Let’s Go Viral, Baby

June 20, 2007 | Written by

I wish I could simply write a formula in this entry that would give EVERYONE the best kept secret of viral video success.

Something like:

1. Start with a random wild animal (funny looking ones, if available)
2. Add a teaspoon of personal human embarrassment (does someone walk into a wall or fall over? Perfect!)
3. Season with pop culture references (the more recent and recognizable, the better)
4. Mix together with a slightly racy, though still appropriate double entendre (Not TOO blatant, or you’ll offend, instead of entertain)
5. Add a song parody and a reference to Saturday Night Live to flavor (The older the cast, the funnier it is)

Of course, this is not how viral works. In fact, we don’t really know how viral works.

Look at the recent crop of viral successes:

• Alanis Morisette’s slower version of "My Humps", which has over 7 million views to date
• Justin Timberlake’s SNL music video, which I probably shouldn’t link from here
• The Diet Coke and Mentos Experiment, which inspired hundreds of imitations
• VH1′s Acceptable.TV, a site which takes YOUR viral videos, and then airs them on TV

These are just a few, and I’m sure you’ve seen many others.

My point is that there is little similarity between these viral victors. And you never know how successful yours will be until it’s out there.

So how do you make an award-winning viral video? Try this!

1. Rent a baboon from the zoo,
2. Have it kick you in the crotch,
3. Pull out a picture of Simon Cowell,
4. Yell "That’s my spicy meat-a-balls!" and then
5. Sing Adam Sandler’s Hannukah Song.

If that doesn’t work, just keep on trying, I guess.

Keep On Clickin’,
JR

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