What Counts as Going “Viral” Online — And What It Takes to Get There
Everyone talks about going viral, but few people understand what actually makes a post go viral.
Is it 10,000 views? 100,000? A certain number of likes?
There’s no single official definition of “going viral,” because no platform publishes an exact threshold. It just depends on your audience size, your platform, and your goals.
This is not a hard rule, but a benchmark we use to gauge the measure of going viral on social media is 10x.
If a post reaches 10x your average audience size or post performance, it’s considered viral — for you.
Types of Content That Go Viral (And Why)
If you look at the posts that spread the fastest, there are clear patterns. While algorithms play a role, it’s human psychology that makes someone share, comment or click.
There are many forms of content that go viral online but when you dig into the posts that actually take off, they usually fall into one of three categories.
Let’s take a look at the Top 3 Types of Viral Content (and Why People Share Them).
1. Entertainment
We’re wired to seek out novelty and reward. When content is funny, unexpected, or satisfying, it gives us a little dopamine hit or a quick win. It makes us feel good, so we share it.
This usually comes in the form of:
· Memes
· Skits or funny voiceovers
· “Oddly satisfying” content (cleaning, cooking, DIY fixes)
· Parodies or pop culture remixes
· And any short, punchy Reel or TikTok that makes us laugh
It doesn’t even have to be that funny. Sometimes, it’s just a one-liner that captures how we feel on a Monday morning – posted on a Monday morning. Or you see a meme about inbox overload, right after venting about it to a friend. Even a 5-second clip of coffee spilling right before a meeting has potential because it’s relatable and real — that’s enough to make someone laugh and hit share.
2. Emotional
Posts that start with a struggle, decision, or unexpected truth and end with a lesson are highly relatable. People relate to vulnerability and growth.
You’ve probably seen the ones …
· “I almost gave up on my business this year…”
· “I got rejected by 34 donors before one said yes.”
· “We lost $10K and learned more than we ever did from success.”
These posts humanize the brand and they’re a key driver of shares and saves.
“Hot Takes” and “POV’s” (point of view) are key drivers of engagement. They position you as a thought leader — someone with something to say, not just something to sell.
POV posts help you attract the right followers (and gently repel the wrong ones). If growth is your goal, this is great type of content to create.
These often fall into one of three buckets:
1. Challenging how people think
· “Not every founder needs to scale. Growth isn’t everyone’s goal.”
· “You don’t need to have a company name before you start getting clients.”
2. Challenging how people do something
· “You don’t need a morning routine to be productive.”
· “If you’re still writing weekly blogs and wondering why no one’s reading… stop.”
3. Challenging the dominant narrative
· “The algorithm isn’t holding you back — your content is.”
· “You’re not ‘bad at sales’ — you’re just trying to sell to people who don’t want it.”
Sometimes, people go even further and share more emotional or controversial takes — ones that spark debates and get people talking.
· “College is a scam — you don’t need a degree to be successful.”
· “9-to-5 jobs are modern slavery. No one was meant to work like this.”
These types of posts can divide opinion — but they also stop the scroll, start conversation, and grow your audience faster than other forms of content.
One more worth mentioning is Nostalgia. Don’t underestimate this one. It’s one of the easiest (and most reliable) ways to drive comments, likes and shares.
Nostalgia taps into identity and belonging. It makes people feel like they’re part of something. A simple throwback photo, a reference to a childhood toy, or a “remember this?” post can get people reminiscing. Examples you might see:
· “Tell me you were an 80’s kid without telling me.”
· “Only true Friends fans will get this.”
· A photo of an old landmark, business or old slogan (example – Blockbuster building and a “Be Kind, Rewind” sticker)
3. Tips & How To’s
There’s a reason advice-driven posts rack up saves and shares: they give people a quick win. Whether it’s a simple tip or a step-by-step system, this kind of content makes people feel more capable — and it positions you as someone worth learning from.
This includes:
· Tips & frameworks that solve a specific problem
· Before & afters that show a transformation
· Visual breakdowns that simplify a complex idea
It doesn’t have to be complicated — in fact, the simpler the better. Posts like:
· “3 ways to show up online without burning out”
· “What to say instead of ‘we’re passionate about…’”
· “How to map your donor journey in 15 minutes”
are practical, easy to apply, and often saved for later.
Before & afters do double duty. They teach and inspire. Whether it’s “Before: posting randomly. After: building a content system that reflects our voice” or “What I used to believe about branding vs. what I know now,” these posts show a transformation people can relate to or aspire to.
And if you want to make your content easy to skim, try a visual breakdown.
Infographics, charts, and carousels help people understand what you mean — and there’s real value in that. When content feels easy to digest and genuinely useful, it’s more likely to be saved, shared, or revisited later.
How to Go Viral on Social Media
If you’ve created something that could go viral, there’s still one thing standing in your way … how the algorithm works for viral content.
Even the best content won’t take off if it’s not optimized for each platform. Each needs the right signals for the algorithm to send it out. Here’s what those signals usually include:
1. Engagement in the First Hour
The algorithm doesn’t care how good you think your post is — it watches what people do with it.
If your audience engages with your content right away (likes, saves, shares, comments), that tells the algorithm your post is worth showing to more people. The faster the response, the better.
