How to Create Viral Content: The Science Behind Trending Posts

Introduction

Every content creator's goal is to receive viral attention on any form of social media. Whether it is in the form of a tweet, video, meme or even a blog post, viral content has the capacity to deliver to the masses in a singular night. But what exactly causes that content to go viral?  Is it sheer luck or a formula combined with something else?

Viral content is based on a pattern, which is how and why it elicits emotions, resonates with audiences and prompts them to take share. In this article, we will analyze and explain the science and strategies that will allow you to create posts and content that will go viral.

1. The Psychology of Viral Content

What causes people to share content? The answer lies within specific human psychology. People will share content that: 

• Triggers emotions – Whether it is joy, surprise, anger or awe. 
• Is relatable – People see themselves being put in the content. 
• Is useful – Providing a valuable insight or solution. 
• Has social currency – The ability to make the one sharing the content look smart, funny or cool. 

Pro Tip: Strong emotions, whether they are positive or negative, will spread faster.

2. Types of Content That Go Viral

There are certain pieces of content that seem to perform better than others. The following pieces of content outperform others: 

• Memes and humor – Funnies tend to spread so much more often.
• Listicles and How-To Guides: Straight to the point and extremely useful. 
• Emotional Stories: Personal stories that many can relate to.
• Controversial Takes: This one certainly gets the conversations flowing. 
• Short-Form Video Content: From TikTok and Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts. 
• Challenges and Trends - We all know how popular these viral challenges are.

Pro Tip: Capture your audience’s attention by diversifying the type of content you post.

3. Tips for Writing Catchy Headlines and Hooks

Your essay’s title or your first sentence is the first thing people look at, and it is a deal breaker because it will make you either engage with the material or scroll down. Here is how to make it more engaging: 

• Create suspense – “You won’t believe what happened next!” 
• Offer a reward – “5 Hacks to Instantly Boost Your Instagram Followers.” 
• Use a personable approach – “Every freelancer can relate to this struggle…” 
• Create a number list – “10 Reasons Why TikTok is Dominating Social Media.” 

Pro Tip: Capture your audience between the first 3 seconds of a video or a post – they are very important, so use them to your advantage.

4. Emotions as a Building Block of Viral Content 

If yoYour content will not be shared if there is no emotion attached to it because why would anyone care? The emotional triggers that are the strongest include:ur content doesn’t evoke emotion, it won’t be shared. The strongest emotional triggers are:

• Happiness and Humor – These are by far the emotions people tend to share the most online because laughter brings me fact to capturing stunning photographs. 
• Curiosity and Surprise – Twists, facts that are mind-blowing or simply shocking get the attention of most people randomly, so being around the bush and creating such will definitely help. 
• Empathize while inspiring – Emotional and motivational stories really bring the makes most people numb in a good way and not just make the heart pump. 
• Anger and hostility – Sparking anger may lower the guard and help engage further, so trying this approach with caution can help indeed.

Pro Tip: The easiest way to capture the attention of large-scale masses is hilarious content combined with tears. If used right, it makes what will what the audience craves and doubles the time; they will go in double no time.

5. Leading Platforms for Content that is Intended to Go Viral

Every platform has its own unique method that helps it go viral.

• TikTok & Reels: Trending audio and Short attention-grabbing video clips.  
• Twitter (X): Controversial posts, uplifts, or breaking news.  
• Instagram & Facebook: Posts with visuals, carousel posts, and videos that go viral.  
• YouTube: High engagement storytelling videos or vlogs and long-form tutorials.

Pro Tip: The more platforms you use, the greater the chances there are for the content to go viral.

6. Consistency & Timing: When To Post To Achieve The Greatest Reach

Even the best content can go from ‘viral’ to ‘cacti’ (flop) if posted at the wrong time. Follow these guidelines:

• Post when your target demographics are using the app. Make use of analytics.  
• Consistency is key: Regular posting schedules are needed for ‘viral’ content.  
• Engagement in the first hour is huge: Commenting increases outreach while viewers are still active.  
• Trend leverage: Being a part of viral challenges boosts chances of being discovered.

Pro Tip: Posting at the very early hours or later in the night increases the chance of standing out for content.

7. Methods of Utilizing Trends and Challenges for Going Viral

Taking part in trends makes you instantly visible. Here’s how to do it:

• Check out trending hashtags – Look for topics that are already popular. 
• Participate in trending challenges – Put your own spin on it. 
• Add trendy audio – TikTok & Reels favor videos which have popular sounds. 
• Be quick about it – Trends grow cold very fast. So post while they are still hot!

Pro tip: Instead of taking strict trends, modify them to suit your brand. That way, you will not lose your identity as a brand.

8. Engagement is Everything: How to Increase Shares and Interactions

Content does not go viral on its own; it needs engagement. Below are methods to boost engagement:

• Pose questions – Engage people to respond.   
• Call-to-action (CTA): “Tag a person who needs to see this!” 
• Reply to comments – Attract more visibility by having more replies. 
• Work with influencers – Their audience helps circulate your content wider. 

Pro tip: Pre and post engaging boosts your content's chances of being seen.

9. How We Can Assist You In Going Viral With Engageways 🚀

Do you wish to increase engagement, followers, and visibility in an instant? Engageways offers:

• Authentic and Engaged Social Media Presence - Increase the credibility of your content by gaining active likes, shares, and followers. 
• Growth for All Platforms Instantly - We can help you trend on any social media platform, including TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. 
• Specialized Plans For Businesses and Influencers - Tailored plans designed to provide maximum visibility.  

Pro Tip: To boost the virality of your content, try implementing an organic approach combined with SMM services.

Conclusion

Viral success isn’t about good fortune but rather the intricacies of user engagement. In this case, by devising emotionally appealing videos, riding on existing trends, and optimizing for social shares, the probability of you becoming a trending user increases significantly.  

Want to go viral? Engageways offers top tier SMM services that can take your content to new heights. Let us help you.