Humor is by far the No. 1 element involved with getting a viral campaign going. What's great about funny things that are created to be shared, is that it fulfills the necessary ingredients that must be part of any marketing that expects to go viral.
Here are the generally agreed upon aspects of a campaign that must be there to be successful. Humor and fun are a part of all four of them, which is why it is so successful in being shared and sent to families and friends.
Entertaining and engaging
Humor, jokes and/or fun are always entertaining and engaging to readers. People love it.
Can use it
Of all the four we talk about; this is the most tricky. It's tricky because it has to do with timing more than anything else. I've received humorous things at times when it was really needed, and other times where I didn't even open up or go to what was sent to me. Most of the time though, humor can be used.
Instant Gratification
This is an obvious one. All you have to do is read what is sent or instantly go to a URL and immediately take part in whatever it is that's there. You don't have to wait!
Unique
Most of the time people send me stuff that is unique or has a twist to it. It's always fun to look at and a new experience. There's one friend I have that used to send me stuff so old - that it was new. It was funny even because it was old. It still held its uniqueness.
There are other things besides humor, fun and jokes that work virally. The key is that whatever it is it needs to cater to the four elements above to give it a great chance at success.
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