Why shouldn't your goal be to go viral?

Why Lasting Impact Trumps Viral Fame in Music Promotion? Uncover the Pitfalls of Chasing Virality and Embrace a Strategic Approach for Sustainable Artistic Growth.

Many music artists aspire to make their content "go viral," and the allure is evident. This term signifies that your music resonates so deeply that it becomes a widely discussed topic across various online platforms. Some artists mistakenly believe that the primary objective of social media is to propel their tracks into viral sensations. Should that be the ultimate goal for music promotion?

Virality

in the context of social media and online content generally refers to the rapid spread and sharing of a piece of content across a wide audience. While the term is commonly used to describe the phenomenon where content gains significant attention and reaches a large number of people quickly, it's essential to note that achieving true and widespread virality can be unpredictable.

There is no sure-fire formula for creating viral content. Creating a viral music campaign involves numerous factors related to your chosen tracks, many of which are beyond your control.

The fate of whether your music goes viral is ultimately determined by the audience on each social media platform. The success or obscurity of your tracks lies solely with your audience. A more comprehensive and targeted approach to music promotion might be a wiser strategy for long-term success.

Ultimately, while it's natural to desire increased visibility and a broader audience, it's equally important to focus on creating meaningful, authentic, and valuable content. Building a strong, engaged community and consistently delivering quality content will likely have more lasting benefits than the pursuit of fleeting virality. Creating content that goes viral on TikTok and Instagram requires a combination of creativity, strategy, and understanding the platform's dynamics. Relying on "going viral" is not a viable, enduring, or easily reproducible strategy. The lifespan of most viral content is fleeting, often fading away almost as quickly as it gained popularity. We have so many known cases that experienced a viral surge but have since seen a decline in fervor. In reality, the majority of your content is unlikely to achieve viral status. If making that your primary goal, you are likely to encounter considerable frustration.

The process of creating a viral campaign involves numerous factors related to your chosen type of content, many of which are beyond your control. The fate of whether your content goes viral is ultimately determined by the audience on each social media channel. The success or failure of your content lies solely with your audience, so think about a content users would love, engage and share. And don't forget that each platform has its unique dynamics. TikTok, for example, determines a sound's performance  in the algorithm by taking into account the number of new UGC (user generated content) and time window that new UGC is posted within. So we can say that virality is large scale content creation in a compressed timeline. Volume of UGC and the time window of new creations ignites momentum, amplifying the success of popular trends and enhancing the performance of creators. 

So instead of focusing on creating viral content, focus on producing excellent content, i.e. content that will resonate with your target audience. Focus on producing content that is entertaining, authentic and shareable. A couple of thing to consider:

Creativity and Originality

Use your content not only to showcase your talent but also to demonstrate your ability to foster a sense of community around your brand. Let your content give your brand a distinct human face and persona. Incorporate unique elements that set your work apart, and be bold in expressing your creativity. Originality not only captivates your audience but also encourages them to become active participants in your artistic journey.

Understand Your Audience

Delve into a deep understanding of your target audience. Identify their preferences, interests, and the type of content that resonates with them. Leverage analytics tools to gain insights into audience behaviors, and adapt your content strategy based on these findings. By tailoring your content to meet the specific needs and tastes of your audience, you'll build a more meaningful and enduring connection.

Consistency is Key: Establishing consistency in your content creation is vital. A consistent posting schedule not only builds anticipation among your audience but also helps maintain algorithmic favor on various platforms. Regularity fosters engagement, encouraging your audience to actively seek and interact with your content. Develop a content calendar to ensure a steady flow of engaging material that keeps your audience captivated.

Master your audience by crafting tailored content that resonates
and builds strong connections. Consistently deliver trend-aligned
shareable music that sparks viral interactions
and broadens your reach.

Creating Shareable Music: Crafting music that is both catchy and easily shareable is a key aspect of your strategy. Collaborate with producers to create sounds that align with current TikTok trends. Engage with platform challenges and make use of duet and stitch features to foster interaction. By creating music that resonates with the platform's vibe, you increase the likelihood of your content being shared and embraced by a wider audience.

Collaborate and Network

Expand your reach by collaborating with other creators within your niche. Participate in duets and shout-outs with influencers, amplifying your visibility. Respond promptly to comments and messages to build a loyal fan base. Encourage user-generated content by creating challenges and showcasing the best submissions on your profile. Building a collaborative network not only broadens your audience but also strengthens your position within the community.

Analytics and Iteration

Regularly analyze insights and performance metrics to gain a deeper understanding of what works best for your audience. Identify trends in your most successful content and use this information to refine and iterate your content strategy. Be adaptable and willing to experiment with different styles and formats. Continuous refinement based on data-driven insights ensures that your content remains relevant and resonates with your audience over the long term.

In essence, the true essence of impactful content creation lies not in the pursuit of fleeting virality but in the cultivation of genuine connections and the delivery of value to a dedicated audience. By embracing these principles, artists can build a sustainable and flourishing presence in the digital realm, transcending the transient allure of viral fame.