Have you ever been asked to “Make this Instagram post go viral?” Many digital marketers can relate! If you’re aiming for virality, Instagram is a great platform. With its image and video-led nature, it’s easy to create scroll-stopping content. Plus, with two billion monthly active users, it’s perfect for connecting with a large, engaged audience.
So, if you want to go viral to drive brand visibility, engagement, and conversions – how do you do it?
In this article, I’ll share ten top tips for building viral Instagram campaigns and what it means for your posts, Reels, and Stories to go viral.
Key Takeaways
- Any brand or industry can go viral on Instagram by creating content that resonates with the target audience and engaging effectively.
- There isn’t an “official” number of likes or comments that define a viral post, but a noticeable uplift on the platform is a good indicator.
- Don’t just rely on posts. Reels, Stories, and Instagram Live are also great for engagement.
- Credibility is crucial for virality. The more followers trust you, the more likely they are to share your content.
- Virality isn’t guaranteed. Even if a post doesn’t go viral, you can still create content your followers love and anticipate.
Understanding Virality on Instagram
Virality means different things to different people, but it generally refers to content that is highly shareable, resulting in increased engagement and shares.
A rule of thumb: if your post gets 10,000 likes or your Reel gets 100,000 views, it’s considered viral. This number varies based on your industry and account size. Smaller accounts or niche sectors should adjust expectations accordingly.
1. Capitalize on Trending Topics and Hashtags
Leverage trending topics and hashtags to grab attention. Speed is essential – the sooner you react, the better. Monitor industry trends through relevant accounts, Google Trends, and Reddit.
Example: Ikea UK jumped on the news of Doja Cat’s 2024 Met Gala appearance, showing how to emulate her style.
2. Create Visually Stunning and Share-Worthy Content
Stand out by uploading high-quality photos and videos that your audience will enjoy. No need for expensive equipment; fresh and exciting content is key.
Example: Apple’s Instagram feed is filled with subscriber-contributed photos and videos, all shot on iPhones and iPads, showcasing the capabilities of their software.
3. Evoke Emotions and Encourage Action Through Storytelling
Connect with your audience emotionally through storytelling. This builds a strong connection, making your brand more memorable.
Example: Airbnb’s Instagram campaigns focus on unique establishments and the hosts’ stories, evoking emotions and encouraging engagement.
4. Collaborate With Influencers and Industry Partners
Partnering with influencers or brands extends your reach to new audiences. Ensure you choose credible accounts with high engagement rates.
Example: Crocs’ collaboration with Busch Light generated thousands of likes and comments.
5. Engage With Your Audience Through Active Interaction
Communicate with your followers by responding to comments, mentions, and direct messages. This builds a loyal community and increases your chances of appearing on Instagram’s Explore page.
Example: Wendy’s is known for its active engagement with followers, boosting its visibility on the platform.
6. Use User-Generated Content to Foster Authenticity
Share user-generated content (UGC) to reach new networks and build trust. UGC is viewed as a credible source of information.
Example: Snag Tights promotes itself with UGC, showing inclusivity and acceptance, and encouraging users to tag their photos and videos.
7. Run Creative Contests or Challenges to Encourage Participation
Contests are great for engagement and increasing virality. Ensure you follow Instagram promotion guidelines and have clear terms and conditions.
Example: GoPro’s #GoProMillionDollarChallenge encouraged followers to share their best footage, with prizes for top videos.
8. Leverage Instagram Reels and Stories for Maximum Visibility
Reels and Stories help build connections and increase visibility. Keep videos short and snappy (3-15 seconds) for the best performance.
Example: Red Bull’s Reels feature extreme sports videos and stunning footage, keeping their feed fresh and exciting.
9. Analyze and Adapt Your Strategy Based on Performance Metrics
Use metrics to measure success and adapt your strategy. Focus on metrics that align with your goals, such as link clicks and follower growth.
Tools: Instagram Insights, Sprout Social, Buffer, and Hootsuite provide valuable data for tracking performance and making informed decisions.
10. Maintain Consistency in Posting and Branding
Consistency in posting and branding helps you get noticed and engaged with. Ensure your brand colors, fonts, and tone of voice are consistent, and post regularly.
Example: LEGO’s consistent imagery and tone of voice encourage followers to engage with and share their posts.
Conclusion
Going viral on Instagram involves creativity and genuine engagement with followers. While not every post will go viral, each one provides insight into what resonates with your audience.
