Is going viral the goal?

Why Going Viral Shouldn’t Be Your Main Goal

I posted about this on my social media this week, but I wanted to expand on it here. There’s a common obsession with chasing viral moments, but the truth is—going viral isn’t the be-all and end-all of content creation. In fact, if you’re purely focused on viral success, you might be missing out on what really matters: adding value and building a strong, engaged audience.

The Problem with Chasing Virality

It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game. A video racks up millions of views, and suddenly, it feels like the pinnacle of success. But what happens when that viral moment isn’t connected to your niche, your business, or your brand? You might get a temporary spike in followers, but if they’re not genuinely interested in what you do, they won’t stick around.

A viral video for the wrong reason can do more harm than good. It attracts people who aren’t aligned with your message, and when your future content doesn’t match their expectations, they disengage. That’s why having a solid foundation of content that speaks to your audience is way more valuable than a one-off viral hit.

Build a Strong Foundation First

Your focus should be on creating high-quality, valuable content that builds trust with your audience. When people consistently see the value in your content—whether it’s educational, entertaining, or inspiring—they become invested in you and your brand.

That’s not to say virality is bad. If you can go viral for the right reason, with content that aligns with your niche, and you already have a strong library of videos to back it up, then you’re onto a massive winner. But virality should be the bonus, not the goal.

The Real Goal: Engagement & Trust

The best creators and brands don’t just chase views; they build communities. They focus on engagement, meaningful conversations, and providing solutions to their audience’s problems. When your content adds value, people will follow and support you—not just for one video, but for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, social media isn’t just about getting noticed—it’s about building something sustainable. If you’re going to go viral, make sure it’s for the right thing. But more importantly, focus on content that truly matters to your audience. Because, in the long run, a dedicated community is worth far more than a fleeting viral moment.

Let me know your thoughts—do you agree? Have you ever had a viral moment that didn’t really help your brand? Let’s chat!