How to Make a Meme Go Viral: Tips and Tricks

1

Memes have become a dominant form of online communication, often spreading faster than news articles or videos. But what makes a meme go viral? While there isn’t a guaranteed formula, certain strategies can significantly increase the likelihood of your meme being shared widely. In this guide, we'll explore key elements contributing to meme virality, offering practical advice to help you create a meme that captures the internet's attention.

The Origin of the Term “Meme”

The term “meme” was coined by biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene. Dawkins used the term to describe the spread of ideas and cultural phenomena, similar to how genes propagate biological traits. The word “meme” itself comes from the Greek word “mimema,” which means “something imitated.” Over time, the term has evolved to represent humorous and often absurd online content.

One of the earliest known viral memes on the internet was the “Dancing Baby,” also known as “Baby Cha-Cha-Cha.” Created in 1996 as a demo for 3D animation software, this GIF of a baby dancing became one of the first pieces of content to go viral via email and early websites. This meme is an important part of internet history, illustrating how digital content could be widely shared long before the social media platforms we know today existed.

Critical Elements of a Viral Meme

Here are the cornerstone principles that can make a meme popular through the internet community.

Relatability

One of the most influential aspects of a viral meme is its ability to resonate with a broad audience. Ones that tap into universal experiences, emotions, or cultural references are more likely to be shared. For example, memes that play on the daily struggles of work, relationships, or popular TV shows or inspiring athletes frequently become a hit because they connect with a large group of people.

Before you create a meme, ask yourself if it touches on a shared experience or feeling.

Humour

Humour is the lifeblood of most viral memes. Whether absurd, sarcastic, or simply silly, a good laugh can drive shares like nothing else. Memes that make people LOL are often the ones that get shared the most. Humour also helps make the content more memorable, ensuring that people remember and reference your meme long after they've seen it.

Experiment with different types of humour, such as irony, puns, or dark ones. Just be mindful of your audience’s sensitivities to avoid offending them.

Steps to Creating a Successful Meme

Here are the crucial steps that will help you in creating the leading meme:

• Choose the Right Format: Memes come in many shapes and sizes, from image macros to video clips. Deciding on the suitable format is crucial to your meme’s success.
• Craft Engaging Text: The text in your meme is just as important as the visual. It delivers the punchline, makes a statement, or provides context to the image.
• Leverage Social Media Platforms: Social media is the playground where memes thrive. You need to leverage social media's power effectively to give your meme the best chance of going viral.
• Tap into Trends and Challenges: Memes that align with current trends or online challenges are more likely to go viral. These trends act as a catalyst, propelling your content to a larger audience. For example, participating in a viral challenge or meme trend on TikTok or Instagram can help your content gain traction quickly.

Measuring Meme Success

Once your meme is live, it's essential to measure its success. Here are some primary metrics to track:

• Shares and Reposts: The number of times your meme has been shared directly indicates its popularity.
• Likes and Comments: High engagement rates suggest your meme resonates with the audience.
• Reach and Impressions: These metrics show how many people have seen your meme, giving you an idea of its overall impact.
• Adaptations and Remixes: If others start creating their versions of your meme, it’s a sign that it’s gone viral.

After analysing your meme's performance, note what worked and what didn’t. Did a particular type of humour resonate more with your audience? Was the timing of your post optimal? Use these insights to refine your meme-creation strategy for the future.

Don’t be discouraged if your meme doesn’t go viral on the first try. Creating viral content is often a matter of trial and error. Keep experimenting with different ideas and formats until you find the best for your audience.

The Impact of Memes on Society

Memes have become a powerful cultural force, influencing society in multiple ways:

Shaping Public Discourse

Memes typically distil complex issues into easily digestible and shareable content, making them a significant tool in political and social discourse. They can amplify messages, whether for social justice, political campaigns, or even misinformation.

Cultural Expression

Memes serve as a form of digital folk art, reflecting and shaping cultural norms, values, and trends. They allow for the rapid spread of humour, satire, and commentary, regularly breaking down traditional barriers to communication.

Community Building

Memes create a sense of belonging among people who share similar humour, interests, or views. Online communities typically form around specific memes or meme cultures, fostering connections between individuals across the globe.

Influence on Language

Memes have introduced new phrases, slang, and expressions into everyday language, influencing how people communicate. Terms like “YOLO,” “mood,” and “lit” started as memes and have since become part of common parlance.

Marketing and Branding

Brands increasingly use memes as part of their marketing strategies to engage with younger audiences. Memes help humanise brands, making them more relatable and shareable in the digital space.

Political and Social Activism

Memes have been used to mobilise social movements and political campaigns, making complex ideas more accessible and engaging to the masses. They can inspire action, spread awareness, and rally support around causes.

News and Information

Memes can both inform and misinform. While they can highlight important issues, they can also spread misinformation quickly, given their viral nature and the ease with which they can be created and shared.

Conclusion

Creating a viral meme is part of creativity, timing, and strategy. By understanding the key elements that contribute to meme virality — such as relatability, humour, and effective use of social media — you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, the internet is fast-paced, so don’t hesitate to take risks and be innovative in your approach. With the right combination of factors, your meme could be the next big thing on the web.

Armed with these tips and tricks, you’re ready to create memes that entertain and capture the internet's attention. Whether you’re looking to boost your brand’s visibility or make people laugh, a well-crafted meme can be a powerful tool in your digital arsenal.