Viral
Viral describes content that spreads quickly and widely because people share it with one another
What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.
What it is and how it works
Its spread depends mainly on the audience: someone sees it, forwards it or mentions it, and reach multiplies in a short time through social media, messaging apps or the press. Humour, surprise, emotion, usefulness or timeliness often play a part, but nothing guarantees that a piece will go viral.
The adjective describes a spreading phenomenon, whereas viral marketing is the strategy of designing activity with that aim. Content can also go viral for negative reasons, which can harm the reputation of those involved.
Also known as
Viral content, Going viral
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