There are instructions out there for would-be content creators who want to make something viral — something people share and watch over and over again. But it’s not easy. Otherwise every charity would mimic the viral sensation of the Ice Bucket Challenge, whose virality surpassed its creators wildest dreams.
But the rules usually do apply, if you look backwards. Viral content usually has 3 qualities, according to experts like Buzzfeed.
- people have strong, positive emotional response to it (Kirk Cousins: check!)
- it’s awe-inspiring or surprising (Cousins: check!)
- people who share it feel it says something about them (Cousins: check!)
This last one might not seem right, but everyone has felt like Cousins when they accomplish something big. By sharing Kirk Cousins’ You Like That moment, you approve that self-congratulation, that excitement, that pride. It’s raw and real. It’s a moment of catharsis for him. And who doesn’t want to scream sometimes to doubters — YOU LIKE THAT?
Some things will never get old (h/t @kkestler) pic.twitter.com/Y3U2U0Pk8a
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayCSN) October 27, 2015
