Want to know the fastest way to get people fired up in your comments section?

Show them a conflict they've experienced and ask them to pick a side.

Think about it - when was the last time you saw a "Who's in the wrong here?" video and didn't immediately have a strong opinion? 

Here's a perfect example of what I mean:

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Look at the comments on that video. 

Everyone chipping in with their opinion/what they would have done.

A simple everyday moment turned into a friendly debate

That's gold for engagement.

Why It Works 

When you show conflict, you're:

1. Telling a story

2. Inviting people to be judges. 

And let's be honest, everyone loves being a judge.

But here's the key: the conflict needs to be something that could genuinely go either way. 

Too obvious, and there's nothing to debate. 

Too extreme, and people won't engage.

Creating the Perfect Conflict 

Start with a situation that has no clear villain.

Think everyday scenarios that spark natural debate. 

The kind of stuff people love to argue about but never reach a solid conclusion on.

Then, show both perspectives. 

Yes, one person might seem obviously right at first glance. 

But what if there's more to the story? 

What if both sides have a point?

Finally, ask the question. "What would you do?" "Who's in the wrong?" "Is this okay?" 

Or make it niche, like the one in my example: “Is the zone of ambiguity is a real thing? 👀”

Make it easy for people to jump in with their take.

The Magic Formula

 The best conflict videos hit three marks:

1. They're specific enough to be interesting but universal enough that everyone has an opinion.

2. They tap into existing debates. People love having a new excuse to argue about old topics.

3. They leave room for nuance. The moment someone can comment "Well, actually..." you've got them hooked.

The Results 

When you nail conflict-driven content, you don't just get comments - you get conversations. 

People debate with each other. 

They tag friends to back up their opinions. 

They share your video as evidence in their own arguments.

That's community building.

The Bottom Line 

Stop trying to get everyone to agree with you. 

Instead, create content that gets people to disagree with each other (respectfully, of course).

Got a controversial take that's working in your content? Send it to [email protected] for a chance to have it reviewed in this newsletter. 

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.

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

Send them this link: Viral Academy Newsletter

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 and I would really appreciate it if you shared with even just one friend.

Until next time, 

Jeremy

P.S. 8 proven strategies to get your audience talking...

Btw, thank you for all the feedback so far. We’ve collected a ton of responses these past few months and each one helps me make this newsletter better and better for you. 

Don't forget to use the tips from my past 26 newsletters to keep improving. (Missed an issue? Catch up here).

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