The Top Ten Tips for Making
The Best Viral Videos

10. Make it short

Five minutes at the most. People who pass this stuff around don't have all day. Well, OK, they do — but they probably want to check out 14 other videos before lunchtime.

And, they probably have some work they're supposed to do. Follow the example of the best viral videos, and make it short and snappy.

9. Make it "good enough"

It may be a grainy video shot with a web cam — but it can't be so bad that people can't see it or hear it clearly. However, it doesn't have to look "amateurish" to become viral.

There are plenty of examples of viral videos that are produced and edited extremely well. Especially if the video is on the amateur side, it really has to stand out, because there are millions of videos out there that are both badly made and boring. If the sound is lousy, or you can't really see what's going on (unless that's part of the plan), then don't expect much success.

8. Be very sincere

Be personal and revealing — even if you're faking it (like LonelyGirl15).

7. Be totally lame (bad)

But "on purpose," and with a surprise punchline (like Candy Mountain).

6. Catch unsuspecting people on camera

Use the "Candid Camera" approach by setting up an absurd situation and recording the reactions of ordinary passers-by. (See Nalts' videos.)

5. Do a clever parody

Take something that is very popular, and give it an original, clever twist (like the Potter Puppet Pals).

4. Show extreme situations

Even (or especially) faked ones. Like explosions. Big ones. (Watch out for The Exploding Whale.)

3. Use music — or foreign stuff — or both

Especially a catchy tune — and the more foreign (based on your target audience), the better.(Looky Looky Numa Numa.)

2. Make a fool of yourself

Especially if you make it look like you don't realize you're making a fool of yourself. (Star Wars Kid has this covered.)

1. Be original

Do something incredibly funny, stupid, crazy or just amazing that no one has done before — something that will grab viewers and make them want to show it to all their friends. Yeah, this is the hard part.