Using Images in Social Media to Create More Viral Content

Evolution of social media has changed the traditional marketing process to some extent and given rise to a new concept—social media marketing. Today, every company dreams of creating “viral” posts on social media that passes from one device to another, spreading the word about its brand, product and services among the users. Businesses that have adjusted to this phenomenon have been able to optimize their marketing campaigns and get ahead of their competitors. Staying up-to-date on latest developments in social media is most important for success in social media marketing.

One of the biggest developments in social media marketing of late is the rising popularity of image-centric marketing. Many researches have revealed that a large segment of Internet users prefer grasping information through images rather than reading text. A long text-only post can turn many people off; some viewers don’t like reading too much of text on computer screen while many others don’t have enough time to read the full text. Such people prefer getting information through images instead of text.

An image is the perfect way to attract attention of visitors, and encourage them to explore the content of the post in greater detail. A high-quality text can be convincing, however, a good image can take it another level. Incorporating images in-between the text offers a short break to audience and gives them time to think about concepts. The end result is that readers get a better understanding of the product or a concept being explained in the post. Images have the capability of making posts lively and visually interesting. They can turn a boring post into a spicy one.

Pictures also help a user in decision making process by enabling him/her to take advantage of visual signals to process information in a little time. Studies have found that posts with an image have three times more chance of reshares than text-only posts.

Common Traits of Viral Images

In social media, images can serve as a powerful tool to promote your brand. If used correctly, images can revolutionize your presence on social media. Some images on social media go viral instantly, while many others go unnoticed. In the recent past, many studies have been conducted to examine why some images become so popular on Internet and what magic they have in common. These studies have attempted to analyze the properties of such images, and most of the studies reveal the following facts about viral images.

1. Viral images are clear and vibrant. They are quality pictures.

2. Viral images have a warm appeal, and are positive in some sense.

3. Most images that go viral across the web are capable of stirring emotions. They are highly motivational.

4. Some viral images appear to be unbelievable, but they are real. They spread across the web because they look extraordinary, but upon closer examination, you’ll find them to be legitimate.

5. Some images become popular because they make the viewer peek into their own past and relate the image to some of their past memory. In this case, the image may not be extraordinary in subject matter, but it is clear, natural, and relatable.

6. Many images become widely popular because of their humor content. They make people laugh.

How to Make an Image Go Viral on Social Media?

It is difficult to find a perfect formula for producing highly admired images in social media. No one can give you a guarantee that he/she can make your content/images on the web go viral instantly. However, you can increase your changes of creating a viral image on social media by taking care of the following points:

• Use animated images to amuse the users

Animated images have become highly popular in social media. Many studies indicate that the posts with animated images are reshared more in comparison to posts with static images. Animated gifs images can be used to entertain the audience. However, the brand should be well integrated in the content/animation to expand your reach.

• Image orientation

Some studies indicate that portrait images have higher chances of being viral than squared or landscape images. Squared images have higher probability of being popular than landscapes.

• Face makes an image more attractive

Researchers have found that presence of a face in an image enhances its effectiveness, and brings more replies and reshares compared to an image with no face. However, it is important that other objects are also put in perspective in the image.

• Using Instagram

Instagram has become a popular way to share pictures. Originally, it was created for iPhones and Androids users; however, it is now available for web users also. Many companies are now seriously trying to build a presence on Instagram. The basic concept of Instagram is to enhance interaction between companies and consumers through fun. Many companies post pictures of their employees and official events at Instagram to give the impression that it is more personable rather than a faceless commercial unit.

Some companies encourage their customers to upload their pictures using a company product on Instagram. This is a great way to develop company–customer relationship and to make the customers brand ambassadors for the company. The most amazing thing in this practice is that it can be done even on a small budget.

In summary, it is impossible to predict and copy a successful viral content/image, but a business can definitely learn from successful campaigns and adapt some of the best tactics. In this way, brand marketers are presented with a better opportunity of getting that elusive reward, and make their content go viral on Internet.