Characteristics of ‘Viral’

In this very unscientific test, I took Mashable’s “The 10 Most Innovative Viral Video Ads of 2009″ (which was totally subjective but very useful) and pulled out similar characteristics.  Here is what I found:

1. The highest correlation between them all is that they presented a new idea. 8 of the 10 showed something new or put a twist on the common.
2. 7 out of 10 had ‘unexpectedness.’  In essence, with each I said “I didn’t expect that.”  This is related to #1 above.
3. 6 out of 10 had edgy or otherwise appropriate music with the video.
4. 5 out of 10 were very simply created.  No major production.  No lighting, multiple cameras or otherwise.  Just simple.

Think about that when creating your next… ANYTHING.

Tagged as: mashable, Video, viral