While it can bring immediate attention and engagement, it’s usually short-lived. The internet moves fast, and after the initial spike in views and shares, the content may fizzle out, and people may forget about it. This is why it's essential to capitalize on the momentum while it lasts.
Example: Memes and viral challenges often have an incredibly short lifespan—what’s trending today may be irrelevant tomorrow. This can create a rush to capitalize on the virality, but it can also mean the excitement wanes quickly.
When content goes viral, it can lead to a burst of visibility, engagement, and new opportunities. From brand awareness to increased sales, the ripple effect of virality can transform your business or content. But with that sudden wave of attention comes the need to keep the momentum going and ensure that your brand or message remains strong and relevant in the long term.
Some viral succeeding stories
1. Dove's "Real Beauty Sketches"
What Happened:
Dove's "Real Beauty Sketches" campaign was a viral hit in 2013. The campaign featured a forensic artist drawing women based on their self-descriptions, and then drawing them again based on how others described them. The stark difference between how women saw themselves and how others saw them sparked a worldwide conversation about beauty standards and self-esteem.
Why It Went Viral:
The emotional impact of the video resonated deeply with viewers. It was both heartwarming and thought-provoking, touching on themes of self-worth and beauty in a way that wasn’t typical for a beauty brand. The powerful message, coupled with the simplicity and honesty of the execution, made it a viral sensation.
Impact:
The video garnered over 180 million views in just a few weeks, won numerous advertising awards, and helped position Dove as a brand that celebrates real beauty over unrealistic ideals. It also sparked numerous conversations around body image and authenticity, reinforcing Dove’s reputation for promoting self-confidence.
2. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
What Happened:
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge became one of the most famous viral campaigns in 2014. Participants were challenged to pour a bucket of ice-cold water over their heads and donate to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research. The challenge quickly spread across social media platforms, with celebrities, influencers, and even ordinary people participating.
Why It Went Viral:
The challenge combined a fun, easy-to-do activity with a meaningful cause, and it had a strong social aspect. People were encouraged to challenge others to participate, creating a viral chain reaction. The simplicity and humor of dumping ice water on your head made it a light-hearted, shareable experience, while the charitable angle added a sense of purpose.
Impact:
The campaign raised over $115 million for ALS research and spread awareness about the disease. It also sparked countless viral videos, with millions of people across the world getting involved. The challenge made the ALS Association a household name and significantly increased donations and research funding.
3. "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X
What Happened:
Lil Nas X’s song "Old Town Road" became a viral sensation in 2019, largely because of its use on TikTok. The song mixed country and rap, and a viral challenge involving a cowboy-themed dance to the song turned it into a meme sensation. As more and more users shared their own videos, the song’s popularity skyrocketed.
Why It Went Viral:
The catchy tune combined with the viral TikTok challenge created a perfect storm of social media success. The song’s infectious beat, humorous lyrics, and meme-worthy dance made it shareable, and TikTok's algorithm made it easy for the song to reach millions of users quickly.
Impact:
"Old Town Road" went on to break the record for the longest-running number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for 19 weeks. The song's viral success made Lil Nas X an overnight sensation, and it sparked conversations about genre boundaries and the influence of social media on music charts.
4. "The Dress" (Blue and Black or White and Gold?)
What Happened:
In 2015, a simple photo of a dress posted on the internet went viral due to a debate over its color. Some people saw the dress as blue and black, while others saw it as white and gold. This seemingly trivial question sparked millions of social media conversations and news stories.
Why It Went Viral:
The optical illusion created a fierce debate, and everyone wanted to weigh in on the discussion. The internet loves a good mystery or debate, and the fact that people couldn’t agree on something so simple made it irresistible. The debate was shared widely, with people asking friends and family to weigh in and creating memes about the phenomenon.
Impact:
The viral debate caught the attention of mainstream media outlets and became a pop culture phenomenon. It generated millions of interactions across social media, and the dress became the subject of discussions on psychology, perception, and even science. The story was so big that the manufacturers of the dress eventually weighed in with their own statement about its color.
5. #MeToo Movement
What Happened:
The #MeToo movement, started by activist Tarana Burke and later popularized by social media in 2017, became a viral rallying cry for survivors of sexual harassment and assault. Women (and men) shared their stories using the hashtag to raise awareness and foster solidarity, amplifying the voices of those who had experienced harassment.
