In the world of social media, a viral campaign can catapult a brand to new heights of visibility and engagement. While going viral often seems impossible, there are strategic elements that can increase the likelihood of a campaign catching fire. Successful viral social media campaigns all share elements that made them stand out, so here are a few strategies for creating shareable content.

Successful Viral Social Media Campaigns

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

I think we all know about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that took over social media in the summer of 2014. Participants were challenged to dump a bucket of ice water over their heads, post a video of it, and nominate others to do the same, all while donating to ALS research.

Why it went viral:

• Engagement & Participation: The challenge format encouraged widespread participation and nominations.

• Celebrity Endorsements: High-profile figures participated, bringing significant attention.

  Emotional Appeal: The campaign raised awareness for a good cause, encouraging empathy and support.

Wendy’s NuggsForCarter

In 2017, a teenager named Carter Wilkerson tweeted Wendy’s asking how many retweets he would need to get a year of free chicken nuggets. Wendy’s replied with “18 million,” sparking the viral hashtag NuggsForCarter.

Why it went viral:

• Humor and Relatability: The playful interaction between Carter and Wendy’s resonated with the Twitter audience.

• Clear Goal: The goal of 18 million retweets was ambitious and clear, making it easy to understand and support.

• Community Effort: The internet collectively rallied to help Carter achieve his goal, fostering a sense of community.

Dove Real Beauty Sketches

Dove’s Real Beauty Sketches campaign featured a forensic artist drawing women as they described themselves and then as others described them. The contrast highlighted women's negative self-perception.

Why it went viral:

• Emotional Resonance: The campaign struck an emotional chord by addressing self-esteem and beauty standards.

• Relatability: Many women related to the insights about self-perception, making it widely shareable.

• Visual Impact: The compelling video format was engaging and easily shareable across platforms.

Key Takeaways and Strategies for Creating Shareable Content

1. Tell a Compelling Story: People are drawn to stories that evoke emotions. Whether it's humor, joy, empathy, or surprise, a well-crafted story can resonate deeply and compel viewers to share. Craft narratives that are relatable and evoke strong emotions. Use real-life scenarios, testimonials, or dramatizations to engage your audience.

2. Encourage Participation: Interactive campaigns that invite user participation can amplify reach. Challenges, contests, and user-generated content are effective ways to involve your audience. Create campaigns that encourage user-generated content, such as challenges or contests. Make participation easy and rewarding.

3. Leverage Influencers & Celebrities: Influencers and celebrities can significantly boost the visibility of your campaign. Their endorsement can lend credibility and attract a broader audience. Partner with influencers and celebrities who align with your brand values and target audience. Their involvement can provide the initial push needed for virality.

4. Make It Visually Appealing: Eye-catching visuals and videos are more likely to be shared. High-quality, visually engaging content stands out in crowded social media feeds. Invest in high-quality graphics, videos, and photography. Use compelling visuals to grab attention and maintain interest.

5. Tap into Social Issues: Campaigns that address social issues or align with cultural movements can gain traction by resonating with the values and concerns of your audience. Align your campaign with relevant social issues or cultural trends. Authenticity is key—ensure your campaign genuinely supports the cause.

6. Use Humor Wisely: Humor can make your content more engaging and shareable. However, it’s essential to ensure that the humor aligns with your brand and audience. Incorporate humor that resonates with your target audience. Avoid controversial or offensive jokes that could backfire.

7. Set Clear & Achievable Goals: Clear objectives make it easier for people to understand and participate in your campaign. Whether it’s a specific number of shares, likes, or actions, a clear goal can motivate participation. Define clear, concise goals for your campaign. Use calls to action (CTAs) to guide your audience on what to do next.

While there's no guaranteed formula for creating viral content, understanding the elements that contribute to virality can enhance your chances. By telling compelling stories, encouraging participation, leveraging influencers, creating visually appealing content, addressing social issues, using humor wisely, and setting clear goals, you can craft social media campaigns that resonate deeply and inspire widespread sharing. Take inspiration from successful campaigns and adapt these strategies to your brand’s unique voice and objectives.