Why is THAT video going viral?

We’ve all seen those people on social media posting about “The Best-Selling Products on Amazon” or “Amazon Must Haves”. We weren’t thinking about buying anything from Amazon until we got on Instagram and saw one of these posts that made us think “wow I really need this”, even though you probably have the same thing but just want it because it’s advertised in a popular video. But your best friend shared the viral video with you, which means it’s too cool not to have.

The article, “Why Some Videos Go Viral”, suggests that on top of there being “super sharers” and right timing to post a video, videos become viral due to two main factors: psychological response and social motivation.

Videos that evoke intense emotional reactions and provide reasons for sharing are more likely to spread widely. The content's ability to make viewers feel strongly about it encourages them to share. For example, being impressed by those detachable handle pots and pan sets you’ve seen all over social media. Let me be honest with you, I have that kitchen set myself. They’re so aesthetically pleasing and useful when it comes to storage, it makes you feel a sense of security or joy that a set like this was created. So you not only buy those pots and pans, but you also share that video because you think everyone needs them.

When it comes to social motivation, you may share a video because you are seeking opinions from your friend; “I bought these pots and pans I saw from this viral Instagram video!”. And they’ll think it's so cool and useful, and ask you to share the video with them. Or you may share that video because it’s trending.

Everyone has seen the video. Everyone likes the video. Everyone is sharing the video. That's why it’s viral.