Social Media Tip: How to Make Your Content Go Viral

Want your article or video to go viral? Count on a lot of luck. But also do some work and create content that’s worthy of sharing so that millions of peopleshare, and in turn see, what you've created. To make your content worthy of sharing, it helps to first understand why people share the articles and videos that they do.

Increase Social Currency

For starters, think of the things your friends and family share online. It's often joked that people share the best parts of their lives, whether it be of photos of their kids getting along, or status updates about what an amazing vacation they had. Sure some people do their fair share of complaining and venting on Facebook, but largely people share things that make them look better. They offer content on their social media sites that make them seem smart, cool or in-the-know. Capitalise on that drive by offering timely content that makes others look good.

Tell a Story

People like to relate to what they're reading or sharing online. To make your social media content something users can identify with, share a story with a human element that others can see themselves in — or wish they could see themselves in. For a double whammy, make the story an emotional one, such as this video for TrueMove H, a Taiwanese communications company. While the video is subtitled in English, it tells the story of how one man gave a child a gift, and how that child repaid that gift — tenfold — thirty years later. The story didn't need many words, because the images and the story itself drew viewers in, resulting in over 15 million views and counting. "Giving is the best communication" was the video's tagline, and that fits the Thai cell phone company's branding too.

Emotion is definitely a currency to focus on in your social media efforts. In fact, researchers have determined that awe, anxiety and anger are the top three emotions that encourage people to share content. While you may feel inclined to disregard "anger" as an emotion to invoke, consider this: even when you evoke anger in some, you're not necessarily evoking anger in others. When anybody on either side of this shares your piece, it generates controversy and talk — and gets your name out.

Another emotion to invoke is laughter, which often goes hand in hand with a surprise element. Take this Carlsberg video as an example. The video documents the reaction of people walking into a movie theatre where there are only two seats open in a sea of intimidating bikers. Not everyone takes the last two seats. But those who do? They get a round of applause, and everyone gets a Carlsberg beer. Chances are you'll be both surprised, and laughing, at the end of that ad.

Spread the Word

You might have created the most unbelievable, thought-provoking, intelligent, emotional social media content, but if no one can find it, there's no way it's going to go viral. Once you've posted your video or your article, spread the word on all the social media sites that you have a presence on. Also make the link easy to find; hashtags are quite useful in that regard. Also work your article or video into the conversation; be a part of a social media community and talk about your link and content in a relevant way so that people start clicking and sharing.

Last but not least, make it easy for others to share your piece. Sure, users can copy the URL any time, but cut out a step by implementing buttons, like "share on Facebook" and "share on Twitter," on your site that allow users to share with essentially one click.

Whileluck and timing are two key factors in getting your content to go viral, they're not the only considerations. By telling a story, evoking a reaction and starting to spread the word, you'll be on your way to creating a piece that may get seen by millions.

Courtney Gordner

Courtney Gordner is a passionate blogger with a love for social media and all things internet! Follow her on her blog, talkviral.com and on Twitter!

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