A viral video is a great way to market your company, product or service. However, making a viral video is more difficult than some think. One myth most people believe about viral videos is that they randomly got famous. Most of the people behind these videos have hired companies to make it go viral.

With about 10,000 videos uploaded each day to YouTube, it takes strategic planning to produce a viral video. Here are come tips to create a viral video that will be an excellent marketing tool for your company:

Work On Your Content

Judging by the existing viral videos, we all know that content is not everything. However, you cannot expect to gain popularity by doing nothing. Think of what you want to say and how to say it creatively. A shocking video will gain attention; don’t give them something they have already seen.

In terms of marketing and content, make sure your company, product or service fits into a large concept and not vice versa. Do not make it an obvious advertisement or the audience will lose its interest.

Remember to keep your video short (around 30 seconds). You are on your audience’s time, they’re not on yours.

“Most Viewed Page”

The only way your video will stand out and go viral is if it is on the “Most View Page”. The best way to get your video out is to share, share, share! Embed your videos on blogs, forums and Myspace. Share it constantly on Facebook. Send the video to your entire E-Mail list and encourage them to forward it.

Choosing a Title

Your title needs to catch a viewer’s attention enough to even click on it. It must be different (i.e. “behind the scenes”). Throughout your videos existence, try different headlines: use shocking fake ones, add drama, etc. Check your views and ratings to see what works best.

Thumbnail Optimization

YouTube automatically uses a frame from the middle of your video for its thumbnail picture. Even if you do get to the “Most Viewed Page,” when your thumbnail is sitting in the middle of 20 others, it needs to grab the viewer’s attention. YouTube also gives you two other choices for thumbnail pictures. You can also consider the middle of the video when editing your film.

Control Your Comments

You and your team should post comments that will evoke controversy, however, be careful not to have a conversation with yourself. Just as you have the power to post comments, you have the power to delete comments by viewers that may possibly be detrimental to your popularity.

Video Release

Unlike traditional blogging, if you have a number of videos to release, do it all at once. Do not try to keep your viewers on their toes for the next video, because it will not work. If the viewer is so intrigued that they watch all five of your videos at once, chances are, they will be interested in your product or service.

Tagging

Tagging is a simple way to lure viewers to your video. However, be strategic about your tags. Use tags that are unique, but not strange. Choose about four tags and use them for all of your videos. If your views decrease, you can always change your tags to a more generic term.