What makes content go viral?

Want to understand what makes content go viral?

Forget fancy equipment. 

Forget complex editing. 

At its core, viral content comes down to understanding a few fundamental elements.

And once you know what to look for, you'll start seeing these elements everywhere...

Let me break this down 👇

First up, you need to understand what makes a moment worth capturing or recreating.

Think about the last video you shared with a mate. 

What made you share it? 

It probably made you feel something. 

It resonated somehow.

That's what we're looking for.

Here's what actually matters:

Tension and Release 

Great content has some form of tension. 

A problem. A challenge. An obstacle. 

Something that makes people wonder "what happens next?"

Whether it works out perfectly or goes completely wrong doesn't actually matter - people just need to see how it ends.

You can create this tension with literally anything. 

Even trying to park in a tight spot:

But tension alone isn't enough. 

You need the resolution. 

The Relatable Factor 

This is something I see working over and over again.

The most viral content? 

It taps into stuff we all go through. 

Those moments where people watch and think “this is exactly what happened to me yesterday."

That's why some of the simplest videos end up doing massive numbers. 

They're showing experiences we all share, just in a way that makes them engaging.

The more specific you get with these relatable moments, the more people connect with them. 

Emotional Shifts 

The best content captures a change in emotion. 

Going from:

• Frustration to relief

• Confusion to clarity

• Anticipation to surprise

• Confidence to humility

That shift is what makes people watch again. 

And share.

The Reality Check 

When you notice something interesting, ask yourself:

1. Would you tell this story at a party?

2. Does it have a clear beginning and end?

3. Is there a moment where everything changes?

4. Could others see themselves in this situation?

If you hit 3 out of 4, you might have found inspiration for your next piece of content.

The Capture Framework 

Whether you're documenting a real moment or recreating one:

1. Start earlier than you think you should

2. Get the context (where are you, what's happening)

3. Focus on genuine reactions

4. Show the resolution (good or bad)

5. Keep rolling a bit longer than you think

What Most People Get Wrong 

They overlook simple moments thinking they need something bigger.

They cut too early, missing the real reactions.

They focus on making it look good instead of feeling real.

They ignore everyday situations that could inspire great content.

Your Next Steps 

For the next week:

1. Notice the small challenges you face

2. Pay attention to unexpected turns

3. Look for moments of change

4. Keep your ideas flowing

The goal is to train your eye to spot moments worth sharing or recreating.

What moments have you noticed lately that could inspire content? 

Hit reply and let me know - I'm curious what you're seeing differently now.

Chat soon.

Jeremy

P.S. In case you missed it…

The principles we covered today?

That's just the start.

Don't forget to use the tips from my past 36 newsletters to keep improving. (Missed an issue? Catch up here).

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