Definition:

Viral marketing refers to the process of marketing that helps and inspires individuals to convey a marketing message to others.

Information:

Viral marketing relies on a high pass-along percentage from an individual to another. If many individuals pass on something to a group of individuals, then the total development rate amplifies swiftly. If these figures stoop down too low, then the rate immediately drops as well.

When we considered the web, all startups seemed to have a viral element to their tactics, or at least they portrayed it like that.

Nevertheless, only some marketing viruses accomplish achievements on a measure like the Hotmail, popularly referred to as the initial standard for viral marketing.

Tools:

Tools used for viral growth change over time. Here are some current examples:

Contests – VYPER – innovative contests with content upgrades and leaderboards.

Ongoing Offer: 7-days free trial to explore the toolkit – check for new discounts

Quizzes – Interact – make shareable and snackable quizzes to grow your email list.

Ongoing Offer: “free forever” plan to learn the features – check for new discounts.

Early Days of Viral Marketing:

How to Catch on to Viral Marketing
ClickZ (February 16, 2001)

I Think I Caught Something: Viral Marketing
ClickZ (January 30, 2001)

Tips for Optimizing Viral Marketing Campaigns
ClickZ (February 22, 2001)

Getting Viral
ClickZ (October 10, 2000)

Leveraging the Power of Viral Marketing
ClickZ (November 2, 2000)

What Makes it Viral?
ClickZ (July 6, 2000)

The Viral Component in Online Creative
ClickZ (October 3, 2000)

Is Viral Marketing All It’s Cracked Up To Be?
ClickZ (May 9, 2000)

The Basics Of Viral Marketing
ClickZ (November 19, 2000)

Viral Marketing: Pitfall or Windfall?
ClickZ (February 24, 2000)

What Does Viral Marketing Really Mean?
ClickZ (October 11, 1999)

Best Viral Marketing Campaigns:

The Top Viral Marketing Campaigns of All Time

10 Most Compelling Ad Campaigns of the Decade: Why They Went Viral
Inc. (June 28, 2015)

Top 25 Virals of 2016: Chewbacca, shoplifters, and Periscope puddles
NetImperative (November 29, 2016)

Branded3 (December 2, 2014)These Were The Best Viral Campaigns of 2016
Small Biz Trends (December 2016)

Top Failed Campaigns:

12 times brands went viral for the wrong reasons
ClickZ (March 17, 2016)

Most Viral in 2020:

Top 20 Viral Videos of the Year 2020.

Most Viral in 2019:

Top 100 Viral Videos of the Year 2019.

Most Viral in 2018:

Top 100 Viral Videos of the Year 2018.

Most Viral in 2017:

Top 100 Viral Videos of the Year 2017
YouTube.com (December 23, 2017)

Check out other Glossary Articles on Online Advertising Glossary and Digital Marketing Glossary.