7 Proven Formulas to Create Viral Content
Struggling to create content that gets noticed? Discover 7 proven formulas for creating viral content. Learn the psychology behind sharing and get actionable ideas for instant engagement on any platform.
The Science and Art of Going Viral
Ever hit ‘publish’ on a piece of content you poured your heart into, only to be met with silence? You're not alone. In a world saturated with information, the ultimate goal for every creator, marketer, and brand is to create something that doesn't just get seen—it explodes.
But here’s the secret: going viral isn't just about luck. It’s not a lottery ticket you cash in by chance. Virality is a fascinating mix of psychology, sharp strategy, and a dash of creativity. There's a science behind why people feel compelled to click that "share" button.
This article is your blueprint. We're moving past the guesswork to dive into seven proven, actionable formulas for creating highly shareable content. By understanding the triggers that make people share, you can build a content strategy that dramatically boosts your social media engagement and makes your brand unforgettable.
What Is Viral Content and Why Should You Care?
Before we explore the formulas, let's clarify what "viral" really means and why it's a goal worth pursuing for your business.
Defining "Viral": Beyond Vanity Metrics
The term "viral" is often thrown around, but it's more than just a high view count. A video with a million views isn't truly viral if no one is talking about it or sharing it.
True viral content is defined by its exponential rate of shares. It’s content that spreads from person to person, organically, like a digital wildfire. The key indicator isn't just that people saw it; it's that they were so moved, entertained, or impressed that they felt compelled to share it with their own network. Virality is also relative—for a small brand, a post that gets 1,000 shares might be viral, while for a global corporation, the benchmark is much higher.
The Tangible Business Benefits of Going Viral
Achieving virality isn't just an ego boost; it delivers powerful, measurable benefits for any business or creator:
- Massive Brand Awareness: Your message reaches an audience far beyond your existing followers, introducing your brand to thousands or even millions of new people.
- Increased Website Traffic and Leads: A viral post is a powerful funnel. It can drive a flood of new visitors to your website, blog, or product pages, leading to more subscribers and customers.
- Strong Community and Brand Loyalty: Content that resonates deeply builds a powerful connection. When people share your content, they're aligning themselves with your brand, strengthening their loyalty.
- Earned Media and SEO Backlinks: Viral content often gets picked up by news outlets, bloggers, and other creators, resulting in valuable media mentions and backlinks that boost your website's authority and search engine ranking.
Formula 1: The Emotional Rollercoaster
The Psychology: High-Arousal Emotions
Humans are emotional creatures. Content that makes us feel something is content we are more likely to share. But not all emotions are created equal. Research from Wharton professor Jonah Berger, author of Contagious, shows that high-arousal emotions are the most powerful drivers of sharing. These are emotions that fire us up and trigger a physiological response.
- High-Arousal (Highly Shareable): Awe, joy, amusement, excitement, anger, surprise.
- Low-Arousal (Less Shareable): Sadness, contentment.
How to Execute It
- Awe & Inspiration: Share heartwarming stories, incredible human achievements, or stunningly beautiful visuals. Think of videos showcasing breathtaking nature scenes or stories of people overcoming immense odds.
- Humor & Amusement: Create relatable skits, funny memes, or compilations of lighthearted fails. Laughter is a universal language and one of the most common reasons people share.
- Anger & Outrage: Highlight a common frustration or an injustice. This must be handled with caution to avoid damaging your brand, but when done right (e.g., pointing out a flaw in your industry), it can be incredibly effective.
Prime Example: Dove's "Real Beauty" campaigns consistently go viral because they tap into the powerful, high-arousal emotions of inspiration and empowerment, challenging conventional beauty standards.
Platform-Specific Tips
- Instagram & TikTok: Short-form video is perfect for capturing a single, powerful emotional moment that hooks viewers instantly.
- Blog & LinkedIn: Use in-depth storytelling to build an emotional arc that takes the reader on a journey, culminating in an inspiring or powerful conclusion.
Formula 2: The Ultimate Life Hack
The Psychology: Practical Value and Social Currency
People want to be seen as helpful, smart, and in-the-know. When you share content that offers immense practical value—a tip, a trick, a shortcut—you're not just helping your network; you're building your own social currency. Sharing useful information is an altruistic act that also makes the sharer look good.
