I broke down a DJ's video to help it go viral.

Hey!

This week, we’re looking at a music video from a DJ and Producer. 

A quick reminder for anyone new:

• This is a weekly series. Every Thursday, I break down a different piece of content sent in by this community

• Videos are chosen 100% randomly from our submission pool

• Submissions open 1x per month

• I’ll either analyse why a video didn't go viral (and how to improve it) or break down why it did well

• For the full T&Cs, click here. 

Here are the stats 👇

blagemusic

View more on Instagram

📊 The Stats

Platform: Instagram

Creator: @blagemusic

Followers: 17.1K

Posts: 59

Video Stats: 75 Likes, 1,746 views 

Let's break this down and see where we can make some improvements:

Quality is Non-Negotiable

The face in this video is blurry. That's a big no-no.

If you're the focal point, you need to be crystal clear.

This goes for any content - whether you're selling products, teaching a skill, or showcasing your art. Invest in good lighting and focus.

Your audience's eyes will thank you, and so will the algorithm.

Hook in 3 Seconds

This video lacks a hook. You've got 3 seconds to grab attention. 

Someone sitting on a bed isn’t unusual or interesting enough to immediately grab attention. Think outside the box. 

What can you do in your niche that's unexpected? Whatever you do, make those first 3 seconds count.

Text: Keep it in Frame

Some of the text is off-screen on mobile.

If you're using text, make sure it's all visible. Always.

Whether you're adding lyrics, instructions, or your nan's secret recipe, keep it in frame.

Cuts 

This video is one long shot. I’d recommend adding in cuts. They make your content dynamic.

Cuts are a simple, effective way to make content less predictable, more engaging and have higher viewer retention - which is key for the algorithm to push a video. 

Use them to switch between angles, show different aspects of what you're doing, or simply to keep things interesting.

@blagemusic could perhaps have acted out the things being rapped about and cut back & forward from the acting shots to the rapping shots. 

Listen to Your Audience

The comments love the music but say nothing about the video.

That's valuable feedback. Are people praising one aspect of your content but ignoring another? That's your cue to up your game in the neglected area.

Always keep an ear to the ground.

Match Your Mood

⁠The track lyrics are very intense and emotive. This is perfect for creating content. 

I would try something like: 

Instead of being far away from the camera, I’d have the face close up (potentially in a dark room) with only one side of the face lit to create intensity. 

Or you could start further away but with a slow zoom to create a sense of growing intensity.

The Takeaway? 

Overall, @blagemusic’s musical talent is awesome, but good music (or product, or skill, or whatever you're showcasing) isn't enough. 

Your visuals need to be just as strong. 

Your goal should be to create a total package that grabs attention and doesn't let go.

Now, here's your homework: 

Look at your last piece of content. How many of these points did you nail? How many could use some work? Be honest with yourself. That's how you improve.

Now, before you go off to create your next viral hit, can I ask you for a favour? It'll take you 20 seconds, tops.

1. Think of that mate of yours. You know the one - always posting, grinding hard, but maybe not seeing the results they deserve.

2. Send them this link: Viral Academy Newsletter

3. Tell them, "You need to get on this. You're getting a mini-masterclass in content creation - in your pocket (all for free)"

Why am I asking this?

Simple. If you're finding these newsletters valuable (and I hope you are), why not do something nice for a friend? Help them level up their content game, absolutely free.

I want to help as many people as possible with these newsletters, so I'll keep making them for you. I'd really appreciate it if you could share this with even just one friend.

Now, get out there and create something awesome. 

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Until next time, 

Jeremy

P.S. I played Rocket League with Neymar 🤯

Don't forget to use the tips from my past 15 newsletters to keep improving. (Missed an issue? Catch up here).

If someone forwarded this to you, click here to subscribe and get the next one straight to your inbox.