The secret of viral videos: how to create content that will catch on with subscribers

Users view hundreds of posts every day, but only a few of them go viral and gain millions of views. The secret lies in the ability to create unique and memorable content that will "get" your subscribers. The issues of virality and user retention are extremely relevant in the creation of video content both on the Youtube platform and on social networks. Viral videos that gain millions of views are becoming an indispensable marketing tool. But what makes a video go viral, and why is viewer retention so important? At the end of the article, you'll find a gift!

User retention is the key to success

Retention of viewers is one of the key factors that affects the success of a vlogger or brand on social media. The main task is to create content that will engage your target audience and make them come back to your posts again and again.

The critical factor is to keep the viewer engaged for the first few seconds - it affects the overall success of the video. If the viewer stays at the beginning of the video, they are more likely to watch it to the end, and this will have a positive impact on platform algorithms and contribute to greater content visibility. Here are some examples:

Since uploading this YouTube short, the video has gained 9.7 million views and 27.5 thousand subscribers.

And this Youtube shorts video gained 4 million views and 15.5 thousand subscribers.

What do these videos have in common that they gain millions of views and attract tens of thousands of subscribers?

If we look at the analytics, it's very similar - the indicators are almost the same. For all videos, we see that the average retention rate is 60% to 90%. So, how does the Youtube shorts algorithm work?

1. Youtube shows your video to the first sample of the audience. If you have a good retention rate, above 80%, Youtube increases the sample of people who will see your video.
2. If the share of views on your Youtube shorts is also above 80%, Youtube will show your video endlessly until it reaches the absolute maximum of the entire audience that is interested in your video.

Retention is a kind of "holy grail" in the world of social media. If you can create content that really touches your audience, it will allow you to build strong relationships with your subscribers and ensure the long-term success of your project. Let's take a closer look at the phenomenon of viral videos and how to use it to promote your YouTube channel.

The phenomenon of viral videos

One of the most effective ways to retain users is to create viral content. Viral videos are those that spread like an epidemic on social media, attracting more and more new viewers. They can gain millions of views and become a real cultural phenomenon. By the way, I have prepared a selection of such videos.

Viral videos have their characteristics that make them popular. They can be divided into two types:

• Viral beginnings - begin with a scene that is intriguing and memorable, catching the viewer and forcing them to watch the video to the end:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C69T0rZINT_/?igsh=cGk1dmt1eXllOXMy? - This video has an exciting beginning that grabs the viewer's attention from the first seconds.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5RikisSjrC/? - A video with an unexpected turn of events that makes the viewer watch to the end.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5voZUKL0us/? - Humorous content that evokes positive emotions.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6UEBTFCXPH / - Use of topical issues of interest to a wide audience.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5l_vMxvjvb/? - Videos with high-quality production and editing.

• Adapted scripted videos - based on well-known viral videos, but with certain changes and additions that make them more relevant and interesting for a specific audience.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C63Lma2r9Pa/?igsh=dWJ6MHR4M3N5N3M0? - A video with a clear storyline that keeps the viewer interested.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7RJ8EsNfjA/?igsh=MW5iaDRneWs1NmNxZw==? - Videos using popular trends.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7lOO38t800/?igsh=MWJsbnY4Zzd4NjMybg==? - A video on a popular topic that makes you smile.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7t3rqsIGFM/?igsh=YXFxN2IyajgxZzMz? - A video that contains interactive elements, such as questions for viewers.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7tOc1HItSi/?igsh=MW8za2hsYXJpcmNjbw==? - A video where a number of viral videos were used in the full scenario.

How to create a viral video?

Creating a viral video is an art that requires creativity, persistence, and understanding of your audience. There are several key aspects to consider when creating a viral video:

• An exciting start - the first few seconds of the video should be so interesting that the viewer wants to continue watching.
• Clear structure - the video should have a logical and clear structure that will help keep the viewer's attention throughout the video.
• Use of emotions - emotionally charged content that evokes laughter, admiration, or surprise is more likely to go viral.
• Relevance of the topic - videos on current topics or those that correspond to current trends have more chances to gain popularity.
• Quality of content - high quality of image, sound, and editing creates a product that is pleasant to watch.
• Correct Hashtags and Captions - Viral distribution largely depends on relevant hashtags and descriptions under the video. Choose the most popular and popular hashtags for your topic.
• Promotion on different platforms - the more people see your video, the higher the chances that it will go viral. Publish it not only on your channel but also on other social networks and messengers.
• Encourage sharing - let your followers share your video with their friends and family. Run contests, sweepstakes, and other activities that will motivate your audience to share your content.

If you consider all the points above when creating the script and during the shooting and editing process, your short video has every chance to go viral! And don't forget to optimize your videos for the specific requirements of the platforms you publish content on (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.). If you want to start creating viral videos now, download the table to help you find ideas and formats!