Topic: Viral Videos

It is amazing how ONE crazy, funny, strange, random, or meaningless video can instantly be posted online and become viral in minutes. If I recall, Utah State is quite famous for a couple videos that have received national attention.

 “Why Men and Women Cant be friends” which currently has 8,024,857 views.

“The Real Meaning of MPH” which currently has 8,750,393 views.

According to Wikipedia, a “Viral Video” is one that becomes popular through the process of internet sharing, typically through video sharing websites, social media and email.

This got me thinking, what are some of the most viral videos of all time. My research concluded with “PSY-Gangnam Style” with having 1,462,829,810 views. [which has been online for less than a year.] I was completely shocked! A video that exploits woman and shows inappropriate dance moves has become a international sensation. I am shocked as to what our world has become and what we spend our time on. (http://www.viralvideos.com)

This got me thinking, are there any videos out there that have gone viral, but made a difference in someone’s life?

There are some that have over 1 million views – and although compared to the billions of views from the viral videos of all time, these videos are more inspiring, uplifting, moving and touch on your emotions. 

“Amy hears sound for the first time @ 26 years old” – 1, 239, 160 views

About: Takes a few minutes but worth the experience. Our niece has been deaf since she was born. She has never heard the sound of her parents voice or her 6 year old son, Blake. Every day for the next several months she will learn how sound works and where it comes from.

With all that, I am still impressed that so many different videos online have gone viral and that no matter what you do, say or post – someone is going to watch it, and you never know what repercussions will happen because of it. 

For instance, check out this interview that Utah State Aggie Travis Chambers and his wife had with ABCNews regarding his viral video, “The Real Meaning of MPH” and the national public apology he made to his wife. 

Topic: Social Media Platforms

As a person who is an avid social media user and an director for the Associated Students of Utah State University (ASUSU), I would like to think I know which social media platform works best at getting “the word out.” Choosing the right platform is key to making sure that your information gets across to the right audience. If you pick the wrong platform can decrease customers and will definitely give your competitors an advantage.

According to socialmediachimps.com, the Top 5 Social Media Sites of 2012 were:

• Facebook (950 million)
•  YouTube (880 million)
• Wikipedia (410 million)
• BlogSpot (340 million)
•  Twitter (170 million)

These are platforms that should be taken into consideration when getting ready to advertise your product/service/company. These have the most amount of traffic and can almost guarantee an increase in traffic if used correctly.

Below is a GREAT infographic from socialmediachimps.com on the top social media platforms within 2012. It shows that “social networks receive 36% of unique visitors, video sites 27%, blogging platforms 15%, wikis 11%, and micro blogging and other types of social media platforms at 6%.”

If you have noticed, whatever you are trying to market – whether it is a product, service, company or even yourself – the more you can get the name out to the public the better chance you will have at success. Be sure to use more than just one platform and make sure you update them frequently. You will often see companies that have a Facebook, who make posts about their blog and link their status to Twitter. This is a great way for them to be seen on multiple platforms.

Once you understand the top social media platforms and what you think could potentially work best for you. You need to then develop a strategy on how to become successful in using these. Socialmediaexamier.com has a great 7 Step process that helps you develop a successful social media strategy.

1.    Determine Your Goals and Objectives

2.   Research, Research and Research Some More

3.   Create a Digital Rolodex of Contacts and Content

4.   Join the Conversation to Develop Relationships

5.   Strengthen Relationships

6.   Measure Results

7.   Analyze, Adapt, and Improve

For more information on these 7 steps – click here

Hopefully these can help you think about which platform works best for you and what you are trying to market. Just remember, whatever you put on social media - is for everyone else to see. You can never get it back!