Let’s get real about something: going viral isn’t magic. It’s not about putting out some random piece of content and hoping for the best. Viral content comes from a strategic, repeatable process.
And here’s the thing: In 2024, your audience has gotten smarter. They know when they’re being sold to, they can spot inauthenticity a mile away, and they’re immune to cookie-cutter marketing.
But when you understand what works, you can create content that gets seen, shared, and talked about.
In this post, I’m breaking down 7 key strategies that have been proven to help your content go viral. These aren’t just tricks. They’re rooted in psychology, and they’re exactly what the top brands and content creators are using right now.
So, get ready to take notes, because by the end of this, you’ll have a playbook for making your content explode.
Stand Out from the Noise
Here’s the deal: the internet is noisy. There’s an endless stream of posts, videos, and ads bombarding your audience every second. If your content doesn’t jump out and make a lasting impression, it’s gone. Scrolled past. Forgotten.
When we talk about being memorable, it’s not just about having a flashy design or catchy headline (although those help). It’s about doing something that no one else is doing. Something that sticks with your audience long after they’ve moved on to the next post in their feed.
Example: Liquid Death’s “Death to Plastic” Campaign
Let’s take a look at Liquid Death. They’re selling something as basic as canned water. You’d think that’d be hard to make exciting, right? But Liquid Death isn’t just selling water. They’ve built a cult following by being memorable in every way that counts.
Their content? It’s absurd. It’s rebellious. It’s funny. They make videos about “murdering” plastic bottles, they sponsor punk bands, and they promote their brand with a sense of irreverence that makes people stop and say, “Wait, what?”
Whether it’s their tongue-in-cheek product videos or their absurd marketing stunts, people remember Liquid Death because they’re doing something no one else in the water industry is doing. Their messaging is as bold and sharp as their visuals, and they’ve created an entire persona around their brand that makes them impossible to forget.
What You Can Do
Here’s how you can apply this to your content:
- Break the mold. Don’t settle for boring visuals or generic messaging. Push boundaries and be bold. Take risks with your content. If it doesn’t make you a little uncomfortable, it’s probably too safe.
- Differentiate yourself. Look at what your competitors are doing. Now do the opposite. Seriously, take a hard look at how they’re presenting their content, and then figure out how you can zig where they zag.
- Tie your message to a cause. People care about more than just products. They care about missions. Liquid Death tapped into environmentalism with a rebel twist, but they didn’t preach. They made the message fun and memorable. Find a cause that aligns with your brand and build your content around it.
Here’s the bottom line: If your content feels like everything else, it’ll get ignored. Be different. Be memorable. The more unique and bold you are, the harder it will be for your audience to forget about you.
Tap Into Core Values
Here’s the truth: People don’t share content just because it’s cool. They share it because it means something to them.
In 2024, consumers are more value-driven than ever before. They’re looking for brands and creators who aren’t afraid to take a stand. Whether it’s sustainability, social justice, or wellness, people want to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
When your content aligns with their values, it’s not just about what you’re saying; it’s about what they’re saying when they share it. It’s a reflection of who they are or who they want to be.
Example: Patagonia’s Environmental Commitment
Patagonia has turned their commitment to environmental sustainability into a viral phenomenon. In 2024, their campaigns around climate activism are resonating with a consumer base that’s looking for more than just products. They want brands that take action.
Think about their campaign: “Don’t Buy This Jacket.” They literally told their customers not to buy something unless they really needed it. Why? Because it aligned with their values of reducing consumption and promoting sustainability.
This wasn’t just a marketing ploy. It was a genuine call to action that resonated deeply with their audience. When people shared that message, they weren’t just sharing a clever ad. They were sharing their own beliefs about being responsible consumers.
What You Can Do
Here’s how you can tap into core values for your brand:
- Identify what matters to your audience. What are the causes and values your audience holds close? Is it sustainability? Diversity and inclusion? Mental health? Whatever it is, figure out what drives them on a deeper level.