Comments carry a lot of weight, so it helps when you end your post with a question that invites some conversation.
2. Watch Time
How long someone stays on a piece of content (whether they engage or not) is one of the biggest factors. The longer they watch or read, the more valuable the platform considers your content.
· On TikTok and Reels: Watch time (especially rewatches) tells the platform your content is worth showing to more people.
· On Instagram or LinkedIn: The longer someone pauses, scrolls through your carousel, or expands your caption, the stronger the signal that your post is valuable.
Many experts recommend hooking your audience in the first 3 seconds. Just don’t fall into the bait-and-switch trap or lose your tone. Instead, be authentic and try a question or statement they can relate to.
3. Consistency & Momentum
One viral post can give you a short boost. But showing up consistently is what builds long-term growth.
Social media platforms prioritize creators who post regularly and engage with their community. That doesn’t mean you have to post every day. You just need to post often enough to stay familiar and build a little anticipation.
Focus on quality over quantity. Posting 3-4 times a week with a strong strategy is far more effective than daily filler.
4. Use Platform-Friendly Features
Every platform has its own built-in tools and features it wants you to use. If you use them — your content is more likely to get more reach.
· Instagram: Post Reels, use trending audio, and try stickers or polls in Stories.
· TikTok: Use trending sounds and upload videos directly in the app (not reposted from Instagram).
· LinkedIn: Share posts directly in the feed — especially those with just text or simple PDFs (like carousels). Avoid posting links that send people off the platform.
· Facebook: Try using Live Video, Reels, or posting in Groups. Event posts and photo albums also tend to get more reach.
· YouTube: Use Shorts for quick videos, create Community Posts to engage subscribers, and tag your videos with relevant keywords so people can find them.
· X (formerly Twitter): Post short, engaging tweets or threads directly on the platform. Use 1–2 relevant hashtags, ask questions or create polls, and reply to your own post to boost visibility.
How to Leverage A Viral Post
What do you do if your post does go viral?
Going viral is exciting, but if you don’t do anything with the momentum, it fades fast. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Show Up in the Comments
Don’t “post and ghost”. When someone comments on your post and you say nothing, it’s kind of like them walking up to you saying “Hi” and you ignoring them and walking past.
The comment section is a great opportunity to build new connections. It’s an opening to talk to them while you have their attention, and that window doesn’t stay open forever.
So show up, reply, thank them, and answer their questions!
2. Pin the Post or Link to It in Your Bio
Make it easy for new visitors to find what’s resonating. If people are landing on your profile, make sure they see your most powerful post front and center — or something connected to it (a freebie, offer, article, etc.).
3. Post a Follow-Up
Continue the momentum. Post a related thought, a behind-the-scenes, or an extended take — even just a simple “wow, I wasn’t expecting this” can keep the conversation going.
Bonus! People will often go check out the viral post when they see your follow up, and it could catch a second wind!
4. Update Your Profile
If your viral post is bringing in a new wave of people — make sure your profile is current, your positioning clear, and there’s an easy way for them to work with you, follow you, or learn more.
5. Add Them To Your Email List
If you’ve got an email list, offer a freebie or next step in exchange for their email so you can keep the conversation going, stay top of mind, and nurture the relationship. If you don’t have one yet, now’s a great time to start. Viral posts attract new followers, but sales only happen when there’s trust, connection, and a reason to come back.
When Your Post Doesn’t Go Viral
Most posts won’t go viral. And that’s okay.
Going viral should never be the goal. The most important thing is focusing on the message, your audience and your goals.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Vanity Metrics Don’t Drive Meaningful Growth
Likes, views, and shares look good — but they don’t always mean conversions. Some of your best posts won’t have 10x results, but if they build trust, connections and attract inquiries from the right fit prospects, they are more valuable.
2. It Takes More Than One Post
It’s the overall rhythm and clarity of your content that creates real results. Most people don’t follow, donate, or buy after one post — they do it after getting to you know you and what you stand for. Consistency matters more than virality.
3. Going Viral Doesn’t Guarantee Growth
A spike in likes doesn’t mean a spike in loyalty or conversion. Most people won’t stick around unless what you’re sharing is consistent, clear, and relevant. And they won’t buy from you or refer you until they’ve followed you long enough to trust you and understand how you can actually help.
Quick Recap: What to Know About Going Viral
· Viral = ~10x your normal reach
· Best content types: Entertainment, Emotional/POV, and Tips
· Algorithm loves engagement + watch time
· Momentum matters more than one viral post
· Real results come from clarity, trust, and systems
What’s Next?
If you want real growth — clients, donors, opportunities, momentum — it takes more than one viral post.
We help brands build messaging systems — so whether your post reaches 500 or 50,000, your voice is clear, your audience knows who you are, and your message feels true every time you show up.
Going viral is a bonus of sending the messages that actually move people to action.
If you want a messaging system built to grow your brand with consistency, we’re happy to support you.
Contact us at letscreate@undercover-creators.com
Not quite ready? Start with our free DIY guide: The Messaging Strategy Checklist
This free resource helps you define your:
Mission
Audience
Brand voice
Message pillars
Point of view
So you can create content that actually connects — with or without the algorithm.