Behind the Scenes of a Viral Post: How to Create Content That Captures the Internet’s Attention

Emotional Triggers: The Heart of Virality

Viral content isn’t just seen—it’s felt. The most shareable posts tap into strong emotions, whether it’s laughter, joy, outrage, surprise, or even nostalgia. Think about the last time you shared a post with a friend. Chances are, it wasn’t just because the content was interesting; it was because it made you feel something.

This is why meme culture thrives—because humour is one of the strongest emotional triggers. It’s also why heartwarming stories, inspirational messages, and even controversial takes get amplified so quickly. When creating content, ask yourself: What do I want people to feel when they see this? If you can elicit a strong emotional response, you’re on the right track.

The Power of Relatability

The internet loves nothing more than content that makes people say, “Omg, this is so me.” Relatable posts—whether they’re about the struggles of working from home, the joys of a perfectly ripe avocado, or the universal experience of sending a risky text—have a way of spreading like wildfire.

People share content that represents them or their experiences. This is why creators who nail the art of relatability build strong, engaged communities. Whether it’s through humour, personal anecdotes, or clever observations, making your audience feel seen is a surefire way to boost engagement.

Trends: Timing Is Everything

Jumping on trends is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances of virality. But here’s the trick—you can’t just follow trends, you need to ride the wave before it crests.

This is where Trendcast comes in - a bespoke campaign service from our sister company, Theory Crew. If you’re looking to scale your marketing efforts beyond a RISER campaign, Trendcast™ combines expert insights, influencer magic, and guaranteed media coverage to turn your brand into a true cultural moment.

The Science of Shareability

People don’t just share content for the sake of it. They share because it serves a purpose—whether it’s to entertain, inform, or impress their audience. Understanding the psychology behind why people share can help you create more effective content.

For example, posts that make people look smart, socially aware, or in-the-know tend to perform well. This is why explainer videos, bite-sized educational content, and industry insights often rack up shares. Likewise, content that allows people to showcase their sense of humour or aesthetic taste also spreads easily.

Another key factor? Social currency. If a post makes someone look cool or connected for sharing it, they will. That’s why exclusive behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and ‘insider’ information tend to do well. People love being the first to share something before it blows up.

The Role of Authenticity

Audiences are savvier than ever. They can smell overly polished, inauthentic content from a mile away—and they’re not interested. The best-performing content often feels organic, like a casual share from a friend rather than a carefully curated ad.

This is why unfiltered, behind-the-scenes content is having a moment. Brands and creators who embrace realness—whether it’s through raw storytelling, candid moments, or self-deprecating humour—tend to build stronger connections and, ultimately, more viral potential. Authenticity is your superpower.

Engagement Breeds More Engagement

Social media algorithms favour engagement. The more people interact with a post—whether by liking, commenting, or sharing—the more likely it is to be pushed out to a wider audience. This creates a snowball effect, where an initial burst of engagement can lead to exponential reach.

One way to boost engagement is to invite it. Posts that ask questions, spark debates, or encourage participation tend to perform better. Even something as simple as a poll, a “tag a friend” prompt, or a call-to-action can make a huge difference in how widely a post spreads.

The Visual Edge

In the fast-scrolling world of social media, your content has about two seconds to capture attention. Strong visuals—whether it’s an eye-catching thumbnail, bold typography, or an unexpected composition—are key to stopping people in their tracks.

This doesn’t mean everything needs to be highly produced. In fact, lo-fi, native-feeling content often outperforms polished ads because it blends naturally into feeds. The key is to make sure your content looks like something worth stopping for.

The Algorithm Factor

While creativity is king, algorithms are the gatekeepers. Understanding how platforms prioritise content can give you a significant edge. Most social media platforms reward engagement velocity—meaning the quicker your post gets likes, comments, and shares, the more likely it is to be pushed to a wider audience.

Posting at peak times, engaging with comments quickly, and repurposing high-performing content across different platforms can all help amplify your reach. allowing you to refine your strategy in real-time.

Virality, Demystified

Creating viral content isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. By tapping into emotional triggers, staying ahead of trends, making your content highly shareable, and understanding how algorithms work, you can significantly increase your chances of reaching a massive audience.

And while not every post will go viral, consistently applying these principles will lead to stronger engagement, more visibility, and ultimately, better results. The internet is always evolving, but one thing remains constant: the power of great content. Now, go forth and create something worth sharing.

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