- Embed those values in your messaging. This isn’t just about slapping a mission statement on your website. Your values should be woven into everything you do — from your content to your products to your customer service.
- Create moments of advocacy. Give your audience something to rally behind. Whether it’s a social cause, a movement, or a mission, create opportunities for your audience to feel like they’re part of something important.
Here’s the deal: Virality happens when your content resonates with who your audience is and what they believe in. You’re not just another voice — you’re a voice that speaks for them. And when your content speaks to their values, they’ll share it.
Be Helpful, Always
Here’s something that often gets overlooked: useful content gets shared.
Why? Because when you help someone solve a problem, they want to share that solution with others. And guess what? Practical value is incredibly important in 2024.
Think about it: People are dealing with economic uncertainty, mental health challenges, and all kinds of stressors in their everyday lives. They’re not just looking for entertainment. They’re looking for answers — for things that can help them navigate the chaos of modern life.
Example: Humphrey Yang’s TikTok Finance Tips
Let’s take Humphrey Yang as an example. He’s built a massive following on TikTok by simplifying personal finance into bite-sized tips that anyone can understand. He breaks down budgeting, taxes, and investing into actionable advice that makes sense for people who don’t have an MBA.
What’s the result? His content goes viral because it provides practical solutions that people need in their daily lives. They don’t just watch his videos. They share them because they want to help others in their circle improve their finances, too.
This is the kind of content that adds real value. It’s the type of content that people can’t help but pass along because it solves a real problem.
What You Can Do
Want to create content that spreads like wildfire? Here’s what you need to do:
- Solve real problems. What are the biggest challenges your audience is facing? Whether it’s financial stress, relationship advice, or productivity hacks, create content that provides a clear solution.
- Break things down. If you’re tackling complex topics, simplify them. People don’t want to feel overwhelmed. They want actionable steps they can take right away. Break it down into easy-to-follow instructions or quick tips.
- Make it shareable. Use formats like infographics, checklists, or short-form videos to make your content easy to consume and easy to share. The more digestible your content is, the more likely people are to spread it around.
When you provide practical value, you give people a reason to share your content. They’re not just sharing your brand; they’re sharing helpful solutions that make them look good for passing it on.
Create Content That Reflects
Here’s a secret that every viral content creator knows: People don’t just share content for the fun of it. They share content because it helps them project their identity.
In 2024, people are more conscious than ever about how they’re seen online. They’re curating their feeds, their stories, and their personal brands on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The content they share is a reflection of who they are — or who they aspire to be.
Example: Nike’s “Move to Zero” Campaign
Take Nike’s “Move to Zero” campaign as an example. Nike is pushing for sustainability in sportswear, but it’s not just about selling eco-friendly products. It’s about giving people an opportunity to say, “I care about the planet. I’m an eco-conscious athlete.”
When people share Nike’s content, they’re not just promoting a product. They’re promoting an aspect of their identity. They’re saying, “I’m part of this movement.”
Nike’s success here comes from tapping into a powerful trend: sustainability. They’ve aligned their brand with environmental responsibility, and in doing so, they’ve given their audience a way to express their commitment to a cause while still looking cool.
What You Can Do
Here’s how you can create content that reflects your audience’s identity:
- Understand their aspirations. What does your audience want to project to the world? Are they fitness enthusiasts? Social justice advocates? Eco-conscious consumers? You need to understand who they want to be and create content that helps them express that.
- Make it shareable. Quotes, inspirational videos, and powerful imagery are great for giving people content that reflects their identity. The easier you make it for people to share their values, the more likely they are to spread your content.
- Align with trends. In 2024, trends like conscious consumerism, mental health awareness, and personal growth are dominating the conversation. Tap into these trends and create content that aligns with what people care about right now.
When your content allows people to express who they are or who they want to be, they’ll share it. And that’s when you start seeing your content explode.
Create Moderate Controversy
Let’s talk about controversy.
