The Secrets To Viral Video Performance 🤫 

So, this week we talk on some secrets to engineering viral video performance.

So I ask you all why do some videos skyrocket to fame while others get ignored? Wondering what strategies experts use to replicate success and break through the noise? 

In this article, you'll discover the proven tactics behind the Billion View Formula and how it can transform your content strategy.

First, Understand That Vitality Is Subjective 💁🏻‍♂️

It's important to note that what's viral for one brand doesn't match what's viral for another. Viralish defines virality as 5 million views, but if your typical video gets 300 to 400 views, virality to you might mean 40k.

Let's explore 4 steps to creating viral organic videos with broad appeal.

Craft A Hook To Retain 90% Of Viewers For 6 Seconds 🪝

The hook is critical—nothing else matters if you don't get it right. Your goal should be achieving 90% retention in the first six seconds of your video. While this is challenging, aiming high ensures better results even if you fall slightly short.

Adley Kinsman, founder of Viralish, teaches what she calls the "combo method" for creating effective hooks. Every hook must have two non-negotiable elements:

1. A curiosity gap that won't be satisfied until the end of the video

2. An emotional response from the viewer

The combo method involves combining two things that don't usually go together. For example, Kinsman once put a rack of ribs on a car engine in her opening shot. This unusual combination creates both curiosity ("What is she doing?") and an emotional response ("She shouldn't be doing that!"). 

Other effective hook examples include using controversial statements about polarizing topics, addressing divisive issues that spark immediate emotional reactions, or combining unexpected visuals with serious topics.

For educational content creators, this might mean combining controversial statements or unexpected visuals with your message. Kinsman cites the example of Dr. Julie, who draws on her skin with Sharpies while discussing trauma, creating an unusual visual anchor for serious content.

Storyboard Suspenseful Storytelling 🧑🏻‍🏫

Suspense is what separates good creators from great ones. Kinsman recommends what she calls the "Missy Elliott method"—put it down, flip it, and reverse it. Instead of starting with your end goal (like a tax-saving strategy or recipe), begin by describing your opening shots and building curiosity.

For example, if you're creating a cooking video, don't start by announcing you're making no-bake cookies. Instead, begin with an attention-grabbing scene—perhaps spooning peanut butter into a jar of oats in the middle of a grocery store while security approaches. This approach maintains viewer interest by raising questions that need answers.

When planning your video, describe it beat by beat, starting from the top, and test each segment with a focus group. Ask them, "Would you keep watching?" The moment they say they'd scroll, you need to revise that section.

Deliver The Payoff ✅

The payoff, occurring in the final 3-10 seconds of your video, is where you finally satisfy the curiosity gap created by your hook.

This is the "defining the relationship" moment with your audience—where they decide whether to follow you, share your content, or engage further.

You can choose between a satisfying or unsatisfying payoff depending on your goals. An unsatisfying payoff might lead viewers to part two, while a satisfying one could prompt shares and comments.

Proactively Engineer Engagement 👥

Rather than hoping for engagement, design it intentionally. Kinsman recommends planning your comment section in reverse—envision what you want people to say and create content that inspires those responses.

This can be done through several methods:

• Including subtle "Easter eggs" in your video that viewers will notice and comment about

• Strategically misspelling common words to prompt corrections

• Using unique accessories (like a paperclip in your beard or wearing just one earring)

• Making relatable statements that invite viewers to share their experiences ("I don't know if any other moms do this, but...")

• Creating opportunities for viewers to demonstrate their expertise by leaving intentional gaps in your content

So, I hope these tactics and proven methodologies will help you create some viral video content. If not, let me know how I could help!

Q&A

• So, are you ready to harness the power engineering viral tactics for your video content?

• Do you have any video pain points I can help you with smoothing out?

• What do you think you could utilise video for and how would it impact your business?

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

1. Book a {10 MINUTE} Business Power Call with me, to arrange working together to make your social media videos stand out online as I tweak your approach, and analyse how to improve your current video, business strategy or marketing.

2. Don’t have time to create great videos yourself? Focus on your business, whilst we focus on creating the videos that you’ve always dreamed of. Get in touch to find out more.

Until next Friday, love to you all!

My Partner Services
Sky Adsmart  | Cheekymonkey Marketing  |

Fire an email back to me at [email protected] and let’s keep the chat going 👌🏻