In the digital age, the term "viral video" is no longer unfamiliar to internet users and marketers. Videos that go viral on social media can transform a brand overnight. But behind a viral clip with millions of views is not simply luck; it's an art form combining strategy, creativity, and emotion.
So what is a viral video, what does "viral" mean, and how can you create an effective viral video? This article will delve into the definition, importance, and key elements that make a truly successful viral marketing video.
What is a viral video? What does "viral" mean in the context of media?
In the field of media and marketing, "viral" means spreading at a dizzying speed. When content (video, image, article) is continuously shared by users, creating a chain reaction, it is considered viral.
So what exactly is a viral video? A viral video is a video that spreads rapidly on the internet thanks to its engaging content, emotional impact, or trending nature. A viral video often has tens, even hundreds of thousands of shares on platforms with huge user bases like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Unlike traditional TV commercials, which are videos broadcast on television platforms and require large investment budgets, viral clips are primarily spread on social media and do not require high distribution costs, yet they have a very significant impact.
>> Explore: What is TV commercial production? Where to hire models for TV commercials in Vietnam?
Why should brands invest in viral videos?
A video that gets widespread exposure is a significant success for a brand. There are many compelling reasons why brands should invest in viral videos.
Increase brand awareness at low cost.
A successful viral video can help businesses reach millions of potential customers without a large advertising budget.
Building a creative and approachable brand image.
Unlike serious TV commercials, viral clips allow brands to showcase their personality, creativity, and humor, thereby helping to connect emotionally with the audience more effectively.
Create a natural media effect.
Users voluntarily share videos because of their engaging content, without feeling "forced to watch" like with traditional advertisements. This is the most effective form of free PR.
What kind of content do viral videos usually have?
Are you curious about what kind of content is typically found in a viral video?
Evokes strong emotions
A viral video doesn't need to be long, but it must definitely "touch" emotions with its blend of humor, touching moments, shock, inspiration, or surprise.
Short and easy to understand.
The typical length for a viral video is under 1 minute (especially on TikTok). The content must be concise, easy to understand, and convey the message quickly.
Catching trends or creating trends
TikTok viral videos often rely on music, choreography, or current trends. However, brands can absolutely create new trends if their content is unique enough.
It has a "WOW" element.“
An unexpected twist, a deeply humanistic message, or a unique element that makes viewers exclaim in surprise—these are the key factors in creating something that goes viral.
Key elements for creating a successful viral video.
Creative and unique ideas
Every viral video starts with a strong idea. Don't "copy," instead, make yourself different. Because the more unique the content, the higher the chance of it going viral.
Understanding the target audience
A single video can't please everyone. That's why you need to understand your target audience, as this helps you create relevant content that's likely to go viral within that specific community.
The script is clear and has a rhythm.
Despite its brevity, a viral video still needs a logical script with a beginning, a climax, and an ending. A tight rhythm will keep viewers glued to the screen.
Evokes genuine emotions
Fake emotions won't help you create a viral video. Invest in a real story, ordinary people, and a genuine message.
Meticulous production
Image quality, sound, camera angles, lighting—all need careful investment. A blurry video or one with excessive background noise will hardly create a positive impression.
Right time, right trend
Videos released during holidays, trending events, or social events will receive more attention. Timing is a strategic advantage.
Smart distribution strategy
After production, a release plan is needed: utilize TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, KOLs, online communities, and even run ads if necessary.
What are viral TikTok videos? Why is TikTok such fertile ground?
TikTok is the ideal platform for viral videos because:
- Short duration, easy to watch.
- The distribution algorithm helps deliver content to more people, including new accounts.
- Ability to quickly catch trends
- Users tend to share if they find it interesting.
Brands are increasingly turning to TikTok to create viral videos at a low cost and with high effectiveness.
Viral clips and TV commercials: which one should you choose?
Below is a comparison of criteria between Viral Clips and Traditional TV Commercials:
| Criteria | Viral Clip | TV Commercial (Traditional) |
| Main objective | Increase interaction and reach. | Increase brand awareness, build reputation. |
| Distribution channel | Social media (TikTok, Facebook, YouTube…) | Television, YouTube Ads |
| Budget | Usually low to medium, more economical. | Tall, requires a large budget to air. |
| Creative flexibility | Tall – youthful, free, creative | Usually more serious, less flexible. |
| Frequency of spread | Content-dependent and community-shared | Dependent on broadcast budget |
| Interaction | Two-way interaction: like, share, comment | One-way, difficult to interact with, more passive. |
| Message duration | Flexible, can be long or short as desired. | Usually only 10 seconds to 3 minutes |
From the comparison table, it can be seen that Viral Clips are suitable for the goal of spreading information, increasing interaction, and can be produced at a lower cost, offering flexibility in terms of content and format, and easily encouraging community sharing on social media.
Meanwhile, traditional TV commercials focus on building brand image and increasing credibility through airtime on major channels, requiring larger production and broadcast acquisition budgets. TV commercials appearing on television and paid platforms (YouTube Ads) are often suitable for established brands or campaigns that need a strong emphasis on recognition and trust.
Of course, we shouldn't automatically choose viral clips or TV commercials; instead, we should consider the goals, budget, target audience, and nature of the campaign. In practice, many large brands combine both formats to achieve effective reach while maintaining a professional and reputable image on traditional channels.
Common mistakes when making viral videos
Here are some common mistakes you should avoid if you don't want your video to be forgotten:
- Over-stuffing with advertisements will lead to an unnatural effect.
- Copying trends that are inappropriate can be off-putting.
- Being too long and lacking a climax will cause viewers to abandon the show halfway through.
- The lack of a clear call to action (CTA) makes a video go viral but doesn't generate conversions.
>> Examination
A typical case study of successful viral video marketing in Vietnam.
- Go to return – Biti's HunterEmotional, high quality, inspiring.
- I choose to live green – OMOHumanistic message, powerful imagery.
- Special lesson – Dien May XanhHumorous, good at catching trends, lots of interaction.
What is viral video marketing and when should you apply it?
Viral video marketing is a strategy that uses videos with the potential to go viral to promote products, brands, or messages.
It should be applied when:
- New product launch
- Want to stir up the community
- We need to increase interaction on social media.
- Budget is limited, but high coverage is needed.
Partner with Emoii Agency to create world-class viral videos.
If you want to create professional viral marketing videos, collaborate with Emoii Agency, a company with over 10 years of experience in the field. Hire Western models for professional video and TVC shoots. and international standard content production services.
With optimized processes, a creative team, modern production techniques, and a commitment to quality, Emoii helps you:
- Elevate your brand image.
- Create viral videos that resonate with your customers' insights.
- Achieved communication results exceeding expectations.
Viral videos are a powerful tool for elevating media presence if done correctly. From understanding what virality is and identifying the content to create, to developing a distribution strategy, everything needs to work together seamlessly for success.
If you have an idea or project that needs to go viral, don't hesitate to invest properly. Because just one well-timed viral video can completely change your brand's standing. Need help building a script and producing a professional viral video? Leave a message or visit Emoii Agency today!
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