The Quest for Viral Content!
The statement, “I want you to make a viral video for us,” is one of the worst requests I get from clients. The truth is, creating a viral video is as unpredictable as winning the lottery. The very essence of a viral video lies in its ability to organically capture people’s attention and be shared beyond anyone’s control. However, while we can’t guarantee virality, there are strategies that can increase the chances of a video gaining significant traction.
Trend Hunting: One crucial aspect is keeping up with trends and timing. Social media moves at a rapid pace, but by staying aware of emerging trends and capitalizing on them, you can create video content that has the potential to soar. Platforms like Twitter provide valuable insights into widely used hashtags, which can be leveraged to generate content before the trend fades.
Flagpole Content: Additionally, you can plan content around seasonal events such as Christmas, The Oscars, or Comicon, getting ahead of the curve and aligning your videos with topics that will soon be in the public eye.
Fandoms: Another powerful approach is tapping into cult followings or fandoms. People have a natural inclination to engage with content related to things they love. By creating comedy sketches or themed videos centered around popular topics, you can pique the interest of these devoted communities. I experienced significant success with a video where I recreated the first level of Super Mario as a 360 3D experience. With nearly 15 million views in just a year, the content’s connection to a widely adored subject played a significant role in its triumph.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that while these strategies can enhance your chances of achieving virality, there are no guarantees. The viral phenomenon is influenced by a combination of factors, including timing, luck, and the ever-evolving preferences of online audiences. By employing these techniques, however, you can optimize your video’s potential to gain attention and engagement.
Quality, It has to be good!: Quality is crucial when it comes to creating content. It’s disheartening to see that a significant portion of the content uploaded to platforms like YouTube falls short in terms of production value. Many videos suffer from poor audio, subpar filming, or lackluster storytelling, particularly when it comes to individuals attempting to gain fame as influencers. To truly succeed and captivate an audience, it’s crucial for content creators to take their craft seriously and invest in their content.
For those who are committed to producing high-quality content, I highly recommend allocating resources and time to improve various aspects of their videos. This can involve spending significant hours perfecting the thumbnail, which plays a crucial role in attracting viewers. Additionally, meticulous analysis of video analytics for each upload can provide valuable insights into what aspects worked well and what could be improved. Treating content creation as a business requires dedication and attention to detail, and this commitment ultimately shines through in the resulting content.
By prioritizing quality and investing in their craft, content creators can distinguish themselves from the sea of mediocre videos and establish a strong presence. Viewers appreciate well-produced content, and their engagement and loyalty are often won over by the effort put into delivering a polished and compelling experience. Ultimately, a serious approach to content creation pays off in terms of audience satisfaction, growth, and success in the ever-competitive digital landscape.
Just a side note, there is the style of purposely bad that it becomes good again. Companies like Adult Swim and Funny or Die do really well with this kind of content.
E.V.S., which stands for Educational, Visually Stunning, and Storytelling, represents three essential elements that your content should possess to keep your audience engaged. Each of these components serves a distinct purpose in creating great content that resonates with viewers.
Educational content fulfills the needs of individuals seeking information or guidance. For example, when you’ve searched for a tutorial on fixing something on YouTube, you’ve witnessed the effectiveness of educational content. Providing valuable insights, tips, or knowledge in a clear and informative manner can greatly appeal to your audience’s desire for learning and problem-solving.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for captivating and entertaining your viewers. Even in something as seemingly straightforward as a music video, there is often a narrative component that draws audiences in. Humans have an inherent inclination for storytelling, and weaving narratives into your content can create emotional connections, spark curiosity, and make your content more memorable.
The visually stunning aspect requires technical skill and craftsmanship. As a designer, you understand the challenges of creating visually captivating pieces. Visual appeal can be achieved through artistic composition, cinematography, editing techniques, or visually striking graphics. It’s this element that can truly elevate your content, making it visually engaging and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
A great example of a video that encompasses all three elements is the Super Kind series commissioned by the Los Angeles Metro. This series educates viewers about public transit etiquette while delivering visually stunning visuals and incorporating storytelling elements to engage and entertain the audience. It serves as a testament to how combining education, visual appeal, and storytelling can create exceptional content that resonates with viewers.
