Ever spent hours crafting the perfect post, only to watch it get a handful of likes, while some random meme racks up hundreds of thousands of shares? Yes, we’ve all been there. So, what’s the secret? Why do some posts explode while others barely make a ripple?
There’s no exact science to going viral, but there are psychological triggers and smart strategies that can seriously increase your chances. It’s all about tapping into what makes people feel, engage and share. Let’s break it down.
The emotional hook
Have you ever hit share on a post simply because it made you feel something? Maybe it pulled at your heartstrings, made you laugh out loud or sparked a little outrage. That’s the power of emotion in the viral content game. When something hits us on a deep level, we don’t just react — we pass it along. Sharing is our way of processing those feelings and connecting with others who might feel the same.
Some emotions that consistently make people want to share include:
- Happiness and humor: Content that makes people laugh or feel joyful is super shareable. Think memes, funny videos and uplifting stories.
- Inspiration: Motivational stories, quotes and videos that uplift or inspire others are another big win.
- Anger or frustration: It’s not all sunshine and rainbows; content that challenges beliefs or sparks controversy can spread fast, especially if people feel strongly about the issue.
- Awe and curiosity: Surprising or incredible stories and visuals can make people want to share that “wow” factor with others.
Pro tip: Don’t overthink it! When you create content, ask yourself, “How do I want people to feel when they see this?” If you’re only sharing facts, think about how you can frame them in a way that resonates. Maybe it’s a surprising twist, a personal story or a relatable moment — anything that makes people stop, feel something and want to share.
The relatability factor
People share content that feels personal — something that makes them say, “Wow, this is so me.” Maybe it’s a meme that perfectly sums up the chaos of working from home or an article that puts words to an experience they’ve had but never knew how to describe. When something resonates, it spreads.
So when you’re creating content, think about who you’re talking to. What do they struggle with? What excites them? What keeps them up at night? The more you tap into their real lives — their frustrations, dreams and inside jokes — the more likely they will connect with your content and pass it along.
Want to make your content more relatable? Here’s how:
- Talk like a human. Ditch the jargon and keep it simple. Use words and phrases your audience actually says in everyday life.
- Tap into shared experiences. Holidays, big life moments and even little things — like the universal struggle of waking up on a Monday — help people instantly connect.
- Tell real stories. Content feels more authentic when it features real people, real struggles and real wins. It’s easier to relate to something that feels genuine, not just polished and perfect.
The more your audience sees themselves in your content, the more likely they are to engage and share.
The element of surprise
Surprise is one of the best ways to grab attention and make people want to share. Whether it’s a shocking fact, a plot twist or an unexpected moment in a video, surprise sparks curiosity — and curiosity drives clicks.
Here’s how to add that “wait, what?!” factor to your content:
- Flip expectations. Challenge common beliefs, break stereotypes or take a familiar idea in a completely new direction.
- Hook them with a headline. Tease the surprise without giving it all away. (“This Common Kitchen Staple Has a Secret Use You’ve Never Thought Of…”)
- Throw in a plot twist. If you’re making a video, keep viewers watching by adding an unexpected turn they won’t see coming.
Just don’t go overboard. If the surprise feels forced or like pure clickbait, people will catch on — and trust is way harder to rebuild than it is to lose.
FOMO: The fear of missing out
Let’s be real — nobody likes feeling left out. That’s why FOMO (fear of missing out) is such a powerful force in the world of content. When everyone else is talking about something, people naturally want to check it out so they’re not the only ones out of the loop.
Want to create that gotta-click-now feeling? Try this:
- Jump on trends. Talk about what’s happening right now — whether it’s a viral moment, a breaking story or the latest pop culture buzz.
- Build anticipation. Tease your content before dropping it. A little mystery keeps people watching and waiting.
- Make it feel exclusive. Phrases like “only a few people know about this” or “be one of the first to see…” make your audience feel like they’re getting VIP access.
When people feel like they need to see something before everyone else, they’re more likely to engage and share it.
Social validation
People don’t just share content for fun — they share it because it says something about them. Whether it’s a witty meme, a thought-provoking article or a post about a cause they care about, sharing is often a way to signal humor, intelligence or social values. Viral content spreads because it lets people align with a message, a movement or just a vibe they want to be part of.
Want to tap into that? Here’s how:
- Match your audience’s values. If sustainability is important to them, create eco-friendly content. If they love nostalgia, tap into throwback moments.
- Make it interactive. Ask questions, spark debates and invite people to share their opinions. The more they feel involved, the more likely they are to engage.
- Show social proof. People trust what others endorse. Featuring testimonials, influencer shoutouts or user-generated content makes your message more shareable.
At the end of the day, people want to share things that reflect who they are — give them content that helps them do just that.
The power of visuals
Let’s be real — great visuals can make or break your content. A striking photo, a bold infographic or a well-edited video grabs attention faster than plain text ever could. And it’s not just about looking good — strong visuals help people remember and understand your message, making it more likely to be shared.
Want to make your content pop? Here’s how:
- Use high-quality images. Whether you snap your own photos or use stock images, make sure they’re crisp, clear and eye catching.
- Think mobile-first. Most people scroll on their phones, so your visuals should be easy to see and load quickly on a small screen.
- Keep it clean. Avoid busy backgrounds, too much text or overcomplicated designs. Simple, well-organized visuals are easier to digest — and way more shareable.
In a sea of content, the right visuals can stop the scroll and get people clicking, engaging and sharing.
Keep it short and sweet
Online attention spans are ridiculously short. If your content doesn’t grab people fast, they’ll scroll past it. That doesn’t mean everything has to be a five-second clip, but people should get the main idea quickly without digging for it.
Here’s how to keep things snappy and shareable:
- Use bullet points or lists. They make content easier to skim and instantly more digestible.
- Put the best part first. Don’t save the good stuff for later — hook people right away with the most interesting or important information.
- Cut the fluff. If it doesn’t add value, ditch it. The clearer and more direct your content is, the more likely people are to engage and share.
The goal? Make your content easy to consume, quick to understand and impossible to ignore.
Wrapping up
And there you have it — the key psychological triggers that can turn content into a viral hit. Whether you’re writing an article, creating a meme or filming a video, the real magic happens when you tap into emotions, spark curiosity and connect with shared human experiences.
Of course, not everything will go viral — and that’s totally fine. The key is to keep experimenting, paying attention to what resonates and focusing on the psychology behind why people share. Do that, and you’ll be well on your way to creating content people want to click, like and pass along.
Mandy is a co-founder of Brilliant Bloggers and Food Drink Life, as well as the creator behind Splash of Taste and seven other high-profile blogs. Her work has been featured in major outlets, including NBC, Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times, Odessa American, The Voice and Orlando Sentinel. Apart from being an enthusiastic cook, she is a passionate traveler who has a mission to explore as many countries around the world as she can. She is forward-thinking and always has her eyes open to spot the next big trend and opportunity.