How to Execute It
- Tutorials & How-Tos: Create content that solves a common, nagging problem. Think "How to perfectly fold a fitted sheet" or "5 Excel tricks that will save you hours a week."
- Lists & Cheatsheets: Compile valuable information into an easy-to-digest list. "10 AI prompts for marketers" or "A complete checklist for packing for a beach vacation."
- Infographics: Break down complex data or processes into a visually appealing, shareable graphic. The human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text.
Prime Example: Tasty's overhead recipe videos are a masterclass in this formula. They are short, visually clear, and provide immediate practical value, making them one of the most shared types of content on Facebook.
Platform-Specific Tips
- Pinterest & YouTube: These are the ultimate platforms for visual tutorials and step-by-step guides.
- Blog: This is the home for definitive, long-form "ultimate guides" that become the go-to resource on a topic.
Formula 3: The "That's So Me!" Effect
The Psychology: Identity and Relatability
One of the most powerful human needs is to feel seen and understood. Content that makes someone stop and think, "That is so me," creates an instant, powerful bond. Sharing this type of content is a form of self-expression. It’s a way for people to signal their identity, their beliefs, and their sense of humor to their social circle.
How to Execute It
- Niche Humor: Create jokes that only people in a specific profession, hobby, or life stage will truly understand.
- Shared Struggles: Tap into universal (or niche) frustrations. Content like "You know you're a parent when..." or "The 5 stages of debugging code" resonates because it validates a shared experience.
- Unpopular Opinions: Voice a relatable but rarely-spoken truth that makes people nod in agreement.
Prime Example: The endless stream of memes contrasting Millennial and Gen Z experiences. These go viral because they perfectly capture the nuances of a shared generational identity, making millions feel understood.
Platform-Specific Tips
- Twitter & Threads: Perfect for short, text-based relatable thoughts and observations that are easily quote-tweeted.
- Instagram Reels & TikTok: Use short skits to act out highly specific and relatable scenarios that make people say, "I thought I was the only one!"
Formula 4: The Great Debate
The Psychology: The Need to Engage and Be Right
Humans are wired to have opinions and, often, to defend them. Content that presents a polarizing or controversial topic naturally invites engagement. People jump into the comments to state their case, tag friends to get their opinions, and share the post to prove a point.
How to Execute It
- Ask a Divisive Question: Keep it fun and low-stakes. "Is a hot dog a sandwich?" "Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?" "Do you put socks on before your pants?"
- Challenge a Widely-Held Belief: Take a stand against a common industry practice. Think "Why 'hustle culture' is toxic" or "Brainstorming meetings are a complete waste of time."
- Important Caution: Stick to low-stakes debates. Avoid genuinely harmful or offensive topics unless they are core to your brand's mission. The goal is a lively discussion, not a brand-damaging firestorm.
Prime Example: The infamous "The Dress" debate from 2015 that divided the internet. Was it blue and black or white and gold? It was a simple, visual, and fiercely debatable piece of content that everyone had an opinion on.
Platform-Specific Tips
- Facebook & Twitter: These platforms are built for discussion. Use their poll features to formalize the debate and drive engagement.
- YouTube: Create a well-researched video essay that presents a strong, debatable argument and encourages viewers to share their take in the comments.
Formula 5: The "Wow" Factor
The Psychology: Surprise and Novelty
The human brain is a novelty-seeking machine. We are hardwired to pay attention to anything new, unexpected, or surprising. When we encounter something that shatters our expectations, our natural impulse is to share that "wow" moment with others.
How to Execute It
- Shocking Statistics: Present a counter-intuitive fact or piece of data with a bold visual. "Did you know that hippos kill more people in Africa than lions, elephants, and rhinos combined?"
- Unexpected Transformations: Before-and-after reveals are incredibly compelling, from home renovations to fitness journeys or satisfying cleaning videos.
- Amazing Feats: Showcase something that makes people ask, "How did they even do that?" This could be a masterful card trick, an incredible athletic feat, or a mind-bending artistic creation.
Prime Example: Any satisfying power-washing video. The dramatic transformation from grimy to pristine is so unexpectedly gratifying that it's mesmerizing and highly shareable.
Platform-Specific Tips
- Short-Form Video (Reels/TikTok/Shorts): The reveal or the "wow" moment must happen within the first few seconds to stop the scroll and hook the viewer.
