The 6 STEPPS to 1 Million Views: Unlocking the Science of Shareable Video Content

Creating content that truly resonates and spreads online can feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle.

You're pouring your expertise and passion into every post, but sometimes it just ends up getting 3 likes. Don't beat yourself up about it.

Writing viral content is trickier than eating wet cotton candy.

But I've got the cure.

Enter the STEPPS model: a powerful framework for engineering contagious content that your audience can't help but share. This model hits specific viral psychological triggers in your readers, giving you the tools to craft posts that spread exponentially across social networks.

"Going viral isn't about luck. It's about science." - Jonah Berger

Today, we're diving deep into STEPPS, which will equip you with the knowledge to turn your social media strategy from guesswork to viral engineering.

The 6 STEPPS Elements

1. Social Currency: Make Your Audience Look Good
2. Triggers: Plant Reminders in the Environment
3. Emotion: Make People Feel Something
4. Public: Make Your Ideas Visible
5. Practical Value: Give People Useful Information
6. Stories: Wrap Your Message in a Narrative

Real-World Example: The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

This campaign hit multiple STEPPS:

• Social Currency: Being part of a trend.
• Triggers: The ice bucket challenge itself.
• Emotion: Excitement and empathy.
• Public: Video challenges.
• Practical Value: Raising awareness and funds.
• Stories: People coming together for a cause.

And Finally...

The 6 key ingredients that make content irresistibly shareable are Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories. Apply the STEPPS model to your social media strategy, and watch your content go viral.

Next time you're crafting a social media post, run it through the STEPPS checklist. Does it make people feel like insiders? Does it trigger a specific emotion? Is it packaged in a compelling story? The more STEPPS you can incorporate, the higher your chances of creating content that spreads like wildfire.

Ready to put the STEPPS model into action?

Share your experiences and results in the comments below!