How To Make Content So Good You Can’t STOP Going Viral - Myron Golden

Social Media Content Strategy

Summary

This meeting featured an in-depth discussion with Brendan Kane, an expert on making content go viral, exploring the evolution of social media and practical strategies for increasing content reach.
Key topics included the importance of active content creation (as opposed to passive consumption), understanding and selecting storytelling formats, competitive dynamics of modern social media algorithms, and actionable methods for analyzing successful vs. underperforming content.
Several examples were reviewed to illustrate the impact of storytelling hooks, thumbnail optimization, and content framing on viral potential.
The session concluded with recommendations for ongoing thumbnail testing, content self-analysis, and a resource link for attendees to access Brendan Kane's guide.

Most people fail at social media due to passively consuming content rather than actively creating and analyzing formats.
Adopting an expert creator mindset includes actively researching viral content formats and applying them deliberately.

Social media platforms have grown from millions to billions of users, drastically increasing competition for attention.
Algorithms prioritize content that holds user attention over 150,000+ competing pieces each time an app is opened.
Myths such as "shadowbanning" or algorithms solely rewarding paid content were refuted; content quality and attention retention are key.

A "format" is a repeatable, proven content structure, analogous to the three-act structure in movies, but with numerous variations for social media.
Examples of social media formats include "man on the street," "two characters, one light bulb," and "visual metaphors."
Long-term success is more likely when mastering a format rather than chasing fleeting trends.
Format choice should consider available resources and personal excitement, ensuring authenticity and consistency.
A creator’s background (e.g., experience delivering educational lessons) can determine which formats feel natural and perform best.

Systematic analysis is required to distinguish high-performing content from low-performing content within a chosen format.
Use a "gold, silver, bronze" analysis: review top, average, and low-performing content to identify what factors (pacing, hook, thumbnail, body language) drive virality.
Hooks that provide immediate paradigm shifts or mass appeal are more likely to succeed than generic or insider-language intros.

Thumbnails and titles are crucial for driving clicks; optimizing them can significantly impact view counts.
Thumbnails/titles should be clear, direct, and subvert expectations or present actionable solutions to broad audiences.
Regularly update and test thumbnails/titles for plateauing content (recommended weekly, if possible).
Majority of YouTube traffic comes from suggested videos, not search—thumbnails and titles must quickly engage viewers.
Use the "generalist principle": frame expertise to appeal to a wider audience without losing focus on the core message.

Analyze storytelling and context differences between high and low-performing content, using systematic methods.

Adopt content format mastery over trend-chasing — Mastering a repeatable, authentic format leads to sustainable social media success, as opposed to relying on transient trends.
Recommend ongoing thumbnail/title testing — Regularly updating thumbnails and titles maximizes content reach and engagement.

Will any specific owners be assigned to content analysis, thumbnail optimization, or format experimentation for the attendee(s) moving forward?
Are there planned follow-up sessions to further review participant content or track the impact of applied changes?