What makes a video go viral? There is no set formula, but there are usually certain characteristics that seem to be common to most of the popular videos. I’m eliminating stupid pet tricks, and skateboard accidents, and focusing on the corporate, commercial brand of videos. First rule of viral videos – you cannot force a video to take off, it simply happens on it’s own. People must see the video, like what they see, and tell their friends about it. One recent video that has great success is titled “Pink Glove Dance”. It is a wonderfully produced video promoting breast cancer awareness.

So, why did this video generate 6.8 million plus views? That’s right, 6.8 million views!

First, it is fun to watch. It’s everyday people having fun, and for some, looking very uncomfortable attempting to dance, but “performing” for a good cause. The video will have your head nodding to the music in your chair as you watch. It’s soft sell, there is no corporate spokesperson begging for money, there is a simple title at the beginning, and a quick  graphic at the end. Lastly, the “scenes” have obviously been story boarded and filmed by someone who planned out and composed each shot in his/her mind, if not with a paper storyboard, at least with some sort of script for the actors to follow. It is a fun video to watch, and you will want to immediately want to share with your friends. You can never forcefully make a viral video, but if you follow the guidelines of this video, you will have much better chance of getting your message out to a huge audience. Pink Glove Dance

When selling a product or service, here is the one question you must answer for your visitor every time. So? Leading to the comment “Ah, (I get it)”. A simple two letter word with huge implications. When you properly answer the question “So?” you will be appealing to your visitor’s emotions, not their logic. You will be promoting your product or service’s benefits, not the features, and that is what moves product in a big way.

“Each tablet contains 5 industry patented ingredients engineered for pain relief” So? “You are pain free in 10 minutes.” Ah.

“Our dishwasher offers state of the art noise reduction.” So?
“You can watch TV while it is running without having to turn up the volume.” Ah.

“Our expert team of designers create high quality PowerPoint shows for you.” So?
“Farming out the project to us will guarantee you stand out from your colleagues at the next sales meeting.” Ah.

Remember, people aren’t looking for drills, they’re looking for perfect holes. Sell them on their emotions first. Benefits sell, features justify the decision.

Peter…