Viral phenomena or viral sensation are objects or patterns that are able to replicate themselves or convert other objects into copies of themselves when these objects are exposed to them. Analogous to the way in which viruses propagate, the term viral pertains to a video, image, or written content spreading to numerous online users within a short time period.[1] This concept has become a common way to describe how thoughts, information, and trends move into and through a human population.[2]
The popularity of viral media has been fueled by the rapid rise of social network sites,[3]: 17 wherein audiences—who are metaphorically described as experiencing "infection" and "contamination"—play as passive carriers rather than an active role to 'spread' content, making such content "go viral".[3]: 21 The term viral media differs from spreadable media as the latter refers to the potential of content to become viral. Memes are one known example of informational viral patterns.
Unintentional: Videos that the creators never intended to go viral. These videos may have been posted by the creator or shared with friends, who then spread the content.
Humorous: Videos that have been created specifically to people. If a video is funny enough, it will spread.
entertain
A graph of "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi going viral.Musical: Since the introduction of viral phenomena on the internet, it has served as a means of not only skyrocketing independent tracks onto the music charts, but some artists have had their entire career rooted in an introduction to the music industry via viral content. Perhaps the most notable of these artists being Justin Bieber, whose career was launched following his talent being showcased over his YouTube channel in the late 2000s.[16] Today, platforms such as TikTok, cater to independent musical talent and consistently spearhead the rise of new artists in music. In the early 2020s this has brought about the rise of acts such as Flyana Boss and Tom Rosenthal.[17][18]
Promotional: Videos that are designed to go viral with a message to raise brand awareness. Promotional viral videos fall under viral marketing practices.[19]
marketing
Charity: Videos created and spread in order to collect donations. For instance, was a hit on social networks in the summer of 2014.
Ice Bucket challenge
Art performances: a video created by artists to raise the problem, express ideas and the freedom of creativity.
Political: Viral videos are powerful tools for politicians to boost their popularity. launched Yes We Can slogan as a viral video on YouTube. "The Obama campaign posted almost 800 videos on YouTube, and the McCain campaign posted just over 100. The pro-Obama video "Yes we can" went viral after being uploaded to YouTube in February 2008."[20] Other political viral videos served not as a promotion but as an agent for support and unification. Social media was actively employed in the Arab Spring. "The Tunisian uprising had special resonance in Egypt because it was prompted by incidents of police corruption and viral social media condemnation of them."[21]
Barack Obama campaign
Berger, Jonah (2016). Contagious: Why Things Catch On. Simon & Schuster. 978-1451686586.
