Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
promoshin logo

5 Proven Viral Video Marketing Ideas To Captivate Audiences

CTA image 2

Is Your Message Getting the Attention It Deserves?

Amplify your brand’s voice with custom videos that demand attention. Let’s create content that resonates and engages your audience at every touchpoint.
GET PRICING

Viral Video Marketing Ideas to Skyrocket Your Brand

In today's fast-paced digital world, the power of viral video marketing is undeniable. 

Brands and businesses constantly seek innovative ways to capture the public's attention and stand out in the crowded online space. 

Viral video marketing isn’t just about creating content; it's about crafting a message so compelling that viewers can't help but share it.

a hand liking a video on a phone

Cover GIF by VadooTV via GIPHY

Viral video marketing is also more than just a buzzword; it's a strategic approach to storytelling that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. 

Whether it's a small startup or a large corporation, the potential to go viral can transform a brand’s visibility and engagement overnight. But what makes a video go viral? Is it luck, timing, or something more?

This blog will cover five proven ideas that can elevate your video content from just being seen to being remembered and shared across the globe. 

Idea #1: Leveraging Emotional Storytelling

Emotional storytelling is a powerful tool in the arsenal of viral video marketing. It's about creating a narrative that strikes a chord with your audience, evoking feelings that range from joy and hope to empathy and inspiration.

When a video elicits strong emotions, it's not just watched; it's experienced. This emotional connection can compel viewers to share the video, thereby amplifying its reach.

a woman reading a book upside-down on a chair

GIF by Lobster Studio via GIPHY

Real-World Scenario: A Healthcare Brand's Heartwarming Campaign

Imagine a healthcare brand launching a video campaign. The video tells the story of a patient's journey to recovery, focusing not just on the medical aspect but on the human spirit's resilience. 

It shows moments of struggle, support from family and healthcare professionals, and ultimately, a triumphant return to health. This narrative is interwoven with soft, evocative music and real-life moments that make the story relatable.

How Does It Work?

The emotional arc of this story is designed to resonate with anyone who's faced health challenges or supported someone through them. It's not just a promotion for the healthcare brand; it's a tribute to human resilience.

an animated crying emoji

GIF by Gael_me via GIPHY

  • By focusing on the emotional journey rather than just the clinical aspects, the video taps into a universal experience, increasing its potential to go viral. 
  • People share it because they see their own stories reflected in it, and each share multiplies the video's impact, making it a powerful example of viral video marketing.

It’s about creating a narrative that viewers can connect with on a personal level, making them more likely to engage with and share the video.

Idea #2: Including Surprising Elements in Viral Video Marketing

Incorporating surprising elements in your video content can be a game-changer in viral video marketing. 

The element of surprise can capture and retain the audience's attention. A well-placed twist or unexpected turn in a video can create buzz and encourage viewers to discuss and share the content with others.

a man spitting out his drink because of a surprising video

GIF by Originals via GIPHY

Real-World Scenario: A Tech Startup's Unexpected Product Reveal

Picture a tech startup gearing up to launch a new product. Instead of a standard reveal, they create a video that begins like a typical day in the life of a young professional. 

The twist comes halfway through: the professional starts using the startup's revolutionary product, seamlessly integrated into their daily routine. The product is revealed in a way that surprises the viewer, showcasing its features and benefits in real-life scenarios.

How Does It Work?

This approach works because it subverts expectations. 

  • Viewers start watching what they think is a routine story, only to be pleasantly surprised by the innovative product seamlessly fitting into everyday life. 
  • This surprise not only makes the video engaging but also effectively demonstrates the product's value, increasing its potential to go viral. 
  • People are compelled to share the video because of the clever and unexpected way the product is introduced, highlighting the ingenuity of the startup.
a man surprised with an explosion above his head, getting his mind blown

GIF by Gadi Schwartz NBC News via GIPHY

Surprise in viral video marketing should be balanced and well-timed. It's not just about shocking the audience but providing them with a delightful and memorable experience that encourages them to share the video.

Idea #3: Collaborating with Influencers

Influencer collaborations can significantly amplify the reach and impact of viral video marketing campaigns. 

Influencers, with their established followings and credibility, can lend authenticity and widen the audience for your video content. When a well-known personality features in your video, it can instantly boost visibility and shareability.

Real-World Scenario: Fashion Brand Partners with Celebrity Influencer

Imagine a fashion brand launching a new clothing line. They partner with a well-known fashion influencer or celebrity to create a video showcasing the new collection

an influencer showing a peace sign to camera

GIF by Baby Influencer via GIPHY

The video could feature a day in the life of the influencer, highlighting how the brand's clothing fits into various aspects of their lifestyle, from a casual day out to an elegant evening event.

How Does It Work?

This collaboration works on multiple levels. 

