Why you DON’T want your Instagram content to go viral
Many people think the key to success on Instagram is to make their content go viral. While virality is tempting, it probably won’t give you the results you’re hoping for.
Here are some reasons why you wouldn't want your content to go viral on Instagram.
1. Unrealistic expectations
There’s no secret code to going viral. Using a certain audio, font, or any other “hack” can’t guarantee virality…regardless of what any social media “guru” tells you. If your goal is to go viral, you might get burnt out or discouraged quickly, which can make your account suffer.
2. Short-lived adrenaline rush
From my experience, viral content can get thousands of likes, shares, and comments within a certain time frame, but then it dies down. A viral post can feel great – until we realize we can’t replicate it again and find ourselves unsuccessfully chasing more viral posts.
The pressure that we then place on ourselves to produce viral content can be overwhelming.
3. Attracting the wrong crowd
When your post goes viral, it gets shared with a very massive audience….most of which are not anywhere near your target audience and are therefore not interested in your product or service!
Even if they engage with your post – I am telling you – many people that were brought to your post will never become paying clients, customers, or supporters.
That’s not always a bad thing, but it’s worth sharing because it shows how going viral really doesn’t benefit you as much as you think.
And of course, we can’t forget that you’re more likely to run into bots, spam accounts, negative comments and trolls (usually from those non-target audience members) which can take a toll on your mental health if you’re not prepared.
4. Stolen content
Your content can be taken or reposted without credit, which can be frustrating for any content creator.
We like to think that accounts that go viral get their lives changed from one post, but that is most often NOT the case.
Knowing this, I urge you to focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience and builds a loyal following over time.
Instead of viral content, you want to strive for sustainable content that will continue to serve your brand or business.
