Experiencing the Power of Viral Content
Most businesses dream about making a post go viral on social media, but what actually happens when one starts racking up thousands of likes and views?
A few weeks ago, Kelly made a TikTok highlighting how major brands have changed their logos over the years. She personally thought it was a cool concept, and apparently so did many other people! Within the first day about 5,000 people viewed the video. Within a week it had over 400,000 views. To say we were all surprised is an understatement!
Kelly’s page saw a few changes over the course of the week:
1 // Increased engagement
Kelly's inbox overflowed as people consistently engaged with her post. Likes, saves, replies, and comments flooded in throughout the week! As of the time we’re writing this, the post has:
5,000+ likes
100+ comments
550+ saves
100 shares
It can be challenging to keep up with high numbers! Engaging with viewers helps to create a personal connection, which is a good rule of thumb even if a post doesn’t go viral.
2 // Increased followers
Kelly's account saw a surge of nearly 200 new followers. For a personal account with only a few posts, this was a significant change! Viral posts often attract new followers, especially if the account regularly shares similar content and maintains consistency.
3 // Fluctuating viewership
Kelly noticed fluctuations in viewership as the algorithm pushed the post out, causing it to dip and then spike again. This pattern is standard for most platforms with highly engaging posts and typically stabilizes over time. After a few weeks, viewership steadied out as the trend quieted down, but it would not be out of the ordinary to see a spike in views down the road.
While the desire for a viral post is common among businesses, achieving it isn't as simple as it sounds. Algorithms can be hard to predict, almost like trying to guess exactly how many jelly beans are in a jar. Simply desiring a viral post doesn't guarantee its success, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.
Here were some strategies that Kelly used with her post:
1 // Created content she found interesting
Kelly's TikTok was inspired by her curiosity about the evolution of logos over time. She took a concept that she found interesting, shared it, and found that many others were also intrigued by the idea! The takeaway here is to create content that you would enjoy. Chances are that there are others on the internet that will enjoy it just as much as you.
2 // Used popular trends and sounds
Kelly's slideshow tapped into a popular trend at the time, allowing her content to stand out. The use of trending sounds and video styles further boosted its appeal to viewers. Navigating trends requires strategic timing—using them early enough to be relevant but not so early that they're oversaturated. While engagement with trends can be unpredictable, the right timing can lead to substantial views!
3 // Avoided viral expectations
Sometimes, it just happens that way! While viral posts can happen organically, fixating on that goal can lead to unrealistic expectations and stress. It’s important to understand what you can reasonably accomplish while also having a growth-focused mindset. Remember that genuine engagement with your audience will go a long way!
Developing a robust social media strategy is key if you’re hoping to see account growth. Engaging with other accounts and aligning digital marketing goals with overall business objectives will be an essential step toward success.
If social media feels overwhelming or you're unsure where to start, our team at GoldBear Media is here to help! Our social media engagement specialists provide valuable insights, best practices, and the latest trends to ensure your business remains top-of-mind for potential customers.
Book a discovery call today and see what working with GoldBear Media can do for you!