The topic
this week on viral videos is so interesting to me. The fact that you can
release a video and within a few days or weeks, millions and millions of people
see it is incredible. The actual definition of a viral video is that it becomes
popular through a viral process of internet sharing, via social media, email or
video websites. When I think of viral videos I have so many in mind but one
that really sticks out to me is the Gangnam style video by PSY. This video was
not even produced in the United States
and it is in a different language. It is currently at 32 million views. Though, whether
the video is made domestically or overseas they all have something in common.
They all
have theme, structure and tastemakers. Most viral videos follow at least one of
these themes. Parody of something popular, something cute, or if you finish a
video and ask yourself, did that really happen? All the viral videos I can
think of follow at least one of those 3 themes. The “Charlie bit me” video is
so cute and I find myself watching it over and over again. Its no wonder why
its one of the top videos viewed on Youtube. When I think of a viral video I
think of something that people can watch over and over again and never get
tired of it.
In
marketing we learn that in order to make a successful commercial you need to be
able to tug at the heartstrings of the viewer. It is the same thing when making
a viral video. It is crucial to have some type of structure and trigger an
emotional response within the viewer. Whether that is making them laugh, cry,
angry, excited etc…
Lastly,
most videos get noticed after being discovered by tastemakers or digital
influencers. This means they are viewed by a celebrity or someone with many
followers or a big viewing audience. Viral videos are becoming more and more
popular and many people strive to get a ton of viewers. If you follow the
proper theme, structure and have a tastemaker; your well on your way to
producing a viral video.
http://mashable.com/2012/04/11/viral-video-seedwell/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH1XGdu-hzQ
I find it interesting that a lot of the viral videos are by people who already have a large audience who follow them like you mention celebrities. There are those rare occasions that some random person gets their video on YouTube and they become super popular over night. Not as common though.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that the word "viral" has actually gone viral itself.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I really liked the example of the PSY video -Megan Jacques
ReplyDeleteI also like the example of the PSY !
ReplyDelete