Viral Content Building Blocks

A framework for creating viral content by working backwards from emotional impact to final delivery, focusing on triggering specific emotional responses that drive sharing.

Core Emotional Triggers for Virality

• Primary viral emotions:

  • LOL (humor)
  • WTF (outrage/injustice)
  • AWW (cute/heartwarming)
  • AWE (amazing/impressive)
  • "Finally someone said it" (validation)

• Strategic emotional considerations:

  • Outrage gets more shares than sadness
  • Can transform sad content into outrageous content for better performance
  • Heartwarming content is harder to execute well
  • Recognition/relatability drives strong sharing

Content Development Process

1. Start with target emotion

   • Decide which emotional response you want to trigger
   • Choose emotions known to drive sharing behavior

2. Design the package

   • Structure content to deliver emotional payload
   • Frame information to maximize impact

3. Craft the headline

   • Write to telegraph the emotional experience
   • Promise the intended feeling

4. Create preview image

   • Select visuals that support emotional goal
   • Optimize for initial impression

Key Principles

• People share content that validates their existing opinions

• Content that articulates what others are thinking but haven't said performs well

• Let content "simmer" between writing and editing

  • Take breaks to allow brain to process creatively
  • Return with fresh perspective for better editing
  • "Write drunk, edit sober" approach

• Editing is crucial for viral success

  • Initial writing is just the start
  • Major improvements come during editing phase
  • Take time away before editing for better results