What Makes a Video Go Viral? 5 Secrets Explained

When it comes to creating a viral video, many think it’s just a stroke of luck—a random piece of content that somehow catches fire. In reality, going viral is more about thoughtful planning, strategic creativity, and understanding how to connect with your audience. Viral videos are built on a foundation of key principles, and if you understand these, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

Let's not wait further and find out what makes a video not only memorable but highly engaging and shareable.

Understand Your Target Audience

Everything starts with your audience. Before you even think about picking up a camera, you need to know who you’re speaking to. According to Hubspot's research, understanding your audience demographics and preferences is the first step to viral content. Without a clear understanding of your audience, even the most visually stunning video can fall flat.

Think about the specific group of people you want to reach. Are they young professionals scrolling through Instagram during lunch breaks? Or are they tech enthusiasts consuming long-form content on YouTube? Each demographic has unique preferences for tone, style, and even the platforms they prefer.

Once you have clarity, tailor your content to resonate with them. For instance, if you’re targeting Gen Z, consider leveraging short, snappy videos with trending sounds on platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels. If your audience leans toward professionals, a value-driven video that solves a specific pain point might be more effective.

Write Multiple Scripts - The More, The Better

Creativity thrives on options. Instead of banking on a single idea, create at least 10 scripts for your video. Why? Because brainstorming multiple angles increases your chances of finding that one idea that clicks with your audience.

For example, if your main goal is to promote a product, you could write:

• A humorous take on using the product in daily life.
• A heartfelt customer testimonial.
• An educational piece that demonstrates how it solves a common problem.

The idea isn’t to create 10 polished masterpieces right away but to experiment with different tones, themes, and approaches. Once you’ve developed these scripts, you can test them to see what resonates most with your audience.

A project management company called Monday.com has a great video promoting their product. It was actually made by their own employees on a tight budget, yet it went viral 6 years ago. You can see it here.

Sound Quality and Visuals Are Equally Important

A viral video doesn’t necessarily require a huge budget, but it does demand quality. Visuals are often the first thing people notice, but sound can make or break your video’s impact. A poorly recorded voiceover or an imbalanced soundtrack can distract viewers, while clear and immersive audio draws them in.

For sound:

• Invest in an external microphone or optimize your audio in post-production.
• Keep voiceovers crisp and professional.
• Choose background music that complements the mood of your video without overshadowing it.

For visuals:

• Use natural light when shooting or invest in a ring light for consistency.
• Ensure your camera is steady, and your framing is intentional—this small detail can elevate your production value.
• Adapt your video format to the platform. For example, vertical videos work well on TikTok, while YouTube often demands horizontal formats.

Provide Value - Catch Attention

The backbone of any viral video is its ability to provide value. This doesn’t always mean solving a practical problem—it could be entertaining, educating, or inspiring your audience. The key is to leave viewers feeling like their time was well spent.

One effective approach is to use hooks (also known as attention-grabbing statements) right at the beginning. For example, open with a question, a surprising statistic, or an intriguing statement that immediately grabs attention. You’ve got only a few seconds to stop viewers from scrolling, so make the introduction count.

If your video’s value lies in solving a problem, focus on clarity. Tutorials, life hacks, or product demonstrations that simplify complex tasks tend to perform well. Ask yourself: What is my audience struggling with, and how can I make it easier for them?

Distribution - Get Your Video Seen

Even the most amazing video won’t go viral if no one sees it. Research by Statista shows that the internet is saturated with content. As of 2022, over 500 hours of video were being uploaded to YouTube every minute, making a solid distribution plan just as important as creating the video itself. Start by identifying where your target audience spends time online. Is it TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn? Once you know, focus on optimizing your video for those platforms.

Here are a few strategies for effective distribution:

• Post Regularly: Consistent uploads keep your audience engaged and improve your chances of going viral over time.
• Collaborate With Influencers: Partnering with influencers in your niche can expose your video to a larger audience.
• Run Paid Ads: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow for precise targeting. A small budget can go a long way in reaching the right audience.
• Engage With Communities: Share your video in relevant groups or forums to gain organic traction.

Remember, viral success often requires a multi-channel approach. Use one platform to drive traffic to another, creating a seamless content ecosystem.

The Key Ingredient - Emotional Connection and Shareability

At the heart of every viral video is an emotional connection. Whether it’s humor, inspiration, or shock, emotions drive people to share content. Think about how your video makes the viewer feel and how that emotion aligns with your message.

For example:

• Videos that evoke laughter or joy are often shared to brighten someone else’s day.
• Inspirational stories tend to resonate deeply, especially when tied to a social cause.
• Shock or surprise can spark curiosity and encourage viewers to share with friends.

Make it easy for viewers to share your content by including clear calls-to-action and ensuring your video is optimized for mobile viewing. Adding captions also helps engage audiences who might be watching without sound.

Early Indicators of a Viral Video

When you're making a video, you can't know for sure if it will go viral. But there are some early indicators that can help you understand if your video has potential. Watch for sudden view spikes within the first 24 hours—viral content often sees exponential growth in this critical period. A flood of genuine comments and high engagement rates are also strong signals. If your video maintains a click-through rate (CTR) above your previous videos, you might hit the jackpot - your video can be going viral.

Final Thoughts

Creating a viral video is as much about strategy as it is about creativity. By understanding your audience, experimenting with ideas, ensuring quality, and distributing effectively, you can increase your chances of creating content that truly resonates. Remember, viral success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process of testing, learning, and refining.

If you’re ready to take your video marketing to the next level, platforms like Keyla AI make it easy to create professional-quality user-generated videos in just minutes.