  • The influencer's endorsement brings an element of trust and aspirational value to the brand. 
  • Their followers, who are likely interested in fashion, are introduced to the brand in a familiar context, which increases the likelihood of the video being shared within relevant communities
  • Additionally, the influencer's personal touch can add a unique flavor to the video, making it more engaging and relatable to the audience.

In influencer collaborations, it's important to choose a partner whose image and audience align with your brand's values and target demographic. 

The collaboration should feel natural and genuine, as forced partnerships can be easily spotted by today's discerning viewers.

Idea #4: Creating Challenge-Based Videos

a challenge video for PMCJR by Promotion

Video by Promoshin

Challenge-based videos have become a staple in the world of viral video marketing. They engage audiences not just as viewers but as active participants. 

These challenges often encourage sharing and creating spin-off content, which significantly boosts the video's reach and engagement.

Real-World Scenario: Fitness App Launches a Global Fitness Challenge

Consider a fitness app looking to gain traction and visibility. 

They launch a global fitness challenge, inviting users to share videos of themselves completing specific workouts or achieving personal fitness milestones using the app. 

The challenge is coupled with a catchy hashtag and the promise of featuring the best videos on the app's official social media channels.

How Does It Work?

Here's an example of a challenge-based video we made:

Video by Promoshin

  • This strategy taps into the competitive and communal spirit of social media users. 
  • People love challenges that test their skills, offer a sense of achievement, and provide an opportunity to be part of a larger community effort. 
  • By participating and sharing their own videos, users not only engage with the brand but also encourage their friends and followers to join in, creating a viral loop.

For a challenge-based video to be effective, it should be accessible, relatable, and shareable. 

The challenge itself needs to be fun and engaging, prompting users to take part and share their experiences. 

Idea #5: Using User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) plays a pivotal role in viral video marketing, as it fosters a deep sense of connection and authenticity. 

When customers create and share content about a brand or product, it not only serves as a powerful endorsement but also encourages others to engage and participate.

a colorful image with text "#UGC"

GIF by Seattle Center via GIPHY

Real-World Scenario: Travel Agency Showcases Customer Adventures

Imagine a travel agency that wants to promote its unique travel packages. 

Instead of traditional advertising, they encourage customers to share their travel experiences in short video clips, using a specific hashtag. 

The agency then compiles these clips into a dynamic, engaging video showcasing real people enjoying various travel destinations.

How Does It Work?

This approach works wonders for several reasons. 

  • First, it shows the travel experiences through the eyes of actual customers, adding a layer of authenticity and relatability
  • Second, it transforms customers into brand ambassadors, whose personal stories and experiences can resonate more strongly than conventional advertisements. 
  • Finally, by featuring real people, the video naturally encourages sharing among the featured customers and their networks, significantly increasing the video's reach and potential for virality.
a Simpsons clip where Homer says "Real people with real problems"

GIF via GIPHY

When leveraging UGC, it's important to maintain a balance between guiding the content and allowing natural creativity to flourish. 

Effective use of UGC in viral video marketing not only enhances brand visibility but also builds a community of engaged and loyal customers.

Start On Your Own Viral Video Marketing Idea Today

The ability to create a viral video can be a game-changer for any brand. It's clear that the key to viral success lies in creativity, authenticity, and connection with the audience. 

Whether it's through collaboration with influencers, engaging in social causes, or introducing surprising elements, each approach offers a unique pathway to captivate and engage audiences globally.

a line drawn camera on a blueprint

GIF by 522 Productions via GIPHY

Remember, viral video marketing isn't just about widespread reach; it's about crafting content that resonates, connects, and leaves a lasting impression. 

Ready to start your own viral video marketing campaign? With a wealth of experience and a track record of producing over 8000 plus videos, Promoshin can offer you the kind of high-caliber videos that not only capture attention but also drive action. 

Discover the perfect video for your needs by checking out our Video Idea Cheat Sheet to pick a video that’s right for you. Get pricing for our video services to have the perfect video made by Promoshin's video creation experts. Engage your audience with beautiful visuals today!

CTA image

Unlock the Power of Video for Your Business

Explore our diverse range of video styles and elevate your marketing with the perfect video tailored to your needs.
GET PRICING

Find Out How Much Your Video Will Cost

GET PRICING
image of rocket to your success
logo of promoshin with a lightbulb
Full-service video content production and promotion since 2011. Over 8,500 videos made around the world for bootstrapped startups to Fortune 500 companies, including the BBB, Intuit, Pfizer, NASA, Cisco, Uber, Cinemark, Kaiser, Oracle, and Microsoft.

SITEMAP

VIDEO STYLES

Get a Free Copy of Amazon's Top Selling Book on Explainer Videos!
Sells for $9.99 on Amazon, but you can order a free copy here!
This book is a fast and easy way to learn how to make your project successful. It will help you avoid big mistakes and wasted efforts, while creating the best project for your needs.
GET A COPY

Find out how much your video will cost.

X
menucross-circle
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram