In the ever-evolving world of social media, the term “viral video” gets tossed around a lot. But what does it really mean to go viral, and why might it not be the golden ticket to success that many believe? Let’s dive into the true definition of a viral video and explore why you might want to reconsider making virality your primary goal.
What Is a Viral Video?
Traditionally, a viral video is defined as one that garners between 2 to 3 million views within a week. However, what we often see today are videos that reach around 100,000 views, which might be categorized as semi-viral. For some, any video with high engagement is labeled “viral,” or VFM (Viral for me) but this term can be relative—what’s viral for one account might just be a great post for another.
The Misconception of Viral Success
Many people believe that going viral will instantly boost their follower count and transform their online presence. While a viral video can bring a significant influx of views and attention, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. True success on social media requires more than just a spike in views—it involves a well-crafted strategy, consistent content creation, and a solid foundation.
Why Virality Can Sabotage Your Growth
- Attracting the Wrong Audience: When a video goes viral, it often reaches a broad, diverse audience, including those who might not be genuinely interested in your niche. This can lead to low engagement on future posts, as new followers might not align with your content’s core themes. The algorithm might then deprioritize your posts, thinking that your content isn’t resonating with your audience.
- Overwhelming Your Business: For those running a business, a sudden influx of attention can be overwhelming. If your business isn’t prepared to handle a large volume of inquiries or sales, this could lead to negative experiences and poor reviews, potentially damaging your brand’s reputation.
- Mental Health Strain: Going viral can expose you to a vast array of comments, including negative feedback. The sudden surge in visibility might be overwhelming, especially if you’re not accustomed to handling criticism on such a scale. This can impact your mental health and overall content creation experience.
- Lack of Content Continuity: If your viral video doesn’t align with the rest of your content, new followers might not stick around. Ensuring that your profile has consistent, relevant content is crucial for retaining new followers and converting them into a loyal audience.
The Importance of Building a Solid Foundation
Instead of focusing solely on achieving virality, prioritize building a strong, strategic foundation. This involves:
- Creating High-Quality Content: Focus on producing valuable, engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
- Maintaining Consistency: Keep a consistent theme and message across your posts to build trust and clarity.
- Engaging with Your Audience: Build meaningful connections and engage with your followers to foster a sense of community.
- Managing Expectations: Understand that viral success is often unpredictable and doesn’t always translate to long-term growth or financial gain.
Moving Beyond the Viral Chase
Success on social media doesn’t hinge on going viral. Instead, it’s about achieving your goals through steady, incremental improvements. Focus on creating quality content, building a community, and working towards small, manageable milestones.
For a deeper dive into why going viral might not be the best strategy and to explore actionable tips for sustainable growth, watch the full video here.
P.S
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