The Lifecycle of a Viral Video
uStudio | Industry Trends
Unruly mapped the lifecycle of a viral video using data from their Viral Video Chart, a tool that tracks the most popular videos on the web based on the total number of shares. In what they call the ‘Social Diffusion Curve,’ Unruly illustrates that determining the potential success of a video falls within the first few days of its launch.
Based on 200 of the most shared branded videos of 2012, the lifecycle of a viral video looks something like this:
- 10% of shares occur on day two
- 25% of shares occur the first three days
- 50% of shares occur within the first three weeks
- 66% of shares occur in the first three months
The initial days following a video launch are crucial. The more shares a video receives early on, the higher the chances of a viral success. The elements that contribute to a viral-worthy video must be strung together with a carefully crafted balance between authenticity, general appeal and an awesome distribution strategy.
To learn more on how to hone in your skills, check out a video presentation by our own Jen Grogono on the 5 P’s of Online Video.