When it comes to virality, controversy works. But there’s a fine line between sparking debate and alienating your audience. In 2024, you can tap into light controversies that get people talking without diving into polarizing territory.
Moderate controversy invites discussion. It stirs curiosity. It gets people engaged. And, more importantly, it makes them share your content because they want to weigh in on the debate.
Example: The AI Art Debate
Take the rise of AI-generated art in 2024. This topic has sparked a massive debate. Is AI art stealing from real artists? Or is it the natural evolution of creativity? People on both sides of the argument are weighing in, and the conversation is spreading like wildfire.
What makes this debate so viral is that it’s controversial enough to get people talking, but it’s not so polarizing that it drives people away. Whether you love AI art or hate it, you can engage in the discussion without feeling like you’re alienating yourself from the community.
What You Can Do
Here’s how to create moderate controversy:
- Find a balanced controversy. Look for topics that spark strong opinions but aren’t too divisive. Things like emerging tech, industry trends, or disruptive innovations are great areas to explore.
- Encourage discussion. Frame your content as an open-ended question. Invite your audience to share their opinions and weigh in on the debate.
- Stay respectful. Controversy can drive engagement, but if you go too far, you risk alienating a portion of your audience. Keep the conversation balanced and respectful.
When done right, moderate controversy gets people talking, sharing, and engaging. And that’s exactly what you want for your content.
Show That Everyone’s Talking About It
Let’s talk about social proof. It’s nothing new, but in 2024, it’s more powerful than ever.
People don’t just like to join the crowd — they need to. When they see that others are already engaging with your content, they’re more likely to jump on the bandwagon.
Example: Threads’ Real-Time Engagement Features
Look at Meta’s Threads. This platform thrives on real-time engagement. Users can see exactly how many people are talking about a topic or interacting with a post right now.
That real-time feedback creates a snowball effect. The more people engage, the more others want to jump in because they don’t want to be left out of the conversation.
What You Can Do
Here’s how to use social proof to your advantage:
- Highlight engagement. Show how many people are liking, commenting, or sharing your content. When people see those numbers, they’re more likely to engage themselves.
- Leverage influencers. Collaborate with influencers who can give your content that initial boost of credibility and social proof.
- Encourage user-generated content. When your audience creates content around your brand, they’re providing built-in social proof. It shows that your brand is worth talking about.
The more people see others engaging with your content, the more likely they are to join the conversation.
Make People Feel Something
Here’s the thing: emotion drives shares. If you want your content to go viral, you need to make people feel something.
And guess what? It doesn’t have to be deep or profound. Humor, awe, and inspiration are some of the most powerful tools for virality. In 2024, short-form video is dominating the landscape, and that’s where entertainment thrives.
Example: Duolingo’s Viral TikToks
Take a look at Duolingo. They’ve mastered TikTok by combining entertainment with brand messaging.
Their mascot, the Duolingo owl, appears in hilarious, absurd scenarios that people love to share. It’s lighthearted, it’s funny, and it keeps people engaged with their brand — even though they’re technically promoting a language learning app.
What You Can Do
If you want to entertain your audience, here’s what to focus on:
- Use humor. Don’t be afraid to be funny. Humor is one of the easiest ways to make content go viral.
- Inspire your audience. Whether it’s a motivational quote or an incredible story, give people content that lifts them up.
- Leverage short-form video. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are the go-to formats for entertaining content in 2024. Keep it snappy and fun.
When your content makes people feel something — whether it’s a laugh, a smile, or inspiration — they’ll want to share it.
Put These Strategies to Work
There’s no guesswork when it comes to going viral. It’s all about applying these proven strategies consistently. Let’s recap:
- Be memorable.
- Tap into core values.
- Deliver practical value.
- Reflect your audience’s identity.
- Use moderate controversy.
- Leverage social proof.
- Entertain your audience.
When you master these strategies, your content won’t just sit there. It’ll spread, and more importantly, it’ll stick.
