The trick to going viral

Creating a post that goes viral is no mean feat. BuzzSumo recently analysed just what makes content spiral out of control in the popularity stakes, determining that there’s more than a dozen different ways to become shareable.

The website analysed 100 million posts from the past year, determining the common characteristics of viral content. And while they have crafted the below guide, they have commented that there is no guarantee that your content will become viral: “We need to be clear that viral posts are exceptional, and there is no simple formula for viral success - unless possibly you are an international celebrity. For our analysis we excluded content about and from celebrities, musicians and films, even though they can drive huge volumes of traffic.”

The website is adamant there are four different elements which occur frequently in a viral post - emotion, content, topic, and format. As for the key to becoming shareable, BuzzSumo suggests the following:

1. Surprise people with images and facts that challenge current perceptions.
2. Embrace trends as this will increase engagement with the audience.
3. Inspire - this can take many forms but quotes and images that ignite inspiration remain particularly shareable in the digital world.
4. Create a picture list - galleries and lists heavy in imagery are particularly powerful online.
5. Embrace the cute factor of animals and babies.
6. Entertain - making people laugh is one of the easiest ways to ensure your content will be shared.
7. Create a controversial post that divides popular opinion.
8. Integrate a quiz - games and interactive content work wonders.
9. Warn others - 2015’s most shared posts were discovered to be warnings against dangers such as online scams.
10. Discuss the secret to success.
11. Health and wellbeing advice - three of the most shared posts on BuzzFeed US this year related to this sector.
12. Share the secrets to true love and dating.
13. Reveal tips to a longer life.
14. Share heart warming stories.