Last updated on June 13th, 2023

Psychology — the Driving Force That Determines Virality

Minh Saggers
Minh Saggers
Psychology — the Driving Force That Determines Virality

There is a psychology behind viral videos, understanding this means knowing the deeper effects of a viral video. Kelsey Libert covers how to attract through those psychological techni.

This article is part of the ‘How To Create a Viral Video for Your Boring Product’ series by Upscope, a service to effortlessly guide website visitors from sign up to purchase using modern instant screen sharing.

1. Synaptic play

The more random something is, the higher the synaptic activity, meaning the more joy you feel.

Combining two unrelated things, into one unexpected content plays on this theory and therefore gives something more virality. Use this to promote your product, but make sure there is sense in the promotion.

2. Novelty search

Use various methods of delivery of content to keep your audience engaged, when a discovery is made, our reward centre goes haywire and wants more, great ideas and content spark curiosity.

3. Information gap theory

Unusual elements, new topics and information start a curiosity cycle, and this curiosity can lead to a want to fill out missing information — information which your content can provide.

Putting curiosity-driven headlines can get someone to click on it when they otherwise would not have given it a second glance.

The most viral emotions:

Amusement, interest, surprised, happiness, delight, pleasure, joy, hope, affection, excitement.

This article is part of the ‘How To Create a Viral Video for Your Boring Software’ series.

Like the article? Find out how emotions play a part in making something viral.

Minh Saggers
Minh Saggers

Minh Saggers is Upscope's Head of Operations