A viral video is a loose term that refers to a video clip that spreads rapidly through the internet through online sharing. While some put a restriction on the term, such as a required amount of views in a number of days (e.g., five million views in three to seven days), this is not always the case.

1. Red Rider Creative
The Business of Viral
Videos

2. A viral video is a loose term that refers to a video clip that spreads
rapidly through the internet through online sharing. While some put a
restriction on the term, such as a required amount of views in a number
of days (e.g., five million views in three to seven days), this is not
always the case.
For a video to be viral, it needs to create a lot of buzz on the internet. It
should garner coverage from media outlets or popular blogs, and the
video’s content should be a subject of discussion on social media
networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit.
The Types of Viral Videos
While there are hundreds of kinds of content that has gone viral, they
fall into two major categories: amateur viral videos and branded viral
videos. Amateur viral videos are funny, with the footage originally
intended for family and friends’ viewing.
Branded promotional videos are from companies that contain marketing
messages and aim to raise brand awareness.

3. Amateur Viral Videos
According to TIME, there are three ways an amateur viral video can be
profitable. Monetized videos on YouTube can gain money with the
AdSense program, which places ads on a footage. The viral video
“Charlie Bit My Finger,” for example, gained over £100,000 in 2012.
For amateur videos that look commercially attractive, production
companies might be interested in featuring the clips in their ads; they
are willing to pay thousands of dollars for the opportunity to ride the
wave of the viral video’s popularity. For viral videos that reach a
different level of popularity, merchandising is another option.
Branded Viral Videos
Brands tap into the culture of viral videos to connect with their
audiences. The aim is for the video to provide pleasure to the viewer and
embody the qualities of the company.

4. Sources:
 http://www.adweek.com/digital/what-makes-a-video-viral/
 http://www.toprankblog.com/2016/03/video-marketing-
campaigns/
 http://www.redridercreative.com/
 http://time.com/3956080/viral-videos-money/
 http://mashable.com/2014/04/02/viral-branded-
videos/#SqcrLloUAiqN
“… What were once brick-and-mortar businesses are now becoming
adroit visual storytellers,” Mashable published.