The Everyman's Guide to Going Viral on Social Media

“The best marketing doesn't feel like marketing.” - Gary Vaynerchuk

We've all seen those viral videos and social media posts that seem to explode overnight, capturing the attention of millions. As a creator or marketer, making your content "go viral" can feel like winning the lottery - a magical, uncontrollable phenomenon that you just have to get lucky to experience.

But what if going viral wasn't just about luck? What if you could break down the ingredients of viral content and apply them to your own social media strategy?

That's exactly what this guide aims to do. Read on for five practical tips to engineer viral social media success, no magic required.

Top 6 Tips for Going Viral on Social Media

1. Start With a Bang: Craft Captivating Openers and Conduct Crucial Research

Hook your audience in the first three seconds. The opening of your post is crucial. You have seconds to grab attention before users swipe to the next piece of content. Dynamite first impressions are essential.

Spotlight what makes your content distinct. Ask a fascinating question. Feature something unexpected or unseen. Paint an irresistible “need to know more” picture. Bait scrolling spectators into staying for the full story. Remember—a magnetizing opener make or breaks virality.

Lay your viral foundation with extensive niche research before creating a single post. The most resonant content directly responds to specifics cravings. Survey trending topics and strategies already capturing engagement. Understanding precise audience desires and red hot opportunities arms you for higher impact. Analyze for insight into ideal angles and formats. Research what captivates before you create anything new. Information fuels imagination. Market research minimizes wasted effort.

2. Unleash Your Inner Artist: Embrace Original Content

In a sea of recycled memes and repetitive trends, creating original content can help your posts stand out from the crowd. Even if you're covering an existing topic, take the time to add your own unique spin.

Got an off-the-wall idea for a funny video? Bring that zany character to life! Have a creative concept for an informative infographic? Design something no one has seen before! Your authority and authenticity as a creator will shine through.

Take Dawson Gurley, aka @deadeye1030, who brought smiles to millions by inventing the Chocolate Milk Challenge. His hilariously odd original idea inspired a wave of funny and failed attempts across TikTok.

What's your crazy idea that might just strike viral gold?

3. Speak Volumes with Single Words: Master the Power of Subtitles

You know the key to snappy videos and readable posts? Subtitles and captions.

Well-placed text can quickly communicate your central message while enhancing content accessibility. Avoid walls of text in favor of concise key phrases that leap off the screen.

Subtitles done right led to skyrocketing viewership for Pierre Croce’s (@pierrecroce) cooking creations. Croce amplifies drool-worthy visuals of melting cheese pulls with captions like "Foodgasm loading..." and "Hangry mode deactivated."

Bite-sized text bytes not only increase understanding, but also boost clicks and shares. What few words would perfectly capture your next post?

4. Don't Be Afraid to Stir the Pot: Exploring Controversy (Responsibly!)

Venturing into heated debates and timely issues can feel like a minefield, but controversial topics undoubtedly drive discussion. People can't resist sharing opinions on the latest divisive trend or event.

The key is addressing controversy responsibly andthoughtfully. Provide context, acknowledge multiple perspectives, and open constructive dialogue.

When TikTok blew up with discourse about a “color changing Starbucks drink,” creator Dayquan (@swagboyq) capitalized on the frenzy by rating the odd combo objectively. Sunny positivity over fiery takes. Food for thought without fueling flames.

What's a conversational controversy you could responsibly explore? There’s value in validating mixed opinions rather than attacking with a single “right” stance.

5. Tap into the Zeitgeist: The Power of Trending Audio

You can meticulously plan every aspect of a post, but the unpredictable, uncontrollable key to virality? Timing. Trending audio is like a surfer catching the wave of collective attention.

Keep an ear out for newly viral sounds and songs making the rounds on TikTok and reels. Whether an out-of-context clip or a brand new beat, trending audio can introduce your content to new audiences already tuned into the track.

When a pushed-to-the limits Starbucks barista shared behind-the-scenes chaos over a dramatic audio bite, it quickly accumulated millions of views. Hilarious headache + popular audio = viral gold.

What sounds are building momentum right now that you could test driving traction for your next post?

6. Learn From the Best: Analyze Your Niche's Viral Hits

Deconstructing your niche’s most popular content transforms guesswork into an exact science. Stop theorizing what might go viral. Niche research reveals what already has gone viral.

Reverse engineer posts from influencers in your field or location. Compare elements like sound selection, aesthetic style, captions, and more. Identify common virality triggers to integrate into your own content.

Interior design TikToker Amber Lewis (@amberinteriors) noted an uptick in plant content and lean into the trend with her unique twist: size contrasting tiny decor items with giant greenery. By mirroring momentum in her niche, she quickly surpassed seven million likes.

What viral examples can you find from creators with your target audience? Don’t copy, but do borrow what already resonates.

Start Sparking Social Media Magic

While guarantees remain elusive, these practical tips put the tools for engineering virality directly into your hands. Harness the power of authenticity through originality, the pull of popular sounds in trending audio, and the perspective of researching your niche’s wins.

Have your own success story about a recent viral victory? Share your magic maker moments in the comments! We can all learn from each other, collaborating as a community of creators and marketers to spread more joy on social media.

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Free Checklist: The 10 Commandments of Viral Content Creation

Unlock a handy checklist outlining key ingredients for cooking up viral social media content. From embracing controversy to leveraging trends, this cheat sheet breaks down the essential elements. Download now to start planning your next viral hit!

🗹 Free Checklist: 10 Steps to Viral Social Media Success

□ Embrace Originality: Create unique content, even on familiar topics.

□ Use Subtitles Effectively: Enhance videos and posts with concise, catchy subtitles.

□ Explore Controversy Responsibly: Tackle divisive topics thoughtfully and constructively.

□ Ride the Trending Audio Wave: Utilize popular sounds and songs to amplify reach.

□ Analyze Niche Viral Hits: Study successful content in your field for insights.

□ Emphasize Visual Storytelling: Make every image or video frame count.

□ Engage with Your Community: Respond to comments and participate in discussions.

□ Cross-Promote on Multiple Platforms: Share your content across various social media channels.

□ Monitor and Adapt to Audience Feedback: Use insights from engagement to refine your approach.

□ Stay Consistent and Persistent: Regularly post and update content to build a loyal following.

Print this checklist and tick each box as you incorporate these steps into your social media strategy!