A Systematic Formula To Make Your Videos Go Viral - Myron Golden

Viral Content Strategies

Summary

This session featured a discussion with Brendon Kane, bestselling author and viral content expert, focusing on how to achieve viral growth for business content on social media.
Key topics included the definition of "going viral," strategies for leveraging formats and context, the importance of aligning content with business goals, and advice for both beginner and advanced content creators.
Brendon shared examples, success stories, and practical exercises for creators to analyze and improve their own content performance.

Brendon: Provide free PDF or Kindle version of his new book via hookpoint.com/golden for interested viewers.
Host/Content Creator: Analyze personal and high-performing competitor content side-by-side to identify successful contextual differences and storytelling elements.
All Creators (no specific owner): Choose a content format to master, and review both high and low performing examples to extract lessons for improvement.

"Going viral" is not about hitting arbitrary numbers (e.g., 1 million views), but about scaling core subject matter so it meaningfully advances business and brand objectives.
Any subject—taxes, finance, insurance, real estate, etc.—can achieve viral reach if context is right.
Viral content should lead to increased engagement that translates into business results; random viral hits without business impact are not the goal.

Social platforms’ algorithms push content further if it effectively stops users' scrolling and holds their attention.
Algorithms are designed to maximize time on platform (and thus ad revenue), rewarding content that performs well with initial viewers.
Common misconceptions include blaming the algorithm or “shadow banning” for poor reach; in reality, context and content quality are usually the issues.

Brendon Kane started in film, shifted to digital and social media, building early influencer technology and creative optimization agencies.
Developed a viral content model focusing on context and creative innovation, as outlined in his books.
Emphasizes learning from other media (e.g., film school story analysis) and applying those principles to social content.

Viral videos often succeed due to mastery of a specific format and execution of essential storytelling elements—especially in the opening seconds.
Example: “Man on the Street” format stops the scroll with surprise, relatability, and clear story progression, as detailed in analysis of a video reaching 68.5M views.
Success involves comparing top and underperforming videos of the same format to identify effective pacing, hooks, relatability, and actionable advice.

Beginner formats:
- “Man on the Street”: spontaneous street interviews.
- “Two Characters, One Lightbulb”: creator plays both expert and novice, breaking down a topic.
- “Walking Listicles”: sharing advice casually while on the move.
Advanced formats:
- “Visual Metaphor”: using props to explain complex topics (e.g., psychology, health).
- Long-form explainer videos (e.g., Veritasium’s in-depth educational content).
- “Is It Worth It”: deconstructing high-value products to provide consumer insight.

Even with massive reach, creators should communicate as if speaking to one person, not a crowd—this fosters relatability and connection.
Regularly reviewing and refining content through the lens of both data and context is key; compare with outperforming creators for new insights.
Authenticity and alignment with business/brand goals are essential—changing core message or style for reach alone can backfire.

Focus on format mastery and contextual optimization — Rationale: Consistent use and refinement of effective formats drives sustainable audience growth and aligns with brand/business objectives.

Will there be further sessions or workshops for deeper dives into specific formats and creator challenges?
Any planned case studies from Brendon on business-focused content achieving viral status in traditionally “boring” industries?