Chasing Viral Videos Is As Dumb As Chasing Web Traffic

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If you read this “guide to viral video” at Techcrunch, there are actually some really good tips in there about tags, and other tips about how to create videos that people want to watch.

But in the end, the article is crap for you and me… why?

Because viral videos are a waste of your time, just like traffic.

You tell me something. How do you monetized a viral video? Seriously, I want you to explain to me how to do it? That article didn’t explain it. In fact, that article specifically points that “they make money by taking other people’s videos and making them get viewed a lot”.

A. That’s not viral really. Views aren’t viral per say. Sharing is what really makes something viral.
B. That’s a good model if you can sell it and find clients, but is that really your thing?

Again, that article tells you nothing about how to make money from your “viral” videos. Why? Because it’s really, really hard to do, unless you’re a porn site.

People, stop chasing b.s. dreams like “viral” and “traffic”!

I’m here to tell you, that it’s a complete and utter waste of time. The odds of going viral are extremely low, and even if you do, it’s hard to monetize it.

Now, let me just say that if your goal is to become famous… then you should absolutely attempt to make videos that go “viral”. But to monetize… forget it.

More from Mathew, the dudes at Commoncraft chime in as well, and Centernetworks writes a great headline.

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  • Lee
    In my mind, viral and traffic is simply a side effect of quality content. If you create value, solve a problem or entertain people in a surprising way, people will want to tell their friends. Viral as the primary goal is a waste of time, I agree.
  • @lee, well, yeah. But you "get it". You guys make great content, especially those awesome videos I love so much.

    I guess the points I try to make over and over is that "you're not going to get rich online by chasing viral or traffic."

    But... that's all anyone wants to hear... that that's how you do it. Because creating value and solving problems is actually hard work, when "making a million bucks off a viral video" is not in their minds.

    Sigh.
  • Your point is accurate, in that it is hard to make any significant money directly off of a viral video. But, think about your viral video campaign in the same fashion that you think about a commercial campaign. A well structured, compelling viral video campaign can bring invaluable brand awareness, which can then lead to an increase in sales, depending on your end goal for the campaign.

    You're right, though. I don't see very many people getting rich off of viral videos.

    Enjoying the blog!
  • allen stern
    Good writeup Jim - I am waiting for Mike's reply. I am also shocked at the comments that the author left on NewTeeVee - in that people were attacking his ethics - lol :)
  • I am enjoying your radio show and this is a good reply to that tech crunch article. I think it is the usual case of company marketing departments getting caught up in internet buzz words, without understanding the full consequences.
  • Depending on the end results, having a video go viral without monetizing can still be of value.

    A viral video can help spread a new name or brand without necessarily creating an immediate online conversion or sale or traffic to a site.
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