- Blog Post: Use a surprising headline (e.g., "Everything You Know About [Topic] Is Wrong") and lead with your most shocking fact to immediately grab the reader's attention.
Formula 6: Riding the Cultural Wave
The Psychology: Relevance and Algorithmic Favor
Why build a wave when you can ride one that's already cresting? Tapping into a trending topic, sound, or challenge gives your content a built-in audience and immediate relevance. Social media algorithms are designed to push trending content, so by participating, you're giving your content an algorithmic boost.
How to Execute It
- Use Trending Audio: Find a popular sound on TikTok or Instagram Reels and create a video that adapts it to your specific niche or brand message.
- Participate in a Challenge: From the "Ice Bucket Challenge" to the latest dance craze, participating in a widespread challenge puts your brand in the center of the conversation.
- Newsjacking: Connect your content or product to a breaking news story or a major pop culture moment in a clever and timely way.
Prime Example: Duolingo's TikTok account is a masterclass in this strategy. The brand's mascot, Duo the owl, relentlessly participates in every absurd and popular trend, making the language-learning app feel relevant, hilarious, and culturally aware.
Platform-Specific Tips
- TikTok & Reels: This is the epicenter of audio and video format trends. Staying on top of the "For You" page is essential for this strategy.
- Twitter: Perfect for real-time newsjacking and participating in trending hashtag conversations.
Formula 7: Make the Audience the Star (UGC)
The Psychology: Participation and Community
People love to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they love recognition. This formula flips the script by making your audience the hero of the story. By encouraging and featuring User-Generated Content (UGC), you're not just creating content; you're building a thriving, engaged community.
How to Execute It
- Run a Contest or Giveaway: Ask your audience to share a photo or video using your product with a specific hashtag for a chance to win a prize.
- Ask for Submissions: Prompt your audience to share their own experiences. "Show us your WFH setup!" or "Stitch this video with the best piece of advice you've ever received."
- Feature Your Community: Make it a regular practice to repost, celebrate, and credit the amazing content your followers create. This validates their contribution and encourages others to participate.
Prime Example: GoPro’s entire marketing strategy is built on this formula. Their social media feeds are almost entirely composed of breathtaking videos shot by their customers, turning their audience into their most powerful marketing team.
Platform-Specific Tips
- Instagram: Use branded hashtags to easily collect and curate UGC. Feature your favorites on your feed, in your Stories, and create dedicated "Highlights" to showcase them.
- TikTok: Use the Stitch and Duet features to directly encourage video responses and collaborations from your audience.
Your Viral Launchpad: Strategy and Best Practices
Having great viral content ideas is only half the battle. Execution is everything. Here’s how to set your content up for success.
- Know Your Audience, Know Your Platform: Virality is not one-size-fits-all. A relatable meme about corporate life might excel on LinkedIn but fall flat on TikTok. Tailor your formula and tone to the specific audience on each platform.
- Master the First 3 Seconds: In the age of infinite scroll, you have seconds to grab attention. Your headline, your video's opening shot, or your thumbnail must be compelling enough to stop someone in their tracks.
- Optimize for Shareability: Don't make people work to share your content. Include highly visible share buttons on your blog. Create beautiful quote graphics from your articles. End your videos with a clear call-to-action like, "Share this with someone who needs to see it!"
- Timing and Distribution: Post when your audience is most active online. More importantly, give your content an initial push. Share it with your email list, in relevant online communities, and with potential partners to get the snowball rolling.
Conclusion: From Ideas to Impact
Creating viral content doesn't have to be a mystery. By understanding the psychology of sharing, you can strategically engineer content that resonates, engages, and spreads.
Let's recap the 7 powerful formulas:
- Emotion: Tap into high-arousal feelings like awe and humor.
- Utility: Provide immense practical value and life hacks.
- Relatability: Make your audience feel seen and understood.
- Debate: Spark a low-stakes, engaging conversation.
- Surprise: Deliver a jaw-dropping, unexpected "wow" moment.
- Trends: Ride the wave of what's already popular.
- Participation: Make your audience the star of the show.
You don't need to go viral with every post. The goal is to be intentional. Start experimenting with these formulas and see what connects with your audience. By consistently applying these principles, you will elevate your entire content strategy, foster a more engaged community, and dramatically increase your chances of creating that one piece of content that takes on a life of its own.
Now it's your turn. Which of these formulas are you most excited to try first? Leave a comment below and let us know your plan!