The nature of video virality
The
natureof video
virality
What do these
videos
have in common
?
Source: YouTube
viral.
They have gone
officialFILM260
Source: YouTube
ADJECTIVE
1. Of the nature of, caused by, or relating
to a virus or viruses.
2. (Of an image, video, piece of
information, etc.) circulated rapidly and
widely from one Internet user to another.
vi∙ralvahy – ruh l
But how do these unique videos gain
our attention in the same way?
Source: Tumblr
3 key factors to going viral:
CONTENT SHARES AUDIENCE
Try the ACMmodel:(commonly used by advertisers!)
Get Attention
Gain Comprehension
Be Memorable
Part 1: content
A C M
Get attention
Grasp initial
attention through
humour or
surprise!
Or use cats! This kitty got over 22 million views :o
Source: YouTube
Gain comprehension
Videos should be
easy to follow so
that everyonecan
understand…
Source: YouTube
…or bizarre
enough that
nobodyunderstands!
Source: YouTube
Be memorable
Videos with
catchy tunes or quotable lines
spread like
wildfire.
Source: YouTube
WHOshares it
Part 2: shares
WHEREit is shared
Source: Tumblr
Tastemakers can make a HUGE impact!
who shares it
Double Rainbow
was a dud until
Jimmy Kimmel tweeted about it.
Source: YouTube
where it is shared
Wrecking Ball
Chatroullette
Version gained its
momentum on
Buzzfeed.
Source: YouTube
Part 3: audience
We want an
ENGAGINGmessage Give us an
opportunity to get
INVOLVED
Source: Tumblr
Dove engages viewers with a relatable theme – the struggle with body image.
engaging message
Keep your audience
emotionallyengaged with a
humorous, uplifting or
relatable message to
create a desire to
share.
Source: YouTube
Hundreds of organization’s made Harlem Shake videos – Queen’s U included!
Opportunity for involvementSource: YouTube
Parodiesare a great way for
viewers to spread
their love for a
viral video.
to creating a viral video
ingredientThe last
?
!
(or bad luck in this girl’s case… yikes!)Source: YouTube
luck!a little bit of
There is no magic formula.
Sources
All pictures featured
are licensed under
Public Domain CC0
from Youtube or
Tumblr.
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/viral?q=viral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7jtC8vjXw8
https://www.youtube.com/user/theyearinreviewCA?feature=inp-be-rx1
http://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_allocca_why
_videos_go_viral#
https://medium.com/this-happened-to-
me/d19d9b9465de
http://www.theguardian.com/media-
network/ebuzzing-partner-zone/making-
your-video-go-viral-the-seven-golden-rules