Why It Went Viral:
#MeToo’s viral success came from its ability to create a community of shared experiences. It gave people a platform to speak out and find support. The hashtag was used by individuals, celebrities, and organizations, and it quickly became a symbol for the movement to end sexual harassment. The widespread use of the hashtag made it an international conversation.
Impact:
The #MeToo movement led to a cultural shift in how sexual harassment is discussed and dealt with. It resulted in real-world consequences for powerful figures accused of harassment, prompted changes in workplace policies, and sparked a broader conversation about women’s rights, power dynamics, and gender equality. The movement continues to have a lasting impact on social justice and equality.
6. Taco Bell’s "Taco Emoji Engine"
What Happened:
In 2017, Taco Bell launched a fun, interactive campaign called the "Taco Emoji Engine." The campaign encouraged users to tweet specific emoji combinations that would generate a custom Taco Bell image. The more creative and funny the tweet, the more likely it was to go viral.
Why It Went Viral:
The campaign was a playful way to engage Taco Bell’s fan base, using emojis—a universal form of communication—to create fun, personalized content. It played on Taco Bell’s fun, quirky brand image and encouraged engagement by involving their audience in a creative, shareable way.
Impact:
The campaign generated millions of tweets and interactions, boosting Taco Bell’s social media presence and engagement. It was a fun, memorable experience for their audience and turned the brand into a social media sensation for a short period. It also highlighted Taco Bell’s ability to connect with younger, digital-native consumers.
7. Nike’s “Dream Crazy” with Colin Kaepernick
What Happened:
Nike’s "Dream Crazy" campaign, which featured Colin Kaepernick, went viral for its bold statement and controversial stance on social justice. The ad, which showcased athletes who had faced adversity (including Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice), struck a chord with many, but also led to heated backlash from others.
Why It Went Viral:
Nike took a political stand on a highly divisive issue—racial inequality and police brutality. The powerful imagery and message resonated with those who supported Kaepernick’s protests, while also igniting debates across social media. The combination of celebrity activism, political relevance, and bold messaging made it a conversation starter.
Impact:
Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversy, the campaign generated huge attention and significantly boosted Nike’s brand visibility. Sales and stock prices surged in the weeks following the campaign, demonstrating that bold, viral content can pay off even when it’s polarizing.
These examples show how creativity, timing, and relevance can turn an idea into a viral phenomenon. Whether it’s a heartwarming campaign, a social media challenge, or a polarizing statement, viral success often relies on capturing the attention of a broad audience, tapping into emotions, and sparking conversation.
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FAQ:
1. What makes content shareable?
Shareable content typically evokes an emotional response—whether it's laughter, awe, inspiration, or surprise. It should also be easy to understand and quick to consume, like a funny meme or a short video. Additionally, content that resonates with your audience’s values, interests, or current trends is more likely to be shared. The simpler and more relatable, the better!
2. How can I know if my content will go viral?
There’s no guaranteed formula for virality, but you can increase your chances by creating content that aligns with trending topics, is highly engaging, and encourages interaction. Content that is timely, emotional, and visually compelling tends to perform well. Keep an eye on what’s working in your niche and adapt your strategy to create something share-worthy.
3. Should I always focus on humor in my content?
While humor is a powerful tool for virality, it’s not the only way to create shareable content. Emotional content, like heartwarming stories or powerful messages, can also go viral. The key is to create content that resonates deeply with your audience. Whether it’s funny, inspiring, or even controversial, your goal is to make a connection that sparks people to share.
4. How can I encourage my audience to share my content?
A simple but effective strategy is to include a clear call to action in your posts. Phrases like “Tag a friend who would love this!” or “Share this with someone who needs to see it!” can nudge people into action. Additionally, make sure your content is easy to share by using social sharing buttons and optimizing it for mobile users.
5. Can using influencers help my content go viral?
Absolutely! Partnering with influencers who align with your brand can help your content reach a larger, more engaged audience. Influencers have the power to spread your message quickly, especially if they have a loyal and active following. Just make sure that your content is authentic and resonates with both your target audience and the influencer’s community.