viral
VY-rul
/ˈvaɪrəl/
Rapidly and widely circulated across social media networks through rapid peer-to-peer sharing.
Going viral implies exponential audience reach without reliant paid advertising.
The story behind the word. Originally strictly biological, media theorist Douglas Rushkoff coined 'viral media' in 1994 to explain how catchy internet ideas spread through human networks like biological viruses infecting host cells.
Word relationships
- trending: Trending means rising in current popularity; viral means multiplying exponentially across groups.
- obscure: Unnoticed or limited to very few people.
Commonly confused with
- popular: Popular means liked by many over time; viral means rapidly spread exponentially.
Word family
- virality (noun): The tendency or quality of content to go viral.
Collocations
- go viral
- viral video
- viral sensation
Idioms & expressions
- go viral
Example sentences
- "The funny video went viral overnight, gathering tens of millions of views across networks." Viral video success
Memory hook
VIRAL: Views Increase Rapidly Across Links. Spreading like wildfire online.
When not to use
Do not confuse digital viral spread with biological viral infection unless medical context is explicitly intended.
Fun facts
- The first recorded instance of 'viral marketing' appeared in PC User magazine in 1989 describing self-propagating software.
Related words
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