By incorporating at least one of these three elements into your content, you can ensure that it stands out, captures attention, and keeps your audience engaged. Whether you educate, tell a story, or create visually stunning visuals, these components can make your content compelling and memorable.
High-effort Content: H.E.C. has gained significant popularity in recent years. This type of content involves creating projects or videos that require a level of effort and dedication far beyond what the average person would typically undertake. This approach has been instrumental in the success of content creators like MrBeast, who has become one of the biggest YouTubers in the world.
High-effort content stands out because it goes above and beyond what viewers typically expect. It often involves ambitious challenges, complex projects, or extravagant concepts that captivate and engage audiences. These types of videos require meticulous planning, significant time investment, and often involve collaboration with others.
What sets high-effort content apart is its ability to capture viewers’ attention and leave a lasting impression. It demonstrates a level of commitment, creativity, and execution that goes beyond the ordinary. Viewers are often drawn to the novelty, excitement, and sense of awe that comes from witnessing these grand endeavors.
However, it’s important to note that high-effort content might not be feasible or suitable for every creator or every niche. It requires substantial resources, time, and expertise. As a content creator, it’s essential to assess your own capabilities, resources, and audience expectations to determine the level of effort you can reasonably invest in your content.
One of the best examples of high-effort content is Mr.Beast.
Marketing: Not sharing your content after releasing it is like doing homework but not turning it in. Sharing and marketing your video is crucial to ensure it reaches a wider audience and achieves the visibility it deserves. It’s important to allocate significant time and effort to promote your content after investing time in its creation. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Identify relevant blogs and reviewers in your niche or industry and reach out to them. Sending your video to these influencers can help generate exposure and potentially lead to reviews or features that introduce your content to their audience.
- Make use of various platforms and channels to share your video. Consider uploading it to video-sharing platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Dailymotion. Additionally, leverage social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to share your video and engage with your target audience.
- Utilize personal networks by sharing your video with family, friends, and colleagues. Encourage them to share it with their networks as well. Word-of-mouth can be a powerful tool in increasing the reach of your video.
- Consider investing in advertising to boost the visibility of your content. Just as you invest in equipment and software for production quality, allocating a budget for targeted ads can help amplify the reach of your videos. By promoting your channel and content early on, you can attract a larger audience and potentially monetize your channel in the future.
Remember, the quality of your content should always be a priority. No amount of promotion can compensate for subpar content. Ensure your video is engaging, well-produced, and provides value to your target audience. By combining high-quality content with effective promotion strategies, you can maximize the chances of your video gaining traction and attracting a loyal audience.
Going viral is not guaranteed, and it’s important to acknowledge that it’s a combination of factors, including timing, luck, and the preferences of online audiences. Even if you believe your content is exceptional and on par with creators who garner millions of views, there’s no guarantee that it will receive the same level of attention.
It’s crucial to manage your expectations and understand that your audience may not love your content as much as you do. Everyone has different tastes and preferences, and reaching a broad audience can be a challenging task. However, by consistently applying the elements and strategies we’ve discussed, you can increase the chances of your content being seen and appreciated.
Persistence is key. Each video you create is an opportunity to refine your skills, engage with your audience, and improve your content’s visibility. Learn from each release, listen to feedback, and adapt your approach. Over time, as you continue to create and share content, you’ll gain insights into what resonates with your audience and refine your content accordingly.
Remember, success in content creation is not solely measured by achieving viral status. Building a dedicated and engaged community around your content can be just as valuable. Focus on creating meaningful connections with your audience, delivering value, and consistently improving your craft. With dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous growth, you can increase the visibility and impact of your content over time.
