Shameless Plug - As a Framer Partner, you can try Framer Pro for 3 months free with my code partner25proyearly

The Creator's Guide to Going Viral: A Structured Approach to Crafting Share-Worthy Content

For those looking for help in Personal Brand Building

Intro - The Viral Vision:

The real question is…

Why do you want to go viral?

This article can't give you your 'why' per se

it can show you the current blueprint for success

but like Spiderman goes…

'with great power comes great responsibility'.

Not everyone needs a megaphone to their thoughts tbh…

But heyyy let's run with it. Let's say you have an idea that could pop.

You have the power to really change lives if your ideas got more eyes.

How do we reverse engineer the mystery of virility?

Everyone wants to stand out.

Imagine you're scrolling through your feed when you stumble upon a video. It's a simple clip: a musician playing a haunting melody on a crowded subway. But there's something about it — the raw emotion, the shared glances among strangers, the unifying silence as the last note fades. This video didn't just rack up views; it started conversations, covered by news outlets, shared by millions. This is the power of virality — and it's not as elusive as it seems.

Emotional Resonance - The Heartbeat of Virality Chunk:

Every viral hit tugs at the heartstrings. Think of the laughter that follows a perfectly timed joke or the solidarity in a movement's anthem. These moments resonate because they feel personal.

Content that stirs up a storm of emotions has a higher chance of being shared. humor, nostalgia, awe – when these strong feelings are triggered, people are more compelled to pass on the experience

Consider the "Charlie Bit My Finger" video. It wasn't high art, but it captured a genuine, relatable sibling moment that millions found adorable.

To infuse your content with emotion, ask yourself: What makes me laugh, cry, or cheer? Use your answer as the foundation of your next creation.

Relatability - Seeing Yourself in the Content Chunk:

Content that mirrors our experiences, dreams, or challenges has a magnetic pull. It's like seeing a piece of ourselves on screen or in a song.

When content mirrors the collective experiences or the pulse of current trends, it becomes a reflection that many are drawn to and see themselves in, making it more likely to be shared.

"Old Town Road" became an anthem because it blended genres and cultures, resonating with a vast audience who saw their hybrid identities reflected in the music.

Reflect on the universal truths in your story or design. How does it relate to the broader human experience? Anchor your content in this common ground.

Simplicity - The Art of Being Understood Quickly Chunk:

In an age of endless scrolling, the simplest message cuts through the noise. It's the minimalistic Apple logo, the catchy "Beat It" riff.

In the deluge of constant information, content that is straightforward and easy to digest often rises to the top, cutting through the noise with its simplicity.

The "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster was a wartime creation that found viral fame decades later, thanks to its straightforward message and design.

Evaluate your content for clarity. Can your message be understood at a glance or a quick listen? Strip away the excess until the core shines through.

Design and Aesthetics - The Visual Symphony Chunk:

Aesthetic appeal is your first impression — make it count. It's the difference between a generic thumbnail and one that captivates.

On visual platforms like YouTube or Twitter, the thumbnail or preview acts as a gatekeeper to engagement. Crafting a thumbnail that is both intriguing and representative of the content it leads to is a delicate art that can significantly influence a user's choice to interact with the content.

When Netflix tests different thumbnail images for a show, they're seeking the one that viewers can't resist. The right image can lead to a binge-watching session.

Craft your thumbnails and visuals with intention. Use color, contrast, and composition to draw the eye and pique curiosity.

See books on Synesthesitic Design For The Senses, and Online Success in my Amazon Reccomendations reading list here.

Adaptability - The Universal Language of Content Chunk:

Your content must flow across the platforms you focus on (Just pick 1-3) as effortlessly as a chart-topping hit crosses over from pop to dance floors.

Content crafted to fluidly adapt from one platform to another – from the square grids of Instagram to the boards of Pinterest or the streams of Facebook – ensures a broader audience and enhances shareability.

A meme like "Distracted Boyfriend" gained traction because it was easily editable, making it a staple across social media, from Twitter threads to Instagram stories.

Design with flexibility in mind. Can your content be cropped, resized, or remixed without losing its essence? If not, rework it until it can.

Interactivity - The Invitation to Engage Chunk:

Interactive content is like a hand extended in conversation — it invites participation and builds community.

Content that reaches out for the viewer's input – through interactive polls, engaging quizzes, or enticing challenges – often enjoys a surge in engagement and, consequently, shareability.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral because it wasn't just to watch; it was to do. It turned viewers into actors, part of a global phenomenon.

Integrate an element that asks for input — a question, a challenge, a choice. Make your audience part of the narrative.

Conclusion: The Viral Formula - Bringing It All Together

Remember the subway musician? That video's virality wasn't accidental. It had emotion, relatability, simplicity, aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and an unspoken invitation to be part of a shared human moment. Your content can achieve this, too. Revisit the actions outlined above, apply them with intention, and watch as your creation takes on a life of its own, one share at a time.

The alchemy of virality is not governed by a definitive formula, but a deep understanding of the elements that fuel shareability can amplify your content's chances of becoming a sensation. In the realm of social media, where visibility is the ultimate prize, shareability is indeed the currency that matters most.

At the end of the day, making sure that you output is in line with your true will and the highest good is the biggest priority, and you can learn more in my course lessons that go deeper into the Quantum realms of creativity.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase any products after clicking on my affiliate links. By purchasing through my affiliate links, you help support me and my work at no added cost to you.

I only recommend products/services I personally use and believe will provide value to readers. The small commissions I earn from affiliate links help fund the operating costs of my blog. This allows me to continue to create quality content and share my insights with you. 

I only endorse high-quality products and services that align with my brand. I appreciate you supporting me by purchasing through my affiliate links when they are provided. But please note I never recommend anything solely for the commission - I genuinely believe in the value of the products/services I share. 

Thank you for understanding and supporting my work! I'm grateful to be able to keep sharing my knowledge with you.