subject: Viral Video Film School [print this page] Viral Video Film School Viral Video Film School
A viral video is perhaps the most powerful marketing vehicle online today. But no video can be viral beforehand! It can only have viral potential and in this Viral Video Film School I will point out the nine most important aspects of creating a potentially viral video.
Viral Video Film School
1. Don't sell!
Create something that is streetsmart, up to date and that has an entertainment value. No one want's to be sold to and even more so: Who in his right mind would want to share another ones salespitch if that's all there is to it?
2. Remixpotential
Create something that has a remixpotential. Users love to make their own versions of your content, not only should you let them do it, you should encourage it.
3. Keep it short!
30-60 secondas is the perfect time frame.
4. Chock & Insinuate
If the viewer is left with a questionmark written all over his or her face then you are a step closer to a viral sucess. How did they do that? Could that be? These are two questions that you want them to be asking.
5. Starquality
If you, in any way possible, can "connect your video" with already famous people, things, animals, places and events then that is a very good thing. It gives your piece of art (or crap) a little starquality for free.
6. Gossip Value
What are people gossiping about? Beets me you might say but don't. Try instead to find out whats hot and whats not? What's the buzz all about today, at this very minute? Allude to this and you could have your viral sucess very close at hand.
7. Make It Experiental Instead Of Informative
There is a big difference between shaping an experience and to inform on something. To many commercials are still informative by it's nature. Provide something that hits in the belly instead and in the hart or groin. If you can't do it then hire a professional writer/director who can.
8. Allude To The Users Self Interest
We are all engaged in our own "identity project" and part of that is to to share pieces of information that defines us. You have to answer this important question: In what way can this video contribute to the users own identityproject? This is the single most important point that I make in this Viral Video Film School.
9. Interactivity
If possible create an interactive element. It could be as easy as having users provide scripting elements to the next section of your WebTv Series. Or it could be much more advanced as in the example that I have highlighted in this blogpost of mine.
I hope this Viral video Film School gave you a better understanding of what a viral video actually is. Also as you can see you can't produce a viral video, you can only produce a video that has viral potential. If it will become viral is another thing all together. And that is a subject matter that deserves an article of it's own. I will soon provide it, promisse!
