I’m going to say something that is probably not too popular but I don’t want a lot of my videos to go viral. In fact, I’m glad it took a while for one of my videos to go viral. I know everyone is telling you that going viral changes your life and your business overnight. But when my video gained 96k views in less than 24 hours, it honestly just made video creation more overwhelming. 

Going viral isn’t just about getting lucky or catching a trend at the right time—it’s about creating content that actually resonates with people, the truth is connections drive virality. It’s not enough for your video to be seen by thousands of eyes. What matters is how deeply it connects with those who watch. And are you converting them into actual fans of your content? Building genuine connections with your audience is how you’re going to be successful with video marketing. If you want to go viral, if you want that overnight success then it’s about the videos that you post now that matters. 

Why Virality Isn’t Just About Views

Watching those numbers climb feels like validation, but views alone don’t tell the whole story. True virality isn’t just about how many people have watched your video; it’s about how deeply they engage with it. You can’t have high views without a lot of shares, likes, and comments. 

Many people mistakenly believe that high views equal success, but without engagement, your views will just stay low. The videos that go viral in the truest sense are the ones that spark emotions and build connections. It’s the relatable content—the stories that hit home, the tips that everyone can benefit, the lessons we’ve all experienced, or the moments that feel personal—that drive people to not just watch but share. When your content resonates on an emotional level, that’s when your video starts to spread, taking on a life of its own. So no virality is not an accident, you didn’t land on the right side of the algorithm. Ultimately, it’s that connections drive virality.

The Role of Emotional Connection in Viral Content

Psychologically, we’re wired to respond to emotions—whether it’s joy, empathy, or laughter. This is why content that strikes an emotional chord tends to spread faster and farther. People share videos that make them feel something because it helps them express their own emotions and experiences. It’s this emotional connection that can make your video go viral.

The thing about emotional storytelling is that it takes the viewer on a journey.

When you invite your audience into a story that resonates with them, it goes beyond just passive-watching. Whether it’s a heartwarming moment that brings tears, a relatable experience that makes someone laugh, or a powerful story that sparks inspiration, emotional storytelling creates a bond between the content and the viewer. This connection becomes personal, making them want to share it with others—because, ultimately, connections drive virality.

When people share content that resonates with their emotions, it’s not just about the video itself; it’s about how it represents their own experiences and feelings. Think about the viral videos that you’ve seen, why did they go viral? Really think about it. Without probably ever seeing the video that you’re thinking about I can guarantee you the reason why it went viral is that it tapped into something universal and relatable for viewers. 

How Building Connections Creates Loyal Followers

I’m sure you’ve heard people say not to go viral until you are ready to convert them into raving fans.  And it’s true—virality can bring in a massive influx of attention, but the real value comes from turning that attention into a loyal following. Viral content is just the beginning of the journey. What keeps people coming back is the connection you build with your audience. It’s this connection that transforms a one-time viewer into a long-term supporter, and ultimately, that’s how connection drives virality.

Personal, authentic videos are key to fostering this sense of community and connection. When viewers feel like they’re getting a genuine glimpse into your world, they’re more likely to stick around. Whether it’s through behind-the-scenes content, relatable stories, or simply showing the human side of your brand, authenticity creates trust and makes your content memorable.

To build these connections, focus on authenticity in every video. Share moments that matter to you, offer a peek behind the curtain of your process and tell stories that your audience can see themselves in. When viewers feel a personal connection to your content, they don’t just watch—they engage, share, and return for more. And that’s where the real power of viral content lies: not just in the numbers but in the community it builds.

Tips for Creating Videos That Build Connections

Creating videos that build deeper connections with your audience is all about authenticity, relatability, and emotional resonance. These elements help viewers feel more connected to you, and when they feel that connection, they’re more likely to engage, share, and keep coming back for more. This is how connections drive virality—it’s not just the initial attention but the lasting impact that matters. Here are some practical tips for creating videos that forge those connections:

Be Authentic and Relatable

Audiences can tell when you’re being real versus when you’re putting on a performance. Authenticity is key. Share real moments, whether it’s behind-the-scenes clips or honest reflections on your journey. Show your human side, because that’s what people connect with most.

Share Your Story or Mission

Every video is an opportunity to remind your audience why you do what you do. Whether it’s your brand’s mission or a personal story that drives you, sharing this helps your audience relate to your content on a deeper level. Let them in on the “why” behind your work, and they’ll feel more invested.

Use Emotional Triggers

Emotions are powerful. Videos that evoke feelings of joy, empathy, or surprise tend to resonate more with viewers. Think about how your story can spark an emotional reaction—whether it’s a heartfelt moment, an inspiring success, or a surprising twist—and use it to strengthen your connection with your audience.

By implementing these tips, you’ll create videos that not only capture attention but also build lasting relationships with your audience.

The Domino Effect: Connections Lead to Shares

By now you should realize that virality is not just about luck because you have to know how to create videos for your audience. Connections drive virality because people naturally want to share content that resonates with them on a personal level. Content that feels relevant, authentic, or meaningful compels viewers to pass it along to friends, family, or their own followers. It’s no longer just a video—it becomes part of a shared experience, a conversation starter, or even a way to express something they’ve felt but couldn’t put into words.

This is why understanding your audience is so critical. You need to know what matters to them, what makes them laugh, or what pulls at their heartstrings. When you craft your content around those emotional triggers, it doesn’t just get watched—it gets shared. Even a small group of deeply connected followers can amplify your reach significantly. As they share your video, they introduce you to new networks, sparking exponential growth. 

Maybe now you will finally stop worrying about your views and focus on how well your videos are connecting with your audience. 

How We Can Help You Build Those Connections

Repeat after me, a video’s success is not determined by views.  It’s the connections you build through your content that create lasting impact. I get it—creating videos that not only engage but also foster genuine connections can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? 

That’s exactly where our VIP Video Intensive comes in. This 2-hour, focused session is designed to help you discover the stories that resonate most with your audience, develop a strategic approach to video creation, 

We work together to craft personalized content that taps into your unique voice and how that can come through in your videos, while keeping your audience at the heart of it.

You’ll walk away with months of video content ideas, shotlists, and practical tips that you can apply immediately to start increasing engagement. Whether your content just needs a refresh,  maybe you’re video content just hasn’t been working, or you’re just starting out,  this session is designed to turn your ideas into actionable, connection-building videos that not only get attention but also leave a lasting impression.

I promise you when you make videos like that you will be successful. 

Conclusion

Virality isn’t merely a matter of luck or random chance. It’s fundamentally driven by the strength of authentic connections and emotional storytelling. When your video content resonates deeply with your audience, it has the potential to spread organically. This happens when viewers feel a genuine connection and are moved by your message, prompting them to share it with their own networks.

The key to achieving this is focusing on how you build these connections from the outset. Prior to filming it’s essential to invest time in understanding your audience’s needs, crafting a compelling narrative, and ensuring every element of your video aligns with your story. It’s this thoughtful preparation that sets the stage for your content to go viral. Virality is more about the strategic groundwork you lay. It’s about making videos that your audience